Columba livia domestica
The wild rock pigeon (Columba livia) has an innate homing ability, meaning that it will generally return to its own nest and its own mate. The homing pigeon is a variety of selectively bred domestic rock pigeon. Flights as long as 1800km have been recorded by domestic birds in competition pigeon racing. Their average flying speed over moderate distances 805km is around 80km/h but speeds of up to 177km/h have been observed in top racers for short distance 160kms.
Homing pigeons are referred to as carrier pigeons when they are used to carry messages. When used as carrier pigeons, a message is written on thin light paper and rolled into a small tube attached to the bird's leg. Birds have also frequently carried microfilm. The sender of the message must release the receiver's bird as the the pigeon can only "recall" a one-way navigation.
The Egyptians and the Persians first used carrier pigeons 3,000 years ago. They also were used to proclaim the winner of the Olympics. Messenger pigeons were used as early as 1150 in Baghdad and also later by Genghis Khan. In 1860, Paul Reuter, who later founded Reuters press agency, used a fleet of over 45 pigeons to deliver news and stock prices between Brussels and Aachen, the terminals of early telegraph lines. Homing pigeons were used extensively during World War II. The Dickin Medal, which is the highest possible animal's decoration for valor, was awarded to 32 pigeons, including the United States Army Pigeon Service's G.I. Joe and the Irish pigeon Paddy. Many pigeon fanciers of that time joined the war with their own birds into the Corps of Signals Pigeon Service/Army Pigeon Service.
It is believed that the homing pigeon navigates by using a combination of mechanisms, including: detection of the earth's magnetic field, use of olfactory senses, light-mediated mechanisms involving magnetoreception, detection of infrasound to build topographical maps, and other theories including some relating to quantum physics. Various experiments suggest that different breeds of homing pigeons rely on different cues to different extents.
[All text above: Ref (143)]
Nikola Tesla, the genius behind many revolutionary inventions including AC electric power systems and radio - a communication tool relying on electromagnetic wave - was obsessed with pigeons, ordering special seeds for the pigeons he fed in Central Park and even bringing injured ones into his hotel room to nurse them back to health. He stated that pigeons were his only true friends. Tesla was said to have trialed his inventions in his mind, without drawing or sketching it first, before then successfully constructing the prototype. This extraordinary activity resonates with the the homing pigeon's inherent real-time connection with the natural-physical. [Part text: Ref (144)]
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Bird of Day 99: Superb Lyrebird
Menura novaehollandiae
Also known as Weringerong.
Lyrebirds are among Australia's best-known native birds, notably for their extraordinary ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their environment, as well as the striking beauty of the male bird's huge tail when it is fanned out in display. The Superb Lyrebird, a ground-dweller, is found in areas of rainforest in Victoria, New South Wales and south-east Queensland, as well as in Tasmania where it was introduced in the 19th century. Females are 74–84cm long, and the males are a larger 80–98cm long. There is one other species of Lyrebird - Albert's Lyrebird - smaller, less spectacular and near threatened, but otherwise similar.
Lyrebirds feed on insects, spiders, earthworms and, occasionally, seeds. They find food by scratching with their feet through the leaf-litter. When in danger, lyrebirds run, rather than fly, being awkward in flight, and have also been seen to take refuge in wombat burrows.
Male lyrebirds call mostly during winter, when they construct and maintain an open arena-mound in dense bush, on which they sing and dance in courtship, to display to potential mates, of which the male lyrebird has several. Females build an untidy nest usually low to the ground in a moist gully where she lays a single egg. She is the sole parent who incubates the egg over 50 days until it hatches, and she is also the sole carer of the lyrebird chick.
A lyrebird's call, unmatched in vocal repertoire and mimicry, is a rich mixture of its own song and any number of other sounds it has heard. The lyrebird is capable of imitating almost any sound — from a mill whistle to a cross-cut saw, and, not uncommonly, sounds as diverse as chainsaws, car engines and car alarms, fire alarms, rifle-shots, camera shutters, dogs barking, crying babies, and even the human voice. Lyrebirds are shy birds and a constant stream of bird calls coming from one place is often the only way of identifying them and their presence. Here is an excellent AV sample of the Superb Lyrebird:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjE0Kdfos4Y
Lyrebirds are ancient Australian animals: The Australian Museum has fossils of lyrebirds dating back to about 15 million years ago. The Aboriginal name for the Lyrebird is wiwieringgere. The dreamtime story of the wiwieringgere can be found here (scroll down to "Lyrebird the Mimic"): http://www.janesoceania.com/australia_aboriginal_dreamtime/index1.htm
[All text: Ref (142)]
Also known as Weringerong.
Lyrebirds are among Australia's best-known native birds, notably for their extraordinary ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their environment, as well as the striking beauty of the male bird's huge tail when it is fanned out in display. The Superb Lyrebird, a ground-dweller, is found in areas of rainforest in Victoria, New South Wales and south-east Queensland, as well as in Tasmania where it was introduced in the 19th century. Females are 74–84cm long, and the males are a larger 80–98cm long. There is one other species of Lyrebird - Albert's Lyrebird - smaller, less spectacular and near threatened, but otherwise similar.
Lyrebirds feed on insects, spiders, earthworms and, occasionally, seeds. They find food by scratching with their feet through the leaf-litter. When in danger, lyrebirds run, rather than fly, being awkward in flight, and have also been seen to take refuge in wombat burrows.
Male lyrebirds call mostly during winter, when they construct and maintain an open arena-mound in dense bush, on which they sing and dance in courtship, to display to potential mates, of which the male lyrebird has several. Females build an untidy nest usually low to the ground in a moist gully where she lays a single egg. She is the sole parent who incubates the egg over 50 days until it hatches, and she is also the sole carer of the lyrebird chick.
A lyrebird's call, unmatched in vocal repertoire and mimicry, is a rich mixture of its own song and any number of other sounds it has heard. The lyrebird is capable of imitating almost any sound — from a mill whistle to a cross-cut saw, and, not uncommonly, sounds as diverse as chainsaws, car engines and car alarms, fire alarms, rifle-shots, camera shutters, dogs barking, crying babies, and even the human voice. Lyrebirds are shy birds and a constant stream of bird calls coming from one place is often the only way of identifying them and their presence. Here is an excellent AV sample of the Superb Lyrebird:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjE0Kdfos4Y
Lyrebirds are ancient Australian animals: The Australian Museum has fossils of lyrebirds dating back to about 15 million years ago. The Aboriginal name for the Lyrebird is wiwieringgere. The dreamtime story of the wiwieringgere can be found here (scroll down to "Lyrebird the Mimic"): http://www.janesoceania.com/australia_aboriginal_dreamtime/index1.htm
[All text: Ref (142)]
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Bird of Day 98: Hyacinth Macaw
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
Native to central and eastern South America, the Hyacinth Macaw, or Hyacinthine Macaw, is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species in the world, though the flightless Kakapo of New Zealand can outweigh it at up to 3.5kg. It measures 100cm long and 1.5–2kg in weight. The wingspan is 120–140cm. It prefers palm swamps, woodlands, and other semi-open wooded habitats. It usually avoids dense humid forest.
The Hyacinth Macaw is almost entirely blue and has black under the wings. Combined with the yellow circling its eyes and along the sides of its black beak, this bird is generally easily recognised.The female and male are nearly indistinguishable, although the female is typically a bit more slender.
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus eats the kernel of hard nuts and seeds which they get to using their very strong beak. They are even able to crack coconuts, the large brazil nut pods and macadamia nuts. In addition, they eat fruits and other vegetable matter. Pine nuts are also one of the most popular foods.
These birds nest in existing holes in trees. The clutch size is one or two eggs, although usually only one fledgling survives as the second egg hatches several days after the first, and the smaller fledgling cannot compete with the first born for food. Juveniles stay with their parents until they are three months old. They are mature and begin breeding at seven years of age.
The Hyacinth Macaw is an endangered species due to overcollection for the cage bird trade and habitat loss.
[All text: Ref (141)]
Native to central and eastern South America, the Hyacinth Macaw, or Hyacinthine Macaw, is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species in the world, though the flightless Kakapo of New Zealand can outweigh it at up to 3.5kg. It measures 100cm long and 1.5–2kg in weight. The wingspan is 120–140cm. It prefers palm swamps, woodlands, and other semi-open wooded habitats. It usually avoids dense humid forest.
The Hyacinth Macaw is almost entirely blue and has black under the wings. Combined with the yellow circling its eyes and along the sides of its black beak, this bird is generally easily recognised.The female and male are nearly indistinguishable, although the female is typically a bit more slender.
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus eats the kernel of hard nuts and seeds which they get to using their very strong beak. They are even able to crack coconuts, the large brazil nut pods and macadamia nuts. In addition, they eat fruits and other vegetable matter. Pine nuts are also one of the most popular foods.
These birds nest in existing holes in trees. The clutch size is one or two eggs, although usually only one fledgling survives as the second egg hatches several days after the first, and the smaller fledgling cannot compete with the first born for food. Juveniles stay with their parents until they are three months old. They are mature and begin breeding at seven years of age.
The Hyacinth Macaw is an endangered species due to overcollection for the cage bird trade and habitat loss.
[All text: Ref (141)]
Monday, February 7, 2011
Bird of Day 97: Spur-winged Plover
Vanellus miles
This bird is often called the Spur-winged Plover in its native range of Australasia, however it has been renamed Masked Lapwing to avoid confusion with the Spur-winged Lapwing/Plover of the Mediterranean and African regions (Vanellus spinosus).
Vanellus miles is a large (35cm; 370g), common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent. The subspecies found in the southern and eastern states (Vanellus miles novaehollandiae), and often locally called the Spur-winged Plover, has a black neck-stripe and smaller wattles* than its northern counterparts.
It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms and has several distinctive calls. The wide range of calls can be heard at any time of the day or night include: the warning call, a loud defending call, courtship calls, calls to its young, and others. Since this bird lives on the ground it is always alert and even though it rests it never sleeps properly.
Vanellus miles will strike at interlopers with their feet and attack animals on the ground with a conspicuous yellow spur on the carpal joint of the wing. There is a much-believed but incorrect myth that the spur can inject venom.
[All text above: Ref (139)]
* A wattle is a fleshy longitudinal flap of skin hanging from various parts of the head or neck in several groups of birds, goats and other animals. [Ref (140)]
This bird is often called the Spur-winged Plover in its native range of Australasia, however it has been renamed Masked Lapwing to avoid confusion with the Spur-winged Lapwing/Plover of the Mediterranean and African regions (Vanellus spinosus).
Vanellus miles is a large (35cm; 370g), common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent. The subspecies found in the southern and eastern states (Vanellus miles novaehollandiae), and often locally called the Spur-winged Plover, has a black neck-stripe and smaller wattles* than its northern counterparts.
It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms and has several distinctive calls. The wide range of calls can be heard at any time of the day or night include: the warning call, a loud defending call, courtship calls, calls to its young, and others. Since this bird lives on the ground it is always alert and even though it rests it never sleeps properly.
Vanellus miles will strike at interlopers with their feet and attack animals on the ground with a conspicuous yellow spur on the carpal joint of the wing. There is a much-believed but incorrect myth that the spur can inject venom.
[All text above: Ref (139)]
* A wattle is a fleshy longitudinal flap of skin hanging from various parts of the head or neck in several groups of birds, goats and other animals. [Ref (140)]
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Bird of Day 96: Yellow-billed Stork
Mycteria ibis 
This large protected wading bird occurs in Tropical East Africa; Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar. It lives in aquatic habitats, including shallow lakes, mud flats, coastal lagoons and meadows.
The Yellow-billed Stork is a medium-sized stork. Length: 97cm; average body weight for males: 2.3kg; for females: 1.9kg. It feeds on crustaceans, small fish, frogs, insects and worms. These birds have a quick muscular reflex of the neck, allowing almost all food to be caught in the water. They typically use one foot to stir up the water or mud which disturbs and flushes out the prey, then they submerge their heads quickly in the water snapping their bills on small prey.
Yellow-billed Storks are not particularly social, they like to isolate themselves in swamps and muddy rivers. They move slowly and deliberately and are extremely inactive, resting and feeding for most of the day. The female Yellow-billed Stork initiates courtship among the male yellow-billed storks. Together they build a bulky nest made of sticks, the male choosing where the nest is to be built. These nests are usually built high in trees away from predators.
A good photo of Mycteria ibis is here: http://www.whozoo.org/Intro2002/ShannonList/YBStorkPink041803_6537C.JPG
[All text: Ref (138)]
This large protected wading bird occurs in Tropical East Africa; Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar. It lives in aquatic habitats, including shallow lakes, mud flats, coastal lagoons and meadows.
The Yellow-billed Stork is a medium-sized stork. Length: 97cm; average body weight for males: 2.3kg; for females: 1.9kg. It feeds on crustaceans, small fish, frogs, insects and worms. These birds have a quick muscular reflex of the neck, allowing almost all food to be caught in the water. They typically use one foot to stir up the water or mud which disturbs and flushes out the prey, then they submerge their heads quickly in the water snapping their bills on small prey.
Yellow-billed Storks are not particularly social, they like to isolate themselves in swamps and muddy rivers. They move slowly and deliberately and are extremely inactive, resting and feeding for most of the day. The female Yellow-billed Stork initiates courtship among the male yellow-billed storks. Together they build a bulky nest made of sticks, the male choosing where the nest is to be built. These nests are usually built high in trees away from predators.
A good photo of Mycteria ibis is here: http://www.whozoo.org/Intro2002/ShannonList/YBStorkPink041803_6537C.JPG
[All text: Ref (138)]
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Bird of Day 95: Red-backed Kingfisher
Todiramphus pyrrhopygius 
This predominantly blue-green and white bird with a chestnut rump is found across the continent of Australia. It is a summer visitor to the southeast of the country; elsewhere it is resident all year round.
The Red-backed Kingfisher inhabits dry forests, mulga and mallee country, to savannah. It avoids denser forests. During breeding season, birds will move to river courses to make use of the earthy banks to dig nesting burrows.
Todiramphus pyrrhopygius measures 20-22.5cm in length. The male is featured here; the female has a duller overall coloration. The call is a descending whistle, with a harsh alarm call given by birds near the nest.
[All text: Ref (137)]
This predominantly blue-green and white bird with a chestnut rump is found across the continent of Australia. It is a summer visitor to the southeast of the country; elsewhere it is resident all year round.
The Red-backed Kingfisher inhabits dry forests, mulga and mallee country, to savannah. It avoids denser forests. During breeding season, birds will move to river courses to make use of the earthy banks to dig nesting burrows.
Todiramphus pyrrhopygius measures 20-22.5cm in length. The male is featured here; the female has a duller overall coloration. The call is a descending whistle, with a harsh alarm call given by birds near the nest.
[All text: Ref (137)]
Friday, February 4, 2011
Bird of Day 94: Eastern Yellow Robin
Eopsaltria australis 
The Eastern Yellow Robin is an Australasian robin of coastal and sub-coastal eastern Australia. Specifically, it occurs from the extreme southeast corner of South Australia through most of Victoria and the western half of New South Wales and north as far as Cooktown. Tropical Northern Queensland birds are mainly restricted to the cool heights of the Great Dividing Range.
At 15 to 16cm in length, the Eastern Yellow Robin is one of the larger Australasian robins, and one of the most easily observed. Eopsaltria australis occupies a wide range of habitats including heaths, mallee, acacia scrub, woodlands and sclerophyll* forests, but is most often found in damper places or near water. Like all Australian robins, the Eastern Yellow tends to inhabit fairly dark, shaded locations and is a perch and pounce hunter, typically from a tree trunk, wire, or low branch. Pairs and small family parties establish a territory—sometimes year-round, sometimes for a season—and seem little disturbed by human presence.
Their diet is a wide range of small creatures, mostly insects. Breeding takes place in the spring and, as with many Australian birds, is often communal. The nest is a neat cup made of fine plant material and spider web, usually placed in a fork, and expertly disguised with lichen, moss, bark, or leaves. They appear not to migrate any great distance, but will make local movements with the seasons, particularly to higher and lower ground.
[All text above: Ref (135)]
* Sclerophyll is a type of vegetation that has hard leaves and short internodes (the distance between leaves along the stem). [Ref (136)]
The Eastern Yellow Robin is an Australasian robin of coastal and sub-coastal eastern Australia. Specifically, it occurs from the extreme southeast corner of South Australia through most of Victoria and the western half of New South Wales and north as far as Cooktown. Tropical Northern Queensland birds are mainly restricted to the cool heights of the Great Dividing Range.
At 15 to 16cm in length, the Eastern Yellow Robin is one of the larger Australasian robins, and one of the most easily observed. Eopsaltria australis occupies a wide range of habitats including heaths, mallee, acacia scrub, woodlands and sclerophyll* forests, but is most often found in damper places or near water. Like all Australian robins, the Eastern Yellow tends to inhabit fairly dark, shaded locations and is a perch and pounce hunter, typically from a tree trunk, wire, or low branch. Pairs and small family parties establish a territory—sometimes year-round, sometimes for a season—and seem little disturbed by human presence.
Their diet is a wide range of small creatures, mostly insects. Breeding takes place in the spring and, as with many Australian birds, is often communal. The nest is a neat cup made of fine plant material and spider web, usually placed in a fork, and expertly disguised with lichen, moss, bark, or leaves. They appear not to migrate any great distance, but will make local movements with the seasons, particularly to higher and lower ground.
[All text above: Ref (135)]
* Sclerophyll is a type of vegetation that has hard leaves and short internodes (the distance between leaves along the stem). [Ref (136)]
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Bird of Day 93: Grey Crowned Crane
Balearica regulorum
The Grey Crowned Crane occurs in dry savannah in Africa south of the Sahara, although it nests in somewhat wetter habitats. This animal does not migrate.
The Grey Crowned Crane is about 1m tall and weighs 3.5kg. Its body plumage is mainly grey; the wings are predominantly white, but contain feathers with a range of colours. The head has a crown of stiff golden feathers. The sides of the face are white, and there is a bright red inflatable throat pouch*. The bill is relatively short and grey, and the legs are black. The sexes are similar, although males tend to be slightly larger. It feeds on grass seeds, insects, reptiles and small mammals.
The Grey Crowned Crane has a breeding display involving dancing, bowing, and jumping. Refer here for some good footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzZhK09A_cM. It has a booming call which involves inflation of the red gular sac*. It also makes a honking sound quite different from the trumpeting of other crane species.
The Grey Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and features in the country's flag and coat of arms. Balearica regulorum is listed as Vulnerable.
Try here for a particularly interesting image of the Grey Crowned Crane: http://rpmedia.ask.com/ts?u=/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Grey_Crowned_Crane_2.jpg/80px-Grey_Crowned_Crane_2.jpg
[All text above: Ref (133)]
* Gular skin (throat skin), in ornithology, is an area of featherless skin on birds that joins the lower mandible of the beak (or bill) to the bird's neck. [Ref (134)]
The Grey Crowned Crane occurs in dry savannah in Africa south of the Sahara, although it nests in somewhat wetter habitats. This animal does not migrate.
The Grey Crowned Crane is about 1m tall and weighs 3.5kg. Its body plumage is mainly grey; the wings are predominantly white, but contain feathers with a range of colours. The head has a crown of stiff golden feathers. The sides of the face are white, and there is a bright red inflatable throat pouch*. The bill is relatively short and grey, and the legs are black. The sexes are similar, although males tend to be slightly larger. It feeds on grass seeds, insects, reptiles and small mammals.
The Grey Crowned Crane has a breeding display involving dancing, bowing, and jumping. Refer here for some good footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzZhK09A_cM. It has a booming call which involves inflation of the red gular sac*. It also makes a honking sound quite different from the trumpeting of other crane species.
The Grey Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and features in the country's flag and coat of arms. Balearica regulorum is listed as Vulnerable.
Try here for a particularly interesting image of the Grey Crowned Crane: http://rpmedia.ask.com/ts?u=/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Grey_Crowned_Crane_2.jpg/80px-Grey_Crowned_Crane_2.jpg
[All text above: Ref (133)]
* Gular skin (throat skin), in ornithology, is an area of featherless skin on birds that joins the lower mandible of the beak (or bill) to the bird's neck. [Ref (134)]
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Bird of Day 92: Rainbow Bee-eater
Merops ornatus
The brilliantly colored Rainbow Bee-eater is the only member of the family Meropidae found in Australia. Here they are a common species and can be found during the summer in un-forested areas in most of southern Australia and Tasmania, however they are becoming increasingly rare in Suburban parks. They migrate north during the winter into northern Australia, New Guinea, and some of the southern islands of Indonesia.
Like all bee-eaters, Rainbow Bee-eaters are very social birds. When they are not breeding they roost together in large groups in dense undergrowth or large trees. These birds mostly eat flying insects, but, as their name implies, they have a real taste for bees. Rainbow bee-eaters are always watching for flying insects, and can spot a potential meal up to 150 feet away. Even though rainbow bee-eaters are actually immune to the stings of bees and wasps, upon capturing a bee they will rub the insect's stinger against their perch to remove it, closing their eyes to avoid being squirted with poison from the ruptured poison sac. Bee-eaters can eat several hundred bees a day.
A photo of Merops ornatus in flight: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rainbowbeeeater.jpg
[All text: Ref (132)]
The brilliantly colored Rainbow Bee-eater is the only member of the family Meropidae found in Australia. Here they are a common species and can be found during the summer in un-forested areas in most of southern Australia and Tasmania, however they are becoming increasingly rare in Suburban parks. They migrate north during the winter into northern Australia, New Guinea, and some of the southern islands of Indonesia.
Like all bee-eaters, Rainbow Bee-eaters are very social birds. When they are not breeding they roost together in large groups in dense undergrowth or large trees. These birds mostly eat flying insects, but, as their name implies, they have a real taste for bees. Rainbow bee-eaters are always watching for flying insects, and can spot a potential meal up to 150 feet away. Even though rainbow bee-eaters are actually immune to the stings of bees and wasps, upon capturing a bee they will rub the insect's stinger against their perch to remove it, closing their eyes to avoid being squirted with poison from the ruptured poison sac. Bee-eaters can eat several hundred bees a day.
A photo of Merops ornatus in flight: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rainbowbeeeater.jpg
[All text: Ref (132)]
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Bird of Day 91: Ruff
Philomachus pugnax 
The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird that breeds in marshes and wet meadows across northern Eurasia. This highly gregarious sandpiper is migratory and sometimes forms huge flocks in its winter grounds, which include southern and western Europe, Africa, southern Asia and Australia. The Ruff is from the family of Sandpipers.
This bird is a long-necked, pot-bellied bird, often described as having a gravy boat appearance. It shows marked sexual dimorphism; the male (29-32cm, 180g, 54-60cm wingspan) is much larger than the female (the reeve), and has a breeding plumage that includes brightly coloured head tufts, bare orange facial skin, extensive black on the breast, and the large collar of ornamental feathers that inspired this bird's English name. The female and the non-breeding male have grey-brown upperparts and mainly white underparts.
During the breeding season Ruff eat only insects (adult and larvae). Whilst on migration and during winter they also eat crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish, and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff stores fat as a fuel, but unlike mammals, uses lipids as the main energy source for exercise (including migration) and, when necessary, keeps warm by shivering; however, little research has been conducted on the mechanisms by which they oxidise lipids.
Males display during the breeding season at a lek* in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females. There are three male forms: typical territorial, satellite males and the faeders. Ruffs have one of the highest levels of polyandry** known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird.
The nest is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems, and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass. Males play no part in the nesting or chick care and leaves the breeding grounds a month before the female and juveniles.
[All Text above: Ref (129)]
* A lek is a gathering of males, of certain animal species, for the purposes of competitive mating display. Leks assemble before and during the breeding season, on a daily basis. The same group of males meet at a traditional place and take up the same individual positions on an arena, each occupying and defending a small territory or court. Intermittently or continuously, they spar individually with their neighbors or put on extravagant visual or aural displays. [Ref (130)]
** polyandry is a type of breeding adaptation in which one female mates with many males. [Ref (131)]
The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird that breeds in marshes and wet meadows across northern Eurasia. This highly gregarious sandpiper is migratory and sometimes forms huge flocks in its winter grounds, which include southern and western Europe, Africa, southern Asia and Australia. The Ruff is from the family of Sandpipers.
This bird is a long-necked, pot-bellied bird, often described as having a gravy boat appearance. It shows marked sexual dimorphism; the male (29-32cm, 180g, 54-60cm wingspan) is much larger than the female (the reeve), and has a breeding plumage that includes brightly coloured head tufts, bare orange facial skin, extensive black on the breast, and the large collar of ornamental feathers that inspired this bird's English name. The female and the non-breeding male have grey-brown upperparts and mainly white underparts.
During the breeding season Ruff eat only insects (adult and larvae). Whilst on migration and during winter they also eat crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish, and also the seeds of rice and other cereals, sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. The Ruff stores fat as a fuel, but unlike mammals, uses lipids as the main energy source for exercise (including migration) and, when necessary, keeps warm by shivering; however, little research has been conducted on the mechanisms by which they oxidise lipids.
Males display during the breeding season at a lek* in a traditional open grassy arena. The Ruff is one of the few lekking species in which the display is primarily directed at other males rather than to the females. There are three male forms: typical territorial, satellite males and the faeders. Ruffs have one of the highest levels of polyandry** known for any avian lekking species and for any shorebird.
The nest is a shallow ground scrape lined with grass leaves and stems, and concealed in marsh plants or tall grass. Males play no part in the nesting or chick care and leaves the breeding grounds a month before the female and juveniles.
[All Text above: Ref (129)]
* A lek is a gathering of males, of certain animal species, for the purposes of competitive mating display. Leks assemble before and during the breeding season, on a daily basis. The same group of males meet at a traditional place and take up the same individual positions on an arena, each occupying and defending a small territory or court. Intermittently or continuously, they spar individually with their neighbors or put on extravagant visual or aural displays. [Ref (130)]
** polyandry is a type of breeding adaptation in which one female mates with many males. [Ref (131)]
Monday, January 31, 2011
Bird of Day 90: Pied Oystercatcher
Haematopus longirostris 
The Pied Oystercatcher is a wading bird native to Australia and found commonly around the coastline. Other species of Oystercatchers include the Eurasian Oystercatcher, the American Oystercatcher and the African Black Oystercatcher.
This Australian species is easily recognized by the characteristic 5–8 cm long orange-red beak, slender pink legs and black and white plumage.
Pied Oystercatchers frequent sandy coastlines, where they feed mainly on bivalve molluscs, which are prised apart with their specially adapted bill. The name "oystercatcher" is something of a misnomer for this species, because they seldom eat oysters, which are found mainly on rocky coastlines. The techniques they use to break open the shells of the molluscs vary greatly and are thought to be learned behaviour. Pied Oystercatchers also take other invertebrates.
Haematopus longirostris nest in shallow scrapes made in open areas near the shore and produce 2–3 eggs in a typical clutch. Each couple protects its nesting area and often uses the same area year after year. Like the gulls they share the shore with, Pied Oystercatchers will band together to mob a perceived threat.
A nice bit of paired Pied Oystercatcher footage here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lNlDEKvDyY
[All text: Ref (128)]
The Pied Oystercatcher is a wading bird native to Australia and found commonly around the coastline. Other species of Oystercatchers include the Eurasian Oystercatcher, the American Oystercatcher and the African Black Oystercatcher.
This Australian species is easily recognized by the characteristic 5–8 cm long orange-red beak, slender pink legs and black and white plumage.
Pied Oystercatchers frequent sandy coastlines, where they feed mainly on bivalve molluscs, which are prised apart with their specially adapted bill. The name "oystercatcher" is something of a misnomer for this species, because they seldom eat oysters, which are found mainly on rocky coastlines. The techniques they use to break open the shells of the molluscs vary greatly and are thought to be learned behaviour. Pied Oystercatchers also take other invertebrates.
Haematopus longirostris nest in shallow scrapes made in open areas near the shore and produce 2–3 eggs in a typical clutch. Each couple protects its nesting area and often uses the same area year after year. Like the gulls they share the shore with, Pied Oystercatchers will band together to mob a perceived threat.
A nice bit of paired Pied Oystercatcher footage here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lNlDEKvDyY
[All text: Ref (128)]
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Bird of Day 89: Varied Tit
Cyanistes varius (although some refer to this bird as Poecile varius) 
This lovely 12-14cm long bird occurs in eastern Asia in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and locally in northeastern China (southern Liaoning) and extreme southeastern Russia (southern Kurile Islands). Its habitat consists of open mixed forests, often at mountain slopes and river valleys.
The Varied Tit weighs just 16-18g and has a wing length of 6-7.8cm. It eats a mixed diet consisting of seeds and insects, namely caterpillars.
Its call consists of tiny tones which sounds like tzu….tzu….tzu….
Recommended footage of this pretty bird here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG0uoT6ySr0&NR=1
[All text: Ref (127)]
This lovely 12-14cm long bird occurs in eastern Asia in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and locally in northeastern China (southern Liaoning) and extreme southeastern Russia (southern Kurile Islands). Its habitat consists of open mixed forests, often at mountain slopes and river valleys.
The Varied Tit weighs just 16-18g and has a wing length of 6-7.8cm. It eats a mixed diet consisting of seeds and insects, namely caterpillars.
Its call consists of tiny tones which sounds like tzu….tzu….tzu….
Recommended footage of this pretty bird here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG0uoT6ySr0&NR=1
[All text: Ref (127)]
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Bird of Day 88 :Yellow-tailed Thornbill
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 
Also known as the Yellow-rumped Thornbill.
The species has a wide distribution across western, southern and eastern Australia as well as Tasmania; it is absent from the north coast of Western Australia, parts of central Australia, northern Queensland and central and northern Northern Territory. The species inhabits a wide range of habitats, including open forest and woodland, grasslands, savannah as scrubland.
The Yellow-tailed Thornbill is the largest species of thornbill, 9.5–12cm long and weighing 9g. It is insectivorous; major prey items include ants, beetles and bugs. Other items eaten include spiders, flies and seeds. The species usually forages in small groups of between 3-12 individuals, and may join mixed species-flocks with other small insectivorous passerines such as the Speckled Warbler, Weebill and other species of thornbill.
Nesting usually occurs as a pair, but sometimes one to three helpers will assist the breeding pair. The nest is a messy dome-shaped structure made of dried grass and other vegetation hidden low down among dense foliage or shrubs, or sometimes in vines or mistletoe. Atop the dome is a cup-shaped depression which serves as a false nest, while the real nest is inside with a concealed entrance.
The Yellow-tailed Thornbill has a distinctive song described as "twittering, musical, sweet, high pitched": http://birdsinbackyards.net/images/audio/acanthiza-chrysorrhoa.mp3. The species is also reported to be an accomplished mimic of other birds, in particular mimicking the alarm calls of the Noisy Miner.
[All text: Ref [(126)]
Also known as the Yellow-rumped Thornbill.
The species has a wide distribution across western, southern and eastern Australia as well as Tasmania; it is absent from the north coast of Western Australia, parts of central Australia, northern Queensland and central and northern Northern Territory. The species inhabits a wide range of habitats, including open forest and woodland, grasslands, savannah as scrubland.
The Yellow-tailed Thornbill is the largest species of thornbill, 9.5–12cm long and weighing 9g. It is insectivorous; major prey items include ants, beetles and bugs. Other items eaten include spiders, flies and seeds. The species usually forages in small groups of between 3-12 individuals, and may join mixed species-flocks with other small insectivorous passerines such as the Speckled Warbler, Weebill and other species of thornbill.
Nesting usually occurs as a pair, but sometimes one to three helpers will assist the breeding pair. The nest is a messy dome-shaped structure made of dried grass and other vegetation hidden low down among dense foliage or shrubs, or sometimes in vines or mistletoe. Atop the dome is a cup-shaped depression which serves as a false nest, while the real nest is inside with a concealed entrance.
The Yellow-tailed Thornbill has a distinctive song described as "twittering, musical, sweet, high pitched": http://birdsinbackyards.net/images/audio/acanthiza-chrysorrhoa.mp3. The species is also reported to be an accomplished mimic of other birds, in particular mimicking the alarm calls of the Noisy Miner.
[All text: Ref [(126)]
Friday, January 28, 2011
Bird of Day 87: White-rumped Shama
Copsychus malabaricus 
These birds are native to South and Southeast Asia, but have been introduced to Kaua'i, Hawai'i and to O'ahu. They are popular cage bird, with some escapee birds establishing themselves in Taiwan and other countries.
In Asia, their habitat is dense undergrowth especially in bamboo forests. In Hawaii, they are common in valley forests or on the ridges of the southern Ko'olaus, and tend to nest in undergrowth or low trees of lowland broadleaf forests.
The White-rumped Shama is typically 23-28cm in length. This specimen featured in this stamp is male, where the female is more of a greyish-brown and shorter in length. They feed on insects in the wild but in captivity feed on boiled and dried legumes with egg yolk and raw meat.
The White-rumped Shama is shy and somewhat crepuscular* but very territorial. The voice of this species is rich and melodious which made them popular as cage birds. It is loud and clear, with a variety of phrases, and often mimics other birds. They also make a Tck call in alarm or when foraging. One of the first recordings of a bird song that was ever made was of this species. This recording was made in 1889 from a captive individual using an Edison wax cylinder by Ludwig Koch in Germany. Song, including the Tck call : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImcO-cCuDnw
[All text above: Ref (124)]
* Crepuscular is a term used to describe some animals that are primarily active during twilight, that is at dawn and at dusk. The word is derived from the Latin word crepusculum, meaning "twilight." [Text: Ref (125)]
These birds are native to South and Southeast Asia, but have been introduced to Kaua'i, Hawai'i and to O'ahu. They are popular cage bird, with some escapee birds establishing themselves in Taiwan and other countries.
In Asia, their habitat is dense undergrowth especially in bamboo forests. In Hawaii, they are common in valley forests or on the ridges of the southern Ko'olaus, and tend to nest in undergrowth or low trees of lowland broadleaf forests.
The White-rumped Shama is typically 23-28cm in length. This specimen featured in this stamp is male, where the female is more of a greyish-brown and shorter in length. They feed on insects in the wild but in captivity feed on boiled and dried legumes with egg yolk and raw meat.
The White-rumped Shama is shy and somewhat crepuscular* but very territorial. The voice of this species is rich and melodious which made them popular as cage birds. It is loud and clear, with a variety of phrases, and often mimics other birds. They also make a Tck call in alarm or when foraging. One of the first recordings of a bird song that was ever made was of this species. This recording was made in 1889 from a captive individual using an Edison wax cylinder by Ludwig Koch in Germany. Song, including the Tck call : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImcO-cCuDnw
[All text above: Ref (124)]
* Crepuscular is a term used to describe some animals that are primarily active during twilight, that is at dawn and at dusk. The word is derived from the Latin word crepusculum, meaning "twilight." [Text: Ref (125)]
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Bird of Day 86: Lovely Wren
Malurus amabilis 
Also known as Lovely Fairywren.
This pretty bird is endemic to Australia and is also found in lowland New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Like other fairywrens, it is notable for its marked sexual dimorphism, males adopting a highly visible breeding plumage of brilliant iridescent blue and chestnut contrasting with black and grey-brown. The brightly coloured crown and ear tufts are prominently featured in breeding displays. The female has smokey blue upperparts and tail, with turquoise ear tufts, and dark grey wings, and white below.
The nest is built by the female and she also incubates and feeds the young.
[All text: Ref (123)]
Also known as Lovely Fairywren.
This pretty bird is endemic to Australia and is also found in lowland New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Like other fairywrens, it is notable for its marked sexual dimorphism, males adopting a highly visible breeding plumage of brilliant iridescent blue and chestnut contrasting with black and grey-brown. The brightly coloured crown and ear tufts are prominently featured in breeding displays. The female has smokey blue upperparts and tail, with turquoise ear tufts, and dark grey wings, and white below.
The nest is built by the female and she also incubates and feeds the young.
[All text: Ref (123)]
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Bird of Day 85: Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos 
One of the best known birds of prey, this bird is present in Eurasia, North America, and parts of Africa. The highest density of nesting Golden Eagles in the world lies in southern Alameda County, California.
Golden Eagles use their agility and speed combined with extremely powerful talons to snatch up prey including rabbits, marmots, ground squirrels, and large mammals such as fox, wild and domestic cats, mountain goats, ibex, and young deer. They will also eat carrion if prey is scarce, as well as reptiles. Birds, including large species up to the size of swans and cranes as well as ravens and Greater Black-backed Gulls have all been recorded as prey. They have even been known to attack and kill fully grown roe deer.
Golden Eagles maintain territories that may be as large as 155 sq km. They are monogamous and may remain together for several years or possibly for life. Golden Eagles nest in high places including cliffs, trees, or human structures such as telephone poles. They build huge nests to which they may return for several breeding years.
Golden Eagles have been used in falconry since the Middle Ages. In Asia, they were used in teams to hunt such animals as deer, antelope and wolves, while their use was reserved for Emperors in Europe. The Golden Eagle is used extensively in heraldry and is a sacred bird in many cultures.
[All text: Ref (122)]
One of the best known birds of prey, this bird is present in Eurasia, North America, and parts of Africa. The highest density of nesting Golden Eagles in the world lies in southern Alameda County, California.
Golden Eagles use their agility and speed combined with extremely powerful talons to snatch up prey including rabbits, marmots, ground squirrels, and large mammals such as fox, wild and domestic cats, mountain goats, ibex, and young deer. They will also eat carrion if prey is scarce, as well as reptiles. Birds, including large species up to the size of swans and cranes as well as ravens and Greater Black-backed Gulls have all been recorded as prey. They have even been known to attack and kill fully grown roe deer.
Golden Eagles maintain territories that may be as large as 155 sq km. They are monogamous and may remain together for several years or possibly for life. Golden Eagles nest in high places including cliffs, trees, or human structures such as telephone poles. They build huge nests to which they may return for several breeding years.
Golden Eagles have been used in falconry since the Middle Ages. In Asia, they were used in teams to hunt such animals as deer, antelope and wolves, while their use was reserved for Emperors in Europe. The Golden Eagle is used extensively in heraldry and is a sacred bird in many cultures.
[All text: Ref (122)]
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Bird of Day 84: Laughing Kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae 
Kookaburras are large to very large (total length 28–42cm) terrestrial kingfishers native to Australia and New Guinea. The name Kookaburra was loaned from the Wiradjuri word guuguubarra, which is onomatopoeic of its call.
The Laughing Kookaburra - native to eastern Australia and introduced to southwest Australia - shares its genus with the three other Kookaburras. Of these other three, only the Blue-winged Kookaburra inhabits Australia (northern).
Kookaburras are carnivorous. They will eat lizards, snakes, insects, mice, other small birds, and raw meat. In the wild, kookaburras are known to eat the young of other birds and snakes, and insects and small reptiles and even other small birds, such as finches if they are lucky enough to catch them.
They are territorial, and often live with the partly grown chicks of the previous season. The Laughing Kookaburra sing as a chorus to mark their territory, described as good-natured, but rather hysterical, merriment.
Although the kookaburra is restricted to a relatively small part of the world, the distinctive sound it makes has found its way onto many "jungle sound" soundtracks, used in movies and television as well as certain major theme park attractions, no matter where in the world the action is set.
The Dreamtime story of the Kookaburra can be read here: http://www.dreamtime.auz.net/default.asp?PageID=62
[All text: Ref (121)]
Kookaburras are large to very large (total length 28–42cm) terrestrial kingfishers native to Australia and New Guinea. The name Kookaburra was loaned from the Wiradjuri word guuguubarra, which is onomatopoeic of its call.
The Laughing Kookaburra - native to eastern Australia and introduced to southwest Australia - shares its genus with the three other Kookaburras. Of these other three, only the Blue-winged Kookaburra inhabits Australia (northern).
Kookaburras are carnivorous. They will eat lizards, snakes, insects, mice, other small birds, and raw meat. In the wild, kookaburras are known to eat the young of other birds and snakes, and insects and small reptiles and even other small birds, such as finches if they are lucky enough to catch them.
They are territorial, and often live with the partly grown chicks of the previous season. The Laughing Kookaburra sing as a chorus to mark their territory, described as good-natured, but rather hysterical, merriment.
Although the kookaburra is restricted to a relatively small part of the world, the distinctive sound it makes has found its way onto many "jungle sound" soundtracks, used in movies and television as well as certain major theme park attractions, no matter where in the world the action is set.
The Dreamtime story of the Kookaburra can be read here: http://www.dreamtime.auz.net/default.asp?PageID=62
[All text: Ref (121)]
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bird of Day 83: Great White Pelican
Pelecanus onocrotalus 
Also known as the Eastern White Pelican or White Pelican.
It breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia and in Africa in swamps and shallow lakes. Its short strong legs, webbed feet, pouched bill and long wings provide for excellent adaptation to aquatic life.
Great White Pelicans are large birds with mass of 10kg, 160cm long and with a 280cm wingspan. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female.
The diet of the Great White Pelican consists mainly of fish. Each pelican needs about 1.4kg of fish every day. Great White Pelicans also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles. They readily accept handouts from humans, and a number of unusual items have been recorded in their diet.
Large numbers of these pelicans breed together in colonies. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs. Nest location varies with some populations making stick nests in trees and others, such as those in Africa, nesting exclusively in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. The young are cared for by both parents.
[All text: Ref (120)]
Also known as the Eastern White Pelican or White Pelican.
It breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia and in Africa in swamps and shallow lakes. Its short strong legs, webbed feet, pouched bill and long wings provide for excellent adaptation to aquatic life.
Great White Pelicans are large birds with mass of 10kg, 160cm long and with a 280cm wingspan. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female.
The diet of the Great White Pelican consists mainly of fish. Each pelican needs about 1.4kg of fish every day. Great White Pelicans also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles. They readily accept handouts from humans, and a number of unusual items have been recorded in their diet.
Large numbers of these pelicans breed together in colonies. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs. Nest location varies with some populations making stick nests in trees and others, such as those in Africa, nesting exclusively in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. The young are cared for by both parents.
[All text: Ref (120)]
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Bird of Day 82: Flame Robin
Petroica phoenicea 
This 12-14cm bird is a small passerine bird native Australian, moderately common resident of the coolest parts of south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania.
In spring and summer, the Flame Robin is often found in wet eucalypt forest in hilly or mountainous areas, particularly the tops and slopes, to an elevation of 1800m. It generally prefers areas with more clearings and less understory. Flame Robins often become more abundant in areas recently burnt by bushfires, but move away once the undergrowth regrows. They may also move into logged or cleared areas in forests.
The Flame Robin is predominantly insectivorous, pouncing on prey from a perch in a tree, or foraging on the ground. A territorial bird, the Flame Robin employs song and plumage displays to mark out and defend its territory.
Within its range, it is generally migratory, moving from alpine and subalpine regions to lowlands in winter, although the breeding and non-breeding ranges overlap. There is some evidence that male birds migrate several days before females.
This bird impresses as nervous and twitchy, flicking its wings alternately when still. The Flame Robin's flight is fast, with a markedly undulating character.
[All text: Ref (119)]
This 12-14cm bird is a small passerine bird native Australian, moderately common resident of the coolest parts of south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania.
In spring and summer, the Flame Robin is often found in wet eucalypt forest in hilly or mountainous areas, particularly the tops and slopes, to an elevation of 1800m. It generally prefers areas with more clearings and less understory. Flame Robins often become more abundant in areas recently burnt by bushfires, but move away once the undergrowth regrows. They may also move into logged or cleared areas in forests.
The Flame Robin is predominantly insectivorous, pouncing on prey from a perch in a tree, or foraging on the ground. A territorial bird, the Flame Robin employs song and plumage displays to mark out and defend its territory.
Within its range, it is generally migratory, moving from alpine and subalpine regions to lowlands in winter, although the breeding and non-breeding ranges overlap. There is some evidence that male birds migrate several days before females.
This bird impresses as nervous and twitchy, flicking its wings alternately when still. The Flame Robin's flight is fast, with a markedly undulating character.
[All text: Ref (119)]
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Bird of Day 81: Red-crowned Crane
Grus japonensis 
Also called Japanese Crane or Manchurian Crane.
This large crane is the second rarest crane in the world and is listed as Endangered. It stands at 140-150cm in height and typically weighs 7.7-10kg. The red patch of skin of the adult bird becomes bright red when the crane is angry or excited.
In spring and summer, the Red-crowned Crane breeds in Siberia and occasionally in northeastern Mongolia. Normally the crane lays 2 eggs, with only one surviving. Later, in the fall, it migrates in flocks to Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and other countries in East Asia to spend the winter.
In Japan, this crane is known as the tancho and is said to live for 1000 years. In China, the Red-crowned Crane is often featured in myths and legends. In Taoism, the Red-crowned Crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In art and literature, immortals are often depicted riding on cranes. A mortal who attains immortality is similarly carried off by a crane. Reflecting this association, Red-crowned Cranes are called xian he, or fairy cranes. The Red-crowned Crane is also a symbol of nobility. Depictions of the crane have been found in Shang Dynasty tombs and Zhou Dynasty ceremonial bronzeware. A common theme in later Chinese art is the reclusive scholar who cultivates bamboo and keeps cranes.
[All text: Ref (118)]
Also called Japanese Crane or Manchurian Crane.
This large crane is the second rarest crane in the world and is listed as Endangered. It stands at 140-150cm in height and typically weighs 7.7-10kg. The red patch of skin of the adult bird becomes bright red when the crane is angry or excited.
In spring and summer, the Red-crowned Crane breeds in Siberia and occasionally in northeastern Mongolia. Normally the crane lays 2 eggs, with only one surviving. Later, in the fall, it migrates in flocks to Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and other countries in East Asia to spend the winter.
In Japan, this crane is known as the tancho and is said to live for 1000 years. In China, the Red-crowned Crane is often featured in myths and legends. In Taoism, the Red-crowned Crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In art and literature, immortals are often depicted riding on cranes. A mortal who attains immortality is similarly carried off by a crane. Reflecting this association, Red-crowned Cranes are called xian he, or fairy cranes. The Red-crowned Crane is also a symbol of nobility. Depictions of the crane have been found in Shang Dynasty tombs and Zhou Dynasty ceremonial bronzeware. A common theme in later Chinese art is the reclusive scholar who cultivates bamboo and keeps cranes.
[All text: Ref (118)]
Friday, January 21, 2011
Bird of Day 80: Barn Owl
Tyto alba 
Known by many other names, including Common Barn Owl, White Owl, Silver Owl, Ghost Owl, Dobby Owl, Straw Owl and Delicate Owl.
This bird is the most widely distributed species of owl, and one of the most widespread of all birds. T. alba is found almost anywhere in the world except polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Alpide belt, most of Indonesia, and the Pacific islands. The Barn Owl inhabits open country such as farmland or grassland with some interspersed woodland.
Measuring 25-45cm in overall length with a wingspan of 75-110cm, the light face with its heart shape and the black eyes give the flying bird an odd and startling appearance.
The Barn Owl has a high metabolism rate compared to other owls of the same size. It feeds primarily on small vertebrates, particularly rodents, making it a valuable wildlife animal to farmers. Habitation in barns is encouraged by providing access to cavities, such as attics, which the Barn Owl likes to breed in. They do not build a nest in the strict sense, rather just scrape together some debris in the cavity. Away from human activity, the Barn Owl nests in tree hollows, occasionally nesting in mine shafts and caves.
Contrary to popular belief, it does not hoot (such calls are made by typical owls, like the Tawny Owl or other Strix). It instead produces the characteristic shree scream, ear-shattering at close range. Males in courtship give a shrill twitter. It can hiss like a snake to scare away intruders, and when captured or cornered, it throws itself on its back and flails with sharp-taloned feet, making for an effective defense. Also given in such situations is a rasp and a clicking snap, produced by the bill or possibly the tongue.
[All text: Ref (117)]
Known by many other names, including Common Barn Owl, White Owl, Silver Owl, Ghost Owl, Dobby Owl, Straw Owl and Delicate Owl.
This bird is the most widely distributed species of owl, and one of the most widespread of all birds. T. alba is found almost anywhere in the world except polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Alpide belt, most of Indonesia, and the Pacific islands. The Barn Owl inhabits open country such as farmland or grassland with some interspersed woodland.
Measuring 25-45cm in overall length with a wingspan of 75-110cm, the light face with its heart shape and the black eyes give the flying bird an odd and startling appearance.
The Barn Owl has a high metabolism rate compared to other owls of the same size. It feeds primarily on small vertebrates, particularly rodents, making it a valuable wildlife animal to farmers. Habitation in barns is encouraged by providing access to cavities, such as attics, which the Barn Owl likes to breed in. They do not build a nest in the strict sense, rather just scrape together some debris in the cavity. Away from human activity, the Barn Owl nests in tree hollows, occasionally nesting in mine shafts and caves.
Contrary to popular belief, it does not hoot (such calls are made by typical owls, like the Tawny Owl or other Strix). It instead produces the characteristic shree scream, ear-shattering at close range. Males in courtship give a shrill twitter. It can hiss like a snake to scare away intruders, and when captured or cornered, it throws itself on its back and flails with sharp-taloned feet, making for an effective defense. Also given in such situations is a rasp and a clicking snap, produced by the bill or possibly the tongue.
[All text: Ref (117)]
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Bird of Day 79: Little (Australasian) Grebe
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 
More accurately known as the Australasian Grebe, similar to the Little Grebe of Europe.
This tiny waterbird, at 25-27cm is one of the smallest members of the grebe family. It is common on fresh water lakes and rivers in greater Australia, New Zealand and on nearby Pacific islands.
The yellow spot below the eye in the bird featured here indicates this Grebe is in its breeding plumage. In the non-breeding season this spot becomes whiter and the rest of the plumage becomes duller. Interestingly, this occurs for both sexes.
The Australasian Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, and usually dives immediately when alarmed and swims away under water.
[All text: Ref (116)]
More accurately known as the Australasian Grebe, similar to the Little Grebe of Europe.
This tiny waterbird, at 25-27cm is one of the smallest members of the grebe family. It is common on fresh water lakes and rivers in greater Australia, New Zealand and on nearby Pacific islands.
The yellow spot below the eye in the bird featured here indicates this Grebe is in its breeding plumage. In the non-breeding season this spot becomes whiter and the rest of the plumage becomes duller. Interestingly, this occurs for both sexes.
The Australasian Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, and usually dives immediately when alarmed and swims away under water.
[All text: Ref (116)]
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Bird of Day 78: Great Bustard
Otis tarda 
This huge bird breeds in southern and central Europe as well as temperate Asia. The Asian birds move south in winter. The Great Bustard's habitat is open grassland, although it can be found on undisturbed cultivation.
The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest flying animal. An adult male typically is 90–110cm long with a 2.1–2.5m wingspan and usually weighs from 10 to 16kg. The heaviest known bird was about 21kg. The female is typically 30% smaller.
It has a stately slow walk, and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. This species is omnivorous, taking seeds, insects and other small creatures, including frogs and beetles.
Both sexes are usually silent. Otis tarda is listed as Vulnerable.
The Great Bustard is the national bird of Hungary and referred to in many Hungarian proverbs; Rather a sparrow today than a bustard tomorrow.
[All text except proverb: Ref (114)]
[Proverb: Ref (115)]
This huge bird breeds in southern and central Europe as well as temperate Asia. The Asian birds move south in winter. The Great Bustard's habitat is open grassland, although it can be found on undisturbed cultivation.
The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest flying animal. An adult male typically is 90–110cm long with a 2.1–2.5m wingspan and usually weighs from 10 to 16kg. The heaviest known bird was about 21kg. The female is typically 30% smaller.
It has a stately slow walk, and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. This species is omnivorous, taking seeds, insects and other small creatures, including frogs and beetles.
Both sexes are usually silent. Otis tarda is listed as Vulnerable.
The Great Bustard is the national bird of Hungary and referred to in many Hungarian proverbs; Rather a sparrow today than a bustard tomorrow.
[All text except proverb: Ref (114)]
[Proverb: Ref (115)]
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bird of Day 77: Eastern Spot-billed Duck
Anas zonorhyncha 
This duck is widely distributed in Eastern Asia from southeast Siberia, Japan and Korea south to China. Winters in southern China, Taiwan and the Philippines. The northernmost populations are migratory and spend the winter in south and east China. It lives in various types of wetlands, at the coast and inland, prefering shallow water with vegetation.
Eastern Spot-billed Duck is 58-63cm in height, slightly bigger than a Mallard Duck. On the end of its black bill is a yellow tip, hence its name.
The breeding season is variable and usually involves single pairs but sometimes the birds form loose small colonies. Nests are made in a pad of vegetation on the ground or in trees, and always near water. The Eastern Spot-billed Duck lays 7-9 eggs.
[All text: Ref (113)]
This duck is widely distributed in Eastern Asia from southeast Siberia, Japan and Korea south to China. Winters in southern China, Taiwan and the Philippines. The northernmost populations are migratory and spend the winter in south and east China. It lives in various types of wetlands, at the coast and inland, prefering shallow water with vegetation.
Eastern Spot-billed Duck is 58-63cm in height, slightly bigger than a Mallard Duck. On the end of its black bill is a yellow tip, hence its name.
The breeding season is variable and usually involves single pairs but sometimes the birds form loose small colonies. Nests are made in a pad of vegetation on the ground or in trees, and always near water. The Eastern Spot-billed Duck lays 7-9 eggs.
[All text: Ref (113)]
Monday, January 17, 2011
Bird of Day 76: Zebra Finch
Taeniopygia guttata 
This gregarious little bird (10cm) is common in Central Australia and ranges over most of the continent, avoiding only the cool moist south and the tropical far north. It also can be found natively in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. The bird has been introduced to Puerto Rico, Portugal, Brazil, and the U.S. They are also popular cage-birds.
Zebra Finches inhabit a wide range of grasslands and forests, usually close to water. This ground-dweller prefers to eat grass seeds. Wild birds are adaptable and varied in their nesting habits, with nests being found in cavities, scrub, low trees, bushes, on the ground, in termite hills, rabbit burrows, nests of other birds, and in the cracks, crevices, and ledges of human structures. Outside of the breeding time, brood nests are constructed for sleeping in.
Zebra Finches are loud and boisterous singers. A significant amount of research and discourse surrounds the mechanisms of song of the Zebra Finch. Their call can be a loud beep, meep, oi! or a-ha!, sounding something like a toy trumpet or the buttons on a phone being pushed. Their song is a few small beeps, leading up to a rhythmic song of varying complexity in males. Each male's song is different, although birds of the same bloodline will exhibit similarities, and all finches will overlay their own uniqueness onto a common rhythmic framework. Sons generally learn the song of their father with little variation. Songs may change during puberty, but afterwards they are locked in for the life of the bird.
[All text: Ref (112)]
This gregarious little bird (10cm) is common in Central Australia and ranges over most of the continent, avoiding only the cool moist south and the tropical far north. It also can be found natively in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. The bird has been introduced to Puerto Rico, Portugal, Brazil, and the U.S. They are also popular cage-birds.
Zebra Finches inhabit a wide range of grasslands and forests, usually close to water. This ground-dweller prefers to eat grass seeds. Wild birds are adaptable and varied in their nesting habits, with nests being found in cavities, scrub, low trees, bushes, on the ground, in termite hills, rabbit burrows, nests of other birds, and in the cracks, crevices, and ledges of human structures. Outside of the breeding time, brood nests are constructed for sleeping in.
Zebra Finches are loud and boisterous singers. A significant amount of research and discourse surrounds the mechanisms of song of the Zebra Finch. Their call can be a loud beep, meep, oi! or a-ha!, sounding something like a toy trumpet or the buttons on a phone being pushed. Their song is a few small beeps, leading up to a rhythmic song of varying complexity in males. Each male's song is different, although birds of the same bloodline will exhibit similarities, and all finches will overlay their own uniqueness onto a common rhythmic framework. Sons generally learn the song of their father with little variation. Songs may change during puberty, but afterwards they are locked in for the life of the bird.
[All text: Ref (112)]
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Bird of Day 75: Whooping Cranes
Grus americana 
The Whooping Crane, the tallest North American bird, is an endangered crane species named for its whooping sound and call.
The species stands nearly 1.5m with a wingspan of 2.3m. Males weigh on average 7.0kg , while females weigh about 6.0kg.
The Whooping Crane's lifespan is estimated to be 22 to 24 years in the wild. There is an estimate of only 400+ left in the wild. The only known remaining nesting location is Whooping Crane Summer Range in Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta, Canada and the surrounding area.
One attempt to establish other breeding populations of this bird in captivity was to train isolated young Whooping Cranes to follow an ultralight aircraft, a method of re-establishing migration routes. See this photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:09-01-17_WhoopingCranes.jpg
The call: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM_GeD8w0QI
[All text: Ref (111)]
The Whooping Crane, the tallest North American bird, is an endangered crane species named for its whooping sound and call.
The species stands nearly 1.5m with a wingspan of 2.3m. Males weigh on average 7.0kg , while females weigh about 6.0kg.
The Whooping Crane's lifespan is estimated to be 22 to 24 years in the wild. There is an estimate of only 400+ left in the wild. The only known remaining nesting location is Whooping Crane Summer Range in Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta, Canada and the surrounding area.
One attempt to establish other breeding populations of this bird in captivity was to train isolated young Whooping Cranes to follow an ultralight aircraft, a method of re-establishing migration routes. See this photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:09-01-17_WhoopingCranes.jpg
The call: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM_GeD8w0QI
[All text: Ref (111)]
Bird of Day 74: Congo Peafowl
Afropavo congensis 
The male, featured here on the right, is a large bird of up to 70 cm in length. The female is smaller. The Congo Peafowl is endemic to lowland rainforests of Congo River Basin in the central part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
These birds eat mostly fruits and invertebrates. The male has a similar display to other peacocks, fanning its tail in this case, while other peacocks fan their upper tail coverts. The male Congo Peafowl is monogamous, though information from the wild is needed.
Very little is known about this species and due to ongoing habitat loss, small population size and in some areas hunting, Afropavo congensis conservation status is listed as Vulnerable.
[All text: Ref (110)]
The male, featured here on the right, is a large bird of up to 70 cm in length. The female is smaller. The Congo Peafowl is endemic to lowland rainforests of Congo River Basin in the central part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
These birds eat mostly fruits and invertebrates. The male has a similar display to other peacocks, fanning its tail in this case, while other peacocks fan their upper tail coverts. The male Congo Peafowl is monogamous, though information from the wild is needed.
Very little is known about this species and due to ongoing habitat loss, small population size and in some areas hunting, Afropavo congensis conservation status is listed as Vulnerable.
[All text: Ref (110)]
Friday, January 14, 2011
Bird of Day 73: Asian Paradise-flycatcher
Terpsiphone paradisi 
Also known as the Common Flycatcher.
Asian Paradise-flycatchers inhabit thick forests and well-wooded habitats from Turkestan to Manchuria, all over India and Sri Lanka to the Malay Archipelago on the islands of Sumba and Alor. They are migratory and spend the winter season in tropical Asia.
The adult bird is 19-22cm long. The bird featured here is a male of the species. The female has a rufous back and grey underparts. Male Asian Paradise-flycatchers change the colour of their plumage in the first few years of their lives. As adult they develop up to 24 cm long tail feathers. Their rufous plumage moults into white with the central pair of tail feathers growing up to 30 cm long streamers that droop.
Terpsiphone paradisi makes a neat cup nest made with twigs and spider webs on the end of a low branch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asian_Paradise_Flycatcher_(Terpsiphone_paradisi)-_male_at_nest_W_IMG_9261.jpg
Both male and female incubate the eggs.
Asian Paradise-flycatchers are noisy birds uttering sharp skreek calls. They have short legs and sit very upright whilst perched.
[All text: Ref (109)]
Also known as the Common Flycatcher.
Asian Paradise-flycatchers inhabit thick forests and well-wooded habitats from Turkestan to Manchuria, all over India and Sri Lanka to the Malay Archipelago on the islands of Sumba and Alor. They are migratory and spend the winter season in tropical Asia.
The adult bird is 19-22cm long. The bird featured here is a male of the species. The female has a rufous back and grey underparts. Male Asian Paradise-flycatchers change the colour of their plumage in the first few years of their lives. As adult they develop up to 24 cm long tail feathers. Their rufous plumage moults into white with the central pair of tail feathers growing up to 30 cm long streamers that droop.
Terpsiphone paradisi makes a neat cup nest made with twigs and spider webs on the end of a low branch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asian_Paradise_Flycatcher_(Terpsiphone_paradisi)-_male_at_nest_W_IMG_9261.jpg
-_male_at_nest_W_IMG_9261.jpg){kind=link}
Both male and female incubate the eggs.
Asian Paradise-flycatchers are noisy birds uttering sharp skreek calls. They have short legs and sit very upright whilst perched.
[All text: Ref (109)]
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Bird of Day 72: Hooded dotterel
Thinornis rubricollis 
Also known as the Hooded Plover or Hoody.
This Australian bird averages 21cm (adult) in length and weighs 95g. It lives on sandy beaches between Jervis Bay, New South Wales and the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, as well as in Tasmania and between Esperance and Perth in south-west Western Australia.They are not abundant.
In Victoria, the highest densities of Hooded Plovers occur on beaches with large amounts of beach-washed seaweed. Densities are lowest on narrow, steep beaches, where there are few or no dunes, and where human activities are most intensive. In the south-west, they also occur on inland salt lakes. Thinornis rubricollis is listed as Endangered in Victoria and NSW. They Vulnerable or Not Present in other states and Secure in WA and Tasmania.
The Hooded Plover is non-migratory.
It eats insects, sandhoppers, small bivalves and soldier crabs. The nest is a shallow scrape in beach sand or fine gravel above the high-tide mark. This nest may be encircled or lined with pebbles, seaweed and other beach debris.
The call of the Hooded Plover is quiet and piping. It also has a chook-chook call.
[All text: Ref (108)]
Also known as the Hooded Plover or Hoody.
This Australian bird averages 21cm (adult) in length and weighs 95g. It lives on sandy beaches between Jervis Bay, New South Wales and the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, as well as in Tasmania and between Esperance and Perth in south-west Western Australia.They are not abundant.
In Victoria, the highest densities of Hooded Plovers occur on beaches with large amounts of beach-washed seaweed. Densities are lowest on narrow, steep beaches, where there are few or no dunes, and where human activities are most intensive. In the south-west, they also occur on inland salt lakes. Thinornis rubricollis is listed as Endangered in Victoria and NSW. They Vulnerable or Not Present in other states and Secure in WA and Tasmania.
The Hooded Plover is non-migratory.
It eats insects, sandhoppers, small bivalves and soldier crabs. The nest is a shallow scrape in beach sand or fine gravel above the high-tide mark. This nest may be encircled or lined with pebbles, seaweed and other beach debris.
The call of the Hooded Plover is quiet and piping. It also has a chook-chook call.
[All text: Ref (108)]
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Bird of Day 71: Grey Partridge
Perdix perdix 
Also known as English Partridge, Hungarian Partridge, or Hun.
The Grey Partridge breeds on farmland across most of Europe into western Asia, and has been introduced widely into North America. They are quite common in some areas of southern Canada and the northern United States. It is a game bird, introduced to many parts of the world for shooting.
The Grey Partridge is rotund and 28-32cm long. These birds eat seeds and when young, insects for essential protein supply. They are a non-migratory terrestrial species, and form flocks outside the breeding season. Hens lay up to twenty eggs in a ground nest.
The song is a harsh kieerr-ik, and when disturbed, like most of the gamebirds, it flies a short distance on rounded wings, often calling rick rick rick as it rises.
[All text: Ref (107)]
Also known as English Partridge, Hungarian Partridge, or Hun.
The Grey Partridge breeds on farmland across most of Europe into western Asia, and has been introduced widely into North America. They are quite common in some areas of southern Canada and the northern United States. It is a game bird, introduced to many parts of the world for shooting.
The Grey Partridge is rotund and 28-32cm long. These birds eat seeds and when young, insects for essential protein supply. They are a non-migratory terrestrial species, and form flocks outside the breeding season. Hens lay up to twenty eggs in a ground nest.
The song is a harsh kieerr-ik, and when disturbed, like most of the gamebirds, it flies a short distance on rounded wings, often calling rick rick rick as it rises.
[All text: Ref (107)]
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Bird of Day 70: Crimson Rosella
Platycercus elegans 
Australian natives, Crimson Rosellas occur in northern Queensland, in southern Queensland down to south-eastern South Australia and on Kangaroo Island. They have been introduced to Norfolk Island and New Zealand. The habitat of this vibrant and swift bird is tall eucalypt and wet forests.
Crimson Rosellas are normally encountered in small flocks and are easily attracted to garden seed trays. Once familiar with humans, they will accept hand held food. Natural foods include seeds of eucalypts, grasses and shrubs, as well as insects and some tree blossoms.
The nest is a tree hollow, located high in a tree, and lined with wood shavings and dust. The female alone incubates the white eggs, but both sexes care for the young. The chicks remain dependent on their parents for a further 35 days after leaving the nest.
Crimson Rosellas are not only red, but can be yellow or orange. Yellow and red birds produce orange offspring.
Platycercus elegans has a range of calls, the commonest being a two-syllabled cussik-cussik: http://birdsinbackyards.net/images/audio/platycercus-elegans.mp3 It also has a range of harsh screeches and metallic whistles.
[All text: Ref (106)]
Australian natives, Crimson Rosellas occur in northern Queensland, in southern Queensland down to south-eastern South Australia and on Kangaroo Island. They have been introduced to Norfolk Island and New Zealand. The habitat of this vibrant and swift bird is tall eucalypt and wet forests.
Crimson Rosellas are normally encountered in small flocks and are easily attracted to garden seed trays. Once familiar with humans, they will accept hand held food. Natural foods include seeds of eucalypts, grasses and shrubs, as well as insects and some tree blossoms.
The nest is a tree hollow, located high in a tree, and lined with wood shavings and dust. The female alone incubates the white eggs, but both sexes care for the young. The chicks remain dependent on their parents for a further 35 days after leaving the nest.
Crimson Rosellas are not only red, but can be yellow or orange. Yellow and red birds produce orange offspring.
Platycercus elegans has a range of calls, the commonest being a two-syllabled cussik-cussik: http://birdsinbackyards.net/images/audio/platycercus-elegans.mp3 It also has a range of harsh screeches and metallic whistles.
[All text: Ref (106)]
Monday, January 10, 2011
Bird of Day 69: Lesser Cuckoo
Cuculus poliocephalus
French: Petit Coucou
German: Gackelkuckuck
Spanish: Cuco Chico
Other common names: Small/Little Cuckoo
(103)
The Lesser Cuckoo occurs in North Afghanistan, North Pakistan and Kashmir E through Himalayan foothills to Khasi and Naga Hills, Bangladesh and N Myanmar, and across China to Ussuriland, Korea and Japan. This cuckoo winters in peninsular India, Sri Lanka and East Africa.(103)
This bird has a slender body, long tail and strong legs. It feeds on insects and fruit. It is a vocal bird, with persistent and loud calls (104).
Click here for the Lesser Cuckoo's call: http://www.xeno-canto.org/XCspeciesprofiles.php?species_nr2=5803.00 A lovely bit of footage of a perched Lesser Cuckoo is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOB-g2Btczw
Cuculus poliocephalus is a brood parasite, that is, they lay a single egg in the nests of various passerine* hosts. The female cuckoo in each case replaces one of the host’s eggs with one of her own. The cuckoo egg hatches earlier than the host’s, and the chick grows faster; in most cases the cuckoo chick evicts the eggs or young of the host species. Cuculus species lay coloured eggs to match those of their passerine hosts. Female cuckoos specialise in a particular host species (generally the species that raised them) and lay eggs that closely resemble the eggs of that host.
(104)
* a bird of the order Passeriformes, which includes more than half of all bird species. Sometimes known as perching birds or, less accurately, as songbirds, the passerines form one of the most diverse terrestrial vertebrate orders: with over 5,000 identified species. (105)
French: Petit Coucou
German: Gackelkuckuck
Spanish: Cuco Chico
Other common names: Small/Little Cuckoo
(103)
The Lesser Cuckoo occurs in North Afghanistan, North Pakistan and Kashmir E through Himalayan foothills to Khasi and Naga Hills, Bangladesh and N Myanmar, and across China to Ussuriland, Korea and Japan. This cuckoo winters in peninsular India, Sri Lanka and East Africa.(103)
This bird has a slender body, long tail and strong legs. It feeds on insects and fruit. It is a vocal bird, with persistent and loud calls (104).
Click here for the Lesser Cuckoo's call: http://www.xeno-canto.org/XCspeciesprofiles.php?species_nr2=5803.00 A lovely bit of footage of a perched Lesser Cuckoo is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOB-g2Btczw
Cuculus poliocephalus is a brood parasite, that is, they lay a single egg in the nests of various passerine* hosts. The female cuckoo in each case replaces one of the host’s eggs with one of her own. The cuckoo egg hatches earlier than the host’s, and the chick grows faster; in most cases the cuckoo chick evicts the eggs or young of the host species. Cuculus species lay coloured eggs to match those of their passerine hosts. Female cuckoos specialise in a particular host species (generally the species that raised them) and lay eggs that closely resemble the eggs of that host.
(104)
* a bird of the order Passeriformes, which includes more than half of all bird species. Sometimes known as perching birds or, less accurately, as songbirds, the passerines form one of the most diverse terrestrial vertebrate orders: with over 5,000 identified species. (105)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Bird of Day 68: Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias 
This bird is a large wading bird common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North and Central America as well as the West Indies and the Galápagos Islands.
From head-to-tail it measures 91–140 cm; wingspan: 167–201 cm and weight: 2–3.6 kg. The heron's stride is around 22 cm, almost in a straight line.
Herons locate their food by sight and usually swallow it whole. Herons have been known to choke on prey that is too large. This species usually breeds in colonies, in trees close to lakes or other wetlands. Great Blue Herons build a bulky stick nest, and the female lays three to six pale blue eggs. Both parents feed the young at the nest by regurgitating food.
The voice of Ardea herodias is a harsh croak. The heron is most vocal during the breeding season, but will call occasionally at any time of the year in territorial disputes or if disturbed.
[All text: Ref (102)]
This bird is a large wading bird common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North and Central America as well as the West Indies and the Galápagos Islands.
From head-to-tail it measures 91–140 cm; wingspan: 167–201 cm and weight: 2–3.6 kg. The heron's stride is around 22 cm, almost in a straight line.
Herons locate their food by sight and usually swallow it whole. Herons have been known to choke on prey that is too large. This species usually breeds in colonies, in trees close to lakes or other wetlands. Great Blue Herons build a bulky stick nest, and the female lays three to six pale blue eggs. Both parents feed the young at the nest by regurgitating food.
The voice of Ardea herodias is a harsh croak. The heron is most vocal during the breeding season, but will call occasionally at any time of the year in territorial disputes or if disturbed.
[All text: Ref (102)]
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Bird of Day 67: Crested Kingfisher
Megaceryle lugubris 
The Crested Kingfisher is resident of the Himalayas and foothills of North East India, Bangladesh, northern Indochina, and south and east China.
For a Kingfisher it is very large - 41cm in length. It is black and white with evenly barred wings and tail. The Crested Kingfisher lacks a a supercilium* and has a spotted breast, which is sometimes mixed with rufous**.
Megaceryle lugubris is mainly found in mountain rivers and larger rivers in foothills.
[All text: Ref (98)]
* a plumage feature present on the heads of many bird species. It is a stripe which starts above the bird's loral area***, continuing above the eye, and finishing somewhere towards the rear of the bird's head. It is distinct from the eyestripe which is a line which runs across the lores, and continues behind the eye. (99)
** a colour that may be described as reddish-brown or brownish-red, as of rust or oxidised iron (100).
*** the space between the eye and bill (101)
The Crested Kingfisher is resident of the Himalayas and foothills of North East India, Bangladesh, northern Indochina, and south and east China.
For a Kingfisher it is very large - 41cm in length. It is black and white with evenly barred wings and tail. The Crested Kingfisher lacks a a supercilium* and has a spotted breast, which is sometimes mixed with rufous**.
Megaceryle lugubris is mainly found in mountain rivers and larger rivers in foothills.
[All text: Ref (98)]
* a plumage feature present on the heads of many bird species. It is a stripe which starts above the bird's loral area***, continuing above the eye, and finishing somewhere towards the rear of the bird's head. It is distinct from the eyestripe which is a line which runs across the lores, and continues behind the eye. (99)
** a colour that may be described as reddish-brown or brownish-red, as of rust or oxidised iron (100).
*** the space between the eye and bill (101)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Bird of Day 66: Demoiselle Crane
Anthropoides virgo 
The Demoiselle Crane breeds in central Asia, with a few found in Cyprus and eastern Turkey, even far as western and Northern Pakistan. The crane migrates to Africa and South Asia in winter.
This crane measures 85-100cm long with a 155-180cm wingspan. It has a loud trumpeting call. Like other cranes it has a dancing display, elegant and balletic.
Demoiselle Cranes have to take one of the toughest migrations in the world. In late August through September, they gather in flocks of up to 400 individuals and prepare for their flight to their winter range. During their migratory flight south, Demoiselles fly like all cranes, with their head and neck straight forward and their feet and legs straight behind, reaching altitudes of 16,000-26,000 feet. Along their arduous journey they have to cross the Himalayan mountains to get to their over wintering grounds in India, many die from fatigue, hunger and predation from birds such as eagles.
In Khichan, Rajasthan in India, villagers feed the Cranes on their migration and these large congregations have become an annual spectacle.
[All text: Ref (97)]
The Demoiselle Crane breeds in central Asia, with a few found in Cyprus and eastern Turkey, even far as western and Northern Pakistan. The crane migrates to Africa and South Asia in winter.
This crane measures 85-100cm long with a 155-180cm wingspan. It has a loud trumpeting call. Like other cranes it has a dancing display, elegant and balletic.
Demoiselle Cranes have to take one of the toughest migrations in the world. In late August through September, they gather in flocks of up to 400 individuals and prepare for their flight to their winter range. During their migratory flight south, Demoiselles fly like all cranes, with their head and neck straight forward and their feet and legs straight behind, reaching altitudes of 16,000-26,000 feet. Along their arduous journey they have to cross the Himalayan mountains to get to their over wintering grounds in India, many die from fatigue, hunger and predation from birds such as eagles.
In Khichan, Rajasthan in India, villagers feed the Cranes on their migration and these large congregations have become an annual spectacle.
[All text: Ref (97)]
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Bird of Day 65: Japanese White-eye
Zosterops japonicus 
Also known as mejiro, meaning white-eye in Japanese.
The Japanese White-eye's native range includes much of east Asia, including Japan, China, Vietnam,Taiwan, and the Philippines. It has been intentionally introduced to other parts of the world as a pet and as pest control, with mixed results.
This very active little bird is about 10.2-11.4cm in size and feeds on both insects and nectar. When building nests, they often steal material from the nests of other birds.
Zosterops japonicus is depicted in Japanese art on numerous occasions, and historically was kept as a cage bird. Find an example of the White-eye in Japanese art here: http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/51/5142/DRPEG00Z/posters/hiroshige-ando-a-japanese-white-eye-on-a-persimmon-branch.jpg
[All text: Ref (96)]
Also known as mejiro, meaning white-eye in Japanese.
The Japanese White-eye's native range includes much of east Asia, including Japan, China, Vietnam,Taiwan, and the Philippines. It has been intentionally introduced to other parts of the world as a pet and as pest control, with mixed results.
This very active little bird is about 10.2-11.4cm in size and feeds on both insects and nectar. When building nests, they often steal material from the nests of other birds.
Zosterops japonicus is depicted in Japanese art on numerous occasions, and historically was kept as a cage bird. Find an example of the White-eye in Japanese art here: http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/51/5142/DRPEG00Z/posters/hiroshige-ando-a-japanese-white-eye-on-a-persimmon-branch.jpg
[All text: Ref (96)]
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bird of Day 64: Steller's Sea Eagle
Haliaeetus pelagicus 
One of the largest of all raptors, Steller's Sea Eagle lives in coastal northeastern Asia and feeds mainly on fish. The typical size range is 85-105cm long with a wingspan of 195-230cm. It is the heaviest eagle in the world: females at 6.8-9kg, while males are considerably lighter with a weight range of 4.9-6kg.
Steller's Sea Eagle builds several large platform nests (aeries) high up on trees and rock. Usually only one chicks survives and at the age of ten weeks, the young bird learns to fly. They reach sexual maturity at around four to five years. Full adult plumage in the Steller's Sea Eagle only appears at age eight to ten years.
[All text above: Ref (94)]
This bird is named after the German botanist, zoologist, physician and explorer Georg Wilhelm Steller. Steller has several animals and plants name after him, including Steller's Jay, Steller's sea cow and Cryptochiton stelleri
(Gumboot chiton). [This text: Ref (95)]
One of the largest of all raptors, Steller's Sea Eagle lives in coastal northeastern Asia and feeds mainly on fish. The typical size range is 85-105cm long with a wingspan of 195-230cm. It is the heaviest eagle in the world: females at 6.8-9kg, while males are considerably lighter with a weight range of 4.9-6kg.
Steller's Sea Eagle builds several large platform nests (aeries) high up on trees and rock. Usually only one chicks survives and at the age of ten weeks, the young bird learns to fly. They reach sexual maturity at around four to five years. Full adult plumage in the Steller's Sea Eagle only appears at age eight to ten years.
[All text above: Ref (94)]
This bird is named after the German botanist, zoologist, physician and explorer Georg Wilhelm Steller. Steller has several animals and plants name after him, including Steller's Jay, Steller's sea cow and Cryptochiton stelleri
(Gumboot chiton). [This text: Ref (95)]
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Bird of Day 63: Mute Swan
Cygnus olor 
The Mute Swan is native to much of Europe and Asia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is also an introduced species in North America, Australasia and southern Africa. It is less vocal than other swan species and thus its name.
Measuring 125 to 170cm in length, with a 200 to 240cm wingspan, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange bill bordered with black. Males (known as cobs) are larger than females and have a larger knob on their bill.
Cygnus olor is monogamous and often reuse the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Male and female swans share the care of the nest, and once the cygnets are fledged it is not uncommon to see whole families looking for food.
Reference to the Mute Swan is rich in cultural history. The phrase swan song refers to this swan and to the legend that it is utterly silent until the last moment of its life, and then sings one achingly beautiful song just before dying.
[All text: Ref (93)]
The Mute Swan is native to much of Europe and Asia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is also an introduced species in North America, Australasia and southern Africa. It is less vocal than other swan species and thus its name.
Measuring 125 to 170cm in length, with a 200 to 240cm wingspan, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange bill bordered with black. Males (known as cobs) are larger than females and have a larger knob on their bill.
Cygnus olor is monogamous and often reuse the same nest each year, restoring or rebuilding it as needed. Male and female swans share the care of the nest, and once the cygnets are fledged it is not uncommon to see whole families looking for food.
Reference to the Mute Swan is rich in cultural history. The phrase swan song refers to this swan and to the legend that it is utterly silent until the last moment of its life, and then sings one achingly beautiful song just before dying.
[All text: Ref (93)]
Monday, January 3, 2011
Bird of Day 62: Purple-naped Sunbird
Hypogramma hypogrammicum (formerly Nectarina hypogrammica) 
The Purple-naped Sunbird is found in Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (91)
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. (91) The Purple-naped Sunbird eats nectar from flowers (92).
Sunbirds are active diurnal birds that generally occur in pairs or occasionally in small family groups (92). A few species occasionally gather in larger groups, and sunbird will join with other birds to mob potential predators, although sunbirds will also aggressively target other species, even if they are not predators, when defending their territories (92). A few species of sunbirds have lekking* behaviour (92). The nests of sunbirds are generally purse-shaped, enclosed and suspended from thin branches (92)
*Refer to Bird of Day 24
The Purple-naped Sunbird is found in Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (91)
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. (91) The Purple-naped Sunbird eats nectar from flowers (92).
Sunbirds are active diurnal birds that generally occur in pairs or occasionally in small family groups (92). A few species occasionally gather in larger groups, and sunbird will join with other birds to mob potential predators, although sunbirds will also aggressively target other species, even if they are not predators, when defending their territories (92). A few species of sunbirds have lekking* behaviour (92). The nests of sunbirds are generally purse-shaped, enclosed and suspended from thin branches (92)
*Refer to Bird of Day 24
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Bird of Day 61: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Picoides minor (previously Dendrocopos minor) 
The range of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is the Palearctic* region. It is a little bird which spends most if its time in the tops of tall trees in woods ands parks. The Woodpecker featured here is the male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker; the female has a white crown.
The note of Picoides minor is a repeated keek, loud for such a small bird, and its vibrating rattle can with experience be distinguished from that of the larger species (Greater Spotted Woodpecker).
[All text: Ref (89)]
* The Palearctic (or Palaearctic) is one of the eight ecozones dividing the Earth's surface. Physically, the Palearctic is the largest ecozone. It includes the terrestrial ecoregions of Europe, Asia north of the Himalaya foothills, northern Africa, and the northern and central parts of the Arabian Peninsula. (90)
The range of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is the Palearctic* region. It is a little bird which spends most if its time in the tops of tall trees in woods ands parks. The Woodpecker featured here is the male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker; the female has a white crown.
The note of Picoides minor is a repeated keek, loud for such a small bird, and its vibrating rattle can with experience be distinguished from that of the larger species (Greater Spotted Woodpecker).
[All text: Ref (89)]
* The Palearctic (or Palaearctic) is one of the eight ecozones dividing the Earth's surface. Physically, the Palearctic is the largest ecozone. It includes the terrestrial ecoregions of Europe, Asia north of the Himalaya foothills, northern Africa, and the northern and central parts of the Arabian Peninsula. (90)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Bird of Day 60: Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea 
The Grey Heron is native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions.
It is a large bird, standing 90–100cm tall, with a 175–195cm wingspan and a weight of 1–2kg. It feeds in shallow water, catching fish, frogs, and insects with its long bill. Herons will also take small mammals, reptiles and occasionally warbler nestlings, plovers, young and adult snipes, takes ducklings and tern chicks and other small birds. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
The call of the Grey Heron is a loud croaking fraaank. This species breeds in colonies in trees close to lakes, the seashore or other wetlands, although it will also nest in reedbeds. It builds a bulky stick nest.
The Australian White-faced Heron is often incorrectly called Grey Heron.
[All text: Ref (88)]
The Grey Heron is native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions.
It is a large bird, standing 90–100cm tall, with a 175–195cm wingspan and a weight of 1–2kg. It feeds in shallow water, catching fish, frogs, and insects with its long bill. Herons will also take small mammals, reptiles and occasionally warbler nestlings, plovers, young and adult snipes, takes ducklings and tern chicks and other small birds. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
The call of the Grey Heron is a loud croaking fraaank. This species breeds in colonies in trees close to lakes, the seashore or other wetlands, although it will also nest in reedbeds. It builds a bulky stick nest.
The Australian White-faced Heron is often incorrectly called Grey Heron.
[All text: Ref (88)]
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