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)]
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