Movatterモバイル変換

[0]ホーム
URL:

Jump to content
WikipediaThe Free Encyclopedia
Search

Portal:Birds

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Portal maintenance status:(June 2018)
  • This portal'ssubpageshave been checked by an editor, and are needed.
Pleasetake care when editing, especially if usingautomated editing software. Learn how toupdate the maintenance information here.
Wikipedia portal for content related to Birds

The Birds Portal

Birds are a group ofwarm-bloodedtheropoddinosaurs constituting theclassAves, characterised byfeathers, toothlessbeaked jaws, thelaying ofhard-shelled eggs, a highmetabolic rate, a four-chamberedheart, and a strong yet lightweightskeleton. Birds live worldwide and range in size from the 5.5 cm (2.2 in)bee hummingbird to the 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)common ostrich. There are over 11,000 living species and they are split into 44orders. More than half arepasserine or "perching" birds. Birds havewings whose development varies according to species; the only known groups without wings are the extinctmoa andelephant birds. Wings, which are modifiedforelimbs, gave birds the ability to fly, although further evolution has led to theloss of flight in some birds, includingratites,penguins, and diverseendemic island species. The digestive and respiratory systems of birds are also uniquely adapted for flight. Some bird species of aquatic environments, particularlyseabirds and somewaterbirds, have further evolved for swimming. The study of birds is calledornithology.

Birdsevolved from earliertheropods, and thus constitute the only known livingdinosaurs. Likewise, birds are consideredreptiles in the moderncladistic sense of the term, and their closest living relatives are thecrocodilians. Birds are descendants of the primitiveavialans (whose members includeArchaeopteryx) which first appeared during theLate Jurassic. According to some estimates, modern birds (Neornithes) evolved in theLate Cretaceous or between the Early and Late Cretaceous (100 Ma) and diversified dramatically around the time of theCretaceous–Paleogene extinction event 66 million years ago, which killed off thepterosaurs and all non-ornithuran dinosaurs.

Manysocial species preserve knowledge across generations (culture). Birds are social, communicating with visual signals, calls, andsongs, and participating in such behaviour ascooperative breeding and hunting,flocking, andmobbing of predators. The vast majority of bird species are socially (but not necessarily sexually)monogamous, usually for one breeding season at a time, sometimes for years, and rarely for life. Other species have breeding systems that arepolygynous (one male with many females) or, rarely,polyandrous (one female with many males). Birds produce offspring by laying eggs which are fertilised throughsexual reproduction. They are usually laid in a nest andincubated by the parents. Most birds have an extended period of parental care after hatching.

Many species of birds are economically important as food for human consumption and raw material in manufacturing, withdomesticated andundomesticated birds being important sources of eggs, meat, and feathers.Songbirds, parrots, and other species are popular as pets.Guano (bird excrement) is harvested for use as a fertiliser. Birds figure throughout human culture. About 120 to 130 species have becomeextinct due to human activity since the 17th century, and hundreds more before then. Human activity threatens about 1,200 bird species with extinction, though efforts are underway to protect them. Recreationalbirdwatching is an important part of theecotourism industry. (Full article...)

Featured articles

  • Image 1 Adult in breeding plumage The pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba) (/ˈɡɪlɪmɒt/) is a species of bird in the auk family, Alcidae. One of three species in the genus Cepphus, it is most closely related to the spectacled guillemot. There are five subspecies of the pigeon guillemot; all subspecies, when in breeding plumage, are dark brown with a black iridescent sheen and a distinctive wing patch broken by a brown-black wedge. Its non-breeding plumage has mottled grey and black upperparts and white underparts. The long bill is black, as are the claws. The legs, feet, and inside of the mouth are red. It closely resembles the black guillemot, which is slightly smaller and lacks the dark wing wedge present in the pigeon guillemot. This seabird is found on North Pacific coastal waters, from Siberia through Alaska to California. The pigeon guillemot breeds and sometimes roosts on rocky shores, cliffs, and islands close to shallow water. In the winter, some birds move slightly south in the northernmost part of their range in response to advancing ice and migrate slightly north in the southern part of their range, generally preferring more sheltered areas. This species feeds on small fish and marine invertebrates, mostly near the sea floor, that it catches by pursuit diving. Pigeon guillemots are monogamous breeders, nesting in small colonies close to the shore. They defend small territories around a nesting cavity, in which they lay one or two eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks. After leaving the nest the young bird is completely independent of its parents. Several birds and other animals prey on the eggs and chicks. (Full article...)
    Image 1

    Adult in breeding plumage

    Thepigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba) (/ˈɡɪlɪmɒt/) is a species of bird in theauk family,Alcidae. One of three species in thegenusCepphus, it is most closely related to thespectacled guillemot. There are five subspecies of the pigeon guillemot; all subspecies, when inbreeding plumage, are dark brown with a black iridescent sheen and a distinctive wing patch broken by a brown-black wedge. Itsnon-breeding plumage has mottled grey and blackupperparts and whiteunderparts. The long bill is black, as are the claws. The legs, feet, and inside of the mouth are red. It closely resembles theblack guillemot, which is slightly smaller and lacks the dark wing wedge present in the pigeon guillemot.

    Thisseabird is found on North Pacific coastal waters, fromSiberia throughAlaska toCalifornia. The pigeon guillemot breeds and sometimes roosts on rocky shores, cliffs, and islands close to shallow water. In the winter, some birds move slightly south in the northernmost part of their range in response to advancing ice andmigrate slightly north in the southern part of their range, generally preferring more sheltered areas.

    This species feeds on small fish and marine invertebrates, mostly near the sea floor, that it catches by pursuit diving. Pigeon guillemots aremonogamous breeders, nesting in small colonies close to the shore. They defend small territories around a nesting cavity, in which they lay one or two eggs. Both parentsincubate the eggs and feed the chicks. After leaving the nest the young bird is completely independent of its parents. Several birds and other animals prey on the eggs and chicks. (Full article...)
  • Image 2 Black currawong, Tasmania The black currawong (Strepera fuliginosa), also known locally as the black jay, is a large passerine bird endemic to Tasmania and the nearby islands within the Bass Strait. One of three currawong species in the genus Strepera, it is closely related to the butcherbirds and Australian magpie within the family Artamidae. It is a large crow-like bird, around 50 cm (20 in) long on average, with yellow irises, a heavy bill, and black plumage with white wing patches. The male and female are similar in appearance. Three subspecies are recognised, one of which, Strepera fuliginosa colei of King Island, is vulnerable to extinction. Within its range, the black currawong is generally sedentary, although populations at higher altitudes relocate to lower areas during the cooler months. The habitat includes densely forested areas as well as alpine heathland. It is rare below altitudes of 200 m (660 ft). Omnivorous, its diet includes a variety of berries, invertebrates, and small vertebrates. Less arboreal than the pied currawong, the black currawong spends more time foraging on the ground. It roosts and breeds in trees. (Full article...)
    Image 2

    Black currawong,Tasmania

    Theblack currawong (Strepera fuliginosa), also known locally as theblackjay, is a largepasserinebirdendemic toTasmania and the nearby islands within theBass Strait. One of threecurrawong species in the genusStrepera, it is closely related to thebutcherbirds andAustralian magpie within the familyArtamidae. It is a large crow-like bird, around 50 cm (20 in) long on average, with yellow irises, a heavy bill, and blackplumage with white wing patches. The male and female are similar in appearance. Threesubspecies are recognised, one of which,Strepera fuliginosa colei ofKing Island, isvulnerable to extinction.

    Within its range, the black currawong is generally sedentary, although populations at higher altitudes relocate to lower areas during the cooler months. The habitat includes densely forested areas as well as alpineheathland. It is rare below altitudes of 200 m (660 ft).Omnivorous, its diet includes a variety of berries,invertebrates, and small vertebrates. Lessarboreal than thepied currawong, the black currawong spends more time foraging on the ground. It roosts and breeds in trees. (Full article...)
  • Image 3 Male perched on a mangrove branch The red-headed myzomela or red-headed honeyeater (Myzomela erythrocephala) is a passerine bird of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It was described by John Gould in 1840. Two subspecies are recognised, with the nominate race M. e. erythrocephala distributed around the tropical coastline of Australia, and M. e. infuscata in New Guinea. Though widely distributed, the species is not abundant within this range. While the IUCN lists the Australian population of M. e. infuscata as being near threatened, as a whole the widespread range means that its conservation is of least concern. At 12 cm (4.7 in), it is a small honeyeater with a short tail and relatively long down-curved bill. It is sexually dimorphic; the male has a glossy red head and brown upperparts and paler grey-brown underparts while the female has predominantly grey-brown plumage. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. It is very active when feeding in the tree canopy, darting from flower to flower and gleaning insects off foliage. It calls constantly as it feeds. While little has been documented on the red-headed myzomela's breeding behaviour, it is recorded as building a small cup-shaped nest in the mangroves and laying two or three oval, white eggs with small red blotches. (Full article...)
    Image 3

    Male perched on a mangrove branch

    Thered-headed myzomela orred-headed honeyeater (Myzomela erythrocephala) is apasserine bird of thehoneyeater family Meliphagidae found inAustralia,Indonesia, andPapua New Guinea. It wasdescribed byJohn Gould in 1840. Twosubspecies are recognised, with thenominate raceM. e. erythrocephala distributed around the tropical coastline of Australia, andM. e. infuscata in New Guinea. Though widely distributed, the species is not abundant within this range. While theIUCN lists the Australian population ofM. e. infuscata as beingnear threatened, as a whole the widespread range means that its conservation is ofleast concern.

    At 12 cm (4.7 in), it is a small honeyeater with a short tail and relatively long down-curved bill. It issexually dimorphic; the male has a glossy red head and brown upperparts and paler grey-brown underparts while the female has predominantly grey-brown plumage. Its naturalhabitat is subtropical or tropicalmangrove forests. It is very active when feeding in thetree canopy, darting from flower to flower andgleaning insects off foliage. It calls constantly as it feeds. While little has been documented on the red-headed myzomela's breeding behaviour, it is recorded as building a small cup-shaped nest in the mangroves and laying two or three oval, white eggs with small red blotches. (Full article...)
  • Image 4 Male at Mount Hallowell, Denmark, Western Australia. The red-winged fairywren (Malurus elegans) is a species of passerine bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is non-migratory and endemic to the southwestern corner of Western Australia. Exhibiting a high degree of sexual dimorphism, the male adopts a brilliantly coloured breeding plumage, with an iridescent silvery-blue crown, ear coverts and upper back, red shoulders, contrasting with a black throat, grey-brown tail and wings and pale underparts. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have predominantly grey-brown plumage, though males may bear isolated blue and black feathers. No separate subspecies are recognised. Similar in appearance and closely related to the variegated fairywren and the blue-breasted fairywren, it is regarded as a separate species as no intermediate forms have been recorded where their ranges overlap. Though the red-winged fairywren is locally common, there is evidence of a decline in numbers. Bearing a narrow pointed bill adapted for probing and catching insects, the red-winged fairywren is primarily insectivorous; it forages and lives in the shelter of scrubby vegetation in temperate wetter forests dominated by karri trees, remaining close to cover to avoid predators. Like other fairywrens, it is a cooperative breeding species, with small groups of birds maintaining and defending small territories year-round. Groups consist of a socially monogamous pair with several helper birds who assist in raising the young. There is a higher proportion of female helpers recorded for this species than for other species of fairywren. A variety of vocalisations and visual displays have been recorded for communication and courtship in this species. Singing is used to advertise territory, and birds can distinguish other individuals by song alone. Male wrens pluck yellow petals and display them to females as part of a courtship display. (Full article...)
    Image 4

    Male at Mount Hallowell,Denmark, Western Australia.

    Thered-winged fairywren (Malurus elegans) is a species ofpasserine bird in theAustralasian wren family, Maluridae. It is non-migratory andendemic to the southwestern corner ofWestern Australia. Exhibiting a high degree ofsexual dimorphism, the male adopts a brilliantly colouredbreeding plumage, with an iridescent silvery-blue crown, ear coverts and upper back, red shoulders, contrasting with a black throat, grey-brown tail and wings and pale underparts. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have predominantly grey-brown plumage, though males may bear isolated blue and black feathers. No separatesubspecies are recognised. Similar in appearance and closely related to thevariegated fairywren and theblue-breasted fairywren, it is regarded as a separate species as no intermediate forms have been recorded where their ranges overlap. Though the red-winged fairywren is locally common, there is evidence of a decline in numbers.

    Bearing a narrow pointedbilladapted for probing and catchinginsects, the red-winged fairywren is primarilyinsectivorous; it forages and lives in the shelter of scrubby vegetation in temperate wetterforests dominated bykarri trees, remaining close to cover to avoid predators. Like other fairywrens, it is a cooperative breeding species, with small groups of birds maintaining and defending smallterritories year-round. Groups consist of a sociallymonogamous pair with severalhelper birds who assist in raising the young. There is a higher proportion of female helpers recorded for this species than for other species of fairywren. A variety ofvocalisations and visual displays have been recorded for communication andcourtship in this species. Singing is used to advertise territory, and birds can distinguish other individuals by song alone. Male wrens pluck yellow petals and display them to females as part of a courtship display. (Full article...)
  • Image 5 The song thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a thrush that breeds across the West Palearctic. It has brown upper-parts and black-spotted cream or buff underparts and has four recognised subspecies. Its distinctive song, which has repeated musical phrases, has frequently been referred to in poetry. The song thrush breeds in forests, gardens and parks, and is partially migratory with many birds wintering in southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; it has also been introduced into New Zealand and Australia. Although it is not threatened globally, there have been serious population declines in parts of Europe, possibly due to changes in farming practices. The song thrush builds a neat mud-lined cup nest in a bush or tree and lays four to five dark-spotted blue eggs. It is omnivorous and has the habit of using a favourite stone as an "anvil" on which to break open the shells of snails. Like other perching birds (passerines), it is affected by external and internal parasites and is vulnerable to predation by cats and birds of prey. (Full article...)
    Image 5

    Thesong thrush (Turdus philomelos) is athrush that breeds across the WestPalearctic. It has brown upper-parts and black-spotted cream or buff underparts and has four recognisedsubspecies. Its distinctivesong, which has repeated musical phrases, has frequently been referred to in poetry.

    The song thrush breeds in forests, gardens and parks, and is partiallymigratory with many birds wintering in southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; it has also been introduced into New Zealand and Australia. Although it is not threatened globally, there have been serious population declines in parts of Europe, possibly due to changes in farming practices.

    The song thrush builds a neat mud-linedcup nest in a bush or tree and lays four to five dark-spotted blueeggs. It isomnivorous and has the habit of using a favourite stone as an "anvil" on which to break open the shells ofsnails. Like other perching birds (passerines), it is affected by external and internalparasites and is vulnerable topredation bycats andbirds of prey. (Full article...)
  • Image 6 Female, Taronga Zoo Carnaby's black cockatoo (Zanda latirostris), also known as the short-billed black cockatoo, is a large black cockatoo endemic to southwest Australia. It was described in 1948 by naturalist Ivan Carnaby. Measuring 53–58 cm (21–23 in) in length, it has a short crest on the top of its head. Its plumage is mostly greyish black, and it has prominent white cheek patches and a white tail band. The body feathers are edged with white giving a scalloped appearance. Adult males have a dark grey beak and pink eye-rings. Adult females have a bone-coloured beak, grey eye-rings and ear patches that are paler than those of the males. This cockatoo usually lays a clutch of one to two eggs. It generally takes 28 to 29 days for the female to incubate the eggs, and the young fledge ten to eleven weeks after hatching. The young will stay with the family until the next breeding season, and sometimes even longer. The family leaves the nesting site after the young fledge until the following year. Carnaby's black cockatoo forms flocks when not breeding, with birds in drier habitats usually being more migratory than those in wetter ones. It flies with deep and slow wingbeats, generally high above trees. Seeds of plants of the families Proteaceae and, to a lesser extent, Myrtaceae form a large part of its diet. Carnaby's black cockatoo nests in hollows situated high in trees with fairly large diameters, generally Eucalyptus. With much of its habitat lost to land clearing and development and threatened by further habitat destruction, Carnaby's black cockatoo is listed as an endangered species by the Federal and Western Australian governments. It is also classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Like most parrots, it is protected by CITES, an international agreement that makes trade, export, and import of listed wild-caught species illegal. (Full article...)
    Image 6

    Carnaby's black cockatoo (Zanda latirostris), also known as theshort-billed black cockatoo, is a largeblack cockatoo endemic tosouthwest Australia. It was described in 1948 bynaturalistIvan Carnaby. Measuring 53–58 cm (21–23 in) in length, it has a shortcrest on the top of its head. Itsplumage is mostly greyish black, and it has prominent white cheek patches and a white tail band. The body feathers are edged with white giving a scalloped appearance.Adult males have a dark greybeak and pink eye-rings. Adult females have a bone-coloured beak, grey eye-rings and ear patches that are paler than those of the males.

    This cockatoo usually lays aclutch of one to two eggs. It generally takes 28 to 29 days for the female toincubate the eggs, and the youngfledge ten to eleven weeks after hatching. The young will stay with the family until the next breeding season, and sometimes even longer. The family leaves thenesting site after the young fledge until the following year. Carnaby's black cockatoo forms flocks when not breeding, with birds in drier habitats usually being moremigratory than those in wetter ones. Itflies with deep and slow wingbeats, generally high above trees. Seeds of plants of the familiesProteaceae and, to a lesser extent,Myrtaceae form a large part of its diet.

    Carnaby's black cockatoo nests in hollows situated high in trees with fairly large diameters, generallyEucalyptus. With much of its habitat lost to land clearing and development and threatened by furtherhabitat destruction, Carnaby's black cockatoo is listed as anendangered species by theFederal andWestern Australian governments. It is also classified as endangered by theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Like mostparrots, it is protected byCITES, an international agreement that makestrade, export, and import of listed wild-caught species illegal. (Full article...)
  • Image 7 Life drawing by Paul Jossigny, 1770s Newton's parakeet (Psittacula exsul), also known as the Rodrigues parakeet or Rodrigues ring-necked parakeet, is an extinct species of parrot that was endemic to the Mascarene island of Rodrigues in the western Indian Ocean. Several of its features diverged from related species, indicating long-term isolation on Rodrigues and subsequent adaptation. The rose-ringed parakeet of the same genus is a close relative and probable ancestor. Newton's parakeet may itself have been ancestral to the endemic parakeets of nearby Mauritius and Réunion. Around 40 centimetres (16 in) long, Newton's parakeet was roughly the size of a rose-ringed parakeet. Its plumage was mostly greyish or slate blue in colour, which is unusual in Psittacula, a genus containing mostly green species. The male had stronger colours than the female and possessed a reddish instead of black beak, but details of a mature male's appearance are uncertain; only one male specimen is known, and it is believed to be immature. Mature males might have possessed red patches on the wing like the related Alexandrine parakeet. Both sexes had a black collar running from the chin to the nape, but this was clearer in the male. The legs were grey and the iris yellow. Some 17th-century accounts indicate that some members of the species were green, which would suggest that both blue and green colour morphs occurred, but no definitive explanation exists for these reports. Little is known about its behaviour in life, but it may have fed on the nuts of the bois d'olive tree, along with leaves. It was very tame and was able to mimic speech. Newton's parakeet was first written about by the French Huguenot François Leguat in 1708 and was only mentioned a few times by other writers afterwards. The specific name "exsul" is a reference to Leguat, who was exiled from France. Only two life drawings exist, both of a single specimen held in captivity in the 1770s. The species was scientifically described in 1872, with a female specimen as the holotype. A male, the last specimen recorded, was collected in 1875, and these two specimens are the only ones that exist today. The bird became scarce due to deforestation and perhaps hunting, but it was thought to have been finally wiped out by a series of cyclones and storms that hit Rodrigues in the late 19th century. Speculation about the possible survival of the species, though unfounded, lasted as late as 1967. (Full article...)
    Image 7

    Life drawing by Paul Jossigny, 1770s

    Newton's parakeet (Psittacula exsul), also known as theRodrigues parakeet orRodrigues ring-necked parakeet, is anextinctspecies ofparrot that wasendemic to theMascarene island ofRodrigues in the westernIndian Ocean. Several of its featuresdiverged from related species, indicating long-term isolation on Rodrigues and subsequent adaptation. Therose-ringed parakeet of the samegenus is a close relative and probable ancestor. Newton's parakeet may itself have been ancestral to the endemic parakeets of nearbyMauritius andRéunion.

    Around 40 centimetres (16 in) long, Newton's parakeet was roughly the size of a rose-ringed parakeet. Itsplumage was mostly greyish orslate blue in colour, which is unusual inPsittacula, a genus containing mostly green species. The male hadstronger colours than the female and possessed a reddish instead of blackbeak, but details of a mature male's appearance are uncertain; only one male specimen is known, and it is believed to be immature. Mature males might have possessed red patches on the wing like the relatedAlexandrine parakeet. Both sexes had a black collar running from the chin to thenape, but this was clearer in the male. The legs were grey and theiris yellow. Some 17th-century accounts indicate that some members of the species were green, which would suggest that both blue and greencolour morphs occurred, but no definitive explanation exists for these reports. Little is known about its behaviour in life, but it may have fed on the nuts of thebois d'olive tree, along with leaves. It was very tame and was able tomimic speech.

    Newton's parakeet was first written about by the FrenchHuguenotFrançois Leguat in 1708 and was only mentioned a few times by other writers afterwards. The specific name "exsul" is a reference to Leguat, who was exiled from France. Only two life drawings exist, both of a single specimen held in captivity in the 1770s. The species was scientifically described in 1872, with a female specimen as theholotype. A male, the last specimen recorded, was collected in 1875, and these two specimens are the only ones that exist today. The bird became scarce due to deforestation and perhaps hunting, but it was thought to have been finally wiped out by a series ofcyclones and storms that hit Rodrigues in the late 19th century. Speculation about the possible survival of the species, though unfounded, lasted as late as 1967. (Full article...)
  • Image 8 In Abies fargesii in Gansu, China Przevalski's nuthatch (Sitta przewalskii) is a bird species in the family Sittidae, collectively known as nuthatches. Long regarded as a subspecies of the white-cheeked nuthatch (Sitta leucopsis), it nevertheless differs significantly in morphology and vocal behaviour. Both S. przewalskii and S. leucopsis have been regarded in the past as closely related to the North American white-breasted nuthatch (S. carolinensis), but this is not supported by modern genetic research. It is a medium-sized nuthatch, measuring about 13 cm (5 in) in length. Its upper body is a dark grey-blue or slate colour, becoming dark blue-black at the crown. The cheeks and throat are a pale buff-orange, turning to a rich cinnamon on the underparts that intensifies on the sides of the breast. The calls consist of alternating series of ascending whistles and short notes. The bird is endemic to areas in southeastern Tibet and west central China, including eastern Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan, inhabiting coniferous montane forest of spruce (Picea) and fir (Abies). The altitude at which it nests varies according to locality, but typically is from 2,250–4,500 m (7,380–14,760 ft). The species was first described in 1891 from a specimen collected in China's Haidong Prefecture. The common name and Latin binomial commemorate the Russian explorer Nikolay Przhevalsky, who first recorded the species in 1884. Little is known about its ecology, which is probably comparable to that of other nuthatches. It was given the rank of full species (separate from the white-cheeked nuthatch) in 2005 in Pamela C. Rasmussen's Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Other authorities followed suit; phylogenetic studies in 2014 and 2020 found it to be one of a basal pair, with S. leucopsis, of the nuthatch evolutionary tree out of all species examined, dispelling a hypothesis that S. przewalskii could be related S. carolinensis. (Full article...)
    Image 8

    Przevalski's nuthatch (Sitta przewalskii) is abird species in thefamily Sittidae, collectively known asnuthatches. Long regarded as a subspecies of thewhite-cheeked nuthatch (Sitta leucopsis), it nevertheless differs significantly inmorphology and vocal behaviour. BothS. przewalskii andS. leucopsis have been regarded in the past as closely related to the North Americanwhite-breasted nuthatch (S. carolinensis), but this is not supported by modern genetic research. It is a medium-sized nuthatch, measuring about 13 cm (5 in) in length. Its upper body is a dark grey-blue or slate colour, becoming dark blue-black at the crown. The cheeks and throat are a palebuff-orange, turning to a rich cinnamon on the underparts that intensifies on the sides of the breast. The calls consist of alternating series of ascending whistles and short notes.

    The bird isendemic to areas in southeastern Tibet and west central China, including easternQinghai,Gansu andSichuan, inhabitingconiferousmontane forest ofspruce (Picea) andfir (Abies). The altitude at which itnests varies according to locality, but typically is from 2,250–4,500 m (7,380–14,760 ft). The species was first described in 1891 from a specimen collected in China'sHaidong Prefecture. The common name and Latin binomial commemorate the Russian explorerNikolay Przhevalsky, who first recorded the species in 1884. Little is known about its ecology, which is probably comparable to that of other nuthatches.

    It was given the rank of full species (separate from the white-cheeked nuthatch) in 2005 inPamela C. Rasmussen'sBirds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Other authorities followed suit;phylogenetic studies in 2014 and 2020 found it to be one of abasal pair, withS. leucopsis, of the nuthatch evolutionary tree out of all species examined, dispelling a hypothesis thatS. przewalskii could be relatedS. carolinensis. (Full article...)
  • Image 9 Early 1770s illustration by Georg Forster The Tahiti rail, Tahitian red-billed rail, or Pacific red-billed rail (Gallirallus pacificus) is an extinct species of rail that lived on Tahiti. It was first recorded during James Cook's second voyage around the world (1772–1775), on which it was illustrated by Georg Forster and described by Johann Reinhold Forster. No specimens have been preserved. As well as the documentation by the Forsters, there have been claims that the bird also existed on the nearby island of Mehetia. The Tahiti rail appears to have been closely related to, and perhaps derived from, the buff-banded rail, and has also been historically confused with the Tongan subspecies of that bird. The Tahiti rail was 9 inches (23 centimetres) long, and its colouration was unusual for a rail. The underparts, throat, and eyebrow-like supercilium were white, and the upper parts were black with white dots and bands. The nape (or hind neck) was ferruginous (rust-coloured), the breast was grey, and it had a black band across the lower throat. The bill and iris were red, and the legs were fleshy pink. The Tahiti rail was supposedly flightless and nested on the ground. It is said to have been seen in open areas, marshes, and in coconut plantations. Its diet appears to have consisted mainly of insects and occasionally copra (coconut meat). The extinction of the Tahiti rail was probably due to predation by humans and introduced cats and rats. It appears to have become extinct some time after 1844 on Tahiti, and perhaps as late as the 1930s on Mehetia. (Full article...)
    Image 9

    Early 1770s illustration byGeorg Forster

    TheTahiti rail,Tahitian red-billed rail, orPacific red-billed rail (Gallirallus pacificus) is anextinct species ofrail that lived onTahiti. It was first recorded duringJames Cook'ssecond voyage around the world (1772–1775), on which it was illustrated byGeorg Forster and described byJohann Reinhold Forster. No specimens have been preserved. As well as the documentation by the Forsters, there have been claims that the bird also existed on the nearby island ofMehetia. The Tahiti rail appears to have been closely related to, and perhaps derived from, thebuff-banded rail, and has also been historically confused with theTongan subspecies of that bird.

    The Tahiti rail was 9 inches (23 centimetres) long, and its colouration was unusual for a rail. The underparts, throat, and eyebrow-likesupercilium were white, and the upper parts were black with white dots and bands. The nape (or hind neck) was ferruginous (rust-coloured), the breast was grey, and it had a black band across the lower throat. The bill and iris were red, and the legs were fleshy pink. The Tahiti rail was supposedlyflightless andnested on the ground. It is said to have been seen in open areas, marshes, and in coconut plantations. Its diet appears to have consisted mainly ofinsects and occasionallycopra (coconut meat). The extinction of the Tahiti rail was probably due to predation by humans andintroduced cats and rats. It appears to have become extinct some time after 1844 on Tahiti, and perhaps as late as the 1930s on Mehetia. (Full article...)
  • Image 10 King vulture soaring in Brazil The king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large bird found in Central and South America. It is a member of the New World vulture family Cathartidae. This vulture lives predominantly in tropical lowland forests stretching from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. It is the only surviving member of the genus Sarcoramphus, although fossil members are known. Large and predominantly white, the king vulture has gray to black ruff, flight, and tail feathers. The head and neck are bald, with the skin color varying, including yellow, orange, blue, purple, and red. The king vulture has a noticeable orange fleshy caruncle on its beak. This vulture is a scavenger and it often makes the initial cut into a fresh carcass. It also displaces smaller New World vulture species from a carcass. King vultures have been known to live for up to 30 years in captivity. King vultures were popular figures in the Mayan codices as well as in local folklore and medicine. Although currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, they are decreasing in number, due primarily to habitat loss. (Full article...)
    Image 10

    King vulture soaring inBrazil

    Theking vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a largebird found inCentral andSouth America. It is a member of theNew World vulturefamilyCathartidae. This vulture lives predominantly in tropical lowland forests stretching from southernMexico to northernArgentina. It is the only surviving member of the genusSarcoramphus, although fossil members are known.

    Large and predominantly white, the king vulture has gray to black ruff, flight, and tailfeathers. The head and neck are bald, with the skin color varying, including yellow, orange, blue, purple, and red. The king vulture has a noticeable orange fleshycaruncle on its beak. This vulture is a scavenger and it often makes the initial cut into a fresh carcass. It also displaces smaller New World vulture species from a carcass. King vultures have been known to live for up to 30 years in captivity.

    King vultures were popular figures in theMayan codices as well as in local folklore and medicine. Although currently listed asLeast Concern by theIUCN, they are decreasing in number, due primarily tohabitat loss. (Full article...)
  • Image 11 Near Flores, Peten, Guatemala The mangrove swallow (Tachycineta albilinea) is a passerine bird in the swallow family that breeds in coastal regions from Mexico through Central America to Panama. It has blue-green upperparts, blackish flight feathers, a white rump, a black tail, and white underparts. It can be identified by the supraloral white streak, the white line near its eye, which only occurs in two other species of Tachycineta: the violet-green swallow and the white-rumped swallow. The sexes, although similar in plumage, differ slightly in size. The juveniles have grey-brown upperparts and white-washed underparts. This swallow's song is generally described as a soft trilling, with a rolled jeerrt call, and a sharp alarm note. The mangrove swallow is very territorial when breeding, much like the related tree swallow. Its nest is normally built in a hole or crevice near water and less than 2 metres (7 ft) above the ground. This species usually feeds alone when breeding, but will feed in groups when not. It normally forages closer to the nest when hunting for its chicks, but will go much further when foraging for itself. In between foraging attempts, it is frequently seen perching near water. It is an aerial insectivore and eats unusually large prey for its size. With an estimated population of at least 500,000 individuals, the mangrove swallow is classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its numbers are decreasing, although not fast enough for it to be classified as vulnerable. Little is known about the predation of this species, although it is a host of Sternostoma hirundinis, a type of nasal mite. It has also been known to lose nests both to termites and black flies. (Full article...)
    Image 11

    Near Flores, Peten, Guatemala

    Themangrove swallow (Tachycineta albilinea) is apasserinebird in theswallow family that breeds in coastal regions fromMexico throughCentral America toPanama. It has blue-green upperparts, blackishflight feathers, a white rump, a black tail, and white underparts. It can be identified by thesupraloral white streak, the white line near its eye, which only occurs in two other species ofTachycineta: theviolet-green swallow and thewhite-rumped swallow. The sexes, although similar inplumage, differ slightly in size. The juveniles have grey-brown upperparts and white-washed underparts. This swallow'ssong is generally described as a soft trilling, with a rolledjeerrt call, and a sharp alarm note.

    The mangrove swallow is veryterritorial when breeding, much like the relatedtree swallow. Itsnest is normally built in a hole or crevice near water and less than 2 metres (7 ft) above the ground. This species usually feeds alone when breeding, but will feed in groups when not. It normally forages closer to the nest whenhunting for its chicks, but will go much further when foraging for itself. In between foraging attempts, it is frequently seen perching near water. It is an aerialinsectivore and eats unusually largeprey for its size.

    With an estimated population of at least 500,000 individuals, the mangrove swallow is classified as a species ofleast concern by theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its numbers are decreasing, although not fast enough for it to be classified asvulnerable. Little is known about the predation of this species, although it is ahost ofSternostoma hirundinis, a type of nasalmite. It has also been known to lose nests both totermites andblack flies. (Full article...)
  • Image 12 The red wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) is a passerine bird native to southern Australia. At 33–37 cm (13–14+1⁄2 in) in length, it is the second largest species of Australian honeyeater, after the yellow wattlebird. It has mainly grey-brown plumage, with red eyes, distinctive pinkish-red wattles on either side of the neck, white streaks on the chest and a large bright yellow patch on the lower belly. The sexes are similar in plumage. Juveniles have less prominent wattles and browner eyes. John White described the red wattlebird in 1790. Three subspecies are recognized. The species is found in southeast Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and southwest Western Australia in open forest and woodland, and is a common visitor to urban gardens and parks. Loud and conspicuous, the red wattlebird is generally found in trees, where it gets most of its food; occasionally it forages on the ground. It is one of the largest nectarivorous birds in the world, feeding from a wide variety of flowering plants. Insects also comprise part of its diet. It is territorial and at times aggressive towards birds of other species, often defending rich sources of nectar. Breeding throughout its range, the red wattlebird builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree and raises one or two broods a year. Although it has declined in places from land-clearing, it is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. (Full article...)
    Image 12

    Thered wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) is apasserine bird native to southern Australia. At 33–37 cm (13–14+1⁄2 in) in length, it is the second largest species of Australianhoneyeater, after theyellow wattlebird. It has mainly grey-brownplumage, with red eyes, distinctive pinkish-redwattles on either side of the neck, white streaks on the chest and a large bright yellow patch on the lower belly. The sexes are similar in plumage. Juveniles have less prominent wattles and browner eyes.John White described the red wattlebird in 1790. Threesubspecies are recognized.

    The species is found in southeastQueensland,New South Wales,Victoria, South Australia and southwestWestern Australia in open forest and woodland, and is a common visitor to urban gardens and parks. Loud and conspicuous, the red wattlebird is generally found in trees, where it gets most of its food; occasionally it forages on the ground. It is one of the largestnectarivorous birds in the world, feeding from a wide variety of flowering plants.Insects also comprise part of its diet. It isterritorial and at times aggressive towards birds of other species, often defending rich sources of nectar. Breeding throughout its range, the red wattlebird builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree and raises one or two broods a year. Although it has declined in places fromland-clearing, it is classified asLeast Concern on theIUCN Red List. (Full article...)
  • Image 13 Turner in the 1890s Emma Louisa Turner or E L Turner FLS, FZS, HMBOU (9 June 1867 – 13 August 1940) was an English ornithologist and pioneering bird photographer. Turner took up photography at age 34, after meeting the wildlife photographer Richard Kearton. She joined the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) in 1901, and by 1904 she had started to give talks illustrated with her own photographic slides; by 1908, when aged 41, she was established as a professional lecturer. Turner spent part of each year in Norfolk, and her 1911 image of a nestling bittern in Norfolk was the first evidence of the species' return to the United Kingdom as a breeding bird after its local extinction in the late 19th century. She also travelled widely in the United Kingdom and abroad photographing birds. Turner wrote eight books and many journal and magazine articles, and her picture of a great crested grebe led to her being awarded the Gold Medal of the RPS. She was one of the first women to be elected to fellowship of the Linnaean Society and the first female honorary member of the British Ornithologists' Union. Though not a graduate, she was also an honorary member of the British Federation of University Women. She lost her sight two years before her death. (Full article...)
    Image 13

    Turner in the 1890s

    Emma Louisa Turner orE L TurnerFLS,FZS,HMBOU (9 June 1867 – 13 August 1940) was an Englishornithologist and pioneering bird photographer. Turner took up photography at age 34, after meeting the wildlife photographerRichard Kearton. She joined theRoyal Photographic Society (RPS) in 1901, and by 1904 she had started to give talks illustrated with her ownphotographic slides; by 1908, when aged 41, she was established as a professional lecturer.

    Turner spent part of each year inNorfolk, and her 1911 image of a nestlingbittern in Norfolk was the first evidence of the species' return to the United Kingdom as a breeding bird after itslocal extinction in the late 19th century. She also travelled widely in the United Kingdom and abroad photographing birds.

    Turner wrote eight books and many journal and magazine articles, and her picture of agreat crested grebe led to her being awarded the Gold Medal of the RPS. She was one of the first women to be elected to fellowship of theLinnaean Society and the first female honorary member of theBritish Ornithologists' Union. Though not a graduate, she was also an honorary member of theBritish Federation of University Women. She lost her sight two years before her death. (Full article...)
  • Image 14 Adult and juvenile specimens, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris; the juvenile could possibly also be a Kangaroo Island emu The King Island emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae minor) is an extinct subspecies of emu that was endemic to King Island, in the Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania. Its closest relative may be the also extinct Tasmanian emu (D. n. diemenensis), as they belonged to a single population until less than 14,000 years ago, when Tasmania and King Island were still connected. The small size of the King Island emu may be an example of insular dwarfism. The King Island emu was the smallest of all known emus and had darker plumage than the mainland emu. It was black and brown and had naked blue skin on the neck, and its chicks were striped like those on the mainland. The subspecies was distinct from the likewise small and extinct Kangaroo Island emu (D. n. baudinianus) in a number of osteological details, including size. The behaviour of the King Island emu probably did not differ much from that of the mainland emu. The birds gathered in flocks to forage and during breeding time. They fed on berries, grass and seaweed. They ran swiftly and could defend themselves by kicking. The nest was shallow and consisted of dead leaves and moss. Seven to nine eggs were laid, which were incubated by both parents. Europeans discovered the King Island emu in 1802 during early expeditions to the island, and most of what is known about the bird in life comes from an interview French naturalist François Péron conducted with a sealer there, as well as depictions by artist Charles Alexandre Lesueur. They had arrived on King Island in 1802 with Nicolas Baudin's expedition, and in 1804 several live and stuffed King and Kangaroo Island emus were sent to France. The two live King Island specimens were kept in the Jardin des Plantes, and the remains of these and the other birds are scattered throughout various museums in Europe today. The logbooks of the expedition did not specify from which island each captured bird originated, or even whether they were taxonomically distinct, so their status remained unclear until more than a century later. Hunting pressure and fires started by early settlers on King Island likely drove the wild population to extinction by 1805. The captive specimens in Paris both died in 1822 and are believed to have been the last of their kind. (Full article...)
    Image 14

    Adult and juvenile specimens,Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris; the juvenile could possibly also be aKangaroo Island emu

    TheKing Island emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae minor) is anextinctsubspecies ofemu that wasendemic toKing Island, in theBass Strait between mainlandAustralia andTasmania. Its closest relative may be the also extinctTasmanian emu (D. n. diemenensis), as they belonged to a single population until less than 14,000 years ago, when Tasmania and King Island were still connected. The small size of the King Island emu may be an example ofinsular dwarfism. The King Island emu was the smallest of all known emus and had darkerplumage than the mainland emu. It was black and brown and had naked blue skin on the neck, and its chicks were striped like those on the mainland. The subspecies was distinct from the likewise small and extinctKangaroo Island emu (D. n. baudinianus) in a number ofosteological details, including size. The behaviour of the King Island emu probably did not differ much from that of the mainland emu. The birds gathered in flocks to forage and during breeding time. They fed on berries, grass and seaweed. They ran swiftly and could defend themselves by kicking. The nest was shallow and consisted of dead leaves and moss. Seven to nine eggs were laid, which wereincubated by both parents.

    Europeans discovered the King Island emu in 1802 during early expeditions to the island, and most of what is known about the bird in life comes from an interview French naturalistFrançois Péron conducted with asealer there, as well as depictions by artistCharles Alexandre Lesueur. They had arrived on King Island in 1802 withNicolas Baudin's expedition, and in 1804 several live and stuffed King and Kangaroo Island emus were sent to France. The two live King Island specimens were kept in theJardin des Plantes, and the remains of these and the other birds are scattered throughout various museums in Europe today. The logbooks of the expedition did not specify from which island each captured bird originated, or even whether they weretaxonomically distinct, so their status remained unclear until more than a century later. Hunting pressure and fires started by early settlers on King Island likely drove the wild population to extinction by 1805. The captive specimens in Paris both died in 1822 and are believed to have been the last of their kind. (Full article...)
  • Image 15 As lady mayoress of Reigate in 1913 Margaretta "Etta" Louisa Lemon MBE (née Smith; 22 November 1860 – 8 July 1953) was an English bird conservationist and a founding member of what is now the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). She was born into an evangelical Christian family in Kent, and after her father's death she increasingly campaigned against the use of plumage in hatmaking which had led to billions of birds being killed for their feathers. She may have been part of the Fur, Fin and Feather Folk with Eliza Phillips in Croydon and Catherine Victoria Hall in London in 1889, which two years later merged with Emily Williamson's Manchester-based Society for the Protection of Birds (SPB), also founded in 1889. The new organisation adopted the SPB title, and the constitution for the merged society was written by Frank Lemon, who became its legal adviser. Etta married Frank Lemon in 1892, and as Mrs Lemon she became the first honorary secretary of the SPB, a post she kept until 1904, when the society became the RSPB. The Lemons led the RSPB for more than three decades, although Etta's conservatism, authoritarian management and opposition to scientific ornithology increasingly led to clashes with the organisation's committee. She was pressured to resign from her leadership role in 1938, aged 79. During her tenure, the Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Act 1921 restricted the international trade in feathers, but did not prevent their being sold or worn. (Full article...)
    Image 15

    Aslady mayoress of Reigate in 1913

    Margaretta "Etta"Louisa LemonMBE (née Smith; 22 November 1860 – 8 July 1953) was an English birdconservationist and a founding member of what is now theRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

    She was born into anevangelical Christian family inKent, and after her father's death she increasingly campaigned against the use ofplumage inhatmaking which had led to billions of birds being killed for their feathers. She may have been part of theFur, Fin and Feather Folk withEliza Phillips inCroydon andCatherine Victoria Hall inLondon in 1889, which two years later merged withEmily Williamson'sManchester-basedSociety for the Protection of Birds (SPB), also founded in 1889. The new organisation adopted the SPB title, and the constitution for the merged society was written by Frank Lemon, who became its legal adviser. Etta married Frank Lemon in 1892, and as Mrs Lemon she became the first honorary secretary of the SPB, a post she kept until 1904, when the society became the RSPB.

    The Lemons led the RSPB for more than three decades, although Etta's conservatism, authoritarian management and opposition to scientificornithology increasingly led to clashes with the organisation's committee. She was pressured to resign from her leadership role in 1938, aged 79. During her tenure, theImportation of Plumage (Prohibition) Act 1921 restricted the international trade in feathers, but did not prevent their being sold or worn. (Full article...)
  • Image 16 near Bredstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany The western house martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes called the common house martin, northern house martin or, particularly in Europe, just house martin, is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and across the Palearctic; and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It feeds on insects which are caught in flight, and it migrates to climates where flying insects are plentiful. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation. It is similar in appearance to the two other martin species of the genus Delichon, which are both endemic to eastern and southern Asia. It has two accepted subspecies. Both the scientific and colloquial name of the bird are related to its use of human-made structures. It builds a closed cup nest from mud pellets under eaves or similar locations on buildings usually in colonies. It is hunted by the Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), and like other birds is affected by internal parasites and external fleas and mites. Its large range and population mean that it is not threatened globally. (Full article...)
    Image 16

    near Bredstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

    Thewestern house martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes called thecommon house martin,northern house martin or, particularly in Europe, justhouse martin, is amigratorypasserinebird of theswallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and across thePalearctic; and winters insub-Saharan Africa andtropical Asia. It feeds on insects which are caught in flight, and it migrates to climates where flying insects are plentiful. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation. It is similar in appearance to the two other martinspecies of the genusDelichon, which are bothendemic to eastern and southern Asia. It has two acceptedsubspecies.

    Both the scientific and colloquial name of the bird are related to its use of human-made structures. It builds a closed cup nest from mud pellets under eaves or similar locations on buildings usually incolonies.

    It is hunted by theEurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), and like other birds is affected by internalparasites and external fleas and mites. Its large range and population mean that it is not threatened globally. (Full article...)
  • Image 17 The golden white-eye (Cleptornis marchei) is a species of bird in the white-eye family, Zosteropidae. It is the only species within the genus Cleptornis. The golden white-eye was once considered to be a honeyeater in the family Meliphagidae and although it is now known to be a white-eye, its position within that family is still uncertain. The species is restricted to the islands of Saipan and Aguijan in the Northern Mariana Islands, where it is sympatric (shares its range) and competes with the related bridled white-eye. The golden white-eye has golden plumage and a pale eye-ring. It feeds on insects, fruit, and nectar and forages in pairs or small family groups. The bird is monogamous and lays two eggs in a small cup nest. Fossil evidence shows the golden white-eye once also occurred on Tinian and Rota but was extirpated in those locations through the impact of human activities. Despite its current abundance on Saipan and Aguijan, and the fact that it has among the highest recorded densities for any bird, it is nevertheless considered to be Endangered. It is threatened by the invasive brown tree snake, which has become established on nearby Guam, and this predator is expected to cause a rapid decline in the population if it reaches Saipan. Efforts are under way to control the snakes and breed the white-eye in zoos. (Full article...)
    Image 17

    Thegolden white-eye (Cleptornis marchei) is a species ofbird in the white-eye family,Zosteropidae. It is theonly species within thegenusCleptornis. The golden white-eye was once considered to be ahoneyeater in the family Meliphagidae and although it is now known to be a white-eye, its position within that family is still uncertain. Thespecies is restricted to the islands ofSaipan andAguijan in theNorthern Mariana Islands, where it issympatric (shares its range) and competes with the relatedbridled white-eye. The golden white-eye has goldenplumage and a pale eye-ring. It feeds on insects, fruit, and nectar and forages in pairs or small family groups. The bird is monogamous and lays twoeggs in a small cupnest.

    Fossil evidence shows the golden white-eye once also occurred onTinian andRota but wasextirpated in those locations through the impact of human activities. Despite its current abundance on Saipan and Aguijan, and the fact that it has among the highest recorded densities for any bird, it is nevertheless considered to beEndangered. It is threatened by theinvasivebrown tree snake, which has becomeestablished on nearby Guam, and this predator is expected to cause a rapid decline in the population if it reaches Saipan. Efforts are under way to control the snakes andbreed the white-eye inzoos. (Full article...)
  • Image 18 In Buenos Aires The white-rumped swallow (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae. First described and given its binomial name by French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot in 1817, it was for many years considered a subspecies of the Chilean swallow. The species is monotypic with no known population variations. It has a white supraloral streak, or streak above its lores (the region between a bird's eye and nostrils), which can be used to differentiate it from the Chilean swallow. The lores, ear coverts, tail, and wings are black, with white tips on the inner secondaries, tertials, and greater coverts of the wings. The rest of the upperparts are a glossy blue. Its underparts and underwing-coverts are white, in addition to the rump, as the name suggests. The sexes are similar, and the juvenile is duller and browner with a dusky breast. This species usually builds its nest in holes in trees or dead snags or under or in artificial structures like fence posts and the eaves of buildings. The white-rumped swallow is solitary and nests in distributed pairs during the breeding season. The breeding season is from October to December in Brazil and from October to February in neighboring Argentina. Usually, only one brood with four to seven eggs is laid, although a second one will occasionally be laid. The female incubates the eggs over a period usually between 15 and 16 days, with the fledging usually occurring between 21 and 25 days after hatching. This swallow is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are: (Full article...)
    Image 18

    In Buenos Aires

    Thewhite-rumped swallow (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) is a species ofbird in the familyHirundinidae. First described and given its binomial name by FrenchornithologistLouis Pierre Vieillot in 1817, it was for many years considered asubspecies of theChilean swallow. The species ismonotypic with no known population variations. It has a whitesupraloral streak, or streak above itslores (the region between a bird's eye and nostrils), which can be used to differentiate it from the Chilean swallow. The lores,ear coverts, tail, and wings are black, with white tips on the inner secondaries, tertials, and greater coverts of the wings. The rest of theupperparts are a glossy blue. Its underparts and underwing-coverts are white, in addition to the rump, as the name suggests. The sexes are similar, and the juvenile is duller and browner with a dusky breast.

    This species usually builds itsnest in holes in trees or dead snags or under or in artificial structures like fence posts and theeaves of buildings. The white-rumped swallow issolitary and nests in distributed pairs during thebreeding season. The breeding season is from October to December in Brazil and from October to February in neighboring Argentina. Usually, only one brood with four to seven eggs is laid, although a second one will occasionally be laid. The femaleincubates the eggs over a period usually between 15 and 16 days, with the fledging usually occurring between 21 and 25 days after hatching.

    Thisswallow is found inArgentina,Bolivia,Brazil,Paraguay,Peru, andUruguay. Its naturalhabitats are: (Full article...)
  • Image 19 Female by a feeding hopper The echo parakeet (Psittacula eques) is a species of parrot endemic to the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius and formerly Réunion. It is the only living native parrot of the Mascarene Islands; all others have become extinct due to human activity. Two subspecies have been recognised, the extinct Réunion parakeet (for a long time known only from descriptions and illustrations) and the living echo parakeet, sometimes known as the Mauritius parakeet. The relationship between the two populations has been historically disputed. A 2015 DNA study compared the DNA of echo parakeets with a skin sample thought to be from a Réunion parakeet and determined them to be subspecies of the same species. However, it has also been suggested they did not constitute different subspecies. As it was named first, the binomial name of the Réunion parakeet is used for the species; the Réunion subspecies thereby became P. eques eques, while the Mauritius subspecies became P. eques echo. Their closest relative was the extinct Newton's parakeet of Rodrigues, and the three are grouped among the subspecies of the rose-ringed parakeet (from which they diverged) of Asia and Africa. The echo parakeet is 34–42 cm (13–17 in) long, weighs 167–193 g (5.9–6.8 oz), and its wingspan is 49–54 cm (19–21 in). It is generally green (the female is darker overall) and has two collars on the neck; the male has one black and one pink collar, and the female has one green and one indistinct black collar. The upper bill of the male is red and the lower blackish brown; the female's upper bill is black. The skin around the eyes is orange and the feet are grey. Juveniles have a red-orange bill, which turns black after they fledge, and immature birds are similar to the female. The Réunion parakeet had a complete pink collar around the neck, whereas it tapers out at the back in the Mauritius subspecies. The related rose-ringed parakeet which has been introduced to Mauritius is similar, though slightly different in colouration and smaller. The echo parakeet has a wide range of vocalisations, the most common sounding like "chaa-chaa, chaa-chaa". As the species is limited to forests with native vegetation, it is largely restricted to the Black River Gorges National Park in the southwest of Mauritius. It is arboreal and keeps to the canopy, where it feeds and rests. It nests in natural cavities in old trees, and clutches usually consist of two to four white eggs. The female incubates the eggs, while the male feeds her, and the young are brooded by the female. Not all pairs are strictly monogamous, as breeding between females and "auxiliary males" is known to occur. The echo parakeet mainly feeds on the fruits and leaves of native plants, though it has been observed to feed on introduced plants. The Réunion parakeet probably went extinct due to hunting and deforestation, and was last reported in 1732. The echo parakeet was also hunted by early visitors to Mauritius and due to destruction and alteration of its native habitat, its numbers declined throughout the 20th century, reaching as few as eight to 12 in the 1980s, when it was referred to as "the world's rarest parrot". An intensive effort of captive breeding beginning in the 1990s saved the bird from extinction; the species was downgraded from critically endangered to endangered in 2007, and the population had reached 750 birds by 2019, whereafter it was classified as vulnerable. (Full article...)
    Image 19

    Female by afeeding hopper

    Theecho parakeet (Psittacula eques) is aspecies ofparrotendemic to theMascarene Islands ofMauritius and formerlyRéunion. It is the only living native parrot of the Mascarene Islands; all others have becomeextinct due to human activity. Twosubspecies have been recognised, the extinctRéunion parakeet (for a long time known only from descriptions and illustrations) and the living echo parakeet, sometimes known as theMauritius parakeet. The relationship between the two populations has been historically disputed. A 2015DNA study compared the DNA of echo parakeets with a skin sample thought to be from a Réunion parakeet and determined them to be subspecies of the same species. However, it has also been suggested they did not constitute different subspecies. As it was named first, thebinomial name of the Réunion parakeet is used for the species; the Réunion subspecies thereby becameP. eques eques, while the Mauritius subspecies becameP. eques echo. Their closest relative was the extinctNewton's parakeet ofRodrigues, and the three are grouped among the subspecies of therose-ringed parakeet (from which they diverged) of Asia and Africa.

    The echo parakeet is 34–42 cm (13–17 in) long, weighs 167–193 g (5.9–6.8 oz), and itswingspan is 49–54 cm (19–21 in). It is generally green (the female is darker overall) and has two collars on the neck; the male has one black and one pink collar, and the female has one green and one indistinct black collar. The upperbill of the male is red and the lower blackish brown; the female's upper bill is black. The skin around the eyes is orange and the feet are grey. Juveniles have a red-orange bill, which turns black after theyfledge, and immature birds are similar to the female. The Réunion parakeet had a complete pink collar around the neck, whereas it tapers out at the back in the Mauritius subspecies. The related rose-ringed parakeet which has beenintroduced to Mauritius is similar, though slightly different in colouration and smaller. The echo parakeet has a wide range ofvocalisations, the most common sounding like "chaa-chaa, chaa-chaa".

    As the species is limited to forests with native vegetation, it is largely restricted to theBlack River Gorges National Park in the southwest of Mauritius. It isarboreal and keeps to thecanopy, where it feeds and rests. It nests in natural cavities in old trees, and clutches usually consist of two to four white eggs. The female incubates the eggs, while the male feeds her, and the young are brooded by the female. Not all pairs are strictlymonogamous, as breeding between females and "auxiliary males" is known to occur. The echo parakeet mainly feeds on the fruits and leaves of native plants, though it has been observed to feed onintroduced plants. The Réunion parakeet probably went extinct due to hunting anddeforestation, and was last reported in 1732. The echo parakeet was also hunted by early visitors to Mauritius and due to destruction and alteration of its native habitat, its numbers declined throughout the 20th century, reaching as few as eight to 12 in the 1980s, when it was referred to as "the world's rarest parrot". An intensive effort ofcaptive breeding beginning in the 1990s saved the bird from extinction; the species was downgraded fromcritically endangered toendangered in 2007, and the population had reached 750 birds by 2019, whereafter it was classified asvulnerable. (Full article...)
  • Image 20 A male The black honeyeater (Sugomel nigrum) is a species of bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae and the sole species in the genus Sugomel. The black honeyeater exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the male being black and white while the female is a speckled grey-brown; immature birds look like the female. The species is endemic to Australia, and ranges widely across the arid areas of the continent, through open woodland and shrubland, particularly in areas where the emu bush and related species occur. A nectar feeder, the black honeyeater has a long curved bill to reach the base of tubular flowers such as those of the emu bush. It also takes insects in the air, and regularly eats ash left behind at campfires. Cup-shaped nests are built in the forks of small trees or shrubs. The male engages in a soaring song flight in the mating season, but contributes little to nest-building or incubating the clutch of two or three eggs. Both sexes feed and care for the young. While the population appears to be decreasing, the black honeyeater is sufficiently numerous and widespread and hence is considered to be of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List of Endangered species. (Full article...)
    Image 20

    A male

    Theblack honeyeater (Sugomel nigrum) is a species ofbird in the honeyeaterfamilyMeliphagidae and the sole species in thegenusSugomel. The black honeyeater exhibitssexual dimorphism, with the male being black and white while the female is a speckled grey-brown; immature birds look like the female. The species isendemic to Australia, and ranges widely across thearid areas of the continent, through open woodland and shrubland, particularly in areas where theemu bush and related species occur.

    Anectar feeder, the black honeyeater has a long curved bill to reach the base of tubular flowers such as those of the emu bush. It also takes insects in the air, and regularly eats ash left behind at campfires. Cup-shaped nests are built in the forks of small trees or shrubs. The male engages in a soaring song flight in the mating season, but contributes little to nest-building or incubating the clutch of two or three eggs. Both sexes feed and care for the young. While the population appears to be decreasing, the black honeyeater is sufficiently numerous and widespread and hence is considered to be ofleast concern on theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'sRed List of Endangered species. (Full article...)

Selected general bird topic

Bird control spikes on a roof in Denmark

Abird control spike, also known as ananti-roosting spike,pigeon spike, orroost modification, is a device consisting of long, needle-like rods used forbird control. Bird control spikes can be attached to building ledges,street lighting, andcommercial signage to prevent wild orferal birds from perching or roosting. Birds can produce large quantities of unsightly andunhygienicfeces, and some birds have very loudcalls that can be inconvenient for nearby residents, especially at night. As a result, bird control spikes are used to deter these birds without causing them harm or killing them. In an unexpected adaptation, some birds have collected the spikes and used them in their nests. (Full article...)

List of selected general topics

Selectedtaxon

Great eared nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis)

Nightjars are medium-sizednocturnal orcrepuscularbirds in thefamilyCaprimulgidae/ˌkæprɪˈmʌldʒɪdiː/ andorderCaprimulgiformes, characterised by long wings, short legs, and very short bills. They are sometimes calledbugeaters, their primary source of food being insects. SomeNew World species are called nighthawks. The English wordnightjar originally referred to theEuropean nightjar.

Nightjars are found all around the world, with the exception of Antarctica, and certain island groups such as the Seychelles. They can be found in a variety of habitats, most commonly the open country with some vegetation. They usually nest on the ground, with a habit of resting and roosting on roads.

Nightjars have similar characteristics, including small feet, of little use for walking, and long, pointed wings. Typical nightjars haverictal bristles, longer bills, and softer plumage. The colour of their plumage and their unusual perching habits help conceal them during the day, but they often possess contrasting pale patches or spots that likely serve in intraspecific communication. (Full article...)

List of selected taxon articles

Topics

Anatomy:   Anatomy •Skeleton •Flight •Eggs •Feathers •Plumage

Evolution and extinction:   Evolution •Archaeopteryx •Hybridisation •Late Quaternary prehistoric birds •Fossils •Taxonomy •Extinction

Behaviour:   Singing •Intelligence •Migration •Reproduction •Nesting •Incubation •Brood parasites

Bird orders:   Struthioniformes •Tinamiformes •Anseriformes •Accipitriformes •Galliformes •Gaviiformes •Podicipediformes •Procellariiformes •Sphenisciformes •Pelecaniformes •Ciconiiformes •Phoenicopteriformes •Falconiformes •Gruiformes •Charadriiformes •Pteroclidiformes •Columbiformes •Psittaciformes •Cuculiformes •Strigiformes •Caprimulgiformes •Apodiformes •Coraciiformes •Piciformes •Trogoniformes •Coliiformes •Passeriformes

Bird lists:   Families and orders •Lists by region

Birds and humans:   Ringing •Ornithology •Bird collections •Birdwatching •Birdfeeding •Conservation •Aviculture

Quotes

“People expect the clergy to have the grace of a swan, the friendliness of a sparrow, the strength of an eagle and the night hours of an owl - and some people expect such a bird to live on the food of a canary.”
--Edward Jeffrey, a British clergyman[1], The New York Times, June 21, 1964

...All quotes
...Show another quote

Resources

Free online resources:

There is alsoBirds of North America, Cornell University's massive project collecting information on every breeding bird in the ABA area. It is available for US$40 a year.

For more sources, including printed sources, seeWikiProject Birds.

WikiProjects

Selected images

Selected bird anatomy topic

A bird on its back, revealing a patch of featherless skin
Brood patch of asand martin

Abrood patch, also known as anincubation patch in older literature, is a patch of featherless skin on the underside ofbirds during thenesting season. Feathers act as inherent insulators and prevent efficient incubation, to which brood patches are the solution. This patch of skin is well supplied with blood vessels at the surface, enabling heat transfer to the eggs when incubating. In most species, the feathers in the region shed automatically, butducks andgeese may pluck and use their feathers to line the nest. Feathers regrow sooner afterhatching inprecocial birds than for those that havealtricial young.

Upon settling on a nest, birds will shift in a characteristic side to side manner to ensure full contact of the brood patch with eggs or young. (Full article...)

List of selected anatomy articles

Selected species

King vulture
Theking vulture,Sarcoramphus papa, is a largeCentral andSouth Americanbird in theNew World vulturefamily Cathartidae. This vulture lives predominantly in tropical lowland forests stretching from southernMexico to northernArgentina. It is the only surviving member of the genusSarcoramphus, though fossil members are known. It is large and predominantly white, with gray to black ruff, flight, and tailfeathers. Its head and neck are bald, with the skin color varying, including yellow, orange, blue, purple, and red. The king vulture has a very noticeable yellow fleshycarnucle on its beak. This vulture is a scavenger and it often makes the initial cut into a fresh carcass. It also displaces smaller New World vulture species from a carcass. King vultures were popular figures in theMayan codices as well as in local folklore and medicine. Though currently listed as being ofleast concern by theIUCN, they are declining in number, due primarily tohabitat loss.


Did you know

Categories

Things you can do

Create requested articles(WikiProject Birds – Article requests):

Do these tasks:


Here are some tasks awaiting attention:

More outstanding tasks atthe project's cleanup listing,Category:Birds articles needing attention, andWikipedia:WikiProject Birds/Todo.

Taxonomy of Aves

ClassAves, divided into superorders, orders, suborders (where indicated), and families.





Associated Wikimedia

The followingWikimedia Foundation sister projects provide more on this subject:

Sources

  1. ^Applewhite, A.; Evans, T.; Frothingham, A. (2003).And I Quote, Revised Edition: The Definitive Collection of Quotes, Sayings, and Jokes for the Contemporary Speechmaker. Thomas Dunne Books. St. Martin's Press. p. 216.ISBN 978-0-312-30744-8. RetrievedFebruary 7, 2020.
Discover Wikipedia usingportals

Purge server cache

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Portal:Birds&oldid=1305089552"
Categories:
Hidden categories:
[8]ページ先頭
©2009-2025 Movatter.jp