Mute swan is not really a great name for such a beautiful bird - apparently it was given this name as it was not as vocal as other species of Swan, but I can't help think that the individual who gave this bird its name was desperately lacking in imagination. Perhaps this individual had already used all of their creative thoughts in naming other birds and animals and had got to the stage where they were clutching at straws. What would you have called this beautiful creature if given the chance to give it a name to match its grace and elegance?
Showing posts with label birds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birds. Show all posts
09 March 2013
04 March 2013
When is a Blackbird a Merle?
Until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of a merle. I'm not sure whether that's something I should proudly announce in public or whether many other people would be in the same boat - nonetheless, it's true.
So what is a merle? Basically merle is another name for the common blackbird, which comes from the Latin for Blackbird, Turdus merula - turdus meaning thrush (the Blackbird is a species of true thrush) and merula meaning blackbird. In France it is called a merle and in Scotland it is called a merl. In North America, they are also often referred to as the Eurasian Blackbird.
So what is a merle? Basically merle is another name for the common blackbird, which comes from the Latin for Blackbird, Turdus merula - turdus meaning thrush (the Blackbird is a species of true thrush) and merula meaning blackbird. In France it is called a merle and in Scotland it is called a merl. In North America, they are also often referred to as the Eurasian Blackbird.
01 March 2013
Muscovy Ducks
Muscovy Ducks (also known as Cairina moschata) are large ducks which are native to Mexico, Central, and South America. They are large ducks and the females grow to roughly half the males' size. They are generally black and white in color but there is considerable variations in the amount of each color. The color of their bills can also be variable - they can be yellow, pink, black or any combination of these colors.
13 February 2013
Laughing Kookaburras
Kookaburras are part of the kingfisher family and are native to Australia and New Guinea. There are a number of varieties of kookaburras and they are recognizable by the call which sounds like laughter. One of the species is even called the laughing kookaburra and it is not unusual to come across kookaburras in suburban areas.
11 February 2013
Magnificent Kingfishers
Kingfishers are beautiful birds which are most commonly found throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Australasia, and the kingfisher family comprises of over 90 species. They are recognisable by their large heads, long and pointed bills and short legs.
Most species of the kingfisher have bright plumage and there is little difference in the colors between the females and males. Green and blue are the most common colors for kingfishers.
Most species of the kingfisher have bright plumage and there is little difference in the colors between the females and males. Green and blue are the most common colors for kingfishers.
07 February 2013
Lazy Kestrels
Are kestrels lazy? Apparently kestrels do not build their own nests but use the nests built by other species. So... does that make them lazy or resourceful?
24 January 2013
Ibis - the Rare and Not so Rare
The ibis is a group of wading birds with long legs and long curved bills. They generally feed in groups, using their bills to hunt out crustaceans in the mud and sand. They usually nest in trees overhanging or near water.
The Northern Bald Ibis (also known as the Hermit Ibis or Waldrapp) has an interesting history and was revered in ancient Egypt. Unlike most other species of Ibis, it is non-wading. It has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill. The native populations of the northern bald ibis are declining and there are a number of strategies around the world currently being trialled to increase their numbers in the wild.
The Northern Bald Ibis (also known as the Hermit Ibis or Waldrapp) has an interesting history and was revered in ancient Egypt. Unlike most other species of Ibis, it is non-wading. It has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill. The native populations of the northern bald ibis are declining and there are a number of strategies around the world currently being trialled to increase their numbers in the wild.
22 January 2013
Indigo Bunting
The Indigo Bunting is a small songbird which can be found from South Canada to northern South America, depending on the season. The male of this species has brilliant iridescent blue feathers during the breeding season. In fall and winter, his plumage changes to brown, similar to the female, but he keeps a few blue feathers. The Indigo Bunting will usually migrate at night and will use the stars to navigate.
12 January 2013
Herons Everywhere
Herons are large freshwater and coastal birds, with long legs and long necks and they can be found on all continents except for Antarctica The size of herons varies across the different species, with the smallest measuring about 30 cm and the largest species can be up to 152cm tall.
Herons have very long necks which they are able to extend and retract and they are able to hold their necks in an S shape. While they are flying, a heron's neck is retracted, which is different to other long-necked birds, such as storks and cranes, who fly with their necks outstretched.
Herons have very long necks which they are able to extend and retract and they are able to hold their necks in an S shape. While they are flying, a heron's neck is retracted, which is different to other long-necked birds, such as storks and cranes, who fly with their necks outstretched.
10 January 2013
Harris Hawks and More
Harris Hawks is a bird of prey which is found throughout North, Central and South America. They can also be found in Western Europe and Britain, but are not native to this area. Harris Hawks are popular species for people interested in falconry, so it thought that these birds have escaped from captivity and are now breeding in the wild.
Harris Hawks are different to other species of birds of prey in that they hunt in a collective group, rather than hunt by themselves. It is thought that they have adapted to hunt this way due to the desert environment in which they live.
The red tailed hawk is another hawk which is popular in falconry, particularly in the United States, where this bird of prey can be found. It is popular because not only is it common in the area, but is also very easy to train. This hawk is also one of three species which is often referred to in the US as chicken hawk.
Harris Hawks are different to other species of birds of prey in that they hunt in a collective group, rather than hunt by themselves. It is thought that they have adapted to hunt this way due to the desert environment in which they live.
The red tailed hawk is another hawk which is popular in falconry, particularly in the United States, where this bird of prey can be found. It is popular because not only is it common in the area, but is also very easy to train. This hawk is also one of three species which is often referred to in the US as chicken hawk.
06 January 2013
H is for Hummingbirds
What do you know about hummingbirds? Today, we will share five simple facts about these sweet little birds.
Why are they called hummingbirds?
Simply they got their name due to the sound created when they beat their wings - it sounds like humming. Nothing scientific or too difficult about this one. Perhaps the person who first called them hummingbirds was also responsible for naming the red back spider or the brown snake?
On a more serious note, hummingbirds can beat their wings 60 to 200 times per second, which creates the humming sound, which is also known as a wing whistle.
How small are hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are one of the smallest birds in the world and can range in size from 5cm to 13 cm. In fact, the smallest bird in the world belongs to the hummingbird family and is known as the bee hummingbird which can be found in the forests of Cuba.
Can they fly backwards?
Yes they can! Hummingbirds are the only birds which can fly backwards and they can also hover mid-air. As mentioned previously they can beat their tiny wings a large number of times a second which means they have the ability to hover quite easily. They will often hover while they gather nectar from flowers as their main source of food.
Do hummingbirds hibernate?
Hummingbirds have a very high metabolic rate, which allows them to beat their wings so quickly. However, at night they are able to lower their metabolic rate as they are at rest and they are also able to do this when food is not available. It is a hibernation-like state and it is known as torpor.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Well, I did actually answer that above so I actually gave you the answer before asking the question, but just in case you have forgotten already, they eat nectar and are known as nectarivores. They primarily take the nectar from flowers which are red, orange and bright pink - but they will take the nectar from flowers in other colors too. One way to attract hummingbirds to your garden if you live in an area where they are is to plant red colored flowers. Due to the need for energy to flap their little wings, they tend to consume at least half their weight in sugar each day - wow!
Tropical Hummingbird and Flower Posters by funnaturephotography
See other Hummingbird Posters at zazzle
Why are they called hummingbirds?
Simply they got their name due to the sound created when they beat their wings - it sounds like humming. Nothing scientific or too difficult about this one. Perhaps the person who first called them hummingbirds was also responsible for naming the red back spider or the brown snake?
On a more serious note, hummingbirds can beat their wings 60 to 200 times per second, which creates the humming sound, which is also known as a wing whistle.
How small are hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are one of the smallest birds in the world and can range in size from 5cm to 13 cm. In fact, the smallest bird in the world belongs to the hummingbird family and is known as the bee hummingbird which can be found in the forests of Cuba.
Can they fly backwards?
Yes they can! Hummingbirds are the only birds which can fly backwards and they can also hover mid-air. As mentioned previously they can beat their tiny wings a large number of times a second which means they have the ability to hover quite easily. They will often hover while they gather nectar from flowers as their main source of food.
Do hummingbirds hibernate?
Hummingbirds have a very high metabolic rate, which allows them to beat their wings so quickly. However, at night they are able to lower their metabolic rate as they are at rest and they are also able to do this when food is not available. It is a hibernation-like state and it is known as torpor.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Well, I did actually answer that above so I actually gave you the answer before asking the question, but just in case you have forgotten already, they eat nectar and are known as nectarivores. They primarily take the nectar from flowers which are red, orange and bright pink - but they will take the nectar from flowers in other colors too. One way to attract hummingbirds to your garden if you live in an area where they are is to plant red colored flowers. Due to the need for energy to flap their little wings, they tend to consume at least half their weight in sugar each day - wow!
Tropical Hummingbird and Flower Posters by funnaturephotography
See other Hummingbird Posters at zazzle
29 July 2011
Emu Smile
Funny photograph of an emu that appears to be smiling for the camera with text "Smile!". Text is customizable.
28 July 2011
Eagle and Chick
A cute cartoon illustration of an eagle with a chick on a coffee mug. Perfect for anyone who has a love of birds!
26 July 2011
North American Eagles
There are over 60 species of Eagles throughout the world, however there are only two species of Eagles which can be found in the United States and Canada ~ the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle.
The Bald Eagle can be found throughout Canada, Alaska, the United State and Mexico. It is the national symbol and national bird of the US. The Bald Eagles prefers locations which are near large bodies of water which have a good supply of fish, surrounded by old-growth tress in which the eagles can perch and nest.
The Golden Eagle is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere and can be found throughout Eurasia, North America, and parts of Africa. They are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their heads and necks.
Golden Eagles are well-known for using speed and their powerful talons to catch their prey such as rabbits, squirrels and large mammals including foxes, wild and domestic cats young deer, among other animals. If food is scare, they will eat carrion. They are also known to eat other birds and reptiles.
Golden Eagles are also well-known for building their nests in high places such as cliffs, trees, or human structures such as telephone poles.
The Bald Eagle can be found throughout Canada, Alaska, the United State and Mexico. It is the national symbol and national bird of the US. The Bald Eagles prefers locations which are near large bodies of water which have a good supply of fish, surrounded by old-growth tress in which the eagles can perch and nest.
The Golden Eagle is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere and can be found throughout Eurasia, North America, and parts of Africa. They are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their heads and necks.
Golden Eagles are well-known for using speed and their powerful talons to catch their prey such as rabbits, squirrels and large mammals including foxes, wild and domestic cats young deer, among other animals. If food is scare, they will eat carrion. They are also known to eat other birds and reptiles.
Golden Eagles are also well-known for building their nests in high places such as cliffs, trees, or human structures such as telephone poles.
25 July 2011
Egrets
Egrets are a kind of heron, which are usually white. During the bredding season many egrets develop fine white feathers down their backs. The Animal Zoo has chosen two egrets, the Snowy Egret and the Great Egret.
The Snowy Egret is a small white heron, which is approximately 60 centimetres long. During the breeding season, the yellow upper bills turn red and they get shaggy looking feathers along their backs.
The Great Egret can be distinguished from other egrets by its size, growing up to one metre in height, as well as its yellow beak and black legs. During the breeding season, the Great Egret has delicate feathers down its back.
The Snowy Egret is a small white heron, which is approximately 60 centimetres long. During the breeding season, the yellow upper bills turn red and they get shaggy looking feathers along their backs.
The Great Egret can be distinguished from other egrets by its size, growing up to one metre in height, as well as its yellow beak and black legs. During the breeding season, the Great Egret has delicate feathers down its back.
24 July 2011
Evening Grosbeak
The Evening Grosbeak is a large finch found in North America, which may explain why I have never heard of it before! It is most frequently seen during the winter and is known to happily visit bird feeders in gardens.
Evening Grsbeaks love to eat seeds, fruit, buds and insects. They will forage in flocks in trees and shrubs as well as on the ground.
Evening Grsbeaks love to eat seeds, fruit, buds and insects. They will forage in flocks in trees and shrubs as well as on the ground.
17 July 2011
Ducks, Ducks and More Ducks
Ducks can be found almost all over the world except for Antartica which would explain why they are one of the best known birds. Many ducks are migratory, particularly those breeding in the temperate and Arctic Northern hemisphere. Ducks from the tropics generally do not migrate at all.
Ducks have been found to be the funniest animal, according to research conducted in the UK by Richard Wiseman and his colleagues. Could this be a result of the cartoon ducks which have watched over the years or are the cartoons a result of ducks thought of as being silly?
Ducks have been found to be the funniest animal, according to research conducted in the UK by Richard Wiseman and his colleagues. Could this be a result of the cartoon ducks which have watched over the years or are the cartoons a result of ducks thought of as being silly?
11 July 2011
A Young Dunlin
The Dunlin is a common small wader bird which can be found in the arctic and subarctic regions. One of the interesting characteristics of these birds is that the male provides most of the care of the chicks once they have hatched as the female deserts them and often leaves the breeding area all together.
Below is a picture of a young dunlin, which is evident by the brown plummage on top, whereas adult dunlins have grey plummage.
Below is a picture of a young dunlin, which is evident by the brown plummage on top, whereas adult dunlins have grey plummage.
08 July 2011
Bathing Canary
The Canary is a bird which belongs to the finch family. It is native to the Canary Islands, the Azores and Madeira and is a popular bird kept in avaries throughout the world due to their beautiful singing.
19 June 2011
Red Cardinals
Cardinals are a common bird found throughout North America and the Northern Cardinal is well known for the vibrant red plummage of the males.
Not so long ago, we shared some information with you regarding the Northern Cardinal, so just in case you missed it, you can find it here.
Not so long ago, we shared some information with you regarding the Northern Cardinal, so just in case you missed it, you can find it here.
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