10,000 Birds

JUNE 9, 2014

The next hour plus netted me a host of other species, including my two other targets, Virginia Rail and Common Gallinule. As always, the woods around the marsh were busy with breeders setting up shop. Who likes a declining species of shorebird that eschews the shore and has as its most impressive vocalization a wolf-whistle?

Breeding 154

Breeding New York Breeders Downers 154

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 18, 2014

The vast majority of the 10,000+ living species of birds are passerines, and the vast majority of those have a similar system of breeding: Mom and dad bird make a nest and share parental responsibilities roughly equally, if not identically. There are variations on that theme, of course. They looked at fairy-wrens and cuckoos.

Breeders 210

Breeders Breeding Birds Groups 210

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Even the Latin species name soror (“sister”) indicates the similarity to another pitta species (blue-naped). The eBird description of the Small Niltava starts with the surprisingly dull statement that “size distinguishes this species from other niltavas” Who would have thought.

China 242

China Birds Pythons Eagles 242

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Howell’s A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America , which is absolutely my birder’s Bible for the region, says that Snowy Plovers are fair to uncommon summer breeders in the Lake Cuitzeo area, which they certainly are (breeders, though not uncommon). They were probably not preparing to go south.

Mexico 299

Mexico Science Breeders United States 299

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 1, 2023

The official Ontario bird checklist, produced by Ontario Field Ornithologists , June 2022 listed 506 bird species**, putting it in the top tier of U.S. Small Species Accounts: Each species is allotted one page (with certain exceptions) offering basics–bird names and size, one or two photographs, and a one-paragraph description.

North America 224

North America Birds Owls America 224

10,000 Birds

APRIL 25, 2022

So, the basic idea is to show 15 species of Australian birds in each post and give you the usual trivia about them. This species has also eliminated the need for childcare – the chicks emerge from this pile on their own and never even get to see their parents. Similarly, the Grey Shrikethrush is neither a shrike nor a thrush.

Australia 198

Australia Birds Koalas Parrots 198

10,000 Birds

MAY 10, 2018

The only unstreaked pipit around here and a characteristic breeder of sand dunes is the Tawny Pipit and this one shows well, holding to the grass edge. They do not build nests, but occupy old nests of Rooks and breed colonially among them. They are rare breeders here, but at least, this species’ numbers are on the increase.

Serbia 131

Serbia Eagles Falcons Farming 131

10,000 Birds

JULY 23, 2014

In the mid-1970s, a local breeder was burglarized and a few of his birds escaped, after which the breeder released his remaining stock of about 50 birds 1. The northwestern spread of this non-native species made it to my yard a few years ago. I am always alarmed when I see rapid expansion of a non-native species of any kind.

Breeders 181

Breeders 2002 North America Bahamas 181

10,000 Birds

MARCH 31, 2022

Not bad given that the 5 families in the inner circle of the laughingthrush family have a combined number of about 68 species. The Hainan version is sometimes considered a separate species, in which case it is classified as Near Threatened. 36, if my counting is right and there has been no very recent split or lump.

San Diego 219

San Diego Malaysia China Zoos 219

10,000 Birds

JULY 5, 2013

Although both species are widespread in North America as breeders in shrubby edge habitats, that is not the case in the southern half of the sunshine state (the more northerly race of Prairie Warbler is an uncommon breeder in the panhandle). Everyone, I would like you to meet the ‘Florida’ Prairie Warbler ( S.

Florida 194

Florida Breeders Miami Tampa 194

10,000 Birds

MARCH 15, 2018

During the final stages of the Pan-European bird-atlassing work last year, computer models of Serbian ranges for some 150 bird species were produced for the first time ever. New target species for the next spring field trip. The consequences were amusing. Cannot wait to see it published, but it will take a few more years.

Serbia 101

Serbia Breeders Breeding Woodpeckers 101

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 28, 2022

The species also has something of a criminal record – the HBW reports that “Black-throated T**s [have also been] observed to steal nesting material from other species in central China” ( original source ). Taking photos of such a rare species is a bit of a double-edged sword. ” Wow.

China 147

China Birds Breeders Species 147

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 3, 2015

From a global low of less than 300 birds in the late 80’s, the species has recovered to 2726, according to a survey in early 2014. Habitat destruction, disease and hunting are still major problems that affect the conservation efforts, but the breeding sites and wintering grounds now have international protection.

Taiwan 234

Taiwan North Korea Vietnam 2003 234

10,000 Birds

MARCH 23, 2013

It is one of three species of ani ( Groove-billed and Greater Anis are the other two) and together form a unique branch in the cuckoo family. Smooth-billed Anis were relative newcomers as breeders to Florida, having only begun nesting since the 1930s. However, the true reason (or reasons) for their rapid decline remain a mystery.

Florida 202

Florida Virgin Islands Miami Breeders 202

10,000 Birds

MAY 9, 2012

The least common species of hummingbird I see here is the Calliope Hummingbird ( Stellula calliope ). She is the latest of our local breeders, not nesting usually until mid-May. She will begin breeding in April. The male is the only hummingbird in North America with a rufous back. He also sports a brilliant orange-red gorget.

North America 221

North America Breeders America Breeding 221

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 20, 2013

Westland Petrels are endemic breeders to New Zealand, and an attractive large black seabird. It is one of several species of Procellaria petrels found in New Zealand, and several more that are found in the southern hemisphere. Westland Petrel ( Procellaria westlandica ). Westland Petrel with Cape Petrel behind.

New Zealand 157

New Zealand Breeders Albatross Mammals 157

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 10, 2022

For this reason, the species is evaluated as Vulnerable.” The Rufous-tailed Robin used to be called Swinhoe’s Robin but apparently, somebody decided that there were already too many bird species (6, according to the HBW) named after him. The Latin species name, however, is still elegans. And it is still justified.

Birds 208

Birds China Eggs Owls 208

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

But I had pictures of moorhens to show and luckily for me I did find something to write about for this species. Common Moorhens are, like most birds, monogamous breeders, and may bond for a number of years in the same territory. They may breed as a group, but monogamy is the general rule.

Pythons 165

Pythons Guinea Breeders Australia 165

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 6, 2022

we learn) that are home to coveted boreal species, breeding wood-warblers, and two species of Grouse. There are 461 species on the Maine checklist. This field guide covers 265 species, the ones most likely to be seen–residential and migratory, almost all nesting birds, many wintering birds.

Los Angeles 210

Los Angeles Birds District of Columbia Parrots 210

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 27, 2013

It was for many years the last place you’d find Stitchbirds anywhere in the world, and to this day it still has the largest population of this species and arguably the only stable and secure one. Black Petrels ( Procellaria parkinsoni ) only breed on two islands, of which Little Barrier is one.

New Zealand 144

New Zealand Rats Cooking 2003 144

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2022

It is not particularly big but has a reported 430 bird species including migrants, though during my short stay it seems I missed most of the key attractions among them. Great White Pelican is not just the name of a non-existent glam-rock band but also of a bird species. Pel’s Fishing Owl, where were you?

South Africa 147

South Africa Africa Birds Research 147

10,000 Birds

MAY 1, 2023

In Alaska, they were found to mimic 30 different species ( source ). Apparently , the two main factors influencing double brooding are the individual quality of the breeder and the timing of the first clutch. Maybe they have decided to boycott species with Russian-sounding names as a way to protest against Putin’s policies.

Monkeys 147

Monkeys Birds South Korea Owls 147

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2011

It goes without saying that our three breeding species of mergansers in the United States are amongst the most brilliantly colored birds we have. Common , Hooded and Red-breasted Mergansers all breed here, but Red-breasted is the more northerly of the group. They don’t breed here, but winter strictly on the Front Range.

Colorado 157

Colorado Breeders United States Denver 157

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Yes, Germans were a particularly supersticious breed in the days of old, and would not dare to use the word devil even when cursing. And then we have the terms “Eule“ and “Kauz“, but the assigning of the various species into these two categories is not consistend and lacks taxonomic base and reason.

Germany 195

Germany Birds Hunters Owls 195

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Both the male and female of the species have a bright red crown. Most Acorn Woodpeckers are cooperative breeders and live in family groups of up to a dozen or more individuals. Within a group, 1–7 male co-breeders compete for matings with 1–3 joint-nesting females who lay their eggs in the same nest cavity.

Woodpeckers 186

Woodpeckers Breeders Groups North America 186

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 7, 2020

The book is divided into three parts: “Introduction,” “Avifaunal Overview,” and “Species Accounts.” The authors’ detailed delineation of problems with the accuracy of NYC breeding bird surveys or with the limits of historical writings may test a reader’s patience. Most birders will go straight to the “Species Accounts.”

New York City 156

New York City New York Birds Breeding 156

10,000 Birds

JUNE 1, 2011

The Buller’s Mollymawk is an endemic breeder to New Zealand, although it ranges widely away from the islands to feed, and regularly goes to South America’s Humboldt Current to feed. As albies go they seem to be doing better than most species, and are only listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Albatross 219

Albatross New Zealand South America Breeders 219

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 1, 2015

Add more than 350 pairs of White Pelicans to that picture, numerous herons and up to 700 pairs of Pygmy Cormorants breeding in the same reedbeds (cover photo)… It must be bursting with activity in spring, but I was there in mid-September. In all that swirling of swallows, I am not certain was there a third species, so I keep watching.

Greece 252

Greece Pelicans Geese Breeding 252

10,000 Birds

MAY 2, 2014

Sure, Miami and the Florida Keys do not boast any endemics ( ‘Cape Sable’ Seaside Sparrow is close) at the species level. Many visitors who come through Orlando or Tampa see maybe eight or ten species on a winter trip. However, few realize how unique and how good the birding can be here.

Florida 172

Florida Miami United States Stray 172

10,000 Birds

MARCH 14, 2022

Finally in 1799, the first visitors on this volcanic land were a group of French seal hunters who were after the fur seals that can be found hauled out on the beaches for fur and oil, which almost wiped out the local population of the species. About half of all breeding Wandering Albatross nest on the Prince Edward Islands.

South Africa 264

South Africa Mice Albatross Africa 264

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 26, 2011

You can see the list of the more than 270 bird species observed throughout the year at the marsh, along with their frequency and time of year seen here. Among the several species we did see on the jetty however, is the Black Turnston e ( Arenaria melanocephala ). Of course, all birds in these photos are in non-breeding plumage.

Sanctuary 210

Sanctuary North America Breeders Alaska 210

10,000 Birds

JUNE 23, 2011

The grasslands have been popping off with breeders for well over a month, but the snow is just now giving way to lush alpine meadows and rocky tundras. This is my time of year to explore thin air and look for unique Colorado breeders. Most REAL montane species like this finch are declining in overall population.

Colorado 169

Colorado Breeders Wyoming Breeding 169

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Their habitats vary widely in both rural and urban landscapes; open habitats are preferred and the species generally shuns only extensively forested areas and wetlands 1. To show how adaptive this species is, the following photograph was sent to me by one of my readers and I use it with her permission.

Hunters 180

Hunters Hunting North America Game 180

10,000 Birds

JUNE 25, 2015

This is my first visit to this area, known as the Madz Brod, where two new breeding species for the country were discovered a decade ago. They are common winter visitors, but this is my first observation of them in the breeding season. But I cannot notice the breeder #2! Madz Brod by Slobodan Puzovic. We wait again.

Europe 249

Europe Serbia Russia Breeding 249

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

There seem to be so many that some days the negative stories just seem to pile up in my reader, species lost here, habitat destroyed there, poisoning, illegal persecution, the list can seem endless. It can be difficult not to feel impotent and under attack from all sides.

Morocco 174

Morocco Turtles Protest Protesting 174

10,000 Birds

APRIL 15, 2011

… leaving the remainder of the birds on the Cyprus Species List (over 380 species) are either migrants or accidentals. the first three found only in the Troodos and Paphos forests). That’s quite a lot! As it happens though, Blackcaps may provide a modern example of how this can occur.

Cyprus 157

Cyprus Breeders Protection 2000 157

10,000 Birds

MAY 16, 2014

Although many South Florida specialties can be seen throughout the year such as White-crowned Pigeon and Snail Kite , most visiting birders decide to come in the months of April and May in search of summer migrants or secretive birds that only vocalize during the breeding season.

Florida 157

Florida Miami Bahamas Breeders 157