article thumbnail

Common Gallinule, the lost Moorhen

10,000 Birds

The Common Gallinule , is the most wide spread of all the members of the rail family, being found from Canada, to Chile, Europe, Asia, Africa, much of the Pacific, and the Galapagos Islands. These birds have been known to be prolific breeders, with as many as 8 broods a year, and each clutch holding from 5-13 eggs.

Chile 100
article thumbnail

Quintas das Arcas: Bicudo Vinho Verde (2017)

10,000 Birds

I haven’t yet been birding in Europe but whenever I occasionally skim a field guide about the birds on the other side of the Atlantic, I’m always encouraged to find that I’m already familiar with many species found over there, even though most of my birding experience has been limited to eastern North America.

2017 117
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

The Storks of Africa

10,000 Birds

Furthermore we have another very special stork-like bird, the regal Shoebill , previously known as the Whale-headed Stork but now placed in its own family. It breeds on chimneys, roofs, buildings and trees throughout Europe, parts of Asia and even North Africa.

Africa 241
article thumbnail

Andalucia’s City-Slicker Falcons

10,000 Birds

If you see a flock of kestrels in southern Europe, then the chances are that they will be Lessers, for the Common Kestrel never flocks, though occasionally in summer you will see a family hunting together. And unlike the Common Kestrel, Lessers are highly gregarious.

Falcons 198
article thumbnail

Flying Lemons Everywhere

10,000 Birds

I used the family summer cottage as a base camp, placed in an old orchard where no branches are ever cut off, even when old or rotten – only supported from below. It has been a while since I birded a new area for the first time – I sure missed the feeling. As a result, I had 15 species in the first hour.

Turtles 113
article thumbnail

The Falcon Thief: A Book Review

10,000 Birds

And then, we are immersed into the history of falconry–the beauty and wonder of these birds and the “art” of training them and hunting with them traveled from Europe to the Middle East, translating eventually into a new sport–falcon racing. He describes how white Gyrfalcons are prized for their beauty and power.

Falcons 211
article thumbnail

Our Best Birds of 2020

10,000 Birds

Chamois is an agile goat-antelope with short hooked horns, found in mountainous areas of Europe from Spain to the Caucasus. Common Cuckoo is a fascinating bird, an obligate parasitic breeder that employs numerous strategies, including fraud and murder, to survive. Yes, yes, I know, not countable – it’s not a bird.

2020 233