10,000 Birds

MARCH 23, 2011

They are species that breed in the US and then spend the winter in Central and South America, eating what’s avialable–especially fruit. Nyjer (aka Thistle) for goldfinches was introduced from Nigeria–someone had to experiment with that. Grape jelly for orioles was an experiment too.

Nigeria 251

Nigeria Birds Belize South America 251

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 10, 2012

They diverged at approximately the same time as the rockjumpers (two quite unique bird species endemic to Southern Africa and now in their own family), and as a result for a while were even placed in the same family. Forest cover in both species’ ranges is being destroyed at an unsustainable rate and these birds’ populations are dwindling.

Sierra Leone 273

Sierra Leone Ghana Cameroon Equatorial Guinea 273

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

In the High Arctic we find several migrating species that break that mould. This tiny passerine winters in Africa, places like Tanzania, Nigeria, Somalia. This population’s breeding range is covers much of the Eastern Arctic, from northern Labrador up to Ellesmere, in as far west as the Kivaliq region (Rankin Inlet, Arviat).

Africa 207

Africa Somalia North America Nigeria 207