10,000 Birds

MARCH 25, 2024

In Grey-backed Shrikes (at least those breeding on the Tibetan plateau), the eggs laid during one breeding attempt get larger with time – presumably an attempt to at least partly overcome the disadvantages the last chick faces ( source ). The species is also hunted for local consumption in Meghalaya (India), according to the HBW.

Burma 187

Burma Birds Vietnam Laos 187

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 1, 2014

Pardalotes are actually their own family, and a family entirely endemic to Australia. Insofar as they relate to other bird families, they are perhaps closest to the thornbills, another family that is mostly Australian but reaches as far as Thailand and Fiji. A Spotted Pardalote ! What a treat!

Australia 171

Australia Fiji Hunters Family 171

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 19, 2012

On the way I managed to sneak in a manic day of birding in and around the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Bang Pra is a reservoir and no-hunting area to the south east of Bangkok. Both are common, really common, and both are essentially indistinguishable in non-breeding plumage. Next we drove to the local bird breeding centre.

Thailand 153

Thailand New Zealand Terrapins Asia 153

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2013

Old World Vultures are nestled within the family Acciptridae along with the hawks and eagles. It’s actually a pretty classic example of convergent evolution, wherein two unrelated families of lifeforms evolve to fill the same niche independently. Vulture Hunts Down and Ravages Sea Turtles – Dale Forbes, 10,000 Birds.

California Condor 179

California Condor Turkey North America Jordan 179