ORDER Falconiformes FAMILY Accipitridae ... GENUS &: SPECIES ~ Terathopius ecaudatus The bateleur eagle spends up to nine hours a day soaring high in the sky above Africa. At the sight of a meal, it folds its wings and plunges to earth, striking its prey a deadly blow with its sharp talons. KEY FACTS - - - - - - - - ~ . - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ SIZES Length: Head and body, 2 ~ - 3 ft. Tail, 3-4 in . Wingspan: 5 ~ - 6 ft. Weight: 4-7 lb. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 3 years. Breeding season: Varies with location. No. of eggs: 1. Fledging period: 3 - 3 ~ months. LIFESTYLE Habit: Aerial predator and scav- enger. Diet: Mainly mammals; also birds, reptiles, and carrion. Lifespan: 12-15 years. RELATED SPECIES The bateleur's African relatives in- clude the brown snake eagle, the black-breasted snake eagle, and the southern banded snake eagle. FEATURES OF THE BATELEUR MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM Range of the bateleur eagle. DISTRIBUTION Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and south to the eastern Cape Province. CONSERVATION The bateleur eagle is common within its range. But habitat loss and persecution have led to a population decline that is espe- cially serious in parts of southern Africa. Flight: Very short tail feathers and teetering flight make the eagle easy to identify. Egg: Single large egg; white with red speckles. The courtship ritual reveals the eagl es' aerial skills as male and female chase. each other through the air. The male often performs breathtaking 360-degree rolls, while the fe- male flies on her back so they can lock claws. PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200561 PACKET 56 The bateleur eagle is one of the most acrobatic of all birds of prey. It is capable of performing dramatic tumbling rolls, breathtaking sideslips, and plunging dives. This master of the air can even capture birds while it is flying and may sometimes badger another eagle into giving up its catch. BREEDING After a dramatic courtship flight, male and female bateleur eagles form a pair bond that generally lasts for life. The pair constructs its nest together in a baobab or acacia tree. Built from strong sticks, the nest spans two feet and contains a leaf-lined cup that is ten inches wide. Breeding takes place some- time between December and June, depending on location. In southern Africa, for example, most eggs are laid in February and March. The female lays a single egg, which both birds incubate. The male bateleur plays a greater role in incubation than most eagles, and the incubation pe- riod is the longest of any Afri- can eagle. The newly hatched eaglet is cream and chocolate brown in color. At first the female takes charge of feeding the chick, but the male shares this chore with his mate as the youngster's ap- petite grows. After three months, the eaglet begins making short trial flights, always returning to the safety of the nest. At about six months of age, the young bateleur is fi- nally independent and leaves the nest permanently. FOOD &: HUNTING The bateleur eagle was long considered more of a scav- enger than a predator. Al- though the juvenile birds regularly feed on carrion, recent studies have shown that the adult birds also prey on a wide range of animals. Mammal prey includes. rats, mice, hares, galagos, and small antelope. Adult bate- leurs also hunt birds such as hornbills and guinea fowl, reptiles like puff adders and Left: The bate leur eagle often looks for dead fish in dried-up pools and streams.
The bateleur eagle spends most of the day soaring through the skies. It can easily cover more than 300 miles between dawn and dusk. The bateleur eagle ranges over open savannas to dense woodland, from coastal plains to rocky uplands that monitor lizards, and even fish. In most instances, the eagle falls on its prey from the sky, killing it with a blow of its tal- ons. When it hunts small or slow-moving prey, however, the bateleur eagle may raise its wings like a parachute and descend more slowly with its claws outstretched. Occasion- ally, it captures birds while in flight, and it may also harass another eagle until the latter gives up its catch. Right: With its deadly aerial strike, preying on small rodents is easy for the bateleur eagle. may be over 13,000 feet high. The eagle usually rests and nests in a mature tree near a source of water. It also favors trees beside roadsides, since the animals killed on the roads pro- vide a steady supply of carrion for the young eagles. Left: A wide- eyed chick waits in the nest to be fed. The adult male remains near- by, watching for predators. He may "dive- bomb" an in- truder. Or he may crouch down and flap his wings, fak- ing injury in an attempt to di- vert attention away from the nest. DID YOU KNOW? Bateleur is a French word that can be translated as "acrobat," "tightrope walk- er," or "tumbler." The bate- leur's teetering flight is best captured by the image of a tightrope walker's pole tip- from side to side. The bateleur eagle is a so- ciable bird of prey that may gather with other eagles in groups of 50 or more. The bateleur eagle can fly at speeds of 30 to 50 miles an hour and rarely needs to flap its wings. BATELEUR EAGLE &: MAN The bateleur eagle has tradition- ally been revered by the peoples of Africa. Known to the Nguni- speaking tribes as ingqungqulu- the warrior bird-it was a sym- bol of good fortune. The tribes believed that they would be victorious in battle if a bateleur eagle. flew over the enemy. European settlers, however, killed many bateleur eagles, believing that they preyed on livestock. In addition, western farming methods were destruc- tive to the eagle's habitat and reduced its natural food supply. Left: For the people living in its ronge, the fierce, noble- looking bate- leur eagle came to represent a powerful mysti- cal force. YELLOW HONEYEATER \( ___________________________________ G_R_O_U_P __ 2:_B_I_RD __ S ~ ORDER Passeriformes FAMILY Me/iphagidae GENUS & SPECIES Meliphaga flava The yellow honeyeater and its relatives are among Australia's best-known and most sociable birds. They feed on nectar and insects in woodlands and gardens throughout the country. ~ ~ KEY FACTS SIZE Length: 6-7 in. BREEDING Season: October to March. Broods: 1, sometimes 2. Eggs: 2, white to pale red. Incubation: 12-16 days. Fledging: 10-1 6 days. LIFESTYLE Habit: Sociable. Feeds in pairs or flocks in eucalyptus woodland, creeks, rivers, mangroves, wooded suburbs, and orchards. Diet: Nectar, insects, spiders, fruit, and berries. RELATED SPECIES. There are 36 species in the genus Meliphaga, including the yellow- spotted, yellow-throated, yellow- tufted, yellow-faced, and singing honeyeaters. There are approxi - mately 1 70 species of honeyeater altogether. FEATURES OF THE YELLOW HONEYEATER Plumage: Varied tones of olive green, yellow, or pale brown. MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM Range of the yellow honeyeater and other Meliphaga species. DISTRIBUTION Honeyeaters of the genus Meliphaga are found throughout Australia, with some species also in New Guinea. Most popula- tions are resident. CONSERVATION The yellow honeyeater has adjusted well to humans and their effects on its habitat. The population is currently in no danger. Bill: Long and pointed. Ideally shaped for taking nectar from flowers. PRINTED IN U.S.A. OTHER HONEYEATERS White-lined honeyeater, Meliphaga albilineata: Inhabits wooded Gorges in northern Australia. Yellow-throated honeyeater, Meliphaga flavicollis: Thrives in varied habitats on Tasmania and nearby islands. Graceful honeyeater, Meliphaga gracilis: A small species that lives in humid forests on Australia's Cape York Peninsula. 0160200551 PACKET 55 Most of the honeyeaters in the genus Meliphaga are characterized by long, pointed beaks and handsome plumage in shades of yellow or olive green. Some species have crests and more elaborate markings than others. Like all honeyeaters, the yellow honeyeater is a small, solidly built bird with a specially adapted brushlike tongue that enables it to mop up nectar with ease. ~ HABITS The yellow honeyeater is well ad- justed to the presence of people and is seen in domestic gardens as often as in eucalyptus wood- lands, creeks, and rivers. Although some honeyeaters are solitary, most are sociable, living and feeding in pairs or flocks. They are playful birds and often fly in zigzag group formations, communicating loudly with a variety of calls. Honeyeaters can also be quite aggressive, however, especially the yellow-plumed species. Since they live in a temperate climate, most honeyeaters stay in the same place year-round. One of the few migratory spe- cies is the yellow-faced honey- eater-it flies north in spring and returns to the southern part of its range in fall. Other species fly in flocks from place to place in search of food. Right: Like most honeyeaters, the yellow-winged species lives and feeds in flocks. ~ BREEDING The yellow honeyeater builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree, either between the branches or hang- ing from a twig. Some nests are a few feet above the ground, but others are high in the tree cano- py. Nesting takes place between September and October or be- tween December and January. In all honeyeater species, the female builds the nest alone, often from palm fibers covered with bark and cobwebs. She lines the nest with hair, which she may pluck from live ani- mals such as cattle. The yellow- Left: The yellow honeyeater's bright plumage and sociable nature make it easy to find. DID YOU KNOW? As many as 10,000 yellow- faced honeyeaters have been recorded flying north past a single point during their annu- al migration. Like all honeyeaters, the yel- low honeyeater helps to polli- nate bushes and trees like the eucalyptus. While the honey- throated honeyeater may even pluck hair from human heads. The female lays two oval eggs, ranging in color from white to pale red with reddish purple or chestnut blotches. The chicks hatch after about two weeks. A chick's bill is paler than an adult's, and its plumage is a duller yel- low color. Several adults help feed the young, which fledge at 10 to 16 days, depending on the species. The fledglings join the flock in search of food and breed within their first year. Right: The female yellow-faced honeyeater builds her compact nest in a tree. eater drinks nectar, pollen col- lects on its body and is then carried to the next plant that the bird visits. Nectar may ferment when heavy rains increase its water content. After drinking this nectar, honeyeaters look drunk and can barely fly. ~ FOOD &: FEEDING Like all honeyeaters, the yellow honeyeater feeds in trees, main- lyon nectar. Honeyeaters usu- ally search for nectar in flocks, although a large bird may try to keep a smaller bird away from a rich source. A honeyeater lifts nectar from blossom buds with its specially adapted long tongue. The front part of the tongue resembles a frayed brush, which the bird dips into nectar up to 10 times a second. After taking the nec- Left: The yellow-faced honeyeater is oneofa few honeyeaters that migrate. It flies north each spring, returning in fall to breed and nest in the southern part of its range. tar, it pulls out its tongue and closes its beak. The roof of the beak then compresses the liq- uid so that it flows down two channels at the back of the tongue to the throat. The nec- tar passes from the digestive system to the intestines and is rapidly converted to energy. Honeyeaters also feed on in- sects and spiders, taking them only from branches, never the ground. In addition, they eat soft fruits and berries. '" CARD 153 I GREEN WOOD-HOOPOE _________________________________
ORDER Coraciiformes FAMILY Phoeniculidae GENUS &: SPECIES Phoeniculus purpureus The green wood-hoopoe noisy chattering is a common sound in wooded areas of Africa, where it lives and breeds. It feeds mainly on insects, which it pries from tree bark with its sharp, curved bill. KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 12-14 in. Tail length: 7-10 in. Weight: 2-3 oz. BREEDING Breeding season: Varies according to region and food supply. No. of broods: 2, sometimes 3. Eggs: 3 or 4, pale blue. Incubation: 1 7-1 8 days. Fledging period: About 1 month. LIFESTYLE Habit: Sociable. Lives mainly in small groups. Diet: Mainly insects, plus small lizards and small fruit. Call: Loud single or repeated "kuk." Wild chattering in flocks. RELATED SPECIES There are six wood-hoopoes in the genus Phoeniculus, all found in wooded or forest areas south of the Sahara Desert. Range of the green wood-hoopoe. DISTRIBUTION Found in Senegal, northern Guinea, northern Ivory Coast, northern Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Angola, southern Ethiopia, western Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and eastern South Africa. CONSERVATION The green wood-hoopoe is a common bird within its range. It is not currently in danger of becoming scarce. EATURES OF THE GREEN WOOD-HOOPOE Tail: Long and pointed. The white bands are conspicuous when the bird flies. When the bird is searching for insects on a tree, the tail is often used for support and be- comes worn and tattered as a result. Eggs and nest: Three to four pale blue eggs are laid. The nest becomes filthy and smelly because food debris and drop- pings are not removed. MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A. Bill: Long, curved downward, and sharp. Used to peck at tree bark to uncover insects. Also effective for catching and killing larger prey such as lizards. Feet and claws: . Strong and sharp. Used for clinging to trees. The wood- hoopoe will even hold onto a tree trunk upside down when searching for food. 0160200531 PACKET 53 Right: Like woodpeckers, the green wood-hoopoe clings to tree trunks with its strong claws. Sometimes it also hangs upside down. It hammers at the bark and removes the loosened flakes with a sideways motion of its sharp, curved bill. This expos- es the insects, larvae, eggs, and pupae that form the bulk of its diet. The green wood-hoopoe depends on trees for almost everything it needs. A tree provides a nesting site, a nighttime roost, and prey. This bird has many enemies, including the driver ant and the genet, a predatory mammal whose sharp claws enable it to climb trees. To protect itself from these enemies, the green wood-hoopoe exudes a foul-smelling oil.
The green wood-hoopoe lives in grassy plains, open woods, and palm groves. It generally stays in one place all year, but it may move to drier, wooded savanna in the rainy season. An agile bird, the wood-hoopoe will hang upside down from a tree while searching for food. Like the woodpecker, it uses its tail for support. Green wood-hoopoes live in flocks of up to 16 individuals. The birds chatter constantly, preen one another, and defend their large territory throughout the year. Their defensive behav- ior includes perching close to- gether and bowing or rocking back and forth with their tails fanned out. These birds also pass bits of bark to each other to reinforce group bonds. Not only do members of a flock protect and preen each other, but as many as 10 birds will help an adult pair feed its young. These providers are usu- ally, but not always, relatd to the parent birds.
Wood-hoopoes form close pairs. For some time before their eggs are laid, a pair perches apart from the rest of the flock, often in the tree that will be used for the nest. The two birds groom each other and mate often. The nest site is a cavity in a tree. It may be a woodpecker's old nest, which the green wood- hoopoe clears of any nesting material. The nest cavity may be used for years. The female lays three or four eggs on consecutive days and places them on old, decayed Left: For its nest site, the wood- hoopoe chooses a tree close to a good food supply. DID YOU KNOW? Male and female wood- hoopoes roost in separate trees. If a predator takes birds from one tree, the flock may be short of one sex, so birds from another territory join the flock to replace them. If taken from the nest, chicks squirt foul-smelling FOOD &: FEEDING Wood-hoopoes forage for food as a group. They fly from tree to tree and keep in touch with constant calls. A wood-hoopoe feeds mainly on insects, includ- ing insect eggs, pupae, larvae, termites, ants, and moths. The wood. While she incubates the eggs, her mate and other mem- bers of the flock feed her. The eggs hatch after 1 7 to 1 8 days, and the other birds feed both the female and the young. The mother receives the food and passes it to her chicks. Later the helpers feed the nestlings direct- ly and also preen them. When the young first fly, after a month, the flock flies along to protect them from predators. The young are fed by the flock for a few weeks after they are fledged. Later they act as help- ers for the next brood, and they may continue to act as helpers for up to five years. excrement as a defense. A male may peck at another bird if he thinks it is after his mate. But such conflicts are brief, and the male makes peace by preening the visitor. The greater honeyguide, known for leading people to bees' nests, often uses the nests of wood-hoopoes. bird uses its long curved bill to pry insects from bark. It swallows them whole, or it beats them against a branch until they are soft enough to eat. It crushes tough beetles by wedging them in bark and pecking at them. The wood-hoopoe also eats fruit and even small lizards if the opportunity arises. The nest- lings are usually fed caterpillars and spider eggs. Left: The metallic blues and greens of the wood-hoopoe's head plum- age have an iridescent sheen. ROCKHOPPER PENGUIN , , - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ ORDER Sphenisciformes FAMILY Spheniscidae GENUS & SPECIES Eudyptes chrysocome With its bright yellow crests and red bill the rockhopper penguin is one of the most striking members of the penguin family. It is an excellent swimmer and spends almost half of its life at sea. KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 22-26 in. Weight: 6-10 lb. Flipper length: 6-7 in. BREEDING Sexual maturity: At least 6 years. Breeding season: From July to November. Eggs: 2, bluish white. Only 1 chick survives. Incubation: 5 weeks. LIFESTYLE Habit: Social and territorial. Breeds, swims, and feeds in large colonies or groups. Diet: Squid, shrimp, and fish. lifespan: 15-20 years. RELATED SPECIES There are 5 species in the genus Eudyptes, including the macaroni penguin, E. chrysolophus, and the erect-crested penguin, E. atratus. Range of the rockhopper penguin. DISTRIBUTION Found throughout a large area of the sub-Antarctic, particularly in the southern Atlantic and Indian oceans. CONSERVATION The rockhopper is common throughout its range. But scientific exploration may affect some habitats, and large-scale harvest- ing of krill is reducing a major food source for the rockhopper. FEATURES OF THE ROCKHOPPER PENGUIN Body: Heavy, compact, and streamlined. Well protected from the cold by a thick layer of fat just beneath the skin. The male is larger than the female. Flippers: Rigid and very thin, ideal for propelling the pen- guin through water. Like the rest of the body, they are covered in short, dense, waterproof feathers. Feet: Webbed; serve as rudders when swimming. Each foot has 4 toes with long, sharp claws to pro- vide a good grip on tRe rocks when hopping over land. MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM Pl umage: Short, dense, water- feathers. Black except for chest and undersides of flippers, which are whi te. Both sexes have yellow crests of long, threadlike feathers. PRINTED IN U.S.A. Eggs: 2 bluish white eggs laid in a shall ow nest in the rocks. The eggs often become stained with mud dur- 0160200501 PACKET 50 It is easy to understand how the rockhopper penguin got its name when it is seen hopping over rocks and climbing up cliffs to get to its nesting site high above the shoreline. It spends most of its life in the ocean, however, where it travels long distances by "porpoising"-swimming close to the surface and repeatedly jumping out of the water. ~ HABITAT The rockhopper penguin lives around the islands of the sub- Antarctic, including the Falkland Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Heard Island, and New Amsterdam. The rockhopper penguin is as comfortable among the tussock grass and volcanic lava of the northerly islands as it is on the rocks and ice found farther to the south. For much of the year it remains at sea, coming ashore only to rest, molt, or breed. Like most penguins, the rock- hopper does not nest on main- land Antarctica but prefers the slightly warmer regions away from the ice cap. It is extremely important for the rockhopper penguin to maintain a constant body temperature. For this rea- son it lives in areas where there is only a slight annual fluctua- tion in sea temperature. In win- ter the rockhopper penguin moves farther north. Right: The rockhopper penguin submerges only for a couple of minutes at a time because it must surface to breathe. ~ BREEEDING Between July and November the male looks for a nest site. He fights to establish a territory within the colony, which can have thousands of members. A pair of rockhoppers may stay together for years, using the same nesting site each sea- son. But if a new female arrives first, the male mates with her. A shallow nest is built among rocks and lined with stones and sticks. In the north, the nest is shaded from the sun. In the colder south, it faces the sun. Left: The male and female rock- hopper preen each other during their courtship display. DID YOU KNOW? The scientific name for the rockhopper's genus is a Greek word meaning "good diver." The rockhopper is consid- ered the most aggressive penguin species. It will jump up and snap at a human that strays onto its territory. Large breeding colonies of The female lays two eggs. At first she incubates the eggs alone, while the male searches for food. But then they take turns, changing places every 1 0 to 1 5 days. After five weeks the chicks hatch, but one soon dies. The female feeds the surviving young partially digested food, while the male guards against predatory petrels and skuas. Young penguins huddle in large groups called creches. This allows the adults to leave them while searching for food. Right: The female lays two eggs. The first is usually smaller, and the chick from that egg does not survive. rockhoppers give off a strong smell that has been used as a navigational aid by sailors. The rockhopper penguin has long been hunted by humans for its thick layer of fat. One bird yields about half a quart of the oil that was once used to fuel lamps. The rockhopper is well adapted for marine life. Its wings have evolved into flippers that pro- pel it through water. Its legs and tail act as rudders. Swim- ming at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour, it often escapes predators like leopard seals. In order to get onto the shore, a rockhopper picks up speed ~ FOOD & FEEDING Like other penguins, the rock- hopper feeds only at sea. Birds kept in captivity have to be taught how to feed on land. On shore during the molting and breeding seasons, the rock- hopper may go without food for weeks at a time. The thick layer of fat beneath its skin sus- tains it during these periods. Therockhopperspendsthe rest of the year at sea. It swims in large groups so the young can learn how to hunt from the adults. The rockhopper must underwater and shoots out of the waves, landing on its feet. It moves on land by hopping, keeping its feet together and using its claws to cling to rocks. At the end of each breeding season, the adult molts its feath- ers. Within about five weeks, it loses and replaces all of its dense, waterproof plumage. dive often to find food, since it cannot hover over the water like other birds. It eats squid and krill, which it catches at depths of up to 65 feet. Be- cause krill is very salty, the rock- hopper makes use of special nasal glands that filter and ex- pel excess salt. To feed their young, the par- ents swallow food and cover it with a layer of mucus that pre- vents it from being completely digested. The food is then regur- gitated and fed to the chicks. CHIFFCHAFF 'C .... ORDER .... ~ Passeriformes ~ FAMILY Sylviidae ~ R D 155 ] GROUP 2: BIRDS GENUS &; SPECIES Phylloscopus collybita The chiffchaff is a small, unobtrusive bird that is found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a welcome visitor to gardens because it devours insect pests and their larvae. KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 4 in. Weight: ~ oz . BREEDING Sexual maturity: 1 year. Breeding season: April to July. No. of broods: 1 or 2. Eggs: Usually 7 or 8. White with purplish brown speckles. Incubation: 1 3-14 days. Fledging period: 1 8-20 days. LIFESTYLE Habit: Pairs in the breeding sea- son; forms small groups at other times. Migrates south in winter. Diet: Various insects and their eggs and larvae. Call: Irregular sequence of two- tone "chip" and "cheep" notes. RELATED SPECIES There are 41 species in the genus Phylloscopus. The chiffchaff is very closely related to the willow war- bler, P. trochilus. Range of the chiffchaff. DISTRIBUTION The chiffchaff's range extends from Ireland, Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal in the west, through Europe and North Africa, and deep into Asia. CONSERVATION The chiffchaff population is stable throughout most parts of its range. There are approximately half a million breeding pairs in Great Britain alone. FEATURES OF THE CHIFFCHAFF Juvenile: Has brighter yellow coloring than the adult. Easily mistaken for the willow warbler. '" Adult: Gray- green upper plumage, pale yellow breast and underparts, dark brown legs. Sexes ~ O O k similar. MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM PRINTED IN U.S.A. THE CHlfFCHAFF'S NEST Dome-shaped. Made from stalks, moss, leaves, and feathers. Set in vegetation about 3 feet above the ground or at ground level. Looks like a willow warbler's nest. Eggs: 7 or 8; incubated by the female alone. 0160200611 PACKET 61 The small, greenish gray chiffchaff is closely related to the willow warbler. The two species look so much alike that it is very difficult to tell them apart. The best way to distinguish between these two birds is by their voices. The chiffchaff has a repetitive two-note call for which it is named. By contrast, the willow warbler's song is a more complex tune, made up of whistles and trills.
During the breeding season, the chiffchaff can be found in a vari- ety of wooded areas with plenty of cover. It prefers rural environ- ments but will venture into gar- dens that have a good supply of tall trees with dense under- growth. In Great Britain the bird is seldom seen in coniferous for- ests, but in central Europe these forests are popular breeding grounds. In Siberia the chiffchaff occupies both coniferous and mixed woodland. In August, after molting, most chiffchaffs migrate south, sing- ing as they go. The majority spend the winter by the Medi- terranean and in North Africa. Birds from farther east winter in Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, and parts of southern Asia.
Male chiffchaffs return to their breeding grounds from the mid- dle of March onward, about two weeks ahead of the females. A male claims a breeding site by singing. If necessary, he defends the site more aggressively. When the females arrive, all the males search for mates. Courtship fea- tures a slow-motion flight dis- play. After mating, the male plays little part in nest building or rearing the young. The nest is often built close to the ground, in dense under- growth where it will be well protected. The female builds the nest, making a loose con- struction of leaves, moss, and stalks and lining it with a thick Left: When feeding, the chiffchaff makes short jerky flights from tree to tree. DID YOU KNOW? In India the chiffchaff is also called "the tail wagger" be- cause it flicks its tail from side to side. The female chiffchaff attracts a mate by calling and slowly flicking her wings. The male fans his wings in a wide arc;: to display every feather. Then he flies toward the female very layer of feathers. The spherical nest has a narrow side entrance. The female chiffchaff lays one egg every day until there are seven or eight in the clutch. She incubates them for two weeks, leaving only to feed. After the eggs hatch, the female gathers food for the chicks. To avoid re- vealing the location of the nest, she does not enter it directly when returning with food. In- stead, she lands some distance above the nest and slips down into it through the foliage. The young birds can fly when they are nearly three weeks old. At that stage, they can be seen at play, chasing each other and feeding together. Right: The female makes a shallow entrance on the side of her feather- lined nest. slowly, giving a buzzing call. Chiffchaffs that winter in Majorca become tame in very cold weather and even enter houses. Instead of migrating from Great Britain, an increasing number of chiffchaffs spend the winter there, joined by birds from Scandinavia. BIRDWATCH The chiffchaff looks like the to mistake for a willow warbler. willow warbler. The adult chiff- Song is the best way to tell chaff is grayer above and has the species apart. The chiffchaff darker legs than the willow sings two notes, combining a warbler, which has brighter high-pitched "chip-chip" with yellow underparts. The young a lower "cheep." The willow chiffchaff is a brighter yellow warbler's song is more com-J than the adult and so is easier full of whistles FOOD & FEEDING The chiffchaff finds most of the small insects that it eats in trees, undergrowth, and bushes. It hops from branch to branch, flicking its wings and tail as it inspects leaves and twigs for caterpillars, gnats, and midges. Chiffchaffs feed on aphids, Left: The chiffchaff sings from high in the trees but feeds and nests at a lower level. insect eggs, and larvae at all stages of development. Birds that spend the winter in south- ern England are thought to survive almost entirely on a diet of aphids. As food supplies become scarce during the win- ter months, the chiffchaff may grow bolder, feeding more of- ten on the ground and among low bushes. ARCTIC TERN ORDER Charadriiformes FAMILY Laridae GENUS &; SPECIES Sterna paradisaea '" CARD 156 1 GROUP 2: BIRDS The Arctic tern probably travels greater distances than any other bird in the world. When migrating to and from its breeding grounds, this bird may fly a round-trip of up to 22,000 miles. __________________________ SIZES Length: l3-14 in. Wingspan: ft. Weight: oz. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 3-4 years. Breeding season: Spring. No. of broods: 1 . Eggs: 1-3; buff with dark spots. Incubation: 20-24 days. Fledging period: 21-24 days. LIFESTYLE Habit: Social; nests in colonies. Call: Rasping, nasal cries. Diet: Sand eels and other small fish, plankton, small crustaceans. Lifespan: Oldest on record, 24 years. RELATED SPECIES There are 43 species of tern, in- cluding 34 in the genus Sterna, which includes the common tern, S. hirundo. Breeding range of the Arctic tern. Winter range. DISTRIBUTION Breeds in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America, Green- land, and northern Eurasia. In late summer, the Arctic tern mi- grates south to winter in the Antarctic and the southernmost parts of Africa, South America, and Australasia. It returns to its breeding grounds in spring. CONSERVATION Populations of the Arctic tern appear to be in no danger. FEATURES OF THE ARCTIC TERN Bill: Long, pointed, and deep red . Turns black in winter. THE COMMON TERN'S BILL A brighter shade of red than that of the Arctic tern. Tip is black. MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM Plumage: Gray wings have dark leading edges. White tail and head with dis- tinctive black crown. Flight: Swift and graceful. Bird hovers over wa- ter when looking for food. PRINTED IN U.S.A. Eggs: 1 to 3 laid in a nest on the ground. Well camouflaged by buff color with dark markings. Tail: Long, forked tail extends beyond the wingtips. Tail is longer than that of the common tern. Tail feathers fan out when the bird hovers. 0160200661 PACKET 66 Every spring the Arctic tern returns to its breeding grounds close to the Arctic Circle, where it nests in huge colonies. Although they are built on open ground, the nests are not as vulnerable as they may seem. They are protected by the great numbers of birds in the colony and by the aggressive parents, which attack any intruder- even a chick that has strayed from another nest. ~ MIGRATION The Arctic tern spends the sum- mer months in the Northern Hemisphere close to the Arctic. It then flies over vast stretches of ocean to its winter grounds in the Antarctic and the south- ernmost parts of South Ameri- ca, Africa, and Australasia. The tern complets the journeyin about four months, and the round-trip may cover up to 22,000 miles. The tern enjoys more day- light hours than any other bird because it flies from one polar summer to another. The long hours of daylight give it ample ti me to feed. Right: During courtship, the male tern offers the female gifts of fish. ~ BREEDING The Arctic tern breeds in large colonies on beaches or among rocks near the sea. Although they spend much of the year apart, male and female terns usually pair for life, returning to mate and breed at the same site each spring. The male Arctic tern has an elaborate courtship ritual. After finding a partner, he flies high in the air, pursued by the fe- male. The two birds glide to- gether and then zigzag to the ground to continue their court- ship. The male offers the female a gift of fish, which he holds in his bill while parading around her with his tail raised and his wings lowered. Left: The Arctic tern flies over the Atlantic Ocean or the eastern edge of the Pacific when migrating. DID YOU KNOW? An Arctic tern banded in Wales in 1966 was found in Australia six months later. It had covered a distance of 11,200 miles-the longest migration on record. There are records of Arctic terns found nesting only a few hundred miles from the North Pole. The couple builds a nest on the ground, scraping out a hol- low and lining it with vegeta- tion. The female lays one to three pale eggs blotched with dark spots, which both parents incubate for about three weeks. The hatchlings are soon active but stay near the nest. The par- ents defend them fiercely, peck- ing at intruders, including stray chicks from other nests. The chicks fledge after about three weeks but are fed by their parents for several weeks long- er, until they are able to catch their own food. Young Arctic terns migrate in their first year but do not breed until three to four years of age. Right: The tern is also called the sea swallow because of its long, narrow wings and forked tail. A lookout protects a colo- ny of nesting terns. At a sig- nal from this bird, the colony takes to the air and attacks an intruder. Gulls often nest beside the Arctic tern. Although smaller than a gull, the tern is more aggressive and provides pro- tection from predators. ~ FOOD &: FEEDING The Arctic tern feeds on sand eels and other small fish plus small crustaceans and plankton. Its marine diet lets the tern keep feeding during its long migra- tion over the sea. The Arctic tern hovers above the water, then dives in to seize a fish in its bill, grasping it just behind the gills. This technique tern's huge nest- ing colonies, a parent identifies its offspring from the sound of the is called "plunge diving" and is typical of many species of tern. Out of every three dives a tern makes, one is successful. If its first attempt fails, the bird bobs up to the surface instead of pur- suing the fish underwater. Like a gull, the tern finds fish by watching for other birds div- ing into the water. ~ CARD 157 1 EURASIAN BITTERN " ~ _________________________________ G_R_O_U_P_2_:_B_I_RD_S __ ~ ~ ORDER Ciconiiformes FAMILY Ardeidae GENUS & SPECIES Botaurus stellaris The Eurasian bittern is an extremely difficult bird to spot. It tends to stand completely still so that its streaked plumage blends in with the reeds of its marshland habitat. KEY FACTS SIZES Length: About 2 ~ ft. Wingspan: 4 - 4 ~ ft. BREEDING Breeding season: March to June. Eggs: 4-6; brown or olive, some- times with speckles around the broad end. Incubation: Almost 4 weeks. Fledging: 7-8 weeks. LIFESTYLE Call: Male produces loud, boom- ing call in the mating season. Habit: Normally solitary. Active during the day. Diet: Insects, frogs, fish, nestlings, and small mammals. RELATED SPECIES The 4 species of large bittern in the genus Botaurus are found in Eurasia, Australia, North America, and South America. There are 8 species of small bittern in the ge- nus Ixobrychus. Range of the Eurasian bittern. DISTRIBUTION The Eurasian bittern is found throughout Europe and central Asia as far east as Manchuria. There is also a population in southern Africa. CONSERVATION In all parts of its range, the Eurasian bittern is threatened by the destruction of its wetland habitat. It is especially vulnerable in northwestern Europe. FEATURES OF THE EURASIAN BITTERN Flight: Broad, rounded wings and short tail. Flies low over reed beds. Eyes: Set low on the head, at the base of the bill. When lifting its head and looking past its bill , the bird has binocular vision, ideal Eggs: 4 to 6; brown or olive. A simple nest is built for locating prey. MCMXCVI IMP BV/ IMP INC. WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A. among the reeds. Plumage: Buff, heavily streaked with dark brown and black to provide cam- ouflage. To hide from danger, the bit- tern stretches its neck and body in an upright position so that its stripes look like the surrounding reed stems. Feet: Long, thin toes spread the bird's weight over the soft marsh- land. The toes also enable the bird to hold onto and climb up reeds. US P 6001 12073 PACKET 73 A member of the same family as the herons, the Eurasian bittern is well-known for the booming call of the male, which he utters during the breeding season. Once a common sound throughout the marshes of Europe, it is becoming increasingly rare as the Eurasian bittern continues to lose its habitat. More and more of the fertile reed beds that this bird frequents are being drained to provide land for agriculture.
The Eurasian bittern lives in the reed beds of marshland areas throughout Europe and central Asia. Because of its shy nature, stealthy hunting style, and well- camouflaged plumage, the bit- tern is perfectly suited for life in this habitat. Reed beds develop in the shal- low water of lowland lakes and rivers. Rooted in the rich silt, tall reeds may overrun large areas of water. They create perfect ha- vens for creatures like the bit- tern, which feed in or near water but must remain out of sight of their enemies. When the reeds die each win- ter, the dead foliage collects at the base of the stems. More silt builds up, making the area a waterlogged marsh, or fen. Be- cause the rich, dark "fen peat" is very fertile, huge areas of fen- land in Europe and Asia have been drained for agriculture. As a result, the reed beds are de- stroyed, eliminating a vital habi- tat for a variety of wildlife, such as the bittern. Although threat- ened by habitat destruction in all parts of its range, the bittern is especially vulnerable in north- western Europe.
In March, at the beginning of the breeding season, the mat- ing call of the male Eurasian bittern can be heard across the marshes. The male uses the call to attract a female and to pro- claim his territory, which he defends vigorously. Some ter- ritorial disputes are fought to the death. A male bittern mates with as many as five females. The fe- male usually incubates the eggs and rears the young alone. But Left: The Eurasian bittern lowers its neck and fans its wings to threaten an intruder. KNOW? In the early 1800s, Eurasian bitterns were hunted for food. Fledglings make a bubbling noise, like the sound of water being blown through a straw. The Eurasian bittern is a vig- orous fighter. A female defend- ing her young will even take on a marsh harrier-a large, powerful hawk. a male that has only one mate may help to feed the chicks. The eggs are laid at two- or three-day intervals in a simple nest of dead reeds and other plants. The chicks hatch in ap- proximately four weeks and leave the nest a few days later. They hide among the tall reeds while their mother searches for food. In seven or eight weeks the young are fully fledged, and the family group breaks up for the winter. Right: The Eurasian bittern hides its nest among the reeds, away from other birds. Eurasian bitterns are very closely related to herons. As a result, some scientists think they should not be classified as a separate subfamily. Although usually solitary, male bitterns may travel for miles to join others in a court- ship display flight, with up to six birds taking part. The Eurasian bittern is found in the marshes of Europe and central Asia. However, its well- camouflaged plumage makes it difficult to spot among the tall reeds of its habitat. It can sometimes be seen flying low over the reed beds. This owl- FOOD & HUNTING The Eurasian bittern feeds on a variety of animals, ranging from newly hatched mayflies to small mammals such as water voles. Like all herons, it is skilled at catching fish, which it stalks in the shallows and stabs with its pointed bill. It also eats frogs and is very fond of eels. The bittern hunts during the day, frequently just after dawn. It creeps through the shallow water among the reeds, watch- ing for any movement. Its eyes Left: The bittern blends in with the reeds while incubating its eggs in the nest. like bird has a long, pointed bill and a slow flight. During the breeding sea- son, from March to June, the male can be identified by his mating call. This loud, boom- ing sound can be heard from a distance of up to two miles. are set low on its head, at the base of its bill. When the bittern raises its head, it can look past its bill with both eyes, giving it binocular (three-dimensional) vision, which helps it find prey. The Eurasian bittern may suf- fer badly during winter in the colder parts of its range. If the water freezes over, the bird can- not feed. In Europe many bit- terns die during severe winters. But in central Asia, where icy winters occur regularly, Eur- asian bitterns avoid the prob- lem by migrating south and spending winters in the tropics. CRESTED GUINEAFOWL ORDER Galliformes FAMILY Phasianidae GROUP 2: BIRDS GENUS &: SPECIES Guttera pucherani The crested guineafowl is named for the tuft of feathers that crowns its head. This bird also has a fan of tail feathers that . it displays when it is alarmed or excited. KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 20 in. Wingspan: 2 ~ - 3 ft. Tail length: 5-6 in. Weight: 2 - 2 ~ lb. BREEDING Breeding season: November to February, depending on location. Eggs: 4-5; buff to pink. Incubation: 25-28 days. LIFESTYLE Habit: Day-active. Sociable outside the breeding season. Pairs for life. Diet: Fruit and nuts; also leaves, bulbs, roots, grasshoppers, beetles, and other small insects. Call: Shrill, musical trill when alarmed. RELATED SPECIES The crested guineafowl is divided into several subspecies, which some authorities consider as sepa- rate species. There are 5 other species of African guineafowl. Range of the crested guineafowl. DISTRIBUTION Found in Africa, from Guinea-Bissau east through forested ar- eas to southern Somalia and south to Natal in South Africa. Also occurs in dense woodlands of Angola and Zambia. CONSERVATION Because it is difficult to see, the crested guineafowl is often thought to be rarer than it is. It is not severely threatened, but its range is decreasing due to habitat destruction. FEATURES OF THE CRESTED GUINEAFOWl Coloring: Dark blue plumage with closely set white dots. White patch on wing feathers can be seen in flight. Bare face is blue-gray with pale patch on ears and back of neck. Legs: Long and powerful. The guineafowl can run very fast. This is its only means of de- fense except for flight. MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM Crest: Short, downy black feathers. PRINTED IN U.S.A. Eggs: 4 or 5; buff to pink with unusually thick shells. Hatch after 25 to 28 days. Tail: Fan of feathers. It is erected if bird is alarmed or agitated, and possibly for courtship . 0160200601 PACKET 60 The colors of the crested guineafowl's plumage are very different from the predominant colors of its habitat. Yet from a distance, the speckled feathers break up the bird's large outline. As a result, it is almost invisible when perched in a tree. The camouflage is so effective that people have mistakenly believed that the crested guineafowl is much rarer than it actually is. ~ HABITS The crested guineafowllives on the edges of forest clearings and in dense thickets in parts of sub- Saharan Africa. It is very sociable outside the breeding season and is often seen in flocks of 10 to 30 birds. Large flocks may con- tain as many as 50 birds. Fami- ly groups often stay together within flocks, but sometimes the family may live alone. At night the crested guinea- fowl roosts in trees. It descends early in the morning to forage for food on the forest floor or among thickets. As the sun be- comes hotter, the guineafowl seeks shade in dense cover. It may emerge to find water or have a dust bath, spreading its feathers and rolling in the dirt. This messy practice dislodges fleas and other parasites from the bird's feathers. While the crested guineafowl searches for food, it contacts other members of the flock by giving a deep melodious call. If a bird is alarmed, it stands bolt upright with its neck out- stretched and utters a shrill, musical trill as a warning call. On hearing the alarm, the en- tire flock takes to the trees, and there the birds are hard to see. Right: The crested guineafowl spends the day on the ground and the night in the trees. ~ FOOD Est FEEDING The crested guineafowl feeds mainly on seeds and fruit. It supplements this diet with other plant matter as well as with beetles, grasshoppers, termites, and small snails. It drinks from water holes or puddles. When these disap- pear in the dry season, the bird uses its beak to dig up roots and bulbs, which pro- vide it with moisture. Fruit is left: When foraging, members of a flock keep in touch with a soft, melodious call. also a source of moisture. Feeding by day, the crested guineafowl walks quickly on the ground, pecking at suit- able morsels. It may take fruit straight from the trees, but a flock often follows fruit-eating monkeys, which drop or knock down fruit and nuts as they move through the trees. The birds wait below for fruit to fall to the ground. Right: The crested guineafowl pre- fers fruit, but it also feeds on plants and invertebrates. left: The Kenya crested guinea- fowl is classified as a separate species by some experts. Its fa- cial coloring is more vivid than that of crested guineafowls found in oth- erareas. DID YOU KNOW? The crested guineafowl keeps grit and bits of snail shell in its crop (part of the gullet) to help grind hard food such as seeds and nuts. The white spots on the guineafowl's plumage are explained in a Greek legend. The sisters of Meleager had been turned into peafowl. ~ BREEDING Crested guineafowls pair for life. At the beginning of the breed- ing season, the male crested guineafowl performs an elabo- rate courtship display. Bowing and lifting his head, he struts up and down along a patch of ground. When he finds a mate, the two birds leave the flock to When they heard of their brother's death, they shed tears onto their feathers. The teardrops were transformed into the white markings. Clutches of up to 14 eggs have been recorded. But they were probably the result of two females laying in the same nest. establish their nest. They do not return to the flock until their young are mature. After the pair mate, they scrape a nest on the ground in dense cover and line it with leaves and grass. The female lays four or five pinkish eggs with unusually thick shells. She incubates them for 25 to 28 days. After the chicks hatch, the male and female both rear the young. After only 15 to 20 days, the chicks are able to fly to roosts that are more than six feet above the ground. left: In the breeding season the crested guineafowlleaves the flock with its mate. GUAN ORDER Galliformes FAMILY Cracidae "' CARD 1 5 ~ GROUP 2: BIRDS - - ~ GENERA Penelope, Aburria, etc. Cuans are the tropical American equivalent of forest-dwelling Eurasian pheasants. Adapted to life in the trees, these birds can walk lightly along even the thinnest branches. KEY FACTS - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ - - - - - SIZES Length: 22-30 in. Weight: 2-4 lb. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 2 years. No. of broods: 1 . Eggs: Usually 2, but occasionally 3 or 4. Large, white, and rough. Incubation: 3-5 weeks. Fledging period: 3-4 days. LIFESTYLE Habit: Active by day. Mostly socia- ble, living in small flocks. Diet: Leaves, shoots, buds, flowers, seeds, fruits, berries, worms, frogs, and insects. Call: Loud, raucous cackling, espe- cially during the breeding season. Piping guans whistle. RELATED SPECIES There are 22 guan species, 9 cha- chalaca species, and 1 3 currassow species in the family Cracidae. FOUR SPECIES OF GUAN All guans have small heads with heavy, curved bills, and bare skin around their eyes. Their bare throats have brightly colored wattles, or fleshy projections. Rusty-margined guan The plumage of most guans is mainly dull greenish black, often with white edges to the feathers. The tail feathers are long and broad. MCMXCIV IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM Range of guans. DISTRIBUTION Found in parts of Mexico, Central America, Trinidad, Vene- zuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Guiana. CONSERVATION Due to forest clearance and centuries of hunting for food and sport, many guan species are in danger of extinction. Many guans live in areas threatened by further development. PRINTED IN U.S.A. Most guans have some sort of crest. The horned guan sports a bony red projection on its crown, which can be up to 2 inches in length. Spix's guan Guans have long, featherless legs. They also have strong feet and well-developed hind toes to help grip branches. us P 6001 12068 PACKET 68 The 22 guan species live in and around the forests of Central and South America. Some species are in danger of extinction because for centuries they have been hunted for sport as well as food. In addition, the forest habitat of these birds is steadily being destroyed. ~ H A B I T S Guans live in trees, and many species rarely descend to the ground. The larger guan species dwell in tropical forests, while the smaller guan species inhab- it woods and plantations. Most guans prefer warm, lowland areas. But the horned and wat- tled guans are found in cool mountain forests at elevations of over 1 0,000 feet. Guans usually feed and roost in tree branches. They are poor fliers, and they rarely fly for long stretches. However, many of these birds can run with great agility in the trees. Their strong toes give them a good grip on the branches. To cross a clear- ing, a guan may climb to the top of a tree and jump off. As it falls, it spreads its wings and glides 300 feet or more before landing. If this does not take it far enough, it may beat its wings to regain some height. Active mainly at dawn and dusk, guans are shy birds. Some species live in flocks or family groups, while others are solitary. Most have loud, harsh calls and can be heard shrieking to one another from high in the trees to warn of approaching preda- tors. But this habit often proves fatal because it identifies their position to their enemies. Right: The white-headed piping guan nests on the ground, hiding in dense vegetation. ~ FOOD &: FEEDING Guans feed during the day, especially in the morning and evening. They are mainly plant eaters and find most of their food in the trees and bushes. Some guan species also ven- ture down to ground level to feed on the forest floor. Guans favor berries and other fruit. They swallow small ber- ries whole and peck at the flesh of larger fruits such as mangoes and guavas. They also nibble at soft leaves, buds, and flowers. They are particularly fond of Left: The white-crested guan has the curved beak and colorful wattle typical of guans. [ DID YOU KNOW? The white-winged guan was thought to be extinct in 1870 but was rediscovered in 1977. A hundred or so now survive in an area of Peru, but the region is threatened by agricultural development. sprouting bean plants on farms and sometimes cause consider- able damage to crops. Guans supplement their vegetarian diet with worms, frogs, and insects. The young are fed mainly on insects. Guans are very agile feeders, sometimes hanging upside down from a branch while eat- ing. Some birds have a crop, while others have a large gullet in which to store food before digesting it. They regurgitate stones, seeds, and pips. Right: Like most guans, the crested guan is most active in the forest during twilight. Like pheasants, guans are game birds. They have been hunted for food as well as sport for centuries. Four guan species are offi- cially recognized as in danger of extinction. Guans breed once a year, pro- ducing two or sometimes three or four eggs. This slow rate of reproduction may be one rea- son for the gradual disappear- ance of guans in some areas. During the breeding season, the males perform a simple but noisy display. Flying from tree to tree, they beat their wings rap- idly to make a drumming sound and cackle raucously. Most guans build their nests in trees or bushes three to six feet above the ground, but some nest at ground level. The rough, untidy nest is loosely woven of dry twigs, leaves, and grass. It is quite small in relation to the size of the bird. Left: The com- mon piping guan may peck at fallen fruit on the ground. As its name suggests, it has a fairly soft whistling call. The female incubates the big white eggs for about three to five weeks, depending on the species. The chicks are well de- veloped when they hatch and already have wing feathers. In some cases the chicks leave the nest within hours of hatching, as soon as their down is dry. Most, however, leave after two or three days, when they are able to fly. They are led by their mother to a hiding place in the dense branches. A family group often stays to- gether, combining with others to form a flock of 10 to 20 birds for the next breeding season. In some species, pairs may remain together for several years. WATER RAIL ORDER Gruiformes FAMILY Rallidae GENUS & SPECIES Rallus aquaticus The water rail lives in marshland and along the swampy edges of freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. Its long, spread-apart toes let this bird move easily in wetland vegetation. KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 9-11 in. Weight: 3 ~ - 5 oz. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 1 year. Breeding season: April to July. No. of broods: 1-2. Eggs: 6-10. Incubation: About 3 weeks. Fledging period: 7-8 weeks. LIFESTYLE Habit: Lives alone or in pairs. Diet: Roots, seeds, berries, insects, shrimp, crayfish, earthworms, leeches, and small fish. Range of the water rail. DISTRIBUTION Call: Curious whistle and grunt ending in a piglike squeal. The water rail is found in most of Europe, parts of North Africa, and parts ot Asia, wherever the habitat is suitable. RELATED SPECIES CONSERVATION There are 124 species in the family Rallidae, including the moorhen, Gallinula chloropus, and the Bogota rail, Rallus semiplumbeus, of South America. The water rail is not an endangered species, but populations in much of its range are threatened because their wetland habitat is being drained. FEATURES OF THE WATER RAil Plumage: Dark gray below. Barred flanks and brown upper parts help to conceal the bird while it sits on the nest. The female is similar but has duller upper markings. Flight: When it flies, the rail keeps close to the water's surface, with its long, pinkish legs hanging from its body. Feeding: The adult eats worms, insects, and fresh- water shrimp and crayfish. At first the young are fed insects like crane flies, but they soon feed themselves. Eggs: Cream-colored with pale purple or reddish brown spots. Usually 6 to 10 are laid. They hatch in about 3 weeks. Habitat: The water rail lives in dense vegetation by water. An adult pair builds a nest in the reeds. They share the task of hatching the eggs and feeding the young. Feet: Large with long toes that help the bird walk easily over the swampy surface of marshland. c' MCMXCl1 IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM PRINTED IN U.SA 0160200571 PACKET 57 The water rail is an elusive bird that is more likely to be heard than seen. Its extraordinary call sounds like a grunt that ends in a squeal. Although the water rail can flYt it prefers to run. With its narrow bodYt it can move swiftly through dense reeds and vegetation. At times this bird may enter the water and swim. ~ H A B I T S With its short wings, stout legs, and slim, supple body, the wa- ter rail can run quickly through dense vegetation. But usually it creeps along with its stubby tail jerking up and down while it searches for food. To avoid de- tection it may "freeze" on the spot. If it becomes alarmed, it will rush for cover. The water rail prefers walking or running on the ground to flying in the air. It flies only brief- ly, keeping low over the marsh, with its legs dangling beneath its body. It may also swim for short distances but stays close to cover if possible. In spite of its large toes, the water rail can perch on the tips of stems and reeds. It has even been seen on tree branches. The water rail is easy to recog- nize because of its long red bill. ~ FOOD & FEEDING The water rail pushes its long, thin bill into the mud to find worms and leeches. It also uses its bill to break the hard outer covering of freshwater shrimp, crayfish, or insects. Additional sources of food include small fish and plant matter such as roots, seeds, berries, and grain. Left: The water rail's plumage blends into the vegetation. Only its red bill is clearly visible. DID YOU KNOW? In Iceland the water rail survives the cold winter by moving to marshes that are warmed by hot springs. One parent whose young could not swallow a spider took it back and removed its legs. Parents appear to have fa- In cold weather the water rail may prey on small birds. It may kill a bird by holding it under the water until it drowns. Young water rails are at first given grubs, dragonfly larvae, spiders, and freshwater shrimp by their parents, but they can soon feed themselves. Right: Its thin, downward-curving bill helps the water rail dig in mud for leeches and worms. vorites among their offspring. The ones that are not favored may be picked up by their heads, shaken, and dropped back into the water. The young rail leaves the nest soon after hatching, so its legs and feet must grow very quickly. ~ ~ BIRDWATCH In summer the water rail keeps mainly to the dense vegetation of the marshes where it breeds. Its subtly patterned plumage makes it hard to spot, but it may reveal its presence with a loud, piglike squeal. ~ BREEDING In the northernmost areas of its range, the water rail may move south for winter, but it returns to breed in spring. When mating, the female at first makes soft crooning sounds and runs back and forth to her mate, walking around him and rubbing her bill against his. He responds by preening the feath- ers on the back of her neck- drawing his bill through them. After they mate, the male and the female incubate the eggs and feed the young. The female chooses the nest site. She usually finds a spot with plenty of cover-among reeds, in thick grass, or under a shrub. The male helps her construct a Left: The water rail builds its nest among reeds, where it is completely hidden from sight. Water rails are more visible in winter, when they spread out to use ditches and small ponds and venture closer to towns. Some birds migrate. They have a strong fl ight, with their long legs trailing out behi nd them. roughly cup-shaped nest that is between five and six inches in diameter, which is large for a bird this size. The nest is con- structed of reeds and sedges and lined with dead leaves. The pair builds the nest at or near water level and covers it with a canopy of reeds to conceal the eggs and the sitting bird. The female lays six to ten eggs over a period of a few days. The male and female take two-hour shifts incubating the eggs. In about three weeks the eggs start to hatch. The young are fed reg- ularly at first, about every ten minutes, but they soon learn to feed themselves. The birds are born already covered in black down, and they have all their feathers by the time they are seven to eight weeks old.