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GRAY PARTRIDGE

ORDER
Galliformes
FAMILY
Phasianidae
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS & SPECIES
Perdix perdix
The gray partridge is a plump bird that can be found in fields and
grasslands. It spends most of its time on the ground, well
camouflaged by its streaked gray and brown plumage.
KEY FACTS
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SIZES
Length: 1 ft.
Wingspan: 1 ~ ft.
Weight: %-1 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding season: From April to
September.
No. of broods: 1.
Eggs: 10-20; pale buff.
Incubation: 3 - 3 ~ weeks.
Fledging period: About 2 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Sociable. Lives in open
habitats with low vegetation.
Diet: Adults, leaves and seeds.
Young, insects and other small
invertebrates.
Lifespan: Oldest known, 7 years.
RELATED SPECIES
Close relatives are the Tibetan par-
tridge, Perdix hodgsoniae, and the
Daurian partridge, P. dauuricae.
Range of the gray partridge.
DISTRIBUTION
Occurs from Great Britain and Ireland east across the steppes of
central Europe into Asia. Introduced into North America.
CONSERVATION
The gray partridge population has declined throughout its
range as a result of agricultural changes. However, the bird is
not threatened.
FEATURES OF THE GRAY PARTRIDGE
Bill: Small and blunt for picking
seeds and insects from the ground.
Male: Chestnut face; gray neck
Body: Plump with
round head. Short,
rounded wings.
Chestnut tail visi-
ble in flight.
and breast finely barred with
darker gray; wings barred
with brown. Dark horse-
shoe mark on belly.
Female: Markings a ~ e less vivid than
on male, with dark mark on chest
reduced to a small smudge.
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Chick: Buff
down with thick
dark streaks.
Coloring helps
the chick blend
in well with its
background.
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Eggs: Pale
buff. Usual-
ly 10 to 20
in a clutch,
laid in a
nest on the
ground.
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The gray partridge was once common on cultivated fields in
Europe's lowlands, but the population has declined during
the last few decades due to changing agricultural methods.
Despite this drop in numbers, small flocks are still seen in fall
and winter around farmland in many parts of the continent.
The gray partridge is also found in North America, where it
was introduced as a game bird in the late 19th century.
~ HABITAT
The gray partridge lives mainly
in open lowland habitats. It fre-
quents heaths and sand dunes,
but it is most commonly found
in areas of farmland, especially
where there are hedges for it
to nest in. This bird prefers the
cover of vegetation that does
not extend far over its head.
Because it does not inhabit
woodlands, the gray partridge
may have been very scarce in
Europe when forest covered
the countryside. The species
benefited and spread widely as
land was cleared for agriculture.
But today the bird's farmland
habitat is shrinking, primarily
because agricultural pesticides
kill the weeds and insects on
which it feeds.
The gray partridge is some-
times helped by gamekeepers,
who try to protect its habitat
and keep predator populations
down-but only so that thou-
sands of partridges can be shot
in the hunting season.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
Feeding on open ground or in
vegetation, the gray partridge
eats the leaves as well as seeds
of grasses, cereals, clover, and
weeds. It especially favors the
seed heads of chickweed-a
plant that flowers and bears
seeds year-round.
left: Hidden under vegetation, the
gray partridge may crouch or run
away if approached.
~ I BIRDWATCH
Most of t he t ime t he gray par-
tridge hides in vegetaton. Of-
ten the only way to locate this
bird is by listening for its loud
call, which sounds somewhat
I like a creaking, rusty gate. ~
DID YOU KNOW?
Before World War II, hunters
killed at least 21 million gray
partridges each year through-
out the bird's range. Now a
total of only about 3 million
are shot each year.
Up to one-quarter of all fe-
male gray partridges may be
killed on the nest each year,
mostly by foxes.
Adults feed on plant matter
almost exclusively, eating small
insects such as ants only occa-
sionally. In contrast, chicks eat
mostly beetles, bugs, caterpil-
lars, aphids, and other small in-
vertebrates until they reach the
age of three weeks.
Right: As winter sets in, unpaired
females leave the group to join up
with males.
If approached, the gray par-
tridge will take to the air with
a flurry of feathers, showing its
chestnut tai l. It flies low, with
whirring wings; then gl ides
wit h its wings bent down.
According to a hunting tra-
dition in Great Britain, good
weather at the height of sum-
mer indicates that there will
be an abundance of gray par-
tridges that winter. Scientists
have found that good sum-
mer weather does help, by j
encouraging the insects on
which partridge chicks feed.
For most of the year, the gray
partridge lives in a small flock
called a covey; consisting of up
to 15 birds. A covey includes at
least one pair and the ir young
but may contain more than one
family group as well as unpaired
adults. In late winter, t he flocks
mix and break up as partners
from the previous yea r come
together again and un paired
Left: At two weeks old, f l ight feath-
ers replace the chick's camouflag-
ingdown.
Left: The female
gray partridge
lays some of the
largest clutches
of any bird. She
frequently lays
as many as 20
eggs. The big-
gest gray par-
tridge clutch
on record con-
tained 25.
adults leave to look for mates.
The nest is a hollow lined with
plant matter. The female makes
the nest, which is concealed un-
der hedges, in long grass at the
edge of a field, or on a bank.
Females and their eggs often
fall prey to foxes, weasels, and
rooks. But if the eggs are taken
and the mother survives, she
lays another clutch. The female
feeds her young some insects,
but they can run around and
feed themselves at a day old.
KAKAPO
ORDER
Psittaciformes
FAMILY
Psittacidae
CARD 292
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS & SPECIES
Strigops habropti/us
The kakapo is a strange and intriguing bird. In addition
to being the world ~ largest parrot, it is the only one
that is active at night and unable to fly.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 2 ft. Male larger than t he
femal e.
Weight: Up to 8 lb.
BREEDING
Breeding season: Usually Decem-
ber to February or March. The bird
does not breed every year.
No. of broods: 1-2.
Eggs: 2-4; white.
Incubation: Unknown.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary, night-active
ground dweller.
Diet: Berries, leaves, fruit fungi,
roots, and grasses.
Call: Mal e hisses, screams, and
mews. Also booms in the breed-
ing season.
Li fespan: Unknown.
RELATED SPECIES
The kea, Nestor notabi/is, and the
kaka, N. meridiona/is, are other na-
ti ve New Zealand parrots.
FEATURES OF THE KAKAPO
Range of the kakapo.
DISTRIBUTION
Confined to Stewart Island, Codfish Island, and Little Barrier Is-
land off New Zealand's South Island.
CONSERVATION
Only 43 individuals are known to survive. The New Zealand
Department of Conservation has made saving the kakapo one
of its main objectives. It is engaged in captive breeding and re-
location programs.
Body: Strong, plump build with
Eyes: Look more
directl y forward
than those of
other parrots
because the
kakapo evol ved
with few natural
predators to
watch for.
short wings used only for .....tJ:.. IIIIII!II
gliding. Large feet.
Walks with an
awkward,
waddling gait.
Plumage: Soft feathers marked with
shades of moss and oli ve green,
broken up with black to provide
perfect camouflage in the dim
light of the alpine forest. Fe"
male is sl ightly paler
green than male.
, MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FI LE'M PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Bill: Thick and hooked,
wi th stiff brown bris-
tles around base.
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The kakapo was perfectly suited to life in New Zealand's
forests before the arrival of humans. With no ground-level
predators to flee from, this flightless bird had no need to
take to the air. Howeve" it stood no chance when the
natural balance of its habitat was upset. Today there are
fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild, making
the kakapo one of the rarest birds in the world.
~ HABITS
The kakapo makes its home in
dense, mountainous forests at
high elevations. It lives mostly
at ground level, walking in low
vegetation with a waddling
gait. It usually stays within one
territory, which it marks with
scent, but it may leave to find
food or join a breeding display.
During the day, the nocturnal
kakapo rests in a natural crev-
ice, a burrow that it scrapes out
of leaf debris, or between tree
roots. Since its plumage blends
into the background, the bird
is almost impossible to spot un-
less it moves.
If the kakapo senses danger,
it keeps still until all is safe. This
is its primary means of defense
because it is cumbersome and
unable to fly. But this defense
strategy is of little use against
predators such as weasels and
wild cats.
The kakapo is good at climb-
ing, however, and may use this
skill to avoid enemies. It clings
firmly to sloping tree trunks as
well as branches with its large,
strong feet and flaps its wings
to help it balance. After climb-
ing a tree, it can glide back to
ground level on outstretched
wings, landing up to 100 yards
from its take-off point.
~ FOOD & FEEDING
The kakapo eats mainly the ber-
ries of shrubs and the stems and
roots of grasses. Early New Zea-
landers called forest areas domi-
nated by berry-yielding shrubs
kakapo gardens.
When eating grass tussocks,
the bird munches the soft parts
of the stems and extracts the
juices. It leaves a loose ball of fi-
brous matter hanging from the
plant. Bleached by sun and rain,
the balls of chewed-up grass in-
Left: The kakapo gets the name ow/-
parrot from its nocturnal habits, soft
feathers, and facial disk.
DID YOU KNOW?
Kakapo is a Maori word that
means "parrot of the dark."
Early prospectors caught the
kakapo for food.
The kakapo is not afraid of
humans. One waddled up to a
conservation worker, climbed
up his body, and sat on top of
his head.
The Maoris used the kaka-
dicate the presence of a kakapo.
This plant food is not very nu-
tritious, so the kakapo must eat
large amounts. It may walk a dis-
tance to locate food or climb a
tree to nibble on berries. It also
feeds on ferns, mosses, fungi,
nuts, seeds, and even small liz-
ards when they are available. It
is thought that the bird also eats
nectar-bearing flowers since ka-
kapos in captivity are often fond
of sweet foods.
Right: The kakapo's large feet are
useful as it looks for fungi on the
forest floor.
po's beautiful feathers for dec-
oration. A sign of great pros-
perity was to own a cloak of
kakapo feathers.
A male kakapo on an island
with no females performed
the courtship dance in front of
a naturalist. The bird gave up
when the human failed to re-
spond correctly.
The breeding habits of the ka-
kapo may be the most u nusual
of any bird. It breeds once ev-
ery few years, only when food
is plentiful. The males may trav-
el several miles to cong regate
at a communal display ground,
or lek, frequently located on a
ridge above a valley. The kaka-
po is the only parrot an d the
only bird native to New Zea-
land that displays in a lek.
Each male clears an a rea by
flattening grass with his feet
and removing debris. He digs
several round depressions, 16
to 20 inches across and about
5 inches deep. He crou ches in
one of the bowls, with his feath-
ers fluffed, and hums softly. By
inflating the air sac in his throat,
the male then puffs himself up
and emits a loud boom. Ampli-
fied by the bowl's shape, this
foghornlike sound can be heard
across the valley. The male re-
peats it every few seconds up to
Left: The kakapo's green-and-black
plumage provides excellent camou-
flage on the forest floor.
50 times before starting again.
The male may boom for sev-
eral hours before a female ar-
rives. He also makes squealing,
braying, grunting, and purring
noises and performs a strange
dance. He spreads his wings
and waves them slowly, click-
ing his bill and swaying from
foot to foot while walking back-
ward and forward. The female
responds with a "ching ching"
call. The mating dance that fol-
lows, described in Maori leg-
end, has never been seen by
modern naturalists.
After mating, the male and
the female separate. The female
digs a nest among tree roots
and lays two to four eggs on a
pad of wood dust and feathers.
The downy white hatchlings
remain in their nest for three
months, totally dependent on
the female. She roosts near the
nest and visits her chicks once
or twice a night to feed them
regurgitated berries. Left alone
much of the time, the chicks
are easy prey and few survive.
'" CARD 293 I
GREAT GRAY OWL


ORDER
Strigiformes
FAMILY
Strigidae
GENUS & SPECIES
Strix nebulosa
The great gray owl is one of the largest of all owls, with a
wingspan almost as wide as the armspan of an adult human.
Despite its great size, however, this bird feeds mainly on tiny voles.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: ft.
Wingspan: ft.
Weight: lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2 years.
Breeding season: Spring.
No. of broods: 1.
Eggs: 3-5; round and white.
Incubation: 1 month.
Fledging period: 5 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary in winter; family
groups in spring and summer.
Sometimes in larger, loose groups.
Diet: Small mammals, especially
voles. Also birds.
Call: "Whoo-whoo-whoo."
Lifespan: 6 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The barred owl, Strix varia, and
spotted owl, S. occidentalis, are
close relatives.
Range of the great gray owl.
DISTRIBUTION
The great gray owl is found in Alaska, interior Canada, and in
the mountains of the western United States. It also occurs in
northern Europe and Asia.
CONSERVATION
Although populations are healthy, forest clearance is a serious
threat to the great gray owl's habitat because it deprives the
bird of nesting sites.
FEATURES OF THE GREAT GRAY OWL
Plumage: Mainly pale
gray. Upperparts are dark
gray with white and black
markings. Lower parts are
paler with broad dark streaks.
MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Head: Large. Pronounced fa-
cial disk has dark gray con-
centric circles. White streak
from eyebrows to bill. Black
chin. Small yellow eyes.
Bill : Ti ny, but hooked and
razor-sharp for ri pping flesh.
Feet: Have sharp,
curved talons for
snatching prey.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Wings: Very large. The great
gray owl has one of the widest
wi ngspans of all owls. It flies
wi th deep, slow wing beats.
0160200901 PACKET 90
The great gray owl's soft dense plumage and feet feathers
help it survive in the freezing forests of the north. This bird
is a skillful hunter with more than one way of finding food.
It may glide on silent wings, scanning the ground for prey.
Or it may perch in a tree, listening intently for the slightest
rustle of a tiny mammal moving beneath the snow.
HABITS
The great gray owl inhabits fir,
pine, and spruce forests in Alas-
ka, mountainous regions in the
western United States, and Can-
ada. It is also found in northern
Europe and Asia.
Although it does not migrate
seasonally, this owl is nomadic
and travels in search of food, es-
pecially voles. The vole popula-
tion tends to grow steadily and
then fall dramatically from one
year to the next. If voles die out
in the north, the great gray owl
population goes south-some-
times as far as New England-to
find prey. Some adults stay be-
hind but do not breed that year.
The great gray owl is active by
day and night. Its mottled gray
plumage conceals it against the
trees, so the bird is hard to spot,
even in daylight. But the owl is
most active around dusk, when
it is almost invisible among the
shadows. This bird is even hard
to detect in the air, as it glides
noiselessly on its huge wings.

The great gray owl usually takes
over the nest of a large bird of
prey such as a raven. The nest
may be made of twigs and set
on a tree stump or the ground.
Or it may be just a hole in a tree.
Several pairs may breed in a
small area if there are plenty of
abandoned nests. The breeding
pairs are not aggressive toward
each other and do not trespass
on each other's territory. But they
defend their nests fearlessly and
may attack human intruders.
While the female is incubating
the three to five eggs, the male
provides food. At a time when
food supplies are most abun-
Left: With its mottled gray plum-
age, the great gray owl is incon-
spicuous in the forest.
DID YOU KNOW?
The great gray owl conceals
itself by sitting motionless, up-
right on a branch, close to the
tree trunk. It then looks just
like part of the tree.
Great gray owl young some-
times turn cannibal. The old-
est chicks in a brood are the
dant, the chicks begin hatching
at intervals of a few days. In a
large brood, the oldest chick
may hatch two weeks before
the youngest. The hatchlings
are covered in down, and their
ears and eyes are closed. They
cannot regulate their body tem-
perature, so they rely on the fe-
male to keep them warm.
At first the chicks cheep feebly
for food, but they soon become
quite noisy. The parents tear off
strips of flesh for their chicks. Lat-
er the adults give their offspring
whole prey, providing food until
the young are five months old
and ready to leave the nest.
Right: The female remains on the
nest with the chicks while the male
hunts for the family.
strongest because they hatch
first. If food is scarce, they may
eat the younger chicks.
The great gray owl's scientif-
ic name, Strix nebuloso, means
"cloudy owl," in reference to
the bird's grayish and mottled
"cloudy" plumage.
FOOD &: HUNTING
The great gray owl feeds mainly
on voles, shrews, and birds. It al-
so preys on squirrels, moles, rats,
mice, hares, and weasels.
This owl hunts in meadows,
moors, forest glades, and clear-
ings. While perched in a tree, it
looks for prey, turning its head
180 degrees in either direction
to get an all-around v iew with
its keen eyesight. It also uses its
Left: The great gray owl eats all of
its preYt eliminating bones and fur
later in the form of pellets.
Left: For its first
two weeks, a
chick is totally
dependent on
its mother. She
broods it al-
most continu-
allYt uttering a
purring sound.
sensitive hearing to find prey. At
the slightest rustling sound, the
owl pounces on the exact spot
where an animal lies hidden un-
der the snow. Since it is so big,
the bird can break through the
icy covering to reach its victim.
The great gray owl also glides
noiselessly from perch to perch,
scanning the ground. When it
spots prey, it plummets down-
ward and seizes the victim with
outstretched feet, which have
sharp, curved talons.
'" CARD 294 I
STONE CURLEW
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~
ORDER
Charadriiformes
FAMILY
Burhinidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Burhinus oedicnemus
The stone curlew is a strange-looking bird that lives in open country,
mainly in warm, dry areas. It prefers to run rather than fly and moves
swiftly over the ground looking for insects with its huge eyes.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: About 1 ~ ft.
Wingspan: 2 ~ - 3 ft.
Weight: 7:\-1 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3 years.
Breeding season: April to August.
Eggs: 2; pale buff with speckles.
No. of broods: Usually 1.
Incubation: Almost 4 weeks.
Fledging period: 5-6 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Mainly night-active. Forms
pairs in the breeding season.
Diet: Mainly invertebrates; also
small vertebrates and birds' eggs.
Call: A series of "kur-Iee" sounds
with stress on the second note.
lifespan: Up to 16 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The stone curlew is the only Euro-
pean member of the thick-knee
family, Burhinidae, which includes
8 other species.
Range of the stone curlew.
DISTRIBUTION
Breeds from North Africa and Spain across Europe eastward to
India and mainland Southeast Asia. Most northern birds winter
in Africa and the Middle East.
CONSERVATION
The stone curlew population has declined during the past 50
years in much of Europe because of habitat loss resulting from
agricultural changes.
FEATURES OF THE STONE CURLEW
Eggs: Pale buff
with darker
speckles;
2 per
clutch.
Laid in
a deep
scrape
on open
ground.
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Eyes: Yellow. Large eyes
enable the bird to spot
prey in dim light.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Bill: Small and
slender
to
snatch
insects from
the ground.
Chick: Camouflaged
by grayish brown
down. It crouches
on the ground and
extends its neck
to hide from
0160200901 PACKET 90
The stone curlew's name reflects two features of this bird.
First, it is fond of living in dry, stony places. Second, its
loud, far-carrying call is similar to the call of the more
familiar common curlew, even though the two species are
not related. The stone curlew is most active after dusk. On
spring evenings, breeding pairs can be heard calling
to one another as they circle their territories.
HABITS
The stone curlew is found main-
ly in warm, dry habitats. In Eu-
rope it makes its home on open,
stony ground with short vege-
tation, such as grassland grazed
by sheep. In other parts of its
breeding range it nests on sand
dunes or in areas of dry mud,
steppe, or semidesert.
The stone curlew prefers to
run on its long, sturdy legs rath-
er than fly. This bird is most ac-
tive at night. For much of the
day, it rests in a hunched posi-
tion, well camouflaged by its
mottled and streaked brown,
black, buff, and white plum-
age. When it is alarmed, the
bird freezes stock-still, becom-
ing even more difficult to spot.
In the milder climate of India,
Spain, and North Africa, most
stone curlews stay in one place
for the whole year. But popula-
tions that breed in northern and
eastern Europe migrate south
for the winter. In late summer,
after breeding, these birds form
flocks at premigratory sites. Up
to 200 individuals may gather
at such places, but migrating
flocks are usually much smaller.
The birds may take a long time
to depart from their breeding
grounds. Some of them do not
leave until October.
Right: The downy chick can walk
when it is two days old.
FOOD &: FEEDING
The stone curlew eats mainly
ground-dwelling insects and
their larvae, especially beetles,
grasshoppers, crickets, earwigs,
flies, and moths. It also feeds on
earthworms, slugs, snails, frogs,
small lizards, mice, voles, and
birds' eggs.
The stone curlew feeds mostly
between dusk and dawn, when
invertebrates scurry across the
ground. It feeds during the day-
left: During courtship, the male
struts about, beating his wings.
I DID YOU KNOW?
In agricultural regions the
stone curlew follows the plow,
pecking at insects and worms
that are churned up.
When danger threatens, the
stone curlew may pick up its
chicks in its bill, one by one,
and fly with them to safety.
Some stone curlews deco-
rate their nests with pebbles,
time if necessary, especially in
the breeding season when the
birds take turns on the nest.
With its keen vision and good
hearing, the stone curlew can
detect prey several yards away,
even at night. After spotting an
animal, the bird makes a quick
run, at times flapping its wings
to gain speed. This is followed
by a final stalk and a sudden
stab at the prey with its bill.
Right: The stone curlew's large eyes
provide keen vision for finding prey.
leaves, or shells. A curlew oc-
casionally presents its mate
with such objects when reliev-
ing it at the nest.
OJ Due to its resemblance to a
plover, local British names for
the stone curlew include stone
plover, Norfolk plover, night
plover, whistling plover, and
goggle-eyed plover.
BIRDWATCH
The stone curlew is most like-
ly to be seen at dusk or dawn.
Its shrill "kur-Iee" call s are dis-
tinct from the lower-pitched
and more musical call s ofthe
common curlew.
The stone curlew is a large,
ploverlike bird with g l aring

Some stone curlews form pairs
before reaching their breeding
sites in the spring. The rest pair
up after their courtship displays.
A courting male bows deeply,
touching his bill to the ground
with his fanned tail held high.
Stone curlews sometimes gath-
er in order to perform commu-
nal displays. They leap i nto the
air, beating their wings. Then
they run around, calling loudly.
A pair defends its territory by
standing aggressively upright
with tail feathers spread wide.
The birds stretch and bow and
may chase off or fight intruders.
The nest is a deep sCl"ape in
the ground, set in a place that
yellow eyes. But it is difficult
to spot because its streaked
plumage provides excellent
camouflage, especially when
the bird is crouching motion-
less. In flight, the stone cur-
lew reveals a bold black-and-
white pattern on its wings.
offers a good view of approach-
ing predators. Each bird sits on
the eggs for long periods at first.
Then, as the hatching time ap-
proaches, they take shorter shifts
that last about 15 minutes.
If disturbed on the nest, the
stone curlew usually slips away
and crouches, camouflaged by
its plumage. Sometimes it lures
predators away from the nest
by faking injury, leaping up and
then falling down with its wings
held out as if broken. The bird is
a bold protector and will even
drive sheep or cattle away from
its nest. Both male and female
rear the young, which become
independent in five to six weeks.
GLOSSY IBIS

ORDER
Ciconiiformes
FAMILY
Threskiornithidae

GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Plegadis falcinellus
The glossy ibis is a sociable bird that is quite willing to share
its home with herons and egrets. This striking wader is
threatened by the destruction of much of its habitat.
__ ____________________________ ___
SIZES
Length: 1 ft.
Wingspan: ft.
Weight: lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3 years.
Breeding season: Varies.
No. of broods: 1.
Eggs: 3-6, usually 4. Deep blue-
green color.
Incubation: Usually 3 weeks.
Fledging period: 7 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Active by day. Sociable.
Diet: Insects and their larvae. Also
leeches, small amphibians, worms,
reptiles, crustaceans, and fish.
Call: Mainly silent. Utters an occa-
sional harsh croak.
RELATED SPECIES
The closest relative of the glossy
ibis is the white-faced ibis, Plegadis
chihi, of western North America.
Range of the glossy ibis.
DISTRIBUTION
The glossy ibis is found in North America, southeastern Europe,
Africa, Australia, and southern Asia.
CONSERVATION
The draining and clearing of many feeding and breeding sites
have reduced the population of the glossy ibis and the size of
its range. But the bird remains common in more isolated areas.
FEATURES OF THE GLOSSY IBIS
Plumage:
Mostly rich
purple-brown.
Wings and tail are
darker.
Bill: Dark gray-brown. Long
and downward-curving.
Juvenile: Uniform brown
with paler underparts.
- \\
Legs.: Long.J).ale
.. _ __ ,
Eggs: 3 to 6; deep
blue-green color.
J
@ MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Flight: Downward-curving
bill and drooping legs cre-
ate a distinctive flattened
outline.
0160200891 PACKET 89
The glossy ibis gets its name from its iridescent plumage.
The bird's feathers may appear to have a purple, green, or
metallic bronze sheen. This wader inhabits wetland areas,
where it uses its long, downward-curving bill to probe the
mud for insects and other small animals on which it preys.
~ H A B I T A T
The glossy ibis is found on shal-
low lakes, mud flats, rivers, and
marshes. It seems to prefer low-
land areas, but a population in
southwestern Asia lives at an el-
evation of 6,500 feet.
These nomadic birds frequent-
~ HABITS
In general, the glossy Ibis is ac-
tive by day and roosts at dusk.
But it may fly after dark when it
is migrating.
A sociable bird, this ibis is fre-
quently seen in small flocks or
in large breeding colonies. The
birds are usually silent but some-
times flock members chatter,
grunt, or caw like crows. Flocks
Iy travel far to locate food and
spread out over a large area af-
ter breeding. But the species'
range has decreased steadily
over the last century as feeding
and breeding sites have been
claimed for agriculture.
fly in large V formations, alter-
nating rapid wing beats with
long glides.
The glossy ibis avoids deep,
fast-flowing, or turbulent water
and swims only if necessary. On
land the bird walks at a steady
pace, like a heron or spoonbill.
Right: The glossy ibis has a wider
range than any other ibis.
~ FOOD & FEEDING
The glossy ibis usually feeds in
t he shallows around lakes, irri-
gated fields, or mud flats. It uses
its long bill to probe the mud
and shallow waters for insects
and their larvae. Grasshoppers,
water beetles, crickets, dragon-
flies, and caddis flies form the
bulk of this bird's diet. But it
also feeds on worms, crusta-
ceans, small amphibians, rep-
tiles, and fish.
left: The glossy ibis can be distin-
guished from most other ibis spe-
cies by its iridescent sheen.
Right: The glossy ibis uses its long
bill to probe the mud for insects
and crustaceans.
DID YOU KNOW?
One young glossy ibis flew
1,600 miles in 23 days.
The glossy ibis's decline is
reversed in North America,
where the bird's population
and range are increasing.
~ BREEDING
The glossy ibis breeds at differ-
ent times of the year, depend-
ing on its location. Populations
near the Black Sea breed from
May to September, while those
in Australia breed much later.
Pairs display at the nest site,
bowing gracefully and preen-
ing one another. They spend
two days constructing a nest
in a tree or among bushes or
dense reeds. The nest is a com-
pact woven structure of twigs
or reeds lined with green vege-
tation. It is usually 16 to 23 feet
above ground or water level.
Each season the female lays
three to six eggs, usually four.
Both parents take turns incu-
Above: The female glossy ibis lays
her deep blue-green eggs at one-
day intervals.
bating the eggs, and the chicks
hatch after about three weeks.
During the hatchlings' first five
days, one parent is always pre-
sent at the nest. At first the par-
ents regurgitate food for their
chicks. Later they deposit food
in the nest and leave the young
to help themselves.
After around two weeks, the
young birds move to nearby
branches or reeds, returning to
the nest to be fed. They can fly
five weeks later but stay near
the nest until ready to go with
their parents to find food.
"" CARD 296 I
NORTHERN HARRIER
"' GROUP 2: BIRDS
" ' ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~
.... ORDER .... FAMILY .... GENUS & SPECIES
~ Falconiformes ~ Accipitridae ~ Circus cyaneus
The northern harrier is an impressive inhabitant of marshes
and grasslands. Formerly called the marsh hawk, this bird is
the only harrier that is found in North America.
___ ~ __ KEYFAC_T_S __ ~ __________ ~ __ ~ ~ __ ~ __ __
I ~ Ail SIZES
'tg' Length: 17-20 in.
Weight: Male, 10-14 oz. Female,
14-24 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1-3 years.
Breeding season: From late April
to August.
Eggs: 4-6, bluish white.
Incubation: 4-6 weeks.
Fledging period: 5-6 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Day-active. Flies low over
marshes and fields.
Diet: Mainly small birds and ro-
dents. Also amphibians, reptiles,
insects, and fish.
Call: High-pitched /lkee-kee-kee./I
Lifespan: Up to 17 years recorded
in the wild.
RELATED SPECIES
Closely related to the marsh harrier,
Circus aeruginosus, and Montagu's
harrier, C. pygargys, of Europe.
Year-round range.
DISTRIBUTION
Winter
range.
Breeding
range.
The northern harrier breeds from Alaska east through Canada
to Siberia. It winters south of these areas. The bird can be found
year-round in parts of North and South America and Europe.
CONSERVATION
The northern harrier is declining throughout its range because
of the destruction of wetlands. This habitat destruction is worst
in Europe and parts of North America.
FEATURES OF THE NORTHERN HARRIER
Male: Gray plumage with
white rump and black wing-
tips. Smaller than the fe-
male. Both sexes have
long wings and long legs.
MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A
Feeding the young: The male northern harrier
makes a kill. He calls to the female as he ap-
proaches the nest, and she flies out to meet
him. She then turns onto her back, and he
drops the prey into her talons. The female
then retu rns to the ch icks with the food .
Female: Brown upperparts,
streaked buff underparts,
and black wingtips.
0160200941 PACKET 94
The northern harrier is an odd-looking bird of prey.
In addition to its flat owlish face, it possesses narrow
wings, a fairly slender bodYt and long, sticklike legs. The
northern harrier hunts during the daYt watching for prey
from a high perch or while flying low over the ground. It
takes its victims by surprise, pouncing with deadly accuracy
on small animals concealed between clumps of vegetation.
~ HABITAT
In North America the northern
harrier nests mainly in freshwa-
ter marshes. But it sometimes
resorts to grass-covered dunes,
lush meadows, moist prairies, or
other grasslands where the veg-
etation is tall enough to conceal
the nest. In Europe, where this
same species is called the hen
harrier, it may nest not only in
marshes but also in open moor-
lands and plantations that have
very young conifer trees.
Outside the breeding season,
the northern harrier can usually
be found over open country of
any kind, including salt marshes,
dry plains, and even airports.
During the fall migration, the
northern harrier is most abun-
dant along the coasts, where it
finds its prey by gliding above
the salt marshes and dunes. It
can often be seen flying back
and forth over the area, search-
ing for food as it makes its way
south to its wintering grounds.
Although the northern harrier
sometimes migrates in a small
group, it is most likely to trav-
el by itself.
Right: Northern harrier chicks stay
in the nest until their feathers start
to appear at two weeks.
~ FOOD &: HUNTING
The northern harrier employs its
keen sight and hearing to hunt
for prey. In marshlands it feeds
mainly on small rodents as well
as birds. Ground-nesting larks,
sparrows, rails, and quail are es-
pecially vulnerable to attack by
the harrier, which can take birds
as large as 12 inches long. In ad-
dition, it catches insects, lizards,
frogs, snakes, and fish. This skill-
ful predator may also hunt over
farmland and meadows, where
Left: The male northern harrier is
distinguished from the female by
his pale gray plumage.
DID YOU KNOW?
The female northern harrier
and her chicks are known as
ringtails because of the dark
bands on their tails.
The name harrier-Dr its old-
er version, harrower--rneans
"something that pursues and
destroys." The same word is
used to refer to a hound that
is trained to hunt hares.
it catches thrushes, voles, and
young hares and rabbits.
When it is hunting, the north-
ern harrier may fly low over the
ground with its wings held in a
shallow V shape. Or it may sur-
vey the area from a high perch.
The bird surprises its prey on the
ground, pouncing suddenly and
then snatching it with its long,
thin legs. The harrier then goes
back to its perch or nest to con-
sume its kill.
Right: The female northern harrier
gives her nestlings food that has
been hunted by the male.
All harriers have round facial
disks somewhat like those of
owls and use them in much
the same way. The disks fun-
nel sounds into the birds' ears,
enabling them to detect the
faint, rustling noises made by
prey. A harrier relies as much
on its ears as on its eyes to
find food.
~ I BIRDWATCH
The northern harrier breeds in
Canada and the northern parts
of the United States _ It can be
seen south of those areas dur-
ing fall and winter.
The gray male and mainly
brown female have long, nar-
row wings and tails as well as
~ BREEDING
At the onset of the breeding sea-
son in late April, the northern
harrier performs high-flying dis-
plays. The male executes up to
30 dives at a time, often aimed
at the female he is courting. She
may fend him off in midair.
After a pair forms, the female
builds the nest. In marshes, she
makes a bulky nest on a floating
platform of aquatic plants. In dry
areas the nest is smaller, built of
sticks and reeds within thick cov-
er and lined with gra. ss. The fe-
male and male both protect the
nest and may attack intruders.
The female incubates the four
flashing white rump patches.
When hunting, this harri er
holds its wings in a shallow V
shape and teeters from side to
side. This flight style is unique
among American birds of prey
and makes the northern harri-
er recognizable at a distance.
to six eggs and later broods the
chicks, while the male hunts for
his family. He calls when he gets
near the nest with a kill, and the
female flies up to him, calling in
response. She then turns onto
her back, and the male drops
the prey into her talons. After
landing, she eats the food her-
self or feeds it to her young.
The chicks stay in the nest for
two weeks, until their feathers
appear. The male leaves when
the chicks fledge at five to six
weeks old, and the youngsters
soon accompany the female on
hunting trips.
BANK SWALLOW
... ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Hirundinidae
CARD 297J
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Riparia riparia
The bank swallow is the smallest member of the swallow family in
North America. In spring and summer it is seen flying over rivers,
lakes, and fields. In fall it leaves for its tropical wintering grounds.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 5 in.
Wingspan: 10-11 in.
Weight: About ;.-;; oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding season: May to August.
No. of broods: Usually 2.
Eggs: 4-6, usually 5; white.
Incubation: 2 weeks.
Fledging period: About 3 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Social; nests in colonies.
Diet: Small flying insects.
Lifespan: Oldest banded bird, 9
years. However, few birds live
longer than 3 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The 3 other species of bank swal-
low are the brown-throated sand
martin, Riparia po/udico/a; the Con-
go sand martin, R. congica; and the
banded martin, R. cincta.
Range of the bank swallow.
DISTRIBUTION
Breeds widely in Europe, Asia, and North America. Winters in
Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and South America.
CONSERVATION
Bank swallow populations appear to be stable. The birds are
well adapted to nesting in artificial sites such as quarries and
gravel pits, in addition to their natural nesting sites.
OF THE BANK SWALLOW
Plumage: Plain brown back, crown, wings,
and tail. White chin and underside with
Bill: Short, but
opens wide to
trap insects in
flight.
Nesting hole:
The bank swal-
low burrows
deep into a riv-
erbank, the face
of a quarry, or
a sea cliff .
a brown band across chest.
Wings: Long and
pointed, provid-
ing fast flight.
MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
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PRINTED IN U.SA 0160200931 PACKET 93
The bank swallow is one of the more widespread members of
the swallow family. It breeds across much of Europe, Asia,
and North America. Any vertical bank of sand-along a
quarry, for example-may attract a nesting colony. At such
a site, the birds dig burrows in which they build their nests.
~ H A B I T A T
The bank swallow avoids wood-
lands, mountains, and highly
built-up areas. But it is found in
almost any other habitat where
there are plenty of small flying
insects. It is often seen near wa-
ter, where prey is abundant.
Bank swallows start appearing
in North America in April and
continue to arrive over the next
few weeks. The birds feed heavi-
ly after their long migration and
begin breeding in May. Bank
swallows tend to nest in colo-
nies of 10 to 50 pairs, but some
sites host several hundred pairs.
The colonies are busy and noisy,
with birds flying to and from
their nests constantly.
In fall, bank swallows flock in
hundreds or thousands. They
often roost in reed beds before
flying south to spend the winter
in the tropics.
~ BREEDING
Where possible, the bank swal-
low digs its nesting burrow in a
steep, sandy riverbank or a sea
cliff. But generally the birds nest
in artificial sites such as quarries
and gravel pits. The burrows in
a colony are close together-
often less than one foot apart.
The male bank swallow usual-
ly begins digging the burrow,
which is normally at least three
feet deep. He then perches out-
side the burrow entrance and
tries to attract a mate by calling,
ruffling his feathers, and vibrat-
ing his wings. Once he obtains
a mate, both birds work at the
tunnel, pecking material loose
and then scratching the debris
away with their feet.
At the end of the tunnel, the
birds make a tangled nest out of
Left: The bank swallow may lose its
home to a starling or sparrow and
must then dig again.
DID YOU KNOW?
When digging its nesting
burrow, a bank swallow may
shift stones up to four times
its own weight.
The bank swallow some-
times sunbathes, extending
dry grass, pine needles, or simi-
lar materials. They line the nest
with grass and feathers.
The female lays her first clutch
in May. Both sexes incubate the
four to six white eggs until they
hatch in two weeks. The chicks
fledge by mid-June, when they
are about three weeks old. They
receive food from their parents
for a few more days, then leave
the colony. The young spread
out in the region, visiting other
nesting colonies. Then they set
out for the reed-bed roosts that
are gathering points for bank
swallows before migrating.
Meanwhile, the adults raise a
second brood. Although rare, a
third brood may follow if there
is good weather and plenty of
insect prey.
Right: Before they leave the nest,
the chicks learn to recognize their
parents' calls.
its wings to absorb the heat.
Bank swallows sometimes
nest in unusual places, such
as trenches on building sites,
sawdust heaps at sawmills,
and stacks of peat blocks.
t{1 BIRDWATCH
The bank swallow is both the
smallest North Ameri can swal-
low and the most agi le in the
air. In spring and summer, look
for its low, flitting flight near
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
When searching for food, the
bank swallow alternates flutter-
ing wing beats with short glides.
It catches mayflies, damselflies,
aphids, midges, and other flying
insects. It may also feed on the
ground and will even hop near
anglers' feet to hunt for mag-
gots that are dropped.
The bank swallow itself may
Left: This swallow flies fast and low
when searching for insects.
Left: The
female bank
swallow lays
four to six eggs
in a nest lined
with grass and
feathers. The
chicks can fly
after about
three weeks.
lowland rivers and lakes. The
bird is similar to the northern
rough-winged swallow but
smaller, with a distinct dark
band across its breast.
fall prey to the hobby, which is
a skillful aerial hunter. The swal-
low swoops near the ground to
avoid a hungry hobby. Howev-
er, if the hobby is not actively
hunting, several swallows may
bunch together to chase it from
the colony. Bank swallows also
harass raiding ermines and wea-
sels, but these predators may
penetrate the defense to steal
young from the burrows.
SUNBITTERN
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
~
ORDER
Gruiformes
FAMILY
Eurypygidae
GENUS & SPECIES
Eurypyga heJias
The sunbittern lives next to stretches of water in the tropical and
subtropical forests of Central and South America. In its wet
habitat, this bird prefers to swim rather than fly.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 1 Y? ft., including tail.
Weight: 8-9 oz.
BREEDING
Breeding season: Spring.
No. of broods: Usually 1.
Eggs: 2-3. Oval; white or pale buff
blotched with brown.
Incubation: 4 weeks.
Fledging period: Young can leave
nest after 3 weeks but cannot fly
until some weeks later.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Generally solitary outside
the breeding season.
Diet: Insects, crustaceans, mol-
lusks, and occasionally fish.
Call: Long, soft whistle.
RELATED SPECIES
The sunbittern is the only member
of the family Eurypygidae. Its clos-
est relati ves are the bustards, rails,
and finfoots.
Range of the sunbittern.
DISTRIBUTION
Found beside streams, rivers, and lakes in tropical and subtropi-
cal forests of southern Mexico through Central America to Bo-
livia and central Brazil.
CONSERVATION
The sunbittern does not currently appear to be at risk. Howev-
er, numbers have declined considerably across its range because
of destruction of its forest habitat.
FEATURES OF THE SUNBITTERN
ri, MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILEw
Plumage: Primarily brown and gray speckled. When the
bird spreads its broad wi ngs, it reveals large patches and
stripes of chestn ut, orange, and buff on its primary wing
feathers. The male and female have similar markings.
PRINTED IN U.SA
Bill: Long and
pOinted, Suitable
for jabbing at
aquatic prey.
0160200991 PACKET 99
Despite its name, the sunbittern tends to avoid direct
sunlight. It spends most of its time camouflaged in the
dappled shade of its waterside forest home. The bird gets its
name from the yellow "sunrise" patches on its wing feathers.
The sunbittern s spectacular plumage can be seen to its best
advantage when the bird spreads out its wings to display.
~ HABITS
The sunbittern is found in the
forests of southern Mexico as
well as Central and South Amer-
ica. It makes its home near wa-
ter. It may, for example, live on
the banks of a river, where the
lush, overhanging vegetation
protects it from the sun.
This graceful bird moves with
slow, sedate steps. During the
daytime, it spends many hours
standing still among reeds at
the water's edge. With its neck
drawn into its chest, this bird
looks somewhat like a heron.
The sun bittern beats its broad
wings very quietly in its elegant
flight. But it rarely flies, prefer-
ring to swim even across large
stretches of open water. The
sun bittern generally relies on
camouflage rather than flight
to avoid predators. But it is like-
ly to fly into the shelter of low
branches if disturbed.
Right: Both parents care for the
young, carrying food in their bills
to the nest.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pairs of captive sunbitterns
have been observed standing
close together, swaying from
side to side. This unusual be-
havior probably helps them
hide among waving reeds in
thei r natural habitat.
The first detailed account of
~ FOOD & FEEDING
During the day the sun bittern
moves along the water's edge
looking for food. It eats crus-
taceans, especially crabs and
shrimps, as well as insects and
mollusks. Sometimes it eats
small fish .
The sunbittern hunts careful-
ly, with its neck extended and
ready to jab with its bill at small
aquatic animals. In areas where
the water is too deep for wad-
ing, the bird hunts on the for-
est floor. It feeds on frogs and
spiders that it uncovers in the
leaf debris.
Left: When its colorful wing plum-
age is hidden the sunbittern resem-
bles a heron.
Right: The sunbittern has long legs
that are suitable for wading in the
shallow water of its habitat.
this species recorded the :l
havior of a pair of sunbitterns
that were nesting at the Lon-
don Zoo in 1865.
Despite its common name,
the sunbittern is not related
to the American bittern, 80-
taurus lentiginosus.
The sunbittern mates in spring
and may form a pair bond that
lasts several months. After mat-
ing, the pair selects a nest site
out of reach of predators, usual-
lyon a tree branch that is 10 to
20 feet above the ground. The
basket-shaped nest is made of
twigs, moss, and grass. It is held
together with mud and lined
with leaves.
The female lays two or three
white or pale yellowish eggs
that are marked with distinc-
Left: During its
courtship dis-
play, the sun-
bittern spreads
its wings fully.
It fans out its
wing and tail
feathers, fram-
ing the head
and neck.
tive brown blotches. Both the
male and female incubate the
eggs for four weeks. The chicks
are covered with spotted and
striped down and grow rapid-
ly during their first few weeks.
Both parents carry food to the
nest in their bills and give it to
the chicks. At three weeks old,
the young sunbitterns are devel-
oped enough to leave the nest.
But they cannot fly until some
weeks later, and they may stay
in the nest even longer.
EUROPEAN OVSTERCATCHER
ORDER
Charadriiformes
FAMILY
Haematopodidae
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Haematopus ostralegus
The European oystercatcher has a distinctive orange bill,
pink legs, and black and white plumage. It is an unmistakable
sight on the seashores, islands, and estuaries of Europe.
- - - ~ - \ I
~
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 17-21 in.
Wingspan: 2 ~ - 3 ft . Female larger
than male.
Weight: 1-1 Y. lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1-2 years.
Breeding season: Eggs laid be-
tween April and June.
No. of broods: 1 .
Eggs: Usually 3; buff with dark
blotches.
Incubation: About 1 month.
Fledging period: 5-6 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Social, often feeding in large
flocks. Territorial and aggressive.
Diet: Mollusks, crabs, shrimps, in-
sects, and worms.
Lifespan: 15-20 years. Oldest re-
corded bird, 36 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 10 related species in the
Americas, Africa, and Australasia.
Range of the European oystercatcher.
---------
DISTRIBUTION
The European oystercatcher breeds in North Africa, parts of Eu-
rope, and eastern Asia from the Kamchatka Peninsula to China.
CONSERVATION
The oystercatcher population in Europe has risen steadily over
the last few years. Increasing numbers are now moving inland
to nest along streams where freshwater mussels are common.
FEATURES OF THE EUROPEAN OYSTERCATCHER
Juvenile: Distinguished by a
thin white throat patch. Bill has
a dusky tip.
Adult: Pied (two-colored) plum-
age and bright orange bill.
" MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM
Flight: Flies low over the
sea, skimming the wave
crests. Black tail band, white
rump, and broad white wing
bar are conspicuous.
Eggs: Usually 3; buff with dark
blotches. Incubated by both parents.
PRINTED IN U,S,A, 0160200931 PACKET 93
The European oystercatcher is a large, noisy wading bird.
It sometimes congregates on coastal shores and estuaries
in huge numbers to feed near the edge of the water. This
striking bird has a very strong, sharp bill, which it uses to
pry open the shells of clams and mussels, as well as crabs.
~ HABITAT
The European oystercatcher is
found on beaches, mud flats,
and estuaries. Although it is a
shorebird, it has recently colo-
nized inland habitats and may
travel great distances to breed
by lakes and rivers.
A partial migrant, this wading
bird winters south of the Arctic
Circle. It can be found on most
European shores as well as oth-
er parts of the Mediterranean.
This oystercatcher sometimes
ventures as far south as South-
east Asia and southern Africa.
Right: The European oystercatcher
uses its long bill to probe the mud
for crustaceans.
~ BREEDING
In February or March the Euro-
pean oystercatcher returns to
its breeding grounds, five or six
weeks before laying its eggs. It
nests on beaches, by rivers, and
on farm fields. The crude nest
is a shallow ground scrape, at
times lined with pebbles and
camouflaged with vegetation.
The males display when they
arrive at the breeding grounds
-often before the females are
ready to breed. Some males try
to mate with several females .
~ HABITS
The European oystercatcher of-
ten displays to settle territorial
disputes and ward off intruders.
Known as a "butterfly flight,"
this aggressive display is charac-
terized by a slow wing beat. If a
predator approaches, the bird
gives an alarm call, and other
birds leave their nests to mob
Left: The oystercatcher is thriving
in Europe. Many birds have moved
to inland habitats.
DID YOU KNOW?
The European oystercatch-
er is also known as the sea pie
and mussel-picker.
The oystercatcher has been
seen nesting in Scotland at
elevations above 1,600 feet.
The female usually lays three
eggs. The male and female take
turns incubating and standing
guard. While incubating, the
bird puffs up its breast feathers
to expose its brood patch, a bare
piece of skin with many blood
vessels to keep the eggs warm.
The chicks hatch in about a
month. They can run within a
few hours and leave the nest
within 24 hours of hatching.
Right: The young are led to the feed-
ing grounds a day after hatching.
the intruder. The oystercatcher
may also respond by burying its
head in its plumage.
In spring and summer, pairs
form circles and then run back
and forth with their beaks to the
ground, uttering shrill cries. This
behavior may have both a terri-
torial and courtship function.
Right: The European oystercatcher
utters a ringing alarm call whenev-
er danger threatens.
Contrary to its name, the
oystercatcher very rarely feeds
on oysters.
More than 20,000 pairs of
oystercatchers breed annually
in Great Britain.
~ I BIRDWATCH
The oystercatcher can be seen
along European coasts all year.
It is easily identified by its pink
legs, orange bill, and distinc-
tive pied plumage.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
European oystercatchers that
live on the shore feed on a va-
riety of mollusks, shrimps, and
crabs. Using their strong, sharp
bills, they open shellfish by pry-
ing the shell apart and cutting
the muscles. Shellfish feeders
usually have worn and slightly
chisel-shaped beaks.
l
Young birds have dull brown
plumage. In its first year the
juvenile develops a white neck
band, which disappears dur-
ing breeding.
Oystercatchers that inhabit
inland areas eat insects, snails,
and earthworms. These birds
retain the pointed bills.
At night the European oyster-
catcher finds food using what
is called a "sewing action." It
zigzags its bill in the sand until
it detects its prey.
'" CARD 300 I
SCARLET MACAW
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
~
ORDER
Psittacifarmes
FAMILY
Psittacidae
GENUS & SPECIES
Am macaa
The scarlet macaw is a large, noisy parrot with brightly colored
plumage. A flock of these birds flying against the green
backdrop of a tropical forest is a spectacular sight.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: About 3 ft.
Wing length: 15-17 in.
Weight: 2 - 2 ~ lb.
BREEDING
Breeding season: Varies, depend-
ing on location.
Eggs: 2-3; white.
Fledging period: 3 months.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Lives in pairs or small flocks.
Feeds by day.
Diet: Fruit, berries, seeds, nuts,
and leaves.
Call: Harsh, metallic screeches.
RELATED SPECIES
The genus Am contains 15 species,
which occur in Central and South
America. The closest relative of the
scarlet macaw is the red-and-green
macaw, Am chloroptem.
Range of the scarlet macaw.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in southern Mexico, Central America, and South Ameri-
ca east of the Andes, from Venezuela and Trinidad to northern
Mato Grosso in Brazil and northern Bolivia.
CONSERVATION
The scarlet macaw is still numerous in remote parts of South
America. Elsewhere, especially in Central America, it is threat-
ened by habitat loss, hunting, and trapping.
FEATURES OF THE SCARLET MACAW
Plumage: Predominantly scarlet head, body,
and tail. Wings are marked with patches of
yellow and dark blue.
MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Bill: Large
and powerful.
Perfectly
adapted for
cracking open
hard nuts.
0160200901 PACKET 90
The scarlet macaw may be the best known of all the parrots.
Its beautiful plumage has made it popular as a cage bird all
over the world. In addition, pictures of this striking parrot
often appear on travel brochures and posters as a vivid
symbol of the South American rainforest. Unfortunately, the
bird's popularity is responsible for its decline in the wild.
~ HABITS
The scarlet macaw is the most
widespread of the 19 species of
macaw in Central and South
America. It prefers dry lowland
forests, but it also lives in clear-
ings, open woodland, savannas
with tall trees, and farmland.
This macaw is fairly sociable,
living in pairs, family groups, or
flocks of up to 20 birds. Larger
flocks are very rare today, but
according to a 1944 report 40
or 50 scarlet macaws were seen
regularly feeding together in
fruit trees. One forest site in Pe-
ru still has dramatic daily visits
from flocks of scarlet macaws
and other parrots that come to
lick salt from a rock face.
The scarlet macaw has a di-
rect flight on regular shallow
wing beats. It is possible to see
pairs within an airborne flock
because a bird flies as close as
possible to its mate.
Right: The scarlet macaw spends
much of the day searching for food,
returning home at dusk.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The scarlet macaw spends the
day resting and feeding in the
highest branches of a tall tree or
palm. Its favorite foods are large
soft fruits such as figs. It also eats
berries, seeds, and leaves and
uses its large and powerful bill
to crack hard nuts. Trees that
are laden with fruit may attract
a mixture of macaws as well as
other parrots.
A flock of wild scarlet macaws
normally feeds in silence. But if
danger threatens, the birds will
erupt in a noisy chorus. The ma-
Left: Like the closely related red-
and-green macaw, the scarlet ma-
caw can be sold for thousands of
dollars in the illegal pet trade.
Right: The scarlet macaw feeds on
nuts, berries, and soft fruit.
DID YOU KNOW?
The macaw's powerful beak
can be a dangerous weapon.
There is a record of a captive
but untamed scarlet macaw
killing a bull terrier.
Trapping has caused the
scarlet macaw to disappear
entirely from some regions,
caw is very wary when it is feed-
ing in cultivated or inhabited ar-
eas and flees with screeching
calls at any sign of trouble. It is
much easier to hear the birds
than to see them.
Right: Local people hunt the scar-
Ilet macaw for its flesh and its beau-
tiful feathers.
especially where its numbers
had already been reduced by
forest clearance. Trappers oc-
casionally use sticky lime in or-
der to catch adult macaws on
their perches. But usually they
climb trees to take the young I
birds from the nest holes. --1
Little is known about the scarlet
macaw's breeding habits in the
wild. The breeding season varies
from region to region, with re-
ports of nesting in January in
Panama, in April in Nicaragua,
and from October to March in
the Brazilian Mato Grosso. In
the most humid regions, there
may not be a fixed breeding pe-
riod because the climate is the
same year-round.
The scarlet macaw often nests
in cavities in tall, straight trees
with few of the hanging vines
that are usually found on large
trees in tropical areas. The nest
hole may be between 30 and
130 feet above the ground. It is
often reused from year to year.
The female lays two or three
white eggs. Details about incu-
bation and feeding of the chicks
are scanty. The young can fly at
three months but remain with
their parents after fledging. The
juveniles often have more green
on their wings than the adults.

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