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Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus)
2008-01-20 13:17:00
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Found in tundra habitats; also on open lakes and ponds or in shallowly flooded agricultural fields.Distribution: Breeds in the Arctic tundra from western Alaska east to Baffin Island; and from there south to Churchill and the Hudson Bay area of Quebec. Winters along the Pacific Coast inland to Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, and south to southern Texas, New Mexico, and extreme northern Mexico; also in the Great Lakes region, and along the Atlantic Coast from Maryland to North Carolina (A.O.U. 1998). Migrants and small numbers of wintering birds may be found at many inland locations in the mid-West.Field Marks: Black on bill does not extend to encompass eye; many adults have yellow spot on bill in front of eye. Immatures are dusky gray.Nest Habits: Builds a nest of dried grasses or sedges on the ground.Eggs: 2-7. Usually 4-5; 107 millimeter; creamy-white in color.Incubation: Females incubate the eggs; both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts ap...
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Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
2008-01-18 14:44:00
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Found in freshwater lakes, marshes, and rivers with slow-moving waters with emergent vegetation; occasionally in brackish waters (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska south to northern British Columbia, southwestern Mackenzie, northwestern Alberta, western and central Montana, and southern Saskatchewan (local breeder within this range); formerly bred as far south as the mid-Western United States. Wintering range extends from southern Alaska south to California; also in Arizona, New Mexico, and east to Colorado and Minnesota (A.O.U. 1998). The Trumpeter Swan has been introduced and established in many additional locations.Field Marks: Black bill with no yellow spot (as in Tundra Swan). Black at base of bill extends to encompass the eye (compare closely with Tundra Swan).Nest Habits: Nest built of aquatic vegetation, is often placed on muskrat houses or beaver lodges; also may be placed along shoreline.Eggs: 2-13, usually 4-6; 111 m...

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
2008-01-16 20:41:00
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Open lakes, ponds, and marshes, in freshwater habitats. In winter, may also be found in brackish habitats.Distribution: An Old World species, introduced into the U.S., where breeding has been documented in southwestern British Columbia, southern Saskatchewan, Montana, the Great Lakes region, New York, New England, and additional locations south of this range (A.O.U. 1998). Some records may be the result of birds that have escaped from captivity.Field Marks: Black knob on orange bill and the S-shaped neck are good field marks for adult birds. On the water, wings are often carried higher than in other North American swans. Dusky gray juvenile plumage begins to turn white by mid-winter.Nest Habits: Breeds on the ground near water, where it builds its nest from cattails, reeds, and other aquatic vegetation.Eggs: 4-8, sometimes as many as 10; 113 millimeter; gray or blue-green in color.Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubati...
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Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
2008-01-14 19:38:00
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Shallow marshes, lagoons, or flooded fields, in both freshwater and brackish habitats (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from South America, Central America, and Mexico north to southeastern California, central and eastern Texas, southwestern Louisiana, and more locally in central and southern Florida. Northernmost individuals withdraw to the Gulf coast and Florida locales during the winter (A.O.U. 1998). Vagrants have appeared at many locations further north.Field Marks: Long neck. Orange-brown body color; back is darker with orange-brown feather edges. Note the white rump (compare with Black-bellied Whistling-Duck ).Nest Habits: Nest, of grasses and/or sedges, is usually placed in dense thicket of vegetation (e.g., cattails) at the edge of a marsh or pond.Eggs: 6-16, usually 12-13, sometimes more; 53 millimeter; buff-white in color.Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young; incubation lasts approximately 24-26 days ...

Maybe You Should Get Yourself a Macaw
2008-01-13 19:10:00
One of the biggest and brightest parrots is the macaw. The largest macaws are so big that their beaks are longer than a man's hand. These vibrant, powerful birds are not a good choice for the beginning bird fancier. However, if you are a new bird owner and really want to own a macaw, there are some smaller varieties, such as the Hahn's macaw, that are a good choice for less experienced bird lovers.If someone asks you to describe a macaw, you probably think of the popular blue and gold. This striking bird has beautiful blue and yellow feathers and is surprisingly inexpensive compared to most other macaw varieties. The blue and gold is almost three feet (91 cm) long from head to tail.While these birds are usually fairly laid back and gentle, they will often go through a nippy, moody stage in their adolescence. In addition, a mature blue and gold macaw that has gone to nest can be extremely dangerous. Birds that were once sweet and affectionate to their owners will not hesitate to at...
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White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
2008-01-13 19:09:00
Family: ThreskiornithidaeHabitat: Found in fresh-water marshes, swamps, lakes, and flooded fields (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern California, eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota south to Mexico, Texas, and southern Louisiana; generally winters from central California, southwestern Arizona, and coastal areas in Texas and Louisiana south into Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: In breeding plumage, overall chestnut color is glossed with dark green or purple. Breeding birds are told from Glossy Ibis most readily by white border to the base of bill which extends behind eye; also, note reddish lores and legs, and compare eye color and bill color. Immatures and non-breeding season adults are difficult to separate from Glossy Ibis.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed in bulrushes or reeds (or up to 6 feet high in shrub or tree), and consists of a cup of dead aqua...
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Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
2008-01-10 19:27:00
Family: ThreskiornithidaeHabitat: Found in lagoons, marshes, swamps, and shallow bodies of water, including lakes and flooded fields (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range includes Florida, and extends along the Gulf coast from Alabama to Louisiana, and also along the Atlantic coast north to Maine. Generally winters in Florida and along the Gulf coast to Louisiana (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: In breeding plumage, overall chestnut color is glossed with dark green or purple. Breeding birds are told from White-faced Ibis most readily by lack of white border to the base of bill which extends behind eye; also, note grayish lores and legs, and compare eye color and bill color. Immatures and non-breeding season adults are difficult to separate from White-faced Ibis.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed on the ground or up to 10 feet high in tree or shrub over water; and consists of a platform of sticks that is occasionally lined wit...
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A Parakeet Could Be the One For You
2008-01-09 18:56:00
If you have never owned a bird before, you may want to take a look at the parakeet. This little bird can be found in almost any pet store at a very reasonable price, which makes it a great choice for someone with a tight budget who is looking for a pet. Cages and toys are also much more economical for parakeets than they are for larger birds. Despite its small size, the parakeet can make a wonderful, entertaining pet. Although it does not have the ability to mimic voices like an African grey, this little bird is an exceptional talker and has an excellent memory. There have been reports of parakeets with vocabularies of over 400 words and phrases. The parakeet's playful nature makes it an ideal companion for someone who is homebound. These birds are almost constantly in motion when they are awake and will chatter most of that time. There are actually two different types of parakeets. The American parakeet is much more active and is smaller than its cousin, the English Budgerigar. Am...

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)
2008-01-08 20:47:00
Family: ThreskiornithidaeHabitat: Found in lagoons, marshes, mangroves, and shallow bodies of water, including flooded fields.Distribution: Resident in Baja California, along both slopes of Mexico, along the Gulf coast from Texas to Florida, and along the Atlantic coast north to North Carolina. Wanders far north of this range.Field Marks: Breeding adult is all white (except for black tips to wings) with pink bill and legs. Immature has pale gray head and neck, and dark wings; by second year it takes on a pied appearance as it begins molt to adult plumage.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies. Nest is placed near or over water, up to 15 feet high in tree; and consists of a platform of sticks lined with leaves.Eggs: 4-5, usually 2-3; 58 millimeter; greenish-white in color, with brown markings.Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs. Incubation usually lasts about 21-23 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 28-35 days old.
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Pionus Parrot 101
2008-01-07 20:14:00
So, you want a parrot, but you're concerned about all of the stories you've heard about aggressive, moody birds. Isn't there a mild mannered, quiet parrot out there? Well, while each bird is an individual, overall the Pionus parrot is a sweet natured bird. Some Pionus species are a bit loud, but even those birds are quieter than many other parrot species. Of course, since they are less vocal, Pionus parrots aren't the best talkers. The Maximilian and blue headed Pionus species will be more likely to talk than other Pionus varieties.Pionus parrots have several unusual traits. Unlike other parrots, they're a bit 'sloppy' in their appearance. When your Pionus is feeling relaxed, he will let his fuzzy down feathers show through his sleek outer feathers. Pionus parrots also have a distinctive odor. It is not strong and few people find it unpleasant, but Pionus parrots definitely do not smell like other birds. Also, when they are scared, Pionus parrots make an odd wheezing noise. W...
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Wood Stork(Mycteria americana)
2008-01-07 11:25:00
Family: CiconiidaeHabitat: Found in lakes, ponds, and fresh- and salt-water marshes (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: A resident of Florida, and coastal areas west to Texas and along both slopes of Mexico; and coastal areas north to South Carolina.Field Marks: Large, heavy, down-curved bill; bald head. All white, with black tail and flight feathers; compare in flight with Whooping Crane.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies. Nest is placed up to 80 feet or higher in tree, and consists of a platform of sticks.Eggs: 2-4, usually 3; 68 millimeter; white or pale white in color.Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 28-32 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 55-60 days old.
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American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
2008-01-02 23:15:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in fresh-water and brackish marshes, usually with tall, emergent vegetation (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Alaska, southern Mackenzie, northern Manitoba, northern Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland south to California, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, western Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, northeastern West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. Generally winters from British Columbia, Washington, Utah, northern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, the Gulf coast states, and southern New England south into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Generally brown in color, with blackish-brown moustache on side of neck; paler below, with brown streaks Call is loud and diagnostic.Nest Habits: Nest is placed near or over water, in dense growth of cattails, grasses, sedges, or other available vegetation and is built from dried and living plant material such as sticks, grass, and sedges.Eggs: 2-7, usually 4-5; 49 millimeter; buff-brow...
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Is Senegal Parrot Your Kind of Bird?
2007-12-31 20:44:00
If you want a bird that is playful, affectionate and colorful, you may want to take a close look at the Senegal parrot. Although the Senegal comes from Africa, this bird is not quite as vocal or as intelligent as the African grey. However, Senegals can easily learn to speak twenty to thirty phrases in their robotic little voices.These birds are very playful, especially when handfed. If you want a bird you can cuddle, a Senegal is a pretty good choice. In fact, many Senegals are so people oriented that they will roll onto their backs and snuggle in the crook of your arm or 'wrestle' with your fingers by gently grasping them in their beaks. Your Senegal may also follow you in the house as if he is the family dog, hop up onto the coffee table to snatch popcorn from the bowl and beg for treats at the dinner table. However, the same personality that makes a Senegal a fun and entertaining pet also makes this bird accident prone, so be careful not to step on your bird by accident or let ...
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Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
2007-12-31 20:42:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in marshes with an abundance of tall, emergent vegetation.Distribution: Breeding range in the west extends from southern Oregon and California south to southern Arizona, Baja California, and western Mexico; in the east, it breeds from southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, southern Quebec, Maine, and New Brunswick south to south-central New Mexico, eastern Mexico, Texas, the Gulf coast states, and Florida. Generally winters from southern California, southwestern Arizona, southern Texas, and Florida south into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: This is our smallest heron. Dark outer wings show buffy wing patches; back and crown also dark. Easily learnt call is similar to call of Black-billed Cuckoo.Nest Habits: Nest is placed near or over water, in dense growth of cattails, bulrushes, or other available vegetation and consists of a platform of dried and living plant material.Eggs: 2-7, usually 4-5; 31 millimeter; bluish-white or greenish-white in ...

Should You Get Yourself a Lovebird?
2007-12-29 00:21:00
If you've seen lovebirds in a pet store, you may have been told that these birds must be sold in pairs and don't actually make good pets. However, while it isn't a good idea to split up a pair of bonded lovebirds, a single handfed baby can be kept alone and will be quite content to be a family pet. You will need to be sure to handle your bird daily to keep it sweet and tame. If you neglect to handle it for a few days, it may become skittish and nippy.There are nine lovebird species available, including the peachfaced, Fischer's, masked, Abyssinian, Nyasa, black-cheeked, redfaced, black-collared and Madagascar lovebird. With the exception of the Madagascar lovebird, these birds are native to Africa. The only lovebirds readily available as pets are the peachfaced, Fischer's and masked varieties. However, since there are so many different color mutations in these lovebird species, deciding which lovebird you want can almost be overwhelming. For instance, there are actually sevente...

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
2007-12-29 00:16:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in mangroves, and in forested lagoons, swamps, or lakes (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, and Florida north to northeastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, southeastern Nebraska, southern and eastern Iowa, and southeastern Minnesota east to Massachusetts. Winters in the southern portion of its breeding range (i.e., Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, and along the Atlantic coast north to South Carolina) (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Crisp, dark gray plumage, with black head, white cheek patch behind eye, and pale-white crown. Compare immature with immature Black-crowned Night -Heron; note comparatively longer legs in flight.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed up to 40 feet high in tree or shrub and is built of twigs and lined with rootlets, leaves, and other vegetation.Eggs: 2-8, usually 4-5; 51 millimeter; pale bluish-green in color.Incuba...
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Should You Get a Quaker Parrots?
2007-12-27 23:47:00
If you live in a warm climate, you may have noticed a big flock of noisy gray and green parrots flying about. These birds are Quaker parrots, a popular pet for many bird lovers. Because Quakers are so hardy, they have colonized in quite a few spots, including Florida and California. These little guys can really do some damage to your local farm crops. Concerns about crop destruction and competition with native birds have caused lawmakers to ban ownership of Quakers in quite a few areas. Before you decide to buy a Quaker, make sure these birds are legal in your area.The gregarious Quaker is a fairly good talker. While these birds do not have the mimicking ability of some of the large parrots, such as the African gray, they do develop large vocabularies fairly easily. One major drawback to the Quaker's vocal nature is its noisy vocalization. Although quite a few people keep this bird in their apartments, it isn't an ideal apartment pet because it will disturb your neighbors when it ...

Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
2007-12-27 23:28:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in mangroves, swamps and marshes, lakes, rivers, lagoons, and other wetland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from southwestern British Columbia, Washington, southern Idaho, Montana, east-central Alberta, Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, southern Quebec, and Nova Scotia south to Florida, the Gulf coast states, Baja California, and Mexico. Generally winters from Mexico, Baja California, the Gulf coast, and Florida north to western Washington, southern Oregon, southern Nevada, northern Utah, Colorado, southern Texas, the southern Great Lakes region, and southern New England (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Light gray wings and neck, white underneath. Black on crown and back. Compare immature with immature Yellow-crowned Night -Heron; note comparatively shorter legs in flight.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies. Nest is placed 15-30 feet (and at the extreme, up to 160 feet) high in tree and is built of twigs, reed...
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Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
2007-12-27 23:23:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in swamps, ponds, rivers, marshes, or lakes, usually in or near forested areas.Distribution: Breeding range includes Baja California, Mexico, and most of the United States; more locally distributed or absent in areas of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. Also breeds in New Brunswick and in the extreme southern portions of the southern tier of Canadian provinces (i.e., British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec). Generally winters from southern Arizona, southern Texas, the Gulf coast states, and South Carolina south throughout its breeding range; also winters locally on the west coast north to southwestern British Columbia (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Except for the Least Bittern, this is our smallest heron. Note white streak down center of throat and neck, reddish or chestnut color on sides & back of neck, and otherwise dark green (or bluish-gray) back and head.Nest Habits: More likely to breed singly than other herons, but sometimes may b...
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How to Choose a Good Bird Breeder
2007-12-23 22:28:00
So, you want to buy a bird. All you have to do is find a breeder and give him or her the money, right? Actually, there are some very disreputable bird breeders out there. To be sure you get a healthy, well adjusted bird, you will need to be sure you have chosen a good breeder.The first thing you should look for when you are searching for a reputable bird breeder is whether the breeder can offer references. A good breeder has a lot of happy customers and some of them will be glad to offer a reference. Of course, the longest list of references in the world isn't very useful if you don't take the time to call one or two of them. Be sure you actually check a few references before you buy a bird.Next, talk to the breeder. Ask about the type of diet the birds are being fed, whether the aviary is open or closed and whether the breeder shows birds or attends bird marts with birds.If the breeder only feeds a seed diet, you may be buying a bird with nutritional deficiencies. Seed diets shou...
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Cattle Egret(Bubulcus ibis)
2007-12-23 22:27:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in actively grazed pastures and grasslands; also on lawns or along roadsides, and occasionally in marshes or flooded agricultural fields (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from central California, eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, northern Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maine south to Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, and Florida. Generally winters from Florida, the Gulf coast states, coastal Texas, and western Oregon and northern California south throughout its breeding range (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Of the three typically white egrets (Cattle, Snowy, and Great Egret s), the Cattle egret is the smallest. In breeding season, note orangish feathers on crown, back, and lower neck; bill and leg color also more red or reddish-orange at this time of year. During the non-breeding season, bill and legs are yellowish in color. Compare also with immature Little Blue Heron.Nest Habits: Bree...

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
2007-12-23 22:24:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in marshes, ponds, and lakes; also in lagoons and other shallow coastal habitats (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeds south of a line running from eastern Oregon and northern California through southeastern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northeastern Wisconsin, southern Ontario, and northwestern Ohio, to the Atlantic coast (north to Maine); breeding range extends south into Baja California and Mexico. Generally winters from northern California, southwestern Arizona, the Gulf coast, and coastal South Carolina south throughout its breeding range (A.O.U. 1998). Post-breeding dispersal in late summer and early fall results in birds appearing at inland locations far north of their breeding range.Field Marks: Snowy white plumage, dark legs, black bill, and yellow feet (sometimes called golden slippers). Smaller than Great Egret .Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons and egrets. Nest is placed on the ground or, more typical...

Teaching Your Bird Simple Tricks
2007-12-22 21:55:00
While most people think of pet birds as animals that just sit in the cage or perch on someone's shoulder and say the occasional funny phrase, some birds can actually learn quite a few interesting and entertaining tricks. While not all birds are able to perform elaborate tricks, you should be able to teach your bird a few simple tricks. One of the easiest tricks you can teach a young bird is to play dead. To teach this trick, you first need to accustom him to having his head and back touched. When he doesn't mind being touched anymore, it is time for the next step. Let him perch on one hand and cup your other hand around his back, gently cradling his head between your thumb and forefinger. Then, gently tilt him over onto his back. If he struggles, stand him back upright immediately. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave him on his back until he is willing to stay in that position for several seconds without being restrained. While most birds can learn to play dead, conure...
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Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
2007-12-22 21:53:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in ponds, lakes, streams, swamps, marshes, and other fresh-water habitats (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeds locally, within an area extending from Mexico and Baja California north to southern California, north-central Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, southern Georgia, and the Atlantic coast north to Maine. Generally winters in southwestern California, Mexico, along the Gulf coast, and along the Atlantic coast north to Virginia (A.O.U. 1998). Post-breeding dispersal in late summer and early fall results in birds appearing at inland locations far north of their breeding range.Field Marks: Overall dark, slate blue color in adult; during breeding season, reddish tint to head. Bicolored bill. Immatures are mostly white, but in second year take on a pied appearance during the molt to the adult plumage.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed up to...
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Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)
2007-12-22 21:51:00
Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Usually found in coastal marshes, but also more locally further inland in swamps, lakes, and rivers (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeds in coastal habitats of Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, Florida, and the Atlantic coast north to Maine; also at inland locations in New Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas. Generally winters within its breeding range along the coast; on the Atlantic coast, winters north to about New Jersey (A.O.U. 1998). Post-breeding dispersal in late summer and early fall results in birds appearing at inland locations far north of their breeding range.Field Marks: Head, most of neck, back, and wings generally a dark blue color. White underneath, including foreneck.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, sometimes in association with other herons. Nest is placed on the ground or, more typically, up to 15-30 feet high in shrub or tree; nest consists of a platform of sticks and twigs lined with grass and leaves.Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-4; 44 millimet...

Stress Could Kill Your Bird
2007-12-21 12:22:00
One of the worst things you can do to your pet bird is to subject him to stress. Stress can literally kill a bird that would otherwise live a long and healthy life. How can you avoid stressing your bird and what can you do for him if he does become stressed? You should be sure that you recognize signs of stress in birds so that you can alleviate stressful situations immediately. Obviously, a bird that has his mouth open and seems to be struggling for breath is stressed. However, he can also show less obvious signs of stress, such as standing very tall and skinny on his perch or eating less than he normally would. Since identifying signs of mild stress can be a bit challenging, you should look for things that could cause everyday stress and remove them from your bird's environment. That cartoon where Tweetie is fluttering about his cage in alarm just because the cat has walked into the room is pretty accurate. Cats can stress caged birds to death by simply staring at them. Dogs bark...
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