Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

                                                                                          Photo by BarrytheBirder

The male Northern Harrier is my personal choice of most attractive hawk.   I am particularly taken with the male's overall gray colouring, black wing tips, white rump and belly, plus its long tail.

Northern Harriers (formerly called "Marsh Hawk") are best known by their shape, low slow flight, and wings angled up in a shallow V.

I'm also rather partial to their owl-like facial disc.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder

Where are new bird species occuring?

 While Brand-new scientific bird species descriptions are rare globally (with most additions occurring via taxonomic splits or remote tropical expeditions), tropical nations in South America and Southeast Asia continue to dominate total avian richness and reporting growth.   Ongoing deep-field work in the Andes, Amazon Basin, and Indonesian Islands occasionally yields new phenotypic or genetic discoveries.

Top countries for total bird diversity

Columbia - 1,917 species

Peru - 1,892 species

Brazil - 1,864 species

Indonesia - 1,730 species

Ecuador - 1,684 species

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

1,300 bird species will likely go extinct over the next two hundred years...

White-chested White-Eye (Zosterops albo gularis)

A landmark scientific study published in the journal Science projects more than 1,300 bird species will likely go extinct over the next 200 years.   The rate is more than double the 610 historical bird extinctions over the past 130,000 years.

Confirmed 21st century bird extinctions so far include:

Po'ouli (Melamprosops): last seen and died in captivity in 2004 0n the island of Maui, Hawaii.

White-chested White-eye (Zosterops albogularis): believed to have gone extinct around 2005 on Christmas Island.

Cryptic Treehunter (Cichlocolaptes mazarbarnetti)\): last recirded in 2007 in northeastern Brazil.

Kaua'i Nukupu'u (Hemignathus hanapepe): Formally evaluated and tracked with recent localized extinctions up to 2007 in Hawaii.

Alagoas Foliage-gleaner (Philydor novaesi) Declared extinct after last being seen around 2011 in Brazil.

Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris): Formerly categorized following updated assessments up to 2024 after prolonged absence from its wintering and breeding grounds.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder

Wish I'd taken this photo...

 

                                        Photo source - Gaston Romano (Hummingbird Lovers website)

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BarrytheBirder

How many hummingbird species in the world?

                                   Ruby-throated Hummingbird photo by BarrytheBirder

There are 366 species of hummingbirds recognized in the family Trochilidae. Most of these birds live in Central and South America.   The highest number of types live near the equator in countries like Ecuador and Columbia.   Only about 24 types visit the United States and Canada (like the 'Ruby-throated', pictured above); fewer than 20 breed there.

Rarest hummingbirds species in the world...

The Santa Marta Sabrewing (Campylopterus phainopeplus) and the Turquoise-throated Puffleg (Eriocnemis godini) are widely considered to be the rarest hummingbird species in the world.   Both have critically endangered populations estimated at fewer than 50 to 250 mature individuals, and both have spent years "lost to science".

Hummingbird wings beat between 12 and 80 times per second during normal hovering and flight, but can spike up to 200 times per second during fast courtship dives.   The exact flap rate depends on the bird's size and specific species.

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 if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Tennessee Warbler could have been the Canada Warbler...

Photos by BarrytheBirder

Except for the fact that there is already a Canada Warbler, I think the Tennessee Warbler could be named the Canada Warbler, as its entire breeding range is found almost exclusively within Canada, from British Columbia across to Newfoundland, minus a wee smidge of territory in south-west Alaska.

It is only found in the lower U.S.A. during its fall migration en-route to the Caribbean.

It's not especially noteworthy colour-wise and its nest is on the ground (not easy to see).

Please comment if you wish.

 Barry the Birder

Hummingbirds

                                            Ruby-throated Hummingbird

                                                                    Photo by Barry the Birder

The Ruby-throated Humm9ingbird is one of 10 species of 'hummers' to be found in the United States and lower Canada.   It is the only 'hummer seen regularly (the others stray in).

The Ruby-throated is common in summer but may be overlooked.   Look for it it in forest edges, parks and gardens.   Most winter in the tropics.

The adult male has an iridescent ruby throat, which may look black in most lights.   Its white chest contrasts with dark throat, green sides, tail all black.   Females are green above, whitish below.

Red-throateds breed from Alaaka to south Oregon and western Montana.  They winter in Mexico and occasionally in southern California.   They wander annually to Gulf Coast, from Texas east to Florida.

Tiny gem in flight,

            Drinking sweet red flower juice,

                  Gone into the blue.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder

 

Bird caps from Colorflock...

 

Photos by Barry the Birder

These are new birding caps that my partner Pat and I just ordered from Colorflock in the U.S.A.    Pat's cap features an embroidered Ruby-throated Hummingbird and my cap has a colourful Blackburnian Warbler.   Neat stuff!

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder   

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

                                                                                           Photos by BarrytheBirder

A large white egret (but slightly smaller than the Great Blue Heron) is the most widespread white egret in the southern part of Canada and the U.S.A.   It has a heavy yellow bill, blackish legs and feet.  In breeding plumage, long plumes trail from the back, extending beyond the tail.

They are common in marshes, mangrove swamps and mud flats.   They are partial to open habitats for feeding, where they stalk prey slowly and methodically.

My favourite spot to view these birds is at the Luther Marsh, west of Orangeville, Ontario, north of Hwy. 9.

This bird was formerly called the Common Egret and American Egret.

Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon)

 

Barry the Birder photos

Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is the only kingfisher found in most of North America.  Two others, the Ringed Kingfisher and the Green Kingfisher are found in lower Texas.

The Belted Kingfisher is common and conspicuous along rivers, brooks, ponds, lakes and estuaries.   

They are rarely found north into summer range and they are solitary except in the nesting season.

Please comment if you wish.

RarrytheBirder

Some favourite Osprey photos...

 

Photos by BarrytheBirder

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)

Facing eradication in South Florida

The Purple Swamphen species was introduced to Florida in 1996-1998 near Pembroke Pines where it quickly spread.   It was a non-native invasive species that competed with native wildlife, damaged wetland vegetation and threatened local ecosystems.   It was introduced in Florida after an accidental release after widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

They were strong aggressive birds that dominated or displaced native North American rails, including native birds such as Purple Gallinule and Common Moorhen.

It was targeted for eradication, and between October 2006 and December 2008, state agencies killed over 3,100 swamphens using shotguns from airboats in South Florida.   Officials eventually stopped the active eradication program in late 2008 because complete elimination seemed impossible due to the birds hiding in thick marsh plants.

The Purple Swamphen is a fairly large old world species (L. 18 - 20")

So far this seems to be a story without an end.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Black-capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus)

                                                                   

                                                                           Photos by BarrytheBirder

Black cap and bib  and white cheeks quickly identify this wee bird over most of its widespread range in southern Canada and the northern U.S.A. (Alaska to east to Newfoundland and south to Northern California, northern Oklahoma, and northern New Jersey).   This bird is common in open woodlands, clearings, suburbs and it usually forages in thickets or low branches of trees. 

It is tame and inquisitive and a frequent visitor to bird feeders.   Its call is a dry chick-a-dee-dee or dee-dee-dee.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

                                                                                Photos by BarrytheBirder

The Double-crested Cormorant is the most widespread and common cormorant in Canada and the U.S.A., especially inland, with numbers increasing greatly since the 1970s.   

Adults are blackish all over with orange skin on the face and throat, extending up to the lores (in front of eye).

Cormorants are snaky-necked, long-tailed divers with bare skin on the face and throat, extending up to the lores (in front of eye).with hook-tipped bills.  They swim low in the water with heads angled up, and may perch with wings spread to dry.   

They are often seen in flocks, flying in lines or v-formation (see photo below).  They are usually silent except near nests.

Double-crested Cormorants are common and widespread, found on rocky coasts, beaches, inland lakes and rivers and islands.   Breeding populations in the interior are local and irregular but increasing.

They breed along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.   They winter mainly along coast from Alaska to Mexico and from southern New England to Texas.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

                                                       Photos by BarrytheBirder

This cow-sized hawk is widespread and common in open country that quarters over ground, hunting primarily for small rodents, frogs, and also some birds.   They perch low or on the ground, seldom on tall poles or trees.

They breed across Canada and south to the southern United States and Mexico.   They were formerly called Marsh Hawks.

They are easily identified in flight by their white rumps, long tails and behaviour; which is to flap occasionally, but mostly glide with long narrow wings angled up in a shallow V.

In perched birds, the long tail, white rump and owl-like face are distinctive.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Cedar Waxwings looking for berries...

 
                                                                                          Photos by BarrytheBirder

Many  attractive Cedar Waxwings are visiting red berry bushes near to my partner Pat's 3rd floor balcony at Delmanor Retirement Residence in Aurora, Ontario.    I do not know what the small red berries are, but the Waxwings can't get enough of them.   The Berries could be American Winterberry, Red Sprite, Cottoneaster, Red Beauty Holly, or Buffaloberry, etc.   

They visit two bushes dozens of times a day and can't seem to get enough of the berries.   Kingbirds, Robins and sparrows are also feeding on the berries.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus)

 
                                                                                      Photo by BarrytheBirder

Juncos are gray sparrows with white outer tail feathers.   They are cool-weather birds that nest mostly in the north or on mountains and spread southward in winter across Canada and the U.S.A., often visiting backyard bird feeders.

For many birders in Canada and the U.S., this is a 'snowbird', visiting only in winter.  Except when paired up for nesting, juncos are usually found in small flocks, feeding on the ground near thickets and forest edges.   

There are several types of Juncos including "Slate-colored Junco", "Oregon Junco", "Pink-sided Junco", "White-winged Junco", "Grey-headed Junco" and "Red-backed Junco".

All of these Juncos have white outer tail feathers, and all but the last have pale pink bills.

Exceptionly, in mountain  forests above 6,000 feet, near the Mexican border,  a "Yellow-eyed Junco" is to be found.   A bright orange-yellow eye gives this Junco a "fierce'look!   They are pale gray above, with a bright rufous back.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta canadensis)

Photos by BarrytheBirder

There are about 29 species of Nuthatches worldwide, primarily distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.   They are known for being energetic and acrobatic as they climb headfirst down tree trunks.

The White-breasted Nuthatch (pictured above) is the largest North American species.  They have a striking blue-gray back, a black cap, and clean white cheeks and underparts.

They are common year-round residents in mature deciduous forests and at backyard feeders.

The Red-breasted Nuthatch (seen below) is a small, highly active bird featuring a bold black stripe through the eye and a rich rusty-cinnamon belly.  They prefer coniferous forests and are famous for smearing tree resin around their cavity entrances to deter predators.

Two other North American species are the Pygmy Nuthatch (a tiny, highly social bird of the western United States and Canada that favours mature Ponderosa pines) and the Brown-headed Nuthatch (found mostly in the south-eastern United Sates).          

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder

My daughter's first time, close-up encounter with a Swainson's Hawk...

Photo by BarrytheBirder

I have been writing about and publishing photos of Swainson's Hawks in this space since I first noticed them in the spring of 2024 in the Town of Aurora, about 35 kilometres north of Toronto, Ontario.   Swainson's Hawks are widespread in North America, particularly in the U.S. midwest, and notably in Kansas.

They have been moving east into southern Ontario in recent years and I have taken many photos of them and published them in this blog space.

They seemed to have replaced the Red-tail Hawks in this part of the town of Aurora where I live.   My oldest daughter, Allison, lives just a couple of blocks from me in Aurora, and recently had an close-up encounter with one of these impressive raptors in her own backyard.

She was in her backyard, beside her swimming pool when she heard a chorus of birds squawking in the next-door neighbour's back yard.   She stretched up and looked over her backyard fence and came face-to-face (a mere 5' away) with a big Swainson's Hawk that was harassing a gang of American Robins which were fiercely protesting the hawk's presence near their fledgling young Robins.

Allison had never seen a Swainson's Hawk before and she recalls thinking it was huge and very impressive looking (Swainson's are 21" long with a wingspan of 52"!).   The hawk was startled by her presence as much as she was by the hawk's appearance.   The hawk quickly assessed the encounter and took off.   The young Robins were safe but one can't help but wonder how typical this kind of encounter and the potential results happen probably every day at this time of year.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Blue-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica)

Here's a attractive bird I didn't know existed until recently.   It is the Blue Breasted Kingfisher and it lives across equatorial, sub-Saharan Africa, found from Senegal to Uganda, Tanzania, northern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northern Angola.   I am familiar with the Belted Kingfisher of Canada, the U.S.A. and Mexico, and now realize that Kingfishers are to be found in other countries of the world.

There are 118 species of Kingfishers in the world!   Who knew?!?

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

 

Photos by BarrytheBirder

The Great Blue Heron is a large, grey-blue heron found across lower Canada and the north-central United States.   It has a black stripe that extends above the eyes and a white fore neck streaked with black.   Breeding adults have  yellowish bills and ornate plumes on head, neck and back.   

Their impressive wingspan is 72" (183 cm)!

My National Geographic Society Field Guide says the Great Blue Heron is common but breeds sporadically across parts of large parts of its range, and a few birds winter far north into their breeding range.

This widespread, large and familiar heron stands patiently at watersides, waiting to spear fish and other creatures.   

It is common in both freshwater and salt water habitats.

They breed across southern Canada to Mexico and Florida and winter from British Columbia and southern New England southward.

                 

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder

Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

Photos by BarrytheBirder

 The Mallard is the largest and most familiar dabbling duck of the North American hemisphere.   It is the ancestor of many domestic ducks, very common and widespread in the wild.   There are an estimated 10 million breeding Mallards in the wild.

They breed from Alaska, Ontario, Quebec, and central New England south to southern California, Arizona, Texas, central Illinois, and coastal Virginia.  They winter from southern British Columbia, the Dakotas, southern Great Lakes region, and New England.

Preening male

Like other dabbling ducks, Mallards spring directly into the air from fresh water, and they often seen flying in pairs or trios, as well as in large flocks.   

Female

The usual call of the female is quack, quack, quack, quack, diminishing in both volume and speed, while the males calls are softer and reedier.

Seldom diving, Mallards feed by tipping tail-up to reach aquatic plants, seeds, and snails...

Mallard drakes are frequently called 'greenheads' due to their iridescent green heads.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder