Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

For many, the turkey is simply a large bird that you eat traditionally at Thanksgiving dinner. Few realize that there are two different species of turkey and that the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is the heaviest of the two. The Wild Turkey is found naturally in North America and the other species – known as [...]

Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is undoubtedly the largest bird on the planet. Ostriches can grow to a height of 2.7 meters and can easily weigh in the region of 156 kilograms. They have no plumage over their heads, and extremely long necks. The male Ostrich is covered in thick, soft black feathers over his body [...]

Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

The Skylark, or as it is scientifically known, Alauda arvensis, is a small greyish-brown passerine bird species with streaks all over its upper body and a pure white belly. They are about 16 to 18 cm long with the male lark having broader wings than that of the female for more efficient hovering. Like other [...]

Bird Breeding Season: The Good News And The Bad News

The RSPB has been particularly excited, and also perplexed, at the highs and lows in bird populations this breeding season. On the one hand, it appears that many of their conservation efforts have paid off with the organization enjoying one of the best bird breeding seasons on record. However, at the same time a number of more common bird species are clearly struggling to deal with climatic changes and their numbers are dwindling.

Crossbills Acting Cross-Eyed

It seems that a group of rare two-barred crossbills ‘looked’ at their internal compasses a little cross-eyed since they took a wrong turn and ended up in a remote, windswept outcrop of Scottish islands. No doubt the birds came in search of food but it is unlikely that they’re going to find their favorite snack – larch and spruce cones – this far north.

Clark’s Nutcracker Prepares for Winter

If you live in North America you may well be familiar with the Clark’s Nutcracker (Nucifraga Columbiana). This adorable passerine bird is fairly large in size and is ash-grey in color with black and white wings and tail feathers. The bill, legs and feet of the Clark’s Nutcracker are also black – all in all a fairly ordinary looking bird. However, the Clark’s Nutcracker is anything but ordinary.

Amazing Songbird Communication Skills

Keen birders have long appreciated the intelligence and communication skills of birds. Apart from the fact that birdsong is delightful to listen to, it is also an integral part of bird identification for bird-watchers, as well as a means for birds to communicate with one another. Ongoing avian research is continuously revealing fascinating facts about birds, how they interact with one another and how they adapt to a rapidly changing world. Recent research has revealed that some migratory songbirds choose their nesting area based solely on the songs of other birds that are successfully raising their young.

The Extraordinary Birds of Paradise

Found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Torres Strait Island and eastern Australia, Birds of Paradise are members of the family Paradisaeidae, of the order Passeriformes. Birds of Paradise are possibly best known for the males of most species, which boast flamboyant plumage, with elongated and elaborate feathers extending from the wings, the beak or the head. Their magnificent plumage along with their intricate mating displays, have made Birds of Paradise a popular subject for nature and wildlife programs.

Aviornis – Playing An Important Role in Bird Conservation

Aviornis, or Aviornis International, was established in the year 1973 by a group of Belgian aviculturists who shared the same vision in the conservation of waterfowl and ornamental birds. A Dutch branch of Aviornis was founded in 1973, and has spread across the globe, with more than eight thousand members in seven different countries. Aviornis International is a conservation group that not only protects different bird species but also assists members in various aspects of birding.