So here’s a question, what makes a Murrelet ancient? Here’s a better question, what the heck is a Murrelet? There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s get started. Murrelets are cute little ocean-going birds. They’re a member of the Auk family, so they’re closely related to Puffins. But they are tiny by comparison. Like allContinue reading “Bird 246 – Ancient Murrelet”
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Bird 245 – American Dipper
Take a good look at this little brown bird. Seems like any other brown bird. Plump, round thing, with a pointy beak. Nothing special, right? Well, sit yourself down because the American Dipper is one of the most extraordinary birds getting around. The American Dipper might look like every other terrestrial song bird that hangsContinue reading “Bird 245 – American Dipper”
Bird 244 – Little Penguin
Is it Penguin time? I think it’s Penguin time. Specifically, Little Penguin time. When we think of Penguins the first thing that comes to mind might be a cheeky fellow sliding down a snow drift, or diving off an iceberg. But Penguins are versatile, and the Little Penguins native to Australia and New Zealand liveContinue reading “Bird 244 – Little Penguin”
Bird 243 – Andean Condor
Today we’ve got another big fella for you, the Andean Condor. This is one of the biggest birds in the world. With a wingspan of over three metres, only the largest Albatrosses and Pelicans can boast a greater girth. Having said that, the Andean Condor isn’t going to win $10 in a beauty contest anyContinue reading “Bird 243 – Andean Condor”
Bird 242 – Snowy Owl
Today we meet the ghost of winter, the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus). Possibly the most handsome of all the owls, the Snowy Owl is instantly recognisable by their pure white plumes that they use for camouflage in their artic tundra homes. The most famous Snowy Owl is Hedwig from the Harry Potter series. But here’sContinue reading “Bird 242 – Snowy Owl”
Bird 141 – Southern Cassowary
It was recently drawn to our attention that we have featured an overabundance of small birds. I was accused of cuteness bias! Outrageous! Well, today we undone that with one of the biggest, baddest birds getting around, the Southern Cassowary. These beefy boys are the third largest bird, second only (third only?) to their close relativesContinue reading “Bird 141 – Southern Cassowary”
Bird 240 – Norwegian Blue
Today we have a very special bird, all the way from Scandinavia, the Norwegian Blue. Now, the Norwegian Blue has beautiful plumage, and this is what brought it to the attention of the pet trade. People desperately wanted this parrot for their aviaries and zoos and so they were bred especially for the aviculture scene. Continue reading “Bird 240 – Norwegian Blue”
Bird 239 – King Bird-of-Paradise
Long-time followers of the Weekly Bird will know I am semi-obsessed with the Birds-of-Paradise. That obsession continues today with the King Bird-of-Paradise (Cicinnurus regius). And I think the best starting place is to just say, ‘Holy Hell, look at that thing!’ It possesses the most scintillating scarlet plumes, blue feet, shoulder fans and, most fancy ofContinue reading “Bird 239 – King Bird-of-Paradise”
Bird 238 – Cuban Tody
Let me take you to the April Sun in Cuba (I know it’s still March) as we meet today’s bird, the Cuban Tody (Todus Multicolor). Despite having a name vaguely reminiscent of a gross, wart covered amphibian, the Cuban Tody is more colourful than a clown with a confetti canon. These pint-sized flappers may lookContinue reading “Bird 238 – Cuban Tody”
Bird 237 – Great Tit
I want you to take a good look at this sweet little bird. Yes, it’s called a Great Tit, which is obviously hilarious, but this is no bird to be taken lightly. What if I told you this bright song bird was a horrendous monster, capable of deeds usually reserved for the most barbaric ofContinue reading “Bird 237 – Great Tit”
Bird of the Week 