This week we bring you another polarising bird, the Pacific Koel (Eudynamys orientalis). Most people hate them, but for a select few their annoying antics evoke a comforting sense of nostalgia. First up, what even is a Koel? They’re a rather beefy Cuckoo. The males are jet black, the females a mottled brown and grey. TheyContinue reading “Bird 226 – Pacific Koel”
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Bird 225 – Common Bronzewing
The poor old pigeon is a much-maligned bird. And you know, I get it, city pigeons are a feral species, they’ve got a reputation for pooping on things and eating trash. But some pigeons are just straight up beautiful, and there is maybe none more so than the Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera). These stocky AustralianContinue reading “Bird 225 – Common Bronzewing”
Bird 224 – Common Loon
Today I’m going to introduce you to one of the world’s most famous birds. There is probably no bird that has featured in more Hollywood films than the Common Loon (Gavia immer). What’s that you say? You can’t think of a single film where you’ve seen this bird. Well, that’s probably because it rarely featuresContinue reading “Bird 224 – Common Loon”
Bird 223 – Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
This week we have a bird that must have really annoyed the person who named them, because it sounds like they wanted to dish out a sick burn: the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius). But far from being a cowardly bird that sucks sap, this is a rather handsome Woodpecker … who also sucks sap. Now,Continue reading “Bird 223 – Yellow-bellied Sapsucker”
Bird 222 – Ocellated Turkey
For our American friends, this week is Thanksgiving, and we all know there is one bird and one bird only associated with Thanksgiving: the Wild Turkey. But we already featured the Turkey about … 170 weeks ago. So, if you want to learn how exactly a North American bird got named after a Middle EasternContinue reading “Bird 222 – Ocellated Turkey”
Bird 221 – Spotted Pardalote
Today we have one of Australia’s smallest, but most beautiful birds, the Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus). Just look at that jewelled beauty, with its polka-dot crown, yellow bib, and red tail. It’s no wonder they used to be known as Diamond Birds. A name which would have been far easier to pronounce. However, as oddContinue reading “Bird 221 – Spotted Pardalote”
Bird 220 – Pheasant Pigeon
Today we’re staying in Papua New Guinea to meet another bird evolution had its way with: the Pheasant Pigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis). Now, you know me, I love a handsome Pigeon. Hell, I even love an ugly Pigeon. Our Pigeon stance is generally pretty pro. The Pheasant Pigeon, though, is especially handsome. They’re one of theContinue reading “Bird 220 – Pheasant Pigeon”
Bird 219 – Dracula Parrot
Happy Halloween! To bring our month of horror inducing birds to a close, I am bringing you Nosferatu himself, the Dracula Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus). It earned its name for reasons that are too obvious and numerous to point out. Never has there been a bird with a more threatening aura. With the bald head ofContinue reading “Bird 219 – Dracula Parrot”
Bird 218 – Satanic Nightjar
Last week we met Lucifer, so this week let’s stay in the realm of hell with the Satanic Nightjar (Eurostopodus diabolicus). A bird with a fondness for pentagrams and blood rituals, the Satanic Nightjar is not to be trifled with. They have been blessed with dark powers beyond the comprehension of we mortal beings. TheyContinue reading “Bird 218 – Satanic Nightjar”
Bird 217 – Lucifer Sheartail
As Halloween draws ever nearer, the time has come to bring forth the very personification of evil itself. That’s right, today we’re meeting the Prince of Darkness, the goat-man downstairs, he’s bathed in hellfire. You love him, you fear him, it’s the Lucifer Sheartail (Calothorax lucifer). Look not upon its fearsome visage, less thee goContinue reading “Bird 217 – Lucifer Sheartail”
Bird of the Week 