Today’s bird comes to you in two parts — a story of wrong-headed intervention and then an exciting announcement. But first, let’s meet our bird, the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). Now, I don’t think there’s anyone reading this who hasn’t seen a House Sparrow, because these little buggers are literally everywhere. And I use theContinue reading “Bird 187 – House Sparrow”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Bird 186 – Musk Duck
It’s time to meet one of the more peculiar Australian ducks, the Musk Duck (Biziura lobata). After watching one too many Old Spice aftershave ads this duck thought, hey, that sounds like a great strategy, I’m going to produce a distinctive scent and the ladies are going to love it. It’s actually unclear how enamouredContinue reading “Bird 186 – Musk Duck”
Bird 185 – Hamerkop
Today I have an African bird so mysterious that people just straight up decided they’re magic. It’s the Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta). I’ll be the first to admit that at a glance they’re a tab unassuming with their brown plumes, large beak and odd, pointy head feathers. This strange head shape is where they get theirContinue reading “Bird 185 – Hamerkop”
Bird 184 – Horned Sungem
The thing I love about Hummingbirds is that they have such impossibly cute little names that I wouldn’t blame you for thinking they came straight out of a fairy tale. The Horned Sungem (Heliactin bilophus) is no exception. Far from being an exception, if anything, they’re the rule. Check out this cute critter’s sun-gemmed horns.Continue reading “Bird 184 – Horned Sungem”
Hummingbirds: sugar junkie psychos
From the remote reaches of Alaska, to the thick jungles of the Amazon, there is a family of birds so tiny they’re sometimes mistaken for moths. We know them as Hummingbirds: so named because of their indecisive nature. They also flap their wings so fast they hum. There are over 300 species, each more diminutiveContinue reading “Hummingbirds: sugar junkie psychos”
Bird 183 – Project Pigeon
As many long-time subscribers will know, I’m a big fan of pigeons. I mean … they’re beautiful perfect creatures, and I don’t know why anyone would ever think any different. Well, today I want to bring you the story of Project Pigeon. Picture this: it’s the 1940s and war is raging. The US Air ForceContinue reading “Bird 183 – Project Pigeon”
Bird 182 – Birds aren’t real!
Okay people, it’s time I come clean on something. Birds aren’t real. For the last 181 weeks I have been feeding you lies, drawing you deeper and deeper into the conspiracy of birds to keep you away from the truth. And what is that truth? I hope you’re ready for this. Every bird was destroyedContinue reading “Bird 182 – Birds aren’t real!”
Bird 181 – Northern Cardinal
One of the great regrets of living in Australia is that there aren’t enough birds. It is impossible for us to enjoy some of the common but brilliant birds of the northern hemisphere. And there is none more brilliant than the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Famously, they’re the only bird who gets a vote toContinue reading “Bird 181 – Northern Cardinal”
Bird 180 – Helmeted Hornbill
There are many freaky birds flappin’ about out there, but maybe none more so than the Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil). These giant birds of the jungle live in Malaysia and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. You’ve probably noticed their most distinguishing feature, that big old horn … or helmet? (It’s actually a casque, soContinue reading “Bird 180 – Helmeted Hornbill”
Bird 179 – Laysan Albatross
I had a different bird planned for this week, but then something exciting crossed my radar and I had to drop everything to bring you this good news story. But first, this is a Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabills). These giant birds of the sea live in the northern Pacific Ocean. They spend almost all theirContinue reading “Bird 179 – Laysan Albatross”
Bird of the Week 