When talking about avian parasites, there is one bird that demands attention above all others — the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) We all know they lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, but did we also know this is called brood parasitism? Well … it is, and that’s why we’re here. If I’m going toContinue reading “Bird 104 – Common Cuckoo”
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Bird 103 – Rusty Flowerpiercer
So let’s begin our exploration of parasitic birds with this little cutey. They’re a fairly unassuming bird that lives in the tropical jungles of South America, alongside out friends the Hummingbirds. But whereas our happy chap the Sword-billed Hummingbird lives in a mutualistic relationship with their flowers, this fine fellow does not. Take note ofContinue reading “Bird 103 – Rusty Flowerpiercer”
Bird 102 – Sword-billed Hummingbird
To take us through to the end of the year I’d like to do something a little different. For a couple of months now I’ve been intrigued by parasitic birds. When you think of birds, “parasite” may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they’re out there, let me tell you. SoContinue reading “Bird 102 – Sword-billed Hummingbird”
Bird 101 – Stresemann’s Bristlefront
Today I felt like it was time to introduce you to what may well be the rarest bird on Earth, Stresemann’s Bristlefront (Merulaxis stresemanni) They’re a sweet little long-tailed, ground dwelling bird. The males are all grey, while the females have a splash of cinnamon on their under side. They make their home in theContinue reading “Bird 101 – Stresemann’s Bristlefront”
Bird of the Week 100
Guys! We did it — Bird of the Week 100. I thought for a long time about what bird would be worthy for such a milestone, but in the end I decided to do something a little different. For about a year now I’ve been working on my own version of a Bird Field Guide;Continue reading “Bird of the Week 100”
Bird 99 – Jacobin Pigeon
Today, before we hit 100, I wanted to offer a slightly longer edition of your weekly bird, if you’ll indulge me? But what am I saying, you don’t have a choice. Now, you may have noticed I have a bit of thing for Pigeons. Those gross skyrats that crap everywhere. I must say, they don’tContinue reading “Bird 99 – Jacobin Pigeon”
Bird 98 – Common Poorwill
This week I thought we’d take a look at one of the real curios of the bird world. Did you know, in medieval Europe there was an long debate about whether birds hibernated or migrated during the winter? There was even a theory that Swallows hibernated on the bottom of frozen lakes. The below imageContinue reading “Bird 98 – Common Poorwill”
Bird 97 – Blue-footed Booby
Bird of the Week has never been above smutty humour, and sometimes birds have names that are unavoidably sex jokes. We’ve had some real pearlers: the Cock-of-the-Rock (23), the Blue Tit (43) and Abbott’s Booby (69). Each one more sexy than the last. Well, this week the Boobs are back, but we have a veryContinue reading “Bird 97 – Blue-footed Booby”
Bird 96 – King of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise
I haven’t featured a Bird-of-Paradise since Bird of the Week 04. That seems like a terrible oversight on my part, so let’s rectify it with one of the most extraordinary: the King of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise (Pteridophora alberti)* Birds-of-Paradise always have something strange going on, and I’m sure you don’t need me to point out thatContinue reading “Bird 96 – King of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise”
Bird 95 – Black Vulture
On January 17 this year, one of America’s greatest poets, Mary Oliver, died. I’ve never been someone who spent a lot of time reading poetry, but Oliver’s insights into life, nature, death, the crossroads where humanity meets them, and how we often fail to recognise our own connection to the natural world, never failed toContinue reading “Bird 95 – Black Vulture”
Bird of the Week 