Author Archives: Lee

Avian And Attributes – Light

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Avian And Attributes – Light

Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) by Ian

Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) by Ian

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“The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:7-12 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Light

LIGHT, n. lite. [L. lux, light and luceo, to shine. Eng. luck, both in elements and radical sense.]

1. That ethereal agent or matter which makes objects perceptible to the sense of seeing, but the particles of which are separately invisible. It is now generally believed that light is a fluid, or real matter, existing independent of other substances, with properties peculiar to itself. Its velocity is astonishing, as it passes through a space of nearly twelve millions of miles in a minute. Light, when decomposed, is found to consist of rays differently colored; as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The sun is the principal source of light in the solar system; but light is also emitted from bodies ignited, or in combustion, and is reflected from enlightened bodies, as the moon. Light is also emitted from certain putrefying substances. It is usually united with heat, but it exists also independent of it.
2. That flood of luminous rays which flows from the sun and constitutes day. – God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. Gen 1.
3. Day; the dawn of day.
4. Life.
5. Any thing that gives light; as a lamp, candle, taper, lighted tower, star, &c.
I have set thee to be a light to the Gentiles. Acts 13.
And God made two great lights. Gen 1.
7. Illumination of mind; instruction; knowledge.
Light, understanding and wisdom – was found in him. Dan 5.
8. Means of knowing.
11. Explanation; illustration; means of understanding. One part of Scripture throws light on another.
12. Point of view; situation to be seen or viewed; a use of the word taken from painting. It is useful to exhibit a subject in a variety of lights. Let every thought be presented in a strong light. In whatever light we view this event, it must be considered an evil.
15. In Scripture, God, the source of knowledge.
God is light. 1 John 1.
16. Christ.
That was the true light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1.
17. Joy; comfort; felicity. – Light is sown for the righteous. Psa 97.
18. Saving knowledge. – It is because there is no light in them. Isa 8.
19. Prosperity; happiness. – Then shall thy light break forth as the morning. Isa 58.
20. Support; comfort; deliverance. Micah 7.
21. The gospel. Mat 4.
22. The understanding or judgment. Mat 6.
23. The gifts and graces of christians. Mat 5.
24. A moral instructor, as John the Baptist. John 5.
25. A true christian, a person enlightened. Eph 5.
26. A good king, the guide of his people. Sam. 21.
The light of the countenance, favor; smiles. Psa 4.
To come to light, to be detected; to be discovered or found.

Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) ©WikiC

LIGHT, a. lite.
1. Having little weight; not tending to the center of gravity with force; not heavy. A feather is light, compared with lead or silver; but a thing is light only comparatively. That which is light to a man, may be heavy to a child. A light burden for a camel, may be insupportable to a horse.

LIGHT, v.t. lite.
1. To kindle; to inflame; to set fire to; as, to light a candle or lamp; sometimes with up; as, to light up an inextinguishable flame. We often hear lit used for lighted as, he lit a candle; but this is inelegant.
2. To give light to.

LIGHT, v.i. lite.
1. To fall on; to come to by chance; to happen to find; with on. [Edited]

Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) by Ian 5

Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) by Ian 5

Light-mantled Albatross
The Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) also known as the grey-mantled albatross or the light-mantled sooty albatross, is a small albatross in the genus Phoebetria, which it shares with the sooty albatross. The light-mantled albatross was first described as Phoebetria palpebrata by Johann Reinhold Forster, in 1785, based on a specimen from south of the Cape of Good Hope.

Light-mantled albatrosses share some identifying features with other Procellariiformes. They have nasal tubes on the upper bill called naricorns, though with albatrosses these are on the sides of the upper mandible rather than the top. They also have a salt gland above the nasal passage which excretes a concentrated saline solution to maintain osmotic balance, due to the amount of seawater imbibed. The bills of the Procellariiformes are unique in that they are covered with from seven to nine horny plates. These birds produce a stomach oil made up of wax esters and triglycerides that is stored in the proventriculus. This can be sprayed out of their mouths as a defence against predators as well as an energy rich food source for chicks and for the adults during their long flights.

The light-mantled albatross is largely sooty-brown or blackish, darker on the head, with paler upperparts from the nape to the upper tail-coverts which are grey to light grey, the palest on the mantle and back. The plumage has been described as being similar in appearance to the colouring of a Siamese cat. The eyes are partly encircled with thin post-orbital crescents of very short grey feathers. The bill is black with a blue sulcus and a greyish-yellow line along the lower mandible, and is about 105 mm (4.1 in). Measurements show that males and females are similar in size, with average length of 79 to 89 cm (31–35 in), wing-span of 183 to 218 cm (72–86 in), and weight of 2.5 to 3.7 kg (5.5–8.2 lb).

(Diomedeidae – Albatrosses Family) (Light-Mantled Albatross – Wikipedia)

Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) by Ian 2

Light-mantled Albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) by Ian

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Avian And Attributes – Kind

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Avian And Attributes – Kind

Kaempfer’s Woodpecker (Celeus obrieni) ©WikiC

Avian and Attributes – KIND

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35 KJV)

KIND, a.

1. Disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent; benignant.
God is kind to the unthankful, and to the evil. Luke 6:35
Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted. Eph 4:32

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)

2. Proceeding from tenderness or goodness of heart; benevolent; as a kind act; a kind return of favors.

aempfer_s Woodpecker (Celeus obrieni) ©Flickr Claudlo Dlas Timm

Kaempfer’s Woodpecker

The Kaempfer’s Woodpecker (Celeus obrieni), also known as Piauí woodpecker, is a species of woodpecker from Brazil.

It has a total length of about 24 centimeters (9½ in). The head and remiges are mainly rufous-chestnut, the underparts and back are buff, the wing-coverts are barred in black and buff and the chest and tail are uniform black. The male has a red malar and mottling on its crest. For comparison, the rufous-headed woodpecker is larger and has extensive black barring on the back and underparts.

Little is known about its habitat preference, but it appears to be associated with bamboo (specifically Guadua paniculata) growing in Cerrado and babassu palm forest; very unlike the humid forest and woodland where the related rufous-headed woodpecker is found. There is no evidence to suggest that it occurs in Caatinga. Rather, the authors who proposed the common name Caatinga woodpecker and association it with the caatinga habitat mistook a place in the caatinga called Uruçuí-Una for the type locality Uruçuí, some 180 km. NNW in cerrado habitat. (Wikipedia) (Picidae – Woodpecker Family)

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Avian And Attributes – Judge

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Avian And Attributes – Judge

Joyful Greenbul (Chlorocichla laetissima) WikiC

“A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.” (Psalms 26:1 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Judge

JUDGE, n. [L. judex, supposed to be compounded of jus, law or right, and dico, to pronounce.]

1. A civil officer who is invested with authority to hear and determine causes, civil or criminal, between parties, according to his commission; as the judges of the king’s bench, or of the common pleas; judges of the supreme court, of district courts, or of a county court. The judge of a court of equity is called a chancellor.

2. The Supreme Being.

Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? Gen 18.

“That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25 KJV)

3. One who presides in a court of judicature.

4. One who has skill to decide on the merits of a question, or on the value of any thing; one who can discern truth and propriety.

5. In the history of Israel, a chief magistrate, with civil and military powers. The Israelites were governed by judges more than three hundred years, and the history of their transactions is called the book of Judges.

JUDGE, v.i. [L. judico.]

1. To compare facts or ideas, and perceive their agreement or disagreement, and thus to distinguish truth from falsehood.

Judge not according to the appearance John 7.

3. To hear and determine, as in causes on trial; to pass sentence. He was present on the bench, but could not judge in the case.

The Lord judge between thee and me. Gen 16:5.

JUDGE, v.t. To hear and determine a case; to examine and decide.

1. To try; to examine and pass sentence on.

Take ye him and judge him according to your law. John 18.

God shall judge the righteous and the wicked. Eccl 3.

“I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” (Ecclesiastes 3:17 KJV)

2. Rightly to understand and discern.

3. To censure rashly; to pass severe sentence.

Judge not, that ye be not judged. Mat 7.

5. To rule or govern.

The Lord shall judge his people. Heb 10.

“For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31 KJV)

6. To doom to punishment; to punish.

I will judge thee according to thy ways. Ezek 7.

Joyful Greenbul (Chlorocichla laetissima) Flickr Dave Curtis

Joyful Greenbul

The Joyful Greenbul (Chlorocichla laetissima), or joyful bulbul, is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in east-central Africa. Its natural habitats are boreal forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. 

The bulbuls are a family, Pycnonotidae, of medium-sized passerine songbirds. Many forest species are known as greenbuls, brownbuls, leafloves, or bristlebills. The family is distributed across most of Africa and into the Middle East, tropical Asia to Indonesia, and north as far as Japan. A few insular species occur on the tropical islands of the Indian Ocean There are over 150 species in 27 genera. While some species are found in most habitats, the African species are predominantly found in rainforest whilst rainforest species are rare in Asia, instead preferring more open areas.  (Pycnonotidae – Bulbul Family)  (Wikipedia)

Joyful Greenbul (Chlorocichla laetissima) Flickr Peter Steward

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Avian And Attributes – Invisible

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Avian And Attributes – Invisible

Invisible Rail (Habroptila wallacii) ©Rob Hutchinson-Birdtour Asia

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (Romans 1:20 KJV)

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:15-17 KJV)

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Invisible

INVIS’IBLE, a. s as z. [L. invisibilis; in and visibilis, viso, to see.] That cannot be seen; imperceptible by the sight. Millions of stars, invisible to the naked eye, may be seen by the telescope.

He endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Heb 11.

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27 KJV)

Invisible Rail (Habroptila wallacii) ©Stamp WikiC

The Invisible Rail, Wallace’s Rail, or Drummer Rail (Habroptila wallacii) is a large flightless rail that is endemic to the island of Halmahera in North Maluku, Indonesia, where it inhabits impenetrable sago swamps adjacent to forests. Its plumage is predominantly dark slate-grey, and the bare skin around its eyes, the long, thick bill, and the legs are all bright red. Its call is a low drumming sound which is accompanied by wing-beating. The difficulty of seeing this shy bird in its dense habitat means that information on its behaviour is limited.

Recorded dietary items include sago shoots and insects, and it also swallows small stones to help break up its food. It is apparently monogamous, but little else is known of its courtship behaviour. The only known nest was a shallow bowl in the top of a rotting tree stump that was lined with wood chips and dry leaves. The two young chicks were entirely covered in black down typical of precocial newly hatched rails. The estimated population of 3,500–15,000 birds and the restricted range mean that the invisible rail is classified as vulnerable

Invisible Rail (Habroptila wallacii) ©Drawing WikiC

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Avian And Attributes – Helper

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Avian And Attributes – Helper

Hamerkop at National Aviary by Dan

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6 KJV)

“Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.” (Psalms 54:4 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Helper

HELP’ER, n. One that helps, aids or assists; an assistant; an auxiliary.

1. One that furnishes or administers a remedy.
Compassion–is oftentimes a helper of evils.

“For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” (Psalms 72:12 KJV)

2. One that supplies with any thing wanted; with to.
“Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.” (Psalms 30:10 KJV)

3. A supernumerary servant.

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) by Africaddict

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)

The Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), is a medium-sized wading bird. It is the only living species in the genus Scopus and the family Scopidae. The shape of its head with a long bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, which has given this species its name. It ranges from Africa, Madagascar to Arabia, in wetlands of a wide variety, including estuaries, lakesides, fish ponds, riverbanks and rocky coasts in Tanzania. The Hamerkop, which is a sedentary bird that often show local movements, is not globally threatened and is locally abundant in Africa and Madagascar. (Scopidae – Hamerkop Family)

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) at National Aviary by Lee

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Avian And Attributes – Gracious

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Avian And Attributes – Gracious

Graceful Honeyeater (Meliphaga gracilis) by Ian at Birdway

Graceful Honeyeater (Meliphaga gracilis) by Ian at Birdway

“And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
(Exodus 34:5-6 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Gracious

GRA’CIOUS, a. [L. gratiosus.]

1. Favorable; kind; friendly; as, the envoy met with a gracious reception.

2. Favorable; kind; benevolent; merciful; disposed to forgive offenses and impart unmerited blessings.
Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful. Neh 9.

“And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.” (Nehemiah 9:17 KJV)

3. Favorable; expressing kindness and favor.
All bore him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded from his mouth. Luke 4.

“And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.” (Luke 4:24 KJV)

4. Proceeding from divine grace; as a person in a gracious state.

5. Acceptable; favored.
He made us gracious before the kings of Persia. [Little used.] 1 Esdras.

6. Renewed or implanted by grace; as gracious affections.

7. Virtuous; good.

8. Excellent; graceful; becoming

Graceful Honeyeater (Meliphaga gracilis) by Ian

Graceful Honeyeater

“The Graceful Honeyeater (Meliphaga gracilis) is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found in the Aru Islands, southern New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.” (Wikipedia)

“It feeds on nectar, fruit and insects. Forages in canopy, mid-canopy (including in crowns of substage trees) and understorey shrubs.” (HBW)

(Meliphagidae – Honeyeaters Family)

Graceful Honeyeater (Meliphaga gracilis) ©WikiC

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Avian And Attributes – Fortress

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Avian and Attributes – Fortress

Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) by Ian

Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) by Ian

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” (Psalms 18:2 KJV)

“I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” (Psalms 91:2 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Fortress

FOR’TRESS, n.

1. Any fortified place; a fort; a castle; a strong hold; a place of defense or security. The English have a strong fortress on the rock of Gibraltar, or that rock is a fortress.

2. Defense; safety; security;

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress. Psa 18.

FOR’TRESS, v.t. To furnish with fortresses; to guard; to fortify.

Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) ©WikiC

Flame Robin

“His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.” (Revelation 19:12 KJV)

The Fflame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) is a small passerine bird native to Australia. It is a moderately common resident of the coolest parts of south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Like the other two red-breasted Petroica robins—the scarlet robin and the red-capped robin—it is often simply called the robin redbreast. Like many brightly coloured robins of the Petroicidae Family. Measuring 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) long, the flame robin has dark brown eyes and a small thin black bill. The male has a brilliant orange-red chest and throat, and a white patch on the forehead above the bill. Its upper parts are iron-grey with white bars, and its tail black with white tips. The female is a nondescript grey-brown. Its song has been described as the most musical of its genus. (Petroicidae – Australian Robin Family)

Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) ©WikiC

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Avian And Attributes – Ensign (to the Nations)

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Emperor Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi) ©WikiC

“And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:” (Isaiah 5:26 KJV)

“One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.” (Isaiah 30:17 KJV)

Ensign

EN’SIGN, n. en’sine. [L. insigne, insignia, from signum, a mark impressed, a sign.]

1. The flag or banner of a military band; a banner of colors; a standard; a figured cloth or piece of silk, attached to a staff, and usually with figures, colors or arms thereon, borne by an officer at the head of a company, troop or other band.

2. Any signal to assemble or to give notice.

He will lift up an ensign to the nations. Isa 5.
Ye shall be left as an ensign on a hill. Isa 30.

3. A badge; a mark of distinction, rank or office; as ensigns of power or virtue.

4. The officer who carries the flag or colors, being the lowest commissioned officer in a company of infantry.

5. Naval ensign, is a large banner hoisted on a staff and carried over the poop or stern of a ship; used to distinguish ships of different nations, or to characterize different equadrons of the same navy.

Emperor Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi) ©©World Life Expectancy

Avian and Attributes – Emperor Bird-of-paradise

The Emperor Bird-of-paradise

The Emperor Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi), also known as Emperor of Germany’s bird-of-paradise is a species of bird-of-paradise.

The Emperor bird-of-paradise is endemic to Papua New Guinea. It is distributed in hill forests of the Huon Peninsula. The diet consists mainly of fruits, figs and arthropods.

The name commemorates the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, Wilhelm II of Germany. In January 1888, the emperor bird-of-paradise was the last bird-of-paradise discovered by Carl Hunstein, who also found the blue bird-of-paradise on his journeys. These two species, along with the red bird-of-paradise, are the only Paradisaea that perform inverted display. (Paradisaeidae – Birds-of-paradise Family)

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Avian And Attributes – Diadem

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Diademed Tanager (Stephanophorus diadematus) ©WikiC

“In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,” (Isaiah 28:5 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Diadem

DIADEM, n. [Gr., to gird; to bind. L.]

1. Anciently, a head-band or fillet worn by kings as a badge or royalty. It was made of silk, linen or wool, and tied round the temples and forehead, the ends being tied behind and let fall on the neck. It was usually white and plain; sometimes embroidered with gold, or set with pearls and precious stones.

2. In modern usage, the mark or badge of royalty, worn on the head; a crown; and figuratively, empire; supreme power.

3. A distinguished or principal ornament.

A diadem of beauty. Isa 28.

Diademed Tanager (Stephanophorus diadematus) ©BirdPhotos.com

Diademed Tanager

Stephanophorus is a monotypic genus of tanager, containing only the Diademed Tanager, Stephanophorus diadematus .

It is purple-blue with a white crown characterised by a small red patch, and it is found mostly in open areas in southern Brazil, northeast Argentina, and Uruguay. (Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies Family)

There are actually four birds named Diademed. Here are links to their families.

Diademed Amazon (Amazona diadema)
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover (Phegornis mitchellii)
Diademed Tanager (Stephanophorus diadematus)
Diademed Tapaculo (Scytalopus schulenbergi)

Diademed Amazon (Amazona diadema) ©WikiC

Diademed Sandpiper-Plover (Phegornis mitchellii) ©WikiC

Diademed Tapaculo (Scytalopus schulenbergi) ©Pinterest

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

 

 

Avian And Attributes – Captain

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Celestial Monarch (Hypothymis coelestis) ©Leif Gabrielsen

“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:10 KJV)

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Captain

“We meet this title in one passage of the word of God, and but one, as far as my memory chargeth me, applied to the Lord Jesus Christ; and that is in the second chapter of Hebrews, and the tenth verse. And very sweetly and eminently so, must we consider the name in reference to him. For he it was, most probably, that Joshua saw in vision, long before his incarnation, before the walls of Jericho, as captain of the Lord’s host, and before whom Joshua fell on his face. (Joshua 5:13-15) It is very blessed to see and know the Lord Jesus under this character, and to fight under his banner.” (Poor Man’s Concordance – Robert Hawker)

Celestial Monarch (Hypothymis coelestis)  Male and Female ©Drawing WikiC

Celestial Monarch

The Celestial Monarch (Hypothymis coelestis) is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae, and one of the most attractive of all the monarch flycatchers, with its spectacular blue crest and large yellow eye-ring (neither of which are illustrated in the facing painting). It is endemic to the Philippines. (Wikipedia)

“This striking inhabitant of the forest is unmistakable with its electric-blue plumage. Males are even more arresting in appearance due to the presence of a crest of long, slender feathers on top of the head, which generally droop down and are raised only in excitement. The back, throat and breast are bright cobalt-blue, while the lower back, tail and upperwing are a lighter blue, and the belly is white, washed with light blue . Female celestial monarchs differ slightly in appearance, being generally slightly smaller and slightly duller than males and having a shorter crest. The dark brown eyes are surrounded by a little circle of greenish-yellow skin, and the vivid blue beak is tipped with black (2). Celestial monarchs call with a loud, high-pitched ‘pwee pwee pwee’ ” (ARKive) (Monarchidae – Monarchs Family)

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

What Is The Fate of the Barbuda Warbler?

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Barbuda Warbler (Setophaga subita) ©WikiC

“The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.” (Job 27:21 KJV)

“But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:27 KJV)

While working on the last Attributes and Avian article, – Bounty/Bountiful, I was using the “B – First Name of Birds” list to find a bird to use. The Barbuda Warbler (Setophaga subita) caught my attention. Also, one of our readers wrote a comment, wondering what happened to the birds during a hurricane.

The tiny island of Barbuda took a direct hit by Hurricane Irma and basically destroyed at least 95% of all structures. They have now evacuated all residents off of the island. [inhabited for the last 300 years] (BoingBoing article Not One Single Human Left on the Island) “With 95% of the island’s structures completely destroyed, all 1,800 residents have evacuated to nearby Antigua, and now live in shelters or with relatives. The only living creatures left on Barbuda are pets and livestock, which the non-profit group World Animal Protection are trying to feed and rescue.” So, what about the birds?

Barbuda Warbler (Setophaga subita) ©WikiC

The Barbuda Warbler is endemic to Barbuda. “In addition to the catastrophic impact on Barbuda’s human residents, concern turned to the storm’s effects on the island’s wildlife. The island’s only endemic bird, the near-threatened Barbuda warbler, numbered less than 2,000 individuals prior to the hurricane. It is unknown if the warbler survived the hurricane or its aftermath. Barbuda’s Codrington Lagoon, home to the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Caribbean, with an estimated 2,500 nesting pairs, was also inundated by the storm surge.” From Hurricane Irma article on Wikipedia. Also, from Wikipedia, “The Barbuda warbler (Setophaga subita) is a species of bird in the Parulidae family. It is endemic to the island of Barbuda in Antigua and Barbuda. Its natural habitat is tropical dry shrubland near wetland areas. It is threatened by habitat loss. It once was considered a subspecies of the Adelaide’s Warbler.”

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) ©USFWS

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) ©USFWS

Searching the internet, I couldn’t find out too much about the Barbuda Warbler, but here are a few articles about other bird species that you will find interesting.

Hurricane Irma Disaster Response team assess damage to wildlife populations on Barbuda  – The Bananaquit was found

Hurricane Irma hits Caribbean birds hard, forces closure of Everglades and other parks – BirdWatching – Mentions the Barbuda Warbler

“Irma left the island of Barbuda in ruins; about 95 percent of structures were destroyed or damaged, and nearly all residents were evacuated last week as Hurricane Jose threatened to hit. The fate of Barbuda Warbler, an endemic species that likely numbered less than 2,000 birds before Irma, is unknown.

Jeremy Ross, a scientist with the University of Oklahoma, wonders if Irma was an extinction-level event for the warbler.

Barbuda’s Codrington Lagoon, a RAMSAR-designated wetland and national park, was home to the largest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds in the region (around 2,500 pairs). According to BirdsCaribbean, the lagoon “was breached during the storm and the sea has flowed in.”

“Thousands of birds must have perished,” said Andrew Dobson, president of BirdsCaribbean, in an article posted on Bernews.com.

Hurricane Irma Rare Bird Round-Up

Dan’s American Flamingo Gardens Photos

One article I wish I hadn’t found, tells about the destruction of so many Flamingo. Translated as “Hundreds of flamingos killed in Cayo Coco by Hurricane Irma”

Barbuda Warbler by HBW

Our prayers go out to those who have had to be evacuated from Barbuda, but, also, to all those who have been visited by the Hurricanes this year.

” And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:4-7 KJV)

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Avian And Attributes – Bountiful/Bountifully

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Bounty Shag (Leucocarbo ranfurlyi ) ©WorldBirds

“I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalms 13:6 KJV)

“Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.” (Psalms 116:7 KJV)

“GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.” (Psalms 119:17 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Bountiful

BOUN’TIFUL, a. [bounty and full.] Free to give; liberal in bestowing gifts and favors; munificent; generous.

God, the bountiful author of our being.

It is followed by of before the thing given, and to before the person receiving.

BOUN’TIFULLY, adv. Liberally; largely; in a bountiful manner.

Bounty Shag (Leucocarbo ranfurlyi) Specimen ©WikiC

Bounty Shag

The Bounty Shag (Leucocarbo ranfurlyi), also known as the Bounty Island shag, is a species of cormorant of the Phalacrocoracidae family. They are found only on the tiny and remote Subantarctic Bounty Islands, 670 km south east of New Zealand. Its natural habitats are open seas and rocky shores. In 2005 618 individuals were counted (with roughly 410 mature ones) and the population seems to have remained stable since.

Some taxonomic authorities, including the International Ornithologists’ Union, place this species in the genus Leucocarbo. Others place it in the genus Phalacrocorax.

Size; 71 cm. Large, black-and-white cormorant. Black head, hind neck, lower back, rump, uppertail-coverts, all with metallic blue sheen. White underparts. Pink feet. White patches on wings appear as bar when folded. Caruncles absent. Voice: Male makes call during displays only.

This species as Vulnerable because its very small population and breeding range renders it susceptible to stochastic events and human impacts. The Bounty Islands are a nature reserve and are free of introduced predators. The islands are uninhabited and are seldom visited, so human interference is minimal. (Cormorants, shags – Phalacrocoracidae Family)

Bounty Shag (Leucocarbo ranfurlyi ) ©NZBirdsonline

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose first name starts with “B “

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]