Category Archives: Birds of the World

Bali Myna at Lowry Park and Palm Beach Zoos

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Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) by Lee

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Yesterday, we went over to the Lowry Park Zoo for a little while and were able to record several interesting birds and the Singing Dogs from Australia. I was especially pleased to hear the Bali Myna making a neat little call or song. Here is a video of it that I put together. This is another bird from the Lord’s Creative Hand.

God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good (suitable, admirable) and He approved it. (Genesis 1:21 AMP)

These photos were taken at Palm Beach Zoo last month.

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

He was displaying and this is another view of him.

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Here is a video of the Bali Myna at Palm Beach displaying:

The Bali Myna is a highly endangered species and many of the zoos are trying to preserve them through there breeding programs.

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) Sign at LPZ

Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) Sign at LPZ

This bird is a member of the Sturnidae – Starlings Family. The Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi), also known as Rothschild’s Mynah, Bali Starling, or Bali Mynah, locally known as Jalak Bali, is a medium-sized (up to 25 cm long), stocky myna, almost wholly white with a long, drooping crest, and black tips on the wings and tail. The bird has blue bare skin around the eyes, greyish legs and a yellow bill. Both sexes are similar.

The Bali Myna is restricted to the island of Bali in Indonesia, where it is the island’s only endemic vertebrate species. (An endemic subspecies, the Bali Tiger, has been extinct since 1937.) The bird was discovered in 1910, and in 1991 was designated the fauna symbol of Bali. Featured on the Indonesian 200 rupiah coin, its local name is “Jalak Bali”.

In its natural habitat it is inconspicuous, using tree tops for cover and–unlike other starlings–usually coming to the ground only to drink or to find nesting materials; this would seem to be an adaptation to its noticeability to predators when out in the open. The Bali mynah often gathers in groups when it is young to better locate food and watch out for predators. The vocalizations are a variety of sharp chattering calls and an emphatic twat.

The Bali Myna’s diet includes fruit, seeds, worms and insects.

During breeding season, males attract females by calling loudly and bobbing up and down. The birds nest in tree cavities, with the female laying and incubating two-three eggs. Both males and females bring food to the nests for chicks after hatching. (Wikipedia with editing)

Oh, I almost forgot to show you the Singing Dogs from Lowry Park Zoo. They were doing their thing causing all the others to make noise also. They are from New Guinea and music is playing in the background.

See:

Sturnidae – Starlings Family

Bali Myna – Wikipedia

Bali Myna – San Diego Zoo

The Bali Myna

Lowry Park Zoo

Palm Beach Zoo

New Guinea Singing Dog – Wikipedia

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Missing Bird Photos Desired – “Birdographers” Needed

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Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) by J Fenton

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) by J Fenton

On Saturday, I concluded my search for the Birds of the World list of birds. Out of 10,615 (or 10,625) there are 74 birds who seem to have stayed hidden from the view of all the “Birdographers.” That is my name for those who are photographers, videographers, artists and stamp makers. All the major Ornithology and Birding websites are in need of them also.

I am thankful for every photo, drawing, video, specimen and sound recording of the birds that have links to them. They represent dedicated birdwatchers who have been on adventures that have taken them to places many of us would not go. Jungles, swamps, mountains, deserted islands, mudholes, etc have been traipsed so that these images could be recorded. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

When I started listing the Birds of the World several years back, I never envisioned ever seeing the images of as many as I have seen now. According to the IOC Version 3.3 list, I have seen over 10,500 species of the Lord’s fantastically created birds. That does not rate in any counting system used by birders, but it sure has been an unexpected enjoyment for me even though it represents hours of searching and updating the pages here. I have been exposed to birds that are so unique, beautiful, ugly, colorful, dull, loud, quite, etc. that I never knew even existed. Wow!

Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) by Daves BirdingPix

Do you see me?

Now for the plea. I made a page that list all the missing species, Missing Birds Needed. If anyone who has a photo, video, drawing, or whatever of those birds, or knows where a link can be found to them, please leave a comment or send me an email at:

Lee@Leesbird.com

Yes, there are sites out there that show photos for the listed birds, but they are of another bird in the family or genus. Here, and I am sure there are some mistakes, I would rather have a blank instead of misleading someone to think that is the real bird. Most leave the photo blank, but a few don’t. I fell for that a few times until I learned, now I am trying to find those misleading photos.

One of the biggest problems finding the birds is that the species have had name changes and several names at the same time. They also keep splitting the subspecies off into a new species. Toward the end of my searching, I felt like a detective trying to figure out a bird’s name and its past names just to be able to find it.

And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. (Ecclesiastes 12:12 NKJV)

Again, if you can help, check out the Missing Birds Needed page and see if you could supply an image or link to one. Let’s see if we can reduce that number down. I haven’t quit my search, just resting until the IOC updates their list next month and I get to start searching again.

Also, if you would like to become one of our photographers, leave a note.

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Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:8-10 KJV)

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Wordless Birds

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AWESOME BIRDS OF THE PHILIPPINES ! – Re-Post

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Yellow-throated Leafbird (Chloropsis palawanensis) @WikiC

Yellow-throated Leafbird (Chloropsis palawanensis) @WikiC

David Cabedo, who visits this site frequently, posted this article with the video on Philippines Birdwatching. It is fantastic. After showing the area of the Philippines, it then starts showing one bird after another that are in that area. Thanks, David, for finding and posting the YouTube. It is entitled, Avian Archipelago – Birdwatching in the Philippines” by avianarchipelago.

Enjoy!

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He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. (Psalms 111:4 NKJV)

See:

Philippine Birdwatching

Birds of the World

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Birds of the World – Kingfishers, Australasian Warblers, White-Eyes and Doves

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Blue-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica) at LPZ by Lee

Blue-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica) at LPZ by Lee – taken last week

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. (Psalms 40:5 KJV)

I have been working away on the different families of the Birds of the World. In the last few days, I was able to complete three more families at 100% and have one that needs five more images. Three of them have at least a photo or drawing of each of them. 100% done. That is a nice feeling. What beautiful birds are in those families. When the Lord created the birds, He used much variety in sizes, behaviors and colors. Even though it takes lots of time, it is enjoyable to be able to view so many of them. I am keeping an Excel spreadsheet of the families that shows each family, the number of species, how many are needed, and number seen so far. There are “10,476 extant species and 149 extinct species classified in 40 Orders,  231 Families (plus 6 Incertae Sedis) and 2268 Genera.” (IOC 3.3 Version) according to the IOC statement. Yet, when you add up the number of species of each family, they add up to 10,615. (10476+149=10,625) Somewhere there are 10 miscounted birds. Either way (10615 or 10,625), thats a lot of birds that are flying around the world for all of us to enjoy watching.

100 Percent of Images

Alcedinidae – Kingfishers – 95 Species

Acanthizidae – Australasian Warblers – 65 Species

Zosteropidae – White-eyes – 128 Species

The Pigeon and Doves have five photos that need to be found. After extensive search, they are still avoiding all the great photographers and artists out there. If any know of a source for these evaders, please leave a comment as to where to find a link to them. At least looking through these inspired the Birds of the Bible – Coat of Many Colors article.

Columbidae – Pigeons, Doves – 335 Species

** Need Photo **

  • Ryukyu Wood Pigeon (Columba jouyi †) Extinct
  • Rodrigues Pigeon (Nesoenas rodericana †) Extinct
  • Sulu Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba menagei)
  • Mindanao Brown Dove (Phapitreron brunneiceps) 
  • Comoros Green Pigeon (Treron griveaudi)

Below are a few of the birds from each family.

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Click on any of the Families to see the complete list of the species.

Alcedinidae – Kingfishers 

Acanthizidae – Australasian Warblers 

Zosteropidae – White-eyes

Columbidae – Pigeons, Doves

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Wordless Birds

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Birds of the World – Asian and African Barbets

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Fire-tufted Barbet (Psilopogon pyrolophus) by Dan at WA

Fire-tufted Barbet (Psilopogon pyrolophus) by Dan at Wings of Asia

Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and on it was food for all. Wild animals found shelter under it, the birds of the air lived in its branches, and every creature was fed from it. (Daniel 4:12 HCSB)

The Barbets used to be mainly in one big family, but they are being divided up in several families. The Internet Bird Collection and some other still have them in one family, but IOC, whose list is used here, breaks them into Asian Barbets (Megalaimidae Family) with 30 species and the African Barbets (Lybiidae Family) with 42 species. There is another family of Barbets here in the New World called New World Barbets (Capitonidae Family) that has 15 members. There are two Barbets, the Prong-billed and Toucan Barbet, that are by themselves in the Semnornithidae Family. Barbets are in the Piciformes Order which also has the Toucan,  Jacamar, Puffbird, Honeyguide and Woodpecker families.

I finished working on the Asian Barbet and African Barbet Family pages and decided to share some of them with you. They are a colorful bunch. The Lord put designs and color in their creation and yet in their natural habitats, they blend in well (camouflage). Some are beautiful and some are almost “gaudy” and have…started to put personality, but they are not humans, so maybe “birdality” might be a better term. Like this Brown-headed Barbet (Megalaima zeylanica) by Nikhil Devasar. My caption would be “hanging on by a nail.”

Brown-headed Barbet (Megalaima zeylanica) by Nikhil Devasar

Brown-headed Barbet (Megalaima zeylanica) by Nikhil Devasar

Here are some of their photos in a slideshow. (They are from all four families)

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I am working on Our Birdwatching Photos of these families and will ready soon.  (Update – Just Finished Them)

Interesting Articles:

Coppersmith Barbet – The Fruit-giver ~ by ajmithra

Formed By Him – Bearded Barbet

Birds of the Bible – Names of Birds

Dan’s Pix Fire-tufted Barbet – Fire-tufted II

Africa’s Barbets by 10,000 Birds

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New Project – Our Birdwatching Photos

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Wood Duck - Lake Morton by Lee

Wood Duck – Lake Morton by Lee

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (Psalms 104:24 KJV)

While working on Family pages, it dawned on me that very few of our photos have been used. We, Dan and I, do take quite a few photos while on our birdwatching adventures into the wild and at the zoos. Actually, I take about 4-5 more than he does on each adventure (more like 10-1). He spends his time trying to compose his shots and do all that sort of stuff. Me, I have a Program mode Panasonic Lumix that I shoot, shoot, shoot. Of course, his photos are always better and he knows how to prep them better, but I get more “action” photos. I have action of the bird moving (blurred), flying off (blurred), turning around (blurred), behind a fence (bird-blurred, fence-clear), in a tree (bird-blurred, branch with leaves-clear). Every once in a while I get a nice photo that isn’t too blurred that could be shared with you.

Another thing he has tried to teach me is the 1/3rd thing. Me, I want that bird right in the middle of my shot so that when I get home I can try to find it behind those clear fences and branches. To me, my photos are for “proof” that the bird was seen and also to try to figure out what it really was. You see, I am a “birdwatcher” and he is a “photographer.” There is a difference! You can blend the two, but there IS a different attitude at work here.

Yesterday the Our Birdwatching Photos page was created and a new tab was placed up at the top. Now, I am working on creating pages, by families, of our photos. Most will be mine, because I take more and he already has a website for his photos at Dan’s Pix. I will be copying some of his over here of course and maybe I can get some of his “unpublished” ones also.

Elegant Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans) Cloud Forest at Zoo Miami by Lee

Elegant Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans) at Zoo Miami by Lee

Don’t expect the greatest photos, because I am not a great photographer, but I enjoy “watching” the birds. The Lord has created so many birds that are just so beautiful and unique. The variety is amazing. The colors are  breathtaking at times. The birds are adorable, cute, ugly, big, little, tall, short, evasive, calm, fidgety, graceful, etc. They sing some of the most beautiful songs and some have terrible tunes, but don’t you just enjoy watching and listening to them?

O Lord, how many and varied are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your riches and Your creatures. (Psalms 104:24 AMP)

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33 KJV)

Blurred, but isn't it cute?

Sandhill Crane Chick at Circle B by Lee – Blurred, but isn’t it cute?

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Our Birdwatching Photos

Dan’s Pix

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Antbirds ~ An Interesting Family

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Great Antshrike (Taraba major) by Ian

Great Antshrike (Taraba major) by Ian

Just finished working on the Typical Antbird Family. (Thamnophilidae – Antbirds) Of the 228 species, there were only 21 links when I started a few day ago, after finishing the Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers Is Complete Minus One Bird family and article. Other than 4 species that are evading me, it is almost finished. I was side-lined Sunday evening and all day yesterday with some food poisoning. Perked up enough this evening to finish it up.

The little birds that are staying out of the camera lens are the:

If anyone knows where to find a photo of them, I would be obliged. Leave a comment if you know where they are hiding.

White-flanked Antwren (Myrmotherula axillaris) by Michael Woodruff

White-flanked Antwren (Myrmotherula axillaris) by Michael Woodruff

When you search the internet for photos, you have to be careful, I am finding out. Some searches show a picture on a page with the correct name, but the photo does not match the named bird. Won’t mention any names, but I will mention one of the more trusted sites that I use. IBC which is actually The Internet Bird Collection headed up, I believe by Josep del Hoyo. He and that group are quite experts in ornithology. They have been producing the Handbook of the Birds of the World. There are over 16 Volumes and counting. Their goal “has been to cover in detail and illustrate every species of bird in the world.” Now there is an undertaking, to say the least.

Ferruginous Antbird (Drymophila ferruginea) by Dario Sanches

Ferruginous Antbird (Drymophila ferruginea) by Dario Sanches

Back to the Antbirds. Wikipedia has this to say about them. ”

The antbirds are a large family, Thamnophilidae, of passerine birds found across subtropical and tropical Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina. There are more than 200 species, known variously as antshrikes, antwrens, antvireos, fire-eyes, bare-eyes and bushbirds. They are related to the antthrushes and antpittas (family Formicariidae), the tapaculos, the gnateaters and the ovenbirds. Despite some species’ common names, this family is not closely related to the wrens, vireos or shrikes.

Antbirds are generally small birds with rounded wings and strong legs. They have mostly sombre grey, white, brown and rufous plumage, which is sexually dimorphic in pattern and coloring.  Some species communicate warnings to rivals by exposing white feather patches on their backs or shoulders. Most have heavy bills, which in many species are hooked at the tip.

Ocellated Antbird (Phaenostictus mcleannani) ©WikiC

Ocellated Antbird (Phaenostictus mcleannani) ©WikiC

Members of this family have short rounded wings that provide good manoeuvrability when flying in dense undergrowth. The legs are large and strong, particularly in species that are obligate ant-followers. These species are well adapted to gripping vertical stems and saplings, which are more common than horizontal branches in the undergrowth, and thus the ability to grip them is an advantage for birds following swarms of army ants. The claws of these antbirds are longer than those of species that do not follow ants, and the soles of some species have projections that are tough and gripping when the foot is clenched. Tarsus length in antbirds is related to foraging strategy. Longer tarsi typically occur in genera such as the Thamnophilus antshrikes that forage by perch-gleaning (sitting and leaning forward to snatch insects from the branch), whereas shorter tarsi typically occur in those that catch prey on the wing, such as the Thamnomanes antshrikes.

Most antbirds have proportionately large, heavy bills. Several genera of antshrike have a strongly hooked tip to the bill, and all antbirds have a notch or ‘tooth’ at the tip of the bill which helps in holding and crushing insect prey. The two genera of bushbirds have upturned chisel-like bills.” (Wikipedia with editing)

Black-crested Antshrike (Sakesphorus canadensis) ©WikiC

Black-crested Antshrike (Sakesphorus canadensis) ©WikiC

It appears the Lord has created these birds with just what they need to survive in their environment. They may well be keeping the ant population in control, but some of the videos with the bird in the middle of an ant army swarm, makes you wonder who is winning.

But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; (Job 12:7 NKJV)

I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. (Psalms 50:11 NKJV)

The Bible has several things to say about the Ants:

The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer; (Proverbs 30:25 NKJV)

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep—So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:6-11 NKJV)

Not being lazy and providing for yourself are two things one can learn. Also, He provides for the birds of this family by giving them an ample supply of ants and other insects, yet, they have to do the work of catching them. They are not fed directly by the Lord.

The Scripture tells us that “…my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NKJV). Are we suppose to sit back and just expect things to be provided for us? No, neither do the birds or animals. Yes, the Lord supplies our needs, for example, by having things grow, but they need to be picked and cooked or purchased and cooked. That is only one illustration from thousands.

White-plumed Antbird (Pithys albifrons) ©WikiC

White-plumed Antbird (Pithys albifrons) ©WikiC

Enjoy the ANTBIRD family. They are not the prettiest, but some are quite interesting.

Thamnophilidae – Antbirds

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Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers Is Complete Minus One Bird

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Blue-billed Black Tyrant (Knipolegus cyanirostris) by Dario Sanches

Blue-billed Black Tyrant (Knipolegus cyanirostris) by Dario Sanches

The Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers is complete minus one bird, the Spectacled BristleTyrant (Pogonotriccus orbitalis). Big deal you say? I decided to dig into that family and try to get the photos for it. I have been at it for about 3 days to find the missing 300 species. This is the largest bird family. There are 421 members there and I had already collected or found links to 121 of them.

I have searched high and low for that Spectacled Bristle Tyrant and the best I could find is a stamp with it’s photo on it. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It also referred to as the Spectacled Bristle-tyrant (Phylloscartes orbitalis) and it is said to be common. That may be true, but no one has posted a photo of that Spectacled bird.

“The tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae) are a clade of passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They are considered the largest family of birds on Earth, with more than 400 species. They are the most diverse avian family in every country in the Americas, except for the United States and Canada. As could be expected from a family this large, the members vary greatly in shape, patterns, size and colors. Some Tyrant flycatchers superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers which they are named after but are not related to. They are members of suborder Tyranni (suboscines), which do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of most other songbirds.” (Wikipedia)

Spectacled Tyrant (Hymenops perspicillatus) ©©Flickr Cláudio Timm

Spectacled Tyrant (Hymenops perspicillatus) ©©Flickr Cláudio Timm

That family also has another Spectacled bird, the Spectacled Tyrant (Hymenops perspicillatus).

Sometimes we are challenged to get the hardest projects finished first. This has been one of those times. Was it drudgery? No way! Even though these are not the prettiest birds, they have personality and expressions on their faces. The Lord created all these neat birds and I was enjoying seeing them. I had my internet radio playing, (Old Fashioned Christian Music Radio) and I just kept plugging away. (For hours!) Our attitudes can be enjoyable even when we are busy. I could have been “grumpy” and said, “there are too many birds to find, it will take forever” or, as I did, it was a joy to work on this page even though many bloggers will never see it.

I just kept making expressions as the various birds were viewed. I am always amazed at the variety that the Lord uses. What expression of surprise when I saw the Spectacled Tyrant above.  (He is not the one I need yet.)

And of course, Scripture comes to mind or you wonder how a word is used in His Word. These are called “tyrant” and sure enough, I found some verses with “tyrant” in them.

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) by Margaret Sloan Eating

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) by Margaret Sloan Eating

“an the prey be taken from the mighty man, Or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?” (Isaiah 49:24 NASB)

Surely, thus says the LORD, “Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, And the prey of the tyrant will be rescued; For I will contend with the one who contends with you, And I will save your sons. (Isaiah 49:25 NASB)

This prey in the mouth of the Tyrant family doesn’t look like he will escape.

It is always enjoyable when we finish a project. I still have about 50 Families yet to finish, but this was the largest and it feels good to accomplish something.

Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. (Psalms 111:1-4 ESV)

I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. (Psalms 77:11-12 KJV)

What better when all of life is over and we hear something like this verses

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25:21 ESV)

Enjoy looking through the Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatcher Family photos. There are some neat birds there to be viewed and enjoyed.

Wordless Birds

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Birds of the World – Furnariidae – Ovenbird Family

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White-eyed Foliage-gleaner (Automolus leucophthalmus) by Dario Sanches

White-eyed Foliage-gleaner (Automolus leucophthalmus) by Dario Sanches

And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:10 KJV)

Yesterday you were introduced to the Firewood-gatherer from the Ovenbird – Furnariidae Family. Let’s look at some more things about this family. There are presently (IOC 3.3) 307 species assigned together, but it is such a diverse group. There are over 70 Genera listed. Number one, the Ovenbird, is not even a member of this family. You have to look for it in the Parulidae – New World Warblers to find it.

The Ovenbird name seems to be from the fact that many of these birds make an “oven style” nest or at least one that has an opening to enter or a covering, not the “cup type” of nest of many birds. Most are  insectivores that are mostly arboreal in nature. Insects form the majority of the diet, with some spiders, centipides, millipides and even lizards being taken as well.

They are sub-divided into subfamilies which help find them. It is the names of these birds that have caught my attention this time. Listen to these names:

Tawny-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus mexicanus) by Michael Woodruff

Tawny-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus mexicanus) by Michael Woodruff

Subfamily: Sclerurinae ~~ Miners and Leaftossers

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus) by Michael Woodruff

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus) by Michael Woodruff

Subfamily: Dendrocolaptinae ~~ Woodcreepers

  • Tribe: Sittasomini – “intermediate” woodcreepers
  • Tribe: Dendrocolaptini – “strong-billed” woodcreepers and scythebills
Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus) ©WikiC

Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus) ©WikiC

Subfamily: Furnariinae ~~ Neotropical ovenbirds and allies

  • Xenops and Palmcreeper
  • Tribe Pygarrhichini – Treerunner, Xenops, Earthcreeper
  • Tribe Furnariini – Horneros and allies (Tuftedcheeks, Barbtail, Earthcreeper, Cinclodes, Streamcreeper, Rushbird, Reedhaunter)
  • Tribe Philydorini – Foliage-gleaners and allies (Xenops, Treehunter, Canebrake, Woodhaunter)
  • Tribe Synallaxini – Spinetails and allies (Treerunners, Barbtails, Rayaditos, Wiretail, Canasteros, Reedhaunter,Softtails, Thorntails, Firewood-gatherer, Brushrunner, Prickletail, Plushcrown, Graytails, Graveteiro)

Just reading the names you can almost image what they do. Many of them are “creepers,” “runners,” “gleaners,” “haunters,” and then others have their tail described. The tails are Barb, Spine, Wire, Soft, Thorn, Prickle and Gray. The Runners are apparently running up Trees or in the Stream. Not sure what the Miners are digging for, but maybe they are trying to find insects in the ground, whereas the Leaf-tossers are probably looking under leaves for their lunch. They don’t appear to be a “lazy” bird family.

This is a family that I could see being named by what they were doing or how their tail looked. After the birds were created, the Lord brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. What ever he decided to call them, that was their name. Maybe this is how Adam named them by observing their behaviors. Others from another family may have had a different way he named them.

Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. (Genesis 2:19-20 NKJV)

Some interesting articles about this family:

Birds of Brazil – Woodpeckers, Woodcreepers and Foliage-gleaners by Mark George

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Wordless Birds

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Bird of the World – Firewood-gatherer

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Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) ©WikiC

Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) ©WikiC

The Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) is a species of bird in the Furnariidae family. It is the only member of the genus Anumbius.

It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, pastureland, and heavily degraded former forest.

It got its name because it is frequently seen carrying sticks to its nest. It interweaves thorny twigs to build its nest. It can be up to 6½ ft (2 m) tall and decorated with glass or threads. The young from the first brood may be ejected from the territory, but may help raise the second brood.

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. (Proverbs 26:20 ESV)

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (Proverbs 26:20-22 KJV)

This next verse I don’t think applies to the Firewood-gatherer bird. I am sure they don’t know one day from the other, so I am sure they do not get in trouble.

Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. (Numbers 15:32 NKJV)

Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) Nest ©WikiC

Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) Nest ©WikiC

I discovered this uniquely named bird while working on Furnariidae family. After working on the Toucans, this family of 307 species is rather bland. They are mostly brownish, with little color so I was not as excited trying to find the photos. Yet, the Lord created them all, and who am I to judge them by just their outer feathers? Isn’t that true of us? We aren’t to place one person above another.

My brothers, ye should not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, in favoritism. For if a man with a gold ring in bright clothing comes into your synagogue, and also a poor man in dirty clothing comes in, and ye have regard for the man wearing the bright clothing, and say to him, Sit thou here well, and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit here below my footstool, then are ye not partial among yourselves, and become judges from evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, did not God choose the poor of the world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which he promised to those who love him? (James 2:1-5 ACV)

Even the birds can help us learn lessons that are good for us. Praise the Lord for all He does to help us serve Him better. Look around, there are lessons everywhere to be discerned and taken to heart.

(Wikipedia and other internet sources)

Anumbius annumbi (Firewood Gatherer) by Jose Ignacio, Maldonado

See:

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Birds of the World ~ Toucan Family (Ramphastidae)

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Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) ©WikiC

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) ©WikiC

I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. (Psalms 50:11 NKJV)

While working on the Ramphastidae Family yesterday, I decided to share some of the beauty the Lord created in this group of birds. These are the Toucans, Toucanets, and Aracaris. They are just so appealing to see and wonder how the Lord comes up with so many designs and colors in His Creation. This family definitely show such variety.

This morning while reading my latest Acts & Facts, there was an article about Diversity by Dr. James J. S. Johnson, who did our guest article this week,( Bird Brains, Amazing Evidence of God’s Genius). Both are very interesting articles worth reading. But I want to quote Dr. Johnson about variety.

Two words summarize the answer: life and variety. Even in this after-Eden world, cursed and groaning as it is under the weight of sin and death, we still see a prolific and diversified creation.

Why did God design earth’s biodiversity the way that He did?

God loves life. God is the essence and ultimate origin of all forms and levels of life.1

God loves variety. God’s nature is plural, yet one, and He is the Creator of all biological diversity anywhere and everywhere on earth.2

This family catches your eye and causes a second look. Toco Toucans are familiar to many, and some of the others. (Even Toucan Sam is the cartoon mascot for Froot Loops breakfast cereal).   We had the privilege to meet “Gracie” a retired Chestnut-mandibled Toucan at the National Aviary. (National Aviary – Hospital, Breeding, and Kitchen Areas) Needless to say, that is the closest I have been to a Toucan.

Gracie the retired Chestnut-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii)

Gracie the retired Chestnut-mandibled Toucan petted by Lee

The Ramphastidae Family has 5 or 6 genera, depending on sources, with Toucanets in the Aulacorhynchus and Selenidera, Mountain Toucans in the Andigena genus, Aracaris are Pteroglossus with the Saffron Toucanet added by some, and the Typical Toucans belong to the Ramphastos genus. The “Toucan” name of this bird group is derived from the Tupi word tukana, via Portuguese. They have large colorful and brightly marked bills.

Toucans range in size from the Lettered Aracari (Pteroglossus inscriptus), at 130 g (4.6 oz) and 29 cm (11.5 inches), to the Toco Toucan(Ramphastos toco), at 1.5 lb (680 g) and 29 inches (63 cm). Their bodies are short (of comparable size to a crow’s) and compact. The tail is rounded and varies in length, from half the length to the whole length of the body. The neck is short and thick. The wings are small, as they are forest-dwelling birds who only need to travel short distances.

The legs of the toucan are strong and rather short. Their toes are arranged in pairs with the first and fourth toes turned backward. The majority of toucans do not show any sexual dimorphism in their coloration.  However, the bills of female toucans are usually shorter, deeper and sometimes straighter, giving more of a “blocky” impression compared to male bills. The feathers in the genus containing the largest toucans are generally black, with touches of white, yellow, and scarlet. The underparts of the araçaris (smaller toucans) are yellow, crossed by one or more black or red bands. The toucanets have mostly green plumage with blue markings.

Toucans are native to Southern Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean region. They generally live in tropical and sub-tropical regions. They make their nests in tree hollows and holes excavated by other animals such as woodpeckers—the toucan bill has very limited use as an excavation tool.

They mainly eat fruit, but will eat insects and small lizards if they become available. However, in their range, toucans are the dominant frugivores, and as such play an extremely important ecological role as vectors for seed dispersal of fruiting trees.

Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) by Reinier Munguia

Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) by Reinier Munguia

Toucanets

The green toucanets are birds from the genus Aulacorhynchus in the toucan family. They are native to Mexico, and Central and South America. All are found in humid forests and woodlands in highlands, but a few also occur in adjacent lowlands. They are relatively small toucans, 12–17 in (30–44 centimetres) long, with colorful, mainly green, plumage. They are typically seen in pairs or small groups, and sometimes follow mixed species flocks.

Wagler’s Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus wagleri)
Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus)
Blue-throated Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis)
White-throated Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus albivitta)
Black-throated Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus atrogularis)
Groove-billed Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus sulcatus)
Chestnut-tipped Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus derbianus)
Tepui Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus whitelianus)
Crimson-rumped Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
Yellow-browed Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus huallagae)
Blue-banded Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis)

Yellow-eared Toucanet (Selenidera spectabilis) ©WikiC

Yellow-eared Toucanet (Selenidera spectabilis) ©WikiC

Selenidera is a bird genus containing six species of dichromatic toucanets in the toucan family Ramphastidae. They are found in lowland rainforest (below 1,500 metres or 4,900 feet) in tropical South America with one species in Central America.

All the species have green upperparts, red undertail-coverts and a patch of bare blue or blue-green skin around the eye. Unlike most other toucans, the sexes are different in color. The males all have a black crown, nape, throat and breast and an orange/yellow auricular streak. The females of most species have the black sections in the male replaced by rich brown and a reduced/absent auricular streak,

Saffron Toucanet (Pteroglossus bailloni)
Yellow-eared Toucanet (Selenidera spectabilis)
Guianan Toucanet (Selenidera piperivora)
Golden-collared Toucanet (Selenidera reinwardtii)
Tawny-tufted Toucanet (Selenidera nattereri)
Gould’s Toucanet (Selenidera gouldii)
Spot-billed Toucanet (Selenidera maculirostris)

Many-banded Aracari (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) by Kent Nickel

Many-banded Aracari (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) by Kent Nickel

Aracari

An aracari or araçari is any of the medium-sized toucans that, together with the Saffron Toucanet, make up the genus Pteroglossus. They are brightly plumaged and have enormous, contrastingly patterned bills. These birds are residents in forests and woodlands in the Neotropics.

Green Aracari (Pteroglossus viridis)
Lettered Aracari (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
Red-necked Aracari (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
Ivory-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus azara)
Brown-mandibled Aracari (Pteroglossus mariae)
Black-necked Aracari (Pteroglossus aracari)
Chestnut-eared Aracari (Pteroglossus castanotis)
Many-banded Aracari (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
Stripe-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus sanguineus)
Pale-mandibled Aracari (Pteroglossus erythropygius)
Fiery-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus frantzii)
Curl-crested Aracari (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii)

Plate-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena laminirostris) by Michael Woodruff

Plate-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena laminirostris) by Michael Woodruff

Mountain Toucans 

Andigena, the mountain toucans, is a genus of birds in the Ramphastidae family. They are found in humid highland forests in the Andes of South America, ranging from Bolivia to Venezuela. These medium-sized toucans all have olive-brown upperparts, a black crown, yellow rump, blue-grey underparts and a red vent.

Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca)
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena laminirostris)
Hooded Mountain Toucan (Andigena cucullata)
Black-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris)

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) ©WikiC

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) ©WikiC

Toucans

Ramphastos is a genus of toucans, tropical and subtropical near passerine birds from Mexico, and Central and South America, which are brightly marked and have enormous, often colourful, bills.

This genus comprises the largest toucans, ranging from 17 to 24 in (42 to 61 centimetres) in length. All have black wings, tails and thighs, but the color of the remaining plumage depends on the exact species involved. All the species are basically fruit-eating, but will take insects and other small prey. They are arboreal and nest in tree holes laying 2–4 white eggs. They are essentially resident birds, but may take part in minor, local movements (e.g., to lower altitudes in the winter).

Green-billed Toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus)
Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Citron-throated Toucan (Ramphastos citreolaemus)
Choco Toucan (Ramphastos brevis)
Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
White-throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus)
Yellow-throated Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus)

Enjoy the variety of these beautiful birds that have been placed here for their benefit and our enjoyment by their Creator. Clicking the links will reveal some that are at various websites besides the ones here.

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalms 90:17 NKJV)

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. (Psalms 96:6 ESV)

(Wikipedia and other internet sources)

See Also:

Toucan – Ramphastidae Family

Toucans (Ramphastidae) – IBC

Toucan – Ramphastidae – Wikipedia

  • Genus Aulacorhynchus—green toucanets (6–15 species)
  • Genus Selenidera—dichromatic toucanets (6 species)
  • Genus Andigena—mountain toucans (4 species)
  • Genus Pteroglossus—araçaris (14 species, incl. Saffron Toucanet)
  • Genus Ramphastos—Typical toucans (about 8 species)

Wordless Birds

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Fifth Blog Anniversary

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White-throated Sparrow by Ray

White-throated Sparrow by Ray Barlow

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. (Luke 12:6 NKJV)

I just realized that this blog, Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus, is now 5 years old. On February 15, 2008 I posted the first article on our church blog, The Fountain. At that time I began my own blog on Blogspot and then moved everything over here to WordPress and have been here since then. It was named Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures (original site) and later added the Plus as more articles about other topics were added.

The Fountain was a printed newsletter produced at church and it eventually became only an online version. It has developed over the years, just as this blog has. Stephen, our Assistant to the Pastor, is the reason that this blog exists. He invited me to write there and the rest is history.

When I brought the blog here, I moved all the originals also and this is that First article, Birds of the Bible Introduction. The One Year Anniversary, Second Anniversary of Blog,

In July of 2009, Ian Montgomery gave permission to reproduce his newsletters and also to use his photos. That started the Ian’s Bird of the Week series. In March of 2010, A J Mithra started doing articles for the blog. Ian is Australian and A J is Indian. We have other guest writers who add articles for the blog also.

Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

Bald Eagle flying by Dave’s BirdingPix

Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high? (Job 39:27 ESV)

The other off-shoot blog:

The Birds of the Bible For Kids was begun in July of 2012 and is still developing. It has already had almost 5,800 views. My hearts desire is to get busy on this and show young people God’s Creative Hand though the Birds of the Bible, but written more to their level. (Update 10/3/14 – Move to Kid’s Section)

The Lord has blessed these sites way beyond what I ever imagined or prayed about when it began. The main site right now has had 868,500 views since moving it in July of 2008. All three of them added together is over a million views. Wow! Praise the Lord!

Wompoo Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus) by Ian

Wompoo Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus) by Ian

Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, You will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver, And her feathers with yellow gold. (Psalms 68:13 NKJV)

What about the future? Lord willing, I hope to keep finding neat things about the birds in the Bible and in the world to write about. Maybe some more writers will contribute to this adventure. Maybe more photographers and videographers will give their permission to use their images of these fantastic birds. (Of course, I really love one of my photographers, my husband, Dan) Only the Lord know the end from the beginning.

Without all of you, who stop by to read these articles and see the amazing birds, it would be useless. Thank you from the bottom of heart and may you receive a blessing from something you see and read.

I am so thankful that He has enabled me to write about His beautiful and delightful avian wonders.

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)