Birds of the World ~ Toucan Family (Ramphastidae)

March 9, 2013 by Lee

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Fifth Blog Anniversary

February 27, 2013 by Lee

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

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

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)

Version 3.3 Finished – Taxonomy or Genealogy?

February 23, 2013 by Lee

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) female by Raymond Barlow

As I mentioned in Here We Go Again – IOC Version 3.3, I skipped doing the Fringillidae – Finches Family because of the many taxonomy changes. Well, all the others were finished and decided to dig in to those Finches. After deciding to make the changes directly on the page by cutting, moving, and re-pasting in its new position, the process began.

At 2:00 AM this morning I finally finished the page. I couldn’t stop in the middle with everything so juggled around, so I kept going. After some sleep, I had to chuckle about what they did to that poor Finch family. It was not just moving one genus to another spot, but it appeared that they picked and chose this one species from here and another species from a different genus. If that wasn’t challenging enough, the genus (the first name in parenthesis) was changed on quite a few birds. For example the Evening Grosbeak above was shuffled, while the American Goldfinch went from (Carduelis tristis) to (Spinus tristis)

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) on Thistle by Fenton

“For I am the LORD, I do not change; (Malachi 3:6a NKJV)

All of these birds were re-named to the Spinus genus and placed in this new order:

Tibetan Serin (Spinus thibetanus)
Lawrence’s Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus)
Antillean Siskin (Spinus dominicensis)
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)
Black-capped Siskin (Spinus atriceps)
Black-headed Siskin (Spinus notatus)
Black-chinned Siskin (Spinus barbatus)
Yellow-bellied Siskin (Spinus xanthogastrus)
Olivaceous Siskin (Spinus olivaceus)
Hooded Siskin (Spinus magellanicus)
Saffron Siskin (Spinus siemiradzkii)
Yellow-faced Siskin (Spinus yarrellii)
Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus)
Black Siskin (Spinus atratus)
Yellow-rumped Siskin (Spinus uropygialis)
Thick-billed Siskin (Spinus crassirostris)
Andean Siskin (Spinus spinescens)

If you wonder why, as I did, check out this article about The phylogenetic relationships and generic limits of ﬁnches (Fringillidae). If you scroll through, you will find there are re connections all over the place. Do I understand it, No. But summarized, they have been doing DNA studies and found out that their family tree was not what they thought.

Recently I started working on our Family Tree or Genealogy and just about tangled it up as much. One wrong branch led to another and who knows where it and Grandpa would have landed had it not been corrected. This is what they were doing to the Finches and also to the other two families that had major revamps with this latest Version 3.3. The other families were the Accipitridae – Kites, Hawks and Eagles, and Caprimulgidae – Nightjars. At times it felt like they had thrown all the names of those birds up in the air and let them land where ever they chose. They, those that are involved around the world, have done much research and have spent numerous hours working these changes out. They are to be commended.

I trust the next version has a little fewer changes. I need my sleep.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Psalms 127:2 KJV)

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, (Proverbs 24:33 ESV)

Here We Go Again – IOC Version 3.3

February 21, 2013 by Lee

Narrow-billed Tody (Todus angustirostris) ©WikiC

Well, here we go again updating the Birds of the World pages. I knew when I finally got version 3.2 finished that they would be releasing the newest updates. So, while I have been sticking close to home for several weeks while fighting a virus, the updates have been worked on. Most were routine, but 3 families; Accipitridae – Kites, Hawks and Eagles, Caprimulgidae – Nightjars and the Fringillidae – Finches have undergone major Taxonomic Updates. The first two families are finished, but I still have the Finches to do. (Update 2/23 – Finished 3.3 Version – Indexes included)

There are now 10,476 extant species and 149 extinct species of birds of the world (Version 3.3), not counting supspecies. There are 40 Orders, 231 Families (plus 6 Incertae sedis), 2268 Genera, for a total of 237 Family pages to update. The first 109 pages are done (Non-Passerines), and the last 100 are finished, minus the Finches. (Don’t ask why I worked that way because I have no answer.) I have less than 40 left to do.

While I have been working on them more photos, drawings and video links have been added. I have really been putting a push on to try to get 100% of each family completed. Because it takes time and effort, I made some Awards for the effort. If 100% of the species have a photo or a video then this Award is posted:

If 100% completed with almost all photos, but some Drawings because Photos can’t be found, at least by me, then this is the Award:

Then if everything is complete except nothing for an Extinct bird can be found, then this is the Award:

It may seem silly, but it helps to feel like something is being accomplished.

While I have been going through the families some really neat birds have been spotted and want to share some of them with you. The Narrow-billed Tody (Todus angustirostris) up at the top comes from the Todidae – Todies Family (100 %). Wikipedia says,”The todies are a family, Todidae, of Caribbean birds in the order Coraciiformes, which also includes the kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers. The family has one genus, Todus. These are small, near passerine species of forests of the Greater Antilles: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Cuba, with adjacent islands, have one species each, and Hispaniola has two, the Broad-billed Tody in the lowlands (including Gonâve Island) and the Narrow-billed Tody in the highlands.” I think considering his small size, he looks like he has an “attitude.”

Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri) ©WikiC

Here is another of the Lord’s creations that just blew me away when I saw it. This Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri) is just fantastic. The whole Musophagidae – Turacos Family (100 %) is really colorful. Again, from Wikipedia, “The turacos make up the bird family Musophagidae (literally “banana-eaters”), which includes plantain-eaters and go-away-birds. In southern Africa both turacos and go-away-birds are commonly known as louries. They are semi-zygodactylous – the fourth (outer) toe can be switched back and forth. The second and third toes, which always point forward, are conjoined in some species. Musophagids often have prominent crests and long tails; the turacos are noted for peculiar and unique pigments giving them their bright green and red feathers.”

Crested Coua (Coua cristata) by Lee LPZ

One sad note, we did ride over to Tampa this week to renew our annual pass to Lowry Park Zoo and found out that the beautiful Crested Couas had died. The man we were talking to didn’t go into detail, but said something tragic happened to both. That has always been one of my favorites in their aviary. Couas are members of the Cuculidae – Cuckoos Family.

Many people make list of the birds they see and that is really neat and enjoyable. Many try to see how many they see each year, in each state, county or country, etc. Doing these pages are starting to become a list of all the birds that I have seen a photo, video, or drawing of. Not sure if it counts for anything, but it is enjoyable and amazing to see the variety and beauty of God’s Omnipotent and Omniscient Hand at work. Yes, I would like to see all 10,000 plus of the birds, but it is not my main ambition in life. The verses in Matthew 16:24-26 keep coming to mind as the work has progressed.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26 KJV)

Enjoy the birds, but let their beauty draw you to their Creator.

Wordless Birds

Video of 39 Species of Bird-of-paridise by Lab of Ornithology

February 8, 2013 by Lee

Lesser Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor) ©©

Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. (Job 9:10 KJV)

Here is a video of 39 species of Bird-of-Paridise by Lab of Ornithology. They just released it and thought you might enjoy seeing them. There are more YouTubes of them also at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Bird-of-Paradise belong to the Paradisaeidae – Birds-of-paradise Family.

Enjoy!

Update on Version 3.2 and Eye

December 13, 2012 by Lee

Sumatran Laughingthrush by Lee at Zoo Miami

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? (Matthew 6:26 NASB)

I am still working a little behind the scenes on the IOC Version 3.2 update. My eye surgery has slowed me down somewhat. With the new families that were added (see Updating to IOC Version 3.2 Underway ) I am making quite a few changes. Because of those families, I am working backwards to make room for the new pages.

Also, my eye surgery went well for a week, then when I got up from a nap last Thursday, my vision was blurred. After two visits to the Doctor, they say all is well, that something floated across inside. So far it is still there a week later. Right now, my vision is less than before the surgery. So, I have not been writing as many articles as normal. Continue to keep my in your prayers. They have definitely been felt.

Red-tailed Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron milnei) and Black-throated in forefront by Lee

While working on the Leiothrichidae – Laughingthrushes Family, I was enjoying remembering our visit to Zoo Miami this year. Those Laughingthrushes are sort of fun to watch. They hop around instead of walking. We were able to see the Sumatran (Black and White), Black-throated and the Red-tailed Laughingthrushes. I call the Sumatran “Joe Cool.” We have also seen the Red-faced Liocichla at the Riverbanks Zoo SC and the Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea) by Dan at National Aviary PA

Here are the Families Updated to IOC 3.2 Version from Laughingthrush to Grosbeaks, Saltators & Allies:

Out of date – removed

See all the Birds of the World

Updating to IOC Version 3.2 Underway

November 16, 2012 by Lee

Orange-billed Sparrow (Arremon aurantiirostris) by Michael Woodruff – Emberizidae Family

I deleted this info because it was out of date and causing 404 errors. See

Birds of the World Families

for most up to date links.

Dapple-throat (Arcanator orostruthus) ©WikiC

I was adding new photos to it and here is a neat one I came across. Isn’t he cool? Looks like he has glasses on.

He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number. (Job 9:10 NKJV)

“Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? (Job 11:7 NKJV)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV)

Oh, 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 NKJV)

White-rimmed Brush-finch ©Dusan M Brinkhuizen

Wordless Birds

Herons – Color Key to North American Birds, by Frank M. Chapman

August 5, 2012 by Lee

Herons

Color Key to North American Birds, by Frank M. Chapman, 2011

Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns, Egrets Family

Herons

the stork, the heron of any kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. (Leviticus 11:19 ESV)

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:3 NKJV)

Color Key To North American Birds cover

192. Great White Heron (Ardea occidentalis). Ads. White, no “aigrette” plumes. A white Heron about the size of a Great Blue Heron. What is supposed to be a gray-blue phase of this bird has been called, a bird which resembles No. 194, but has the head and neck whitish.Range.—Southern Florida, Cuba and Jamaica.

196. American Egret (Herodias egretta). L. 41. Ads. White, about 50 straight “aigrette” plumes grow from the back between the wings; legs and feet black. Ads. when not breeding and Yng., the same, but no plumes.Range.—Tropical and temperate America; breeds north to Virginia, southern Illinois, and California; later strays to New Brunswick, Minnesota, and Oregon; winters from southern California and Gulf States southward.

197. Snowy Heron (Egretta candidissima). L. 24. Ads. White, about 50 recurved “aigrette” plumes grow from back between the wings; legs black, feet yellow. Ads. when not breeding and Yng. The same, but no plumes.Range.—Tropical and temperate America; bred formerly north to Long Island, southern Illinois and California; now very rare in eastern North America; winters from Gulf States and southern California southward.

194. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). L. 45; W. 18.5; B. 5.5; Tar. 7. Ads. Center of crown white, head crested; legs blackish. Yng. Similar, but no crest, crown wholly black, plumage more streaked.Range—Northern South America north to Arctic regions; breeds locally throughout most of North America range; winters from about latitude 42° southward.

194a. Northwest Coast Heron (A. h. fannini). Similar to No. 194 but much darker; upperparts bluish slate black; tarsus shorter, 5.3.Range.—Pacific coast from Vancouver to Sitka.

194b. Ward Heron (A. h. wardi). Similar to No. 194 but whiter below, neck darker; legs olive; larger, L. 52; W. 20; B. 6.5; Tar. 8.Range.—Florida; coast of Texas.

202. Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax nævius). L. 24. Ads. Crown and back greenish black lower back, wings and tail ashy; head with two or three rounded white plumes, except just after breeding season. Yng. Grayish brown streaked with white; below white streaked with blackish; outer webs of primaries, pale rufous. Notes. An explosiveqûawk.Range.—Western hemisphere; breeds in North America north to New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, and Oregon; winters from California and Gulf States southward.

203. Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violaceus). L. 23. Ads. Blue-gray; crown and ear-coverts whitish, rest of head black; scapulars streaked with black; head with two or three rounded, white plumes, except just after nesting season.Yng. Crown black, streaked with whitish; primaries bluish slate, no rufous; back brownish streaked with white; below whitish streaked with blackish.

Range.—Tropical and subtropical America; breeds north to South Carolina, southern Illinois, and Lower California; strays to Massachusetts and Colorado; winters from Gulf States southward.

198. Reddish Egret (Dichromanassa rufescens). L. 29. Two color phases independent of age. Ads. Dark phase, Head and neck rufous; back slate; about 30 “aigrette” plumes. White phase. White, including plumes; tips of primaries sometimes speckled with gray. Yng. Rufous and gray, or white, without plumes.Range.—West Indies and Central America north to coasts of Gulf States, Illinois (rarely), and Lower California.

199. Louisiana Heron (Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis). L. 26. Ads. “Aigrette” plumes, short, dirty gray; rump and belly white; legs blackish. Yng. Head and neck brownish; throat and line down foreneck white; above slaty washed with brownish, rump, and belly white.Range.—West Indies and Central America north to Gulf States, casually to Long Island and Indiana.

200. Little Blue Heron (Florida cœrulea). L. 22. Ads. Head and neck maroon; rest of plumage slaty blue. Yng. White, tips of primaries bluish, legs greenish yellow.Range.—Tropical America and eastern United States; breeds north to Virginia and Illinois, later may stray north as far as Nova Scotia; winters from South Atlantic and Gulf States southward.

201. Little Green Heron (Butorides virescens). L. 17. Smallest of our Herons. Ads. Crown, glossy green-black; throat and line down foreneck buffy; rest of head and neck purplish chestnut; back green washed with bluish gray. Yng. Neck and below streaked with blackish; back-feathers not lengthened; duller. Notes. A rattling oc-oc-oc-oc-oc, a startling scow, and, more rarely, a deep, hollow groan. (Brewster.)Range.—Tropical and temperate North America; breeds from Gulf States north to Nova Scotia and Manitoba; winters from Gulf States southward to northern South America.

201a. Frazar Green Heron (B. v. frazari). Similar to No. 201, but rather larger and darker, neck more purplish, light stripings on throat and foreneck more restricted. (Brewster.)

201b. Anthony Green Heron (B. v. anthonyi). Similar to No. 201, but slightly larger, and paler, light markings of wings, neck, and throat less restricted and whiter. (Mearns.)

Range.—Arid portions of southwestern United States, south into Mexico.

Green Heron – From Color Key

Birds of the Bible – Names of Birds II

June 3, 2010 by Lee

White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus) by Daves BirdingPix

In the first Names of Birds, I covered the English names of birds. This time the scientific names are going to be looked at, especially the second one. (The first part of the scientific name is the bird’s genus or group) “Birds normally have a scientific name and a common name. The scientific name is usually Latin-bases and is agreed upon by biologists across the world. The common name will vary by region, culture, and language.” (birding.com) No matter what the bird is called in different countries or by different ornithology groups, the scientific name refers to one specific bird. Birds do migrate many miles and spend time in many countries. This naming system helps keep from having the same bird counted numerous times in lists.

As I have worked with the list of the Birds of the World, I have observed similarities in the naming of the birds. For instance, “alba” is the second part of all of these birds–Western Great Egret, White Cockatoo, Sanderling, White Tern, White Wagtail, African Spoonbill, Phoenix Petrel, Western Barn Owl. Could you figure out what color they all are?

White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis) by Tom Tarrant

How about “albicauda“–White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, White-tailed Lark, White-tailed Hawk? Or “albogularis“–White-throated Jacamar, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, White-throated Pewee, White-throated Canary, White-throated Laughingthrush, White-throated Screech Owl, White-throated Honeyeater, White-throated Francolin, White-throated Caracara, White-throated Treerunner, White-spotted Fantail, White-throated Seedeater, White-throated Kingbird, White-chested White-eye? That last group was not all “white-throated,” in name, but they have white throats.

We know that Adam named the birds and other critters as the Scripture tells us:

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)

Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) by Ray

Did Adam use scientific names? I doubt it. Adam didn’t have to go though all this. Today the ornithologist (those who study birds) use this method of naming along with a common name in whatever language they speak.

Thought you might find it interesting to see some of the species’ second scientific names:
Colors:
albus/alba, white; cf albino, ater/atra, matt black, brachy-, short (Greek), brunne-, brown, caeruleus, blue, canus, grey, chloro-, green or yellow (Greek), cinerea-, grey or ash-coloured; cf cinders, crocus, cyan, blue, erythro-, red (Greek), flava, yellow, fuscus/fusca, dusky, guttatus, speckled or spotted, haema-, blood-red (Greek); cf haemoglobin, leuco-, white (Greek), lineatus, lined or striped, livia, blue-grey, longi-, long, luteus/lutea, yellow, major, greater, mega-, great (Greek), melas, black (Greek); cf melanistic, minor, lesser, niger/nigra, glossy black; cf negro, punctatus, spotted; cf punctuation, pusilla, tiny, rosea, rosy, ruber, red, rufus/rufa, red, striatus/striata, striped, versicolor, many-collored, varied, viridis, green, albogularis – White-throated
Countries:
abyssinicus, africana, americana, angolensis, antarctica,
Characteristics:
cauda, tail, –cephalus, head (Greek), –ceps, capped, headed, cilla, tail, collis, neck, cristatus, crested, dactyl, finger or toe (Greek), frons, front, i.e. forehead, –gularis, throat, –ops, eye, –opsis, face, ptera, wing (Greek), –rhynchos, bill (Greek), –rostris, bill, torquatus, collared

Names are important and have meaning. Christ was named long before He was born. It was foretold.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:22-23 KJV)
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9 KJV)
And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. (Matthew 12:21 KJV)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)

(Some information from Scientific bird names explained)

Birds of the Bible – Names of Birds

February 25, 2010 by Lee

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… (Genesis 2:19-20a NKJV)

Common Kingfisher by Phil Kwong

It would be nice to know which birds Adam named and what he named them. Today, the birds we see around the world are variations from those original bird kinds. The names that they now have are different, but, if Adam were to name the birds living today, do you think he might use these current names on the birds?

Below are some bird names that have caught my attention and you can almost visualize something about them:

A – Amazon, Antbird, Antpitta, Antshrike, Antvireo, Antwren, Apostlebird, Awlbill
B – Babbler, Bamboowren, Barbtail, Barbthroat, Bare-eye, Barwing, Baywing, Bee-eater, Bellbird, Berryeater, Berrypecker, Bird-of-paradise, Bishop, Blackbird, Blackcap, Blackeye, Black-headed, Blackstart, Blackthroat, Bleeding-heart, Bluebill, Bluewing, Bluebird, Bluebonnet, Bluetail, Bluethroat, Boatbill, Bowerbird, Brilliant, Bristlebill, Bristlebird, Broadbill, Bronzewing, Brushrunner, Bushbird, Bush-hen

Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) by Ian

C – Canvasback, Cardinal, Catbird, Chat, Chatterer, Cicadabird, Comet, Conebill, Cowbird, Creeper, Crestentchest, Crimsonwing, Crossbill, Cuckoo
D – Darkeye, Darter, Dipper, Dollarbird, Dove
E – Earthcreeper, Emerald
F – Fairy, Fairy-bluebird, Fairywren, Fantail, Fieldwren, Figbird, Finfoot, Fireback, Firecrest, Firecrown, Fire-eye, Firefinch, Firetail, Firethroat, Flamecrest, Flatbill, Flicker, Flowerpecker, Flowerpiecer, Flufftail, Flycatcher, Foliage-gleaner, Forktail, Friarbird, Frigatebird, Frogmouth, Fruitcrow, Fruiteater, Fruithunter
G – Gnatcatcher, Gnatwren, Go-away-bird, Goldcrest, Goldenback, Goldeneye, Goldenthroat, Goldfinch, Grassbird, Grassquit, Grasswren, Greytail, Groundcreeper, Groundpecker, Guineafowl

Carmine BeeEater (Merops nubicus or nubicoides) by Marc at Africaddict

H – Hardhead, Helmetcrest, Helmetshrike, Hermit, Hillstar, Hobby, Honeybird, Honeycreeper, Honeyeater, Honeyguide, Hookbill, Hornbill, Hummingbird
J – Jewel-babbler, Jewelfront, Junglefowl
K – Kingbird, Kingfisher, Kite, Knot,
L – Laughingthrush, Leafbird, Leaftosser, Longbill, Longclaw, Longtail, Lovebird
M – Marshbird, Metaltail, Mockingbird, Monarch, Morepork, Mountaingem, Mourner, Mousebird, Mudnester
N – Needletail, Nighthawk, Nunbird, Nutcracker, Nuthatch
O – Oilbird, Openbill, Ovenbird, Oxpecker, Oystercatcher
P – Palmchat, Palmcreeper, Pewee, Pilotbird, Pintail, Prickletail, Puffback, Puffbird, Puffleg
R – Racket-tail, Rail, Razorbill, Recurvebill, Redhead, Redwing, Rockfinch, Rockfowl, Rockjumper, Rockrunner, Rockwarbler, Rockwren, Roller, Rushbird
S – Sabrewing, Saddleback, Sanderling, Sandgrouse, Sandpiper, Sapphire, Sapphirewing, Sapsucker, Screamer, Screech, Scrubbird, Scrubfowl, Scrubtit, Scrubwren, Secretarybird, Seedcracker, Seedeater, Sheathbill, Shieldbill, Shoebill, Shortwing, Shoveler, Sicklebill, Silktail, Silverbird, Skimmer, Snowcock, Snowfinch, Softtail, Solitaire, Spadebill, Spatuletail, Spiderhunter, Spinebill, Spinetail, Spoonbill, Standardwing, Starfrontlet, Starthroat, Stilt, Stichbird, Straightbill, Streamcreeper, Streamertail, Stubtail, Sugarbird, Sunangel, Sunbeam, Sunbird, Sunbittern, Sungem, Surfbird, Swift
T – Tailorbird, Tattler, Thicketbird, Thick-knee, Thistletail, Thornbill, Tinkerbird, Trainbearer, Treecreeper, Treehunter, Treepie, Treerunner, Treeswift, Trembler, Triller, Tropicbird, Trumpeter, Tuftedcheek, Tyrant
U – Umbrellabird
V – Violetear, Visorbearer
W – Wagtail, Wallcreeper, Warbler, Waxbill, Waxwing, Weaver, Weebill, Wheatear, Whipbird, Whistler, White-eye, Whiteface, Whitethroat, Whitetip, Widowbird, Winter, Wiretail, Woodcock, Woodcreeper, Woodhen, Woodhaunter, Woodpecker, Woodstar
Y – Yellowbrow, Yellowhammer, Yellowlegs, Yellowthroat

The slide show has just some of the Passerines (Song Birds) whose names might have been easy. I’ll save the non-Passerines for later. Tried not to use too many colors because that is also for other blogs.

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Herons

Birds of the Bible – Names of Birds II

Birds of the Bible – Names of Birds

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