Category Archives: Birdwatching

Avian and Attributes – Vine

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Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) ©WikiC

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) ©WikiC

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” (John 15:1 KJV)

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”…”If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:4-5, 7-8 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Vine

Christ says of himself, “I am the vine” (John 15:1). In one of his parables also (Matthew 21:33) our Lord compares his Church to a vineyard which “a certain householder planted, and hedged round about,” etc.). [Easton]

John 15:1 (a) In this case the Lord JESUS Himself is the vine. Those who are saved by His grace are the branches. GOD sees the believer as a very part of CHRIST JESUS Himself. The branch bears the likeness of the vine, and has the same living sap flowing through it constantly. It bears the kind of fruit that characterizes the vine. All the fruit on the vine is found on the branches. Let us be bearing fruit for Him. [Wilson’s Dictionary of Bible Types]

Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) by Raymond Barlow

Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) by Raymond Barlow

Vireos

The vireos /ˈvɪri.oʊz/ make up a family, Vireonidae, of small to medium-sized passerine birds (mostly) restricted to the New World. “Vireo” is a Latin word referring to a green migratory bird, perhaps the female golden oriole, possibly the European greenfinch.

They are typically dull-plumaged and greenish in color, the smaller species resembling wood warblers apart from their heavier bills.

Most species are found in Middle America and northern South America. Thirteen species of true vireos occur farther north, in the United States, Bermuda and Canada; of these all but Hutton’s vireo are migratory. Members of the family seldom fly long distances except in migration.[4] They inhabit forest environments, with different species preferring forest canopies, undergrowth, or mangrove swamps.

Males of most species are persistent singers. Songs are usually rather simple, monotonous in some species of the Caribbean littoral and islands, and most elaborate and pleasant to human ears in the Chocó vireo and the peppershrikes. (Vireonidae – Vireo Family)

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose last name start with “V”

Birds Vol 1 #6 – The Yellow-throated Vireo

The Red-eyed Vireo – The Persistent Singer… by ajmithra

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

Avian and Attributes – Undefiled

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Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) ©©Mindoconexion

Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) ©©Mindoconexion

“For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” (Hebrews 7:26 KJV)

“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:4 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Undefiled

Undefiled

UNDEFI’LED, a. Not defiled; not polluted; not vitiated. (Webster 1828)

un-dḗ-fı̄ld´: In the Old Testament תּם, tām, “perfect,” presents the positive side. Hence, Psa_119:1 is translated in the Revised Version: “Blessed are they that are perfect in the way.” In the New Testament ἀμίαντος, amı́antos, presents the negative side, “unstained” “unsullied” “without taint.” Used to describe the sinlessness of Christ (Heb_7:26), to declare the marriage act free from all guilt, disgrace or shame (Heb_13:4), to contrast the heavenly inheritance with earthly possessions (1Pe_1:4). (ISBE)

Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) ©WikiC

Umbrellabird
Umbrellabirds are birds in the genus Cephalopterus. They are found in rainforests of Central and South America. With a total length of 35–50 cm (14–19.5 in), they are among the largest members of the Cotinga family, and the male Amazonian Umbrellabird is the largest passerine in South America.

They are almost entirely black, and have a conspicuous crest on the top of their head, vaguely resembling an umbrella (hence their common name). All have an inflatable wattle on the neck, which serves to amplify their loud, booming calls. This wattle may reach a length of 35 cm (14 in) in the long-wattled umbrellabird, but it is smaller in the two remaining species, and covered in bare, bright red skin in the bare-necked umbrellabird. Females resemble males, but are noticeably smaller and have a reduced crest and wattle.

They feed on fruits, large insects and occasionally small vertebrates (e.g. lizards). (Cotingadae – Cotinga Family)

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose last name start with “U”

Sunday Inspiration – There Is A Redeemer

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

Avian and Attributes – Truth

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White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) by ©Wiki

White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) by ©Wiki

“All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” (Psalms 25:10 KJV)

“For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.” (Psalms 33:4 KJV)

“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Truth

TRUTH, n.
1. Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be. The truth of history constitutes its whole value. We rely on the truth of the scriptural prophecies.
Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth. John 17.
2. True state of facts or things. The duty of a court of justice is to discover the truth. Witnesses are sworn to declare the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
3. Conformity of words to thoughts, which is called moral truth.
4. Veracity; purity from falsehood; practice of speaking truth; habitual disposition to speak truth; as when we say, a man is a man of truth.
5. Correct opinion.
6. Fidelity; constancy.
7. Honesty; virtue.
8. Exactness; conformity to rule.
9. Real fact of just principle; real state of things. There are innumerable truths with which we are not acquainted.
10. Sincerity.
God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4.
11. The truth of God, is his veracity and faithfulness. Psa 71.
Or his revealed will.
I have walked in thy truth. Psa 26.
12. Jesus Christ is called the truth. John 14.
To do truth, is to practice what God commands. John 3.

White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) Eclipse Male by Ian

White-winged Triller

The White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) is one of the smaller members of the cuckooshrike family, Campephagidae. It is found throughout mainland Australia and possibly on the islands to the north, including New Guinea and eastern Indonesia. It is resident or nomadic over the warmer part of its range (inland Australia and points north), and a summer breeding migrant to the cooler southern parts of Australia.

White-winged Trillers are fairly common in woodland, and open scrub through most of their range, and close to riverbeds in the central arid zone. The conspicuous male bird—black above and white below in breeding plumage—trills cheerfully through much of the day during the breeding season (mid-spring to early summer), frequently rising on fluttering wings in song flight.

White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) female with disguised young ©WikiC

The female is similarly patterned but in dull fawns and white. In the non-breeding season, male birds appear similar to the female, retaining blackish feathers only on the wings and tail.

Typically 16 to 18 cm long, white-winged trillers eat a variety of insects, which are taken on the ground, from in foliage, or in the air. (Campephagidae – Cuckooshrike Family)

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose last name start with “T”

Sunday Inspiration – Cuckooshrikes

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

Bird Behavior During the Total Eclipse – BirdCast Re-post

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Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) by Neal Addy Gallery

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. (Psalms 84:3 KJV)

What an interesting article about the recent Total Eclipse of the Sun. This was posted by Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology and you will enjoy reading it. Dan and I went out to watch the eclipse here in middle Florida. We had about 80% coverage and noticed the swallows here out flying around. Now, this article helps explain what we saw. Enjoy reading this:

What Do Birds Do During a Total Eclipse? Observations from eBird and Radar on August 21, 2017

“26 August, 2017

By Benjamin Van Doren, Andrew Farnsworth, and Ian Davies

Approximately every 18 months a total solar eclipse is visible somewhere on the surface of the Earth. During previous total solar eclipses, numerous observers have reported interesting animal behavior—especially describing birds. With the advent of citizen science and projects like eBird, we now have the opportunity to examine bird behaviors as reported by a large number of observers almost immediately and at a much grander scale. The amazing accounts below of birding during Monday’s total solar eclipse are all from eBird checklists submitted by birders like you—please submit your eclipse sightings if you haven’t already!

We looked at 7,800 checklists submitted to eBird.org on August 21, 2017 and focused on 1,350 checklists submitted from the time of maximum eclipse. Below, we highlight interesting observations from the path of totality (black circular icons with white borders, representing a total eclipse) and outside of it (partial eclipse icons of varying magnitude).”

One quote that made our Swallow behavior make sense:

From Joshua Stone and Nicole Trimmer in Johnson County, Illinois:

Just before totality, the chimney swifts started flying low and acting like it was dusk. They continued during totality, flying low overhead and chittering.

TO READ THE ARTICLE CLICK HERE

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Birds of the Bible – Swallows

Birds Of The Bible – Swallow-tailed Kites

Avian and Attributes – Shepherd

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Mute Swan

Mute Swan with Young

“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalms 23:1 KJV)

“Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” (Matthew 26:31 KJV)

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14 KJV)

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,” (Hebrews 13:20 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Shepherd

SHEP’HERD, n.

1. A man employed in tending, feeding and guarding sheep in the pasture.
2. A swain; a rural lover.
3. The pastor of a parish, church or congregation; a minister of the gospel who superintends a church or parish, and gives (gived) instruction in spiritual things. God and Christ are in Scripture denominated (dinominated) Shepherds, as they lead, protect and govern their people, and provide for their welfare. (edited)

Mute Swan by Lee at Lake Morton

Mute Swan

The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Eurasia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa. It is an introduced species in North America, Australasia, and southern Africa. The name ‘mute’ derives from it being less vocal than other swan species.[2][3][4] Measuring 125 to 170 cm (49 to 67 in) in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognizable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males.

The mute swan is less vocal than the noisy whooper and Bewick’s swans; they do, however, make a variety of grunting, hoarse whistling, and snorting noises, especially in communicating with their cygnets, and usually hiss at competitors or intruders trying to enter their territory.

(Anatidae – Ducks, Swan – Family)

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose last name start with “S”

Birds of the Bible – Swan

Anatidae – Wikipedia

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

Avian and Attributes – Redeemer

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Brazilian Ruby (Clytolaema rubricauda) ©WikiC

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:” (Job 19:25 KJV)

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
(Psalms 19:14 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Redeemer

(1): (n.) One who redeems.
(2): (n.) Specifically, the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

Redeem

(1): (v. t.) Hence, to rescue and deliver from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God’s violated law.
(2): (v. t.) To recall, as an estate, or to regain, as mortgaged property, by paying what may be due by force of the mortgage.
(3): (v. t.) To purchase back; to regain possession of by payment of a stipulated price; to repurchase.
(4): (v. t.) To pay the penalty of; to make amends for; to serve as an equivalent or offset for; to atone for; to compensate; as, to redeem an error.
(5): (v. t.) To make good by performing fully; to fulfill; as, to redeem one’s promises.
(6): (v. t.) To ransom, liberate, or rescue from captivity or bondage, or from any obligation or liability to suffer or to be forfeited, by paying a price or ransom; to ransom; to rescue; to recover; as, to redeem a captive, a pledge, and the like.

Brazilian Ruby (Clytolaema rubricauda) by Dario Sanches

Brazilian Ruby

The Brazilian Ruby (Clytolaema rubricauda). As its vernacular name suggests, this species is endemic to Brazil, where it generally occurs from Minas Gerais south to Rio Grande do Sul, and it occurs in wooded areas of all types in the Atlantic Forest region, to at least 2000 m.  It is a species of hummingbird found in forest edge, second growth, gardens and parks in eastern Brazil. It is monotypic within the genus Clytolaema. It is common and among the species regularly seen at hummingbird feeders within its range. It is a relatively large hummingbird. The male is overall green with a coppery back and rump, a coppery-rufous tail and, as suggested by its common name, a highly iridescent ruby throat that can appear black from some angles. Females are green above and cinnamon below. Both sexes have a white post-ocular spot and a straight black bill. (Trochilidae – Hummingbirds Family)

Brazilian Ruby (Clytolaema rubricauda) Female ©WikiC

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose last name start with “R”

Brazilian Ruby – Wikipedia

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

Avian and Attributes – Quickens

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Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) by Ian

Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) by Ian

 Avian and Attributes – Quickens

“Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.” (Psalms 119:154 KJV)

“Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.” (Psalms 119:156 KJV)

“Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.” (Psalms 119:159 KJV)

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Quickens

(1): (a.) To make lively, active, or sprightly; to impart additional energy to; to stimulate; to make quick or rapid; to hasten; to accelerate; as, to quicken one’s steps or thoughts; to quicken one’s departure or speed.
(2): (v. i.) To move with rapidity or activity; to become accelerated; as, his pulse quickened.
(3): (a.) To shorten the radius of (a curve); to make (a curve) sharper; as, to quicken the sheer, that is, to make its curve more pronounced.
(4): (v. i.) To come to life; to become alive; to become vivified or enlivened; hence, to exhibit signs of life; to move, as the fetus in the womb.
(5): (a.) To make alive; to vivify; to revive or resuscitate, as from death or an inanimate state; hence, to excite; to, stimulate; to incite.

Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) Reinier Munguia

Quetzal

Quetzal (/kɛtsˈɑːl/ or /ˈkɛtsəl/) are strikingly colored birds in the trogon family.

They are found in forests and woodlands, especially in humid highlands, with the five species from the genus Pharomachrus being exclusively Neotropical, while the single Euptilotis species is found in Mexico and very locally in the southern United States. They are fairly large (all over 32 cm or 13 inches long), slightly bigger than other trogon species.

Quetzals have iridescent green or golden-green wing coverts, back, chest and head, with a red belly. They are strongly sexually dimorphic, and parts of the females’ plumage are brown or grey. These largely solitary birds feed on fruits, berries, insects and small vertebrates (such as frogs). Even with their famous bright plumage, they can be hard to see in their natural wooded habitats. (Trogonidae – Trogons Family)

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Birds whose last name start with “Q”

Birds Vol 1 #1 – The Resplendent Trogon (Quetzal)

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Resplendent Quetzal

1,300-Year Old Recording Discovered? – Re-post

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

Avian and Attributes – Providence of God

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Parrot-billed Sparrow (Passer gongonensis)

Parrot-billed Sparrow (Passer gongonensis)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” (Matthew 10:29 KJV)

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV)

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Providence of God

The word “providence” comes from the Latin providentia (Gk. pronoia [provnoia]) and means essentially foresight or making provision beforehand. On the human plane it may be used positively, as when Tertullus praised Felix by saying, “Your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation” ( Acts 24:2 ), or negatively, as when Paul admonishes us to “make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” ( Rom 13:14, ; RSV ). When applied to God the idea takes on a vastly larger dimension because God not only looks ahead and attempts to make provision for his goals, but infallibly accomplishes what he sets out to do. And because it is God’s governance that is in view, it encompasses everything in the universe, from the creation of the world to its consummation, inclusive of every aspect of human existence and destiny. Providence, then, is the sovereign, divine superintendence of all things, guiding them toward their divinely predetermined end in a way that is consistent with their created nature, all to the glory and praise of God. This divine, sovereign, and benevolent control of all things by God is the underlying premise of everything that is taught in the Scriptures. (Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary)

Parrot-billed Sparrow (Passer gongonensis) ©Flickr Carol Foll

Parrot-billed Sparrow

The Parrot-billed Sparrow (Passer gongonensis) is found in the arid lowlands of eastern Africa. At 18 centimeters (7.1 in) and 42 grams (1.5 oz), it is largest of the sparrows of the family Passeridae. It is often considered a subspecies of the grey-headed sparrow.  Lives in extreme SE Sudan to S Ethiopia, S Somalia, Kenya and NE Tanzania. Habitats: Deserts and Xeric Shrublands; Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests:
Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands. (Passeridae Family)

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose first name start with “P”

Birds of the Bible – More Value

Birds of the Bible – Little Brown Jobs

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

Avian and Attributes – Omnipotent

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Great Horned Owl by Phil Kwong Galleries

Great Horned Owl by Phil Kwong Galleries

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” (Revelation 19:6 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Omnipotent

OMNIP’OTENT, a. [supra.]

1. Almighty; possessing unlimited power; all powerful. The being that can create worlds must be omnipotent.

2. Having unlimited power of a particular kind; as omnipotent love.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) by Bob-Nan

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) by Bob-Nan

Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), also known as the tiger owl (originally derived from early naturalists’ description as the “winged tiger” or “tiger of the air”) or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. The great horned owl is one of the earliest nesting birds in North America, often laying eggs weeks or even months before other raptorial birds.

All great horned owls have a facial disc. This can be reddish, brown or gray in color (depending on geographical and racial variation) and is demarked by a dark rim culminating in bold, blackish side brackets. This species’ “horns” are tufts of feathers, called plumicorns. The purpose of plumicorns is not fully understood, but the theory that they serve as a visual cue in territorial and socio-sexual interactions with other owls is generally accepted.

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose last name start with “O”

Birds of the Bible – Owls

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

Avian and Attributes – Name Above All Names

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Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) ©WikiC

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philippians 2:9 KJV)

“Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.” (Psalms 148:13 KJV)

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” (Psalms 8:1 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Name Above All Names

Names – These are often expressive of character or of relationship. God was revealed to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as GOD ALMIGHTY, which indicates the character in which God was pleased to be known by them: He was not known to them as JEHOVAH. Exo_6:3. This does not mean that they had not heard of the name, but that it did not express the character of His relationship with them. To Moses, He said, “I am JEHOVAH,” and by this name He was known to Israel: it formed the basis of their relationship with God. When power was committed to the Gentiles under the headship of Nebuchadnezzar it was said, “THE GOD OF HEAVEN hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.” Dan_2:37. In Christianity God is made known under the name of FATHER. Joh_20:17. Much is involved in the various names by which God has been pleased to make Himself known. So the Lord Jesus has various names: Son of God, Immanuel, Son of man, &c.: they all designate one Person, but each has its own import. Throughout the N. T., HIS NAME is the center of all blessing. Isa_9:6 Php_2:9-11. (Concise Bible Dictionary)

Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) ©WikiC

Common Nightingale

The Common Nightingale or simply nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), also known as Rufous Nightingale, is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. It was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae.[2] It belongs to a group of more terrestrial species, often called chats.

It is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south-west Asia, and wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. It is not found naturally in the Americas. The distribution is more southerly than the very closely related thrush nightingale Luscinia luscinia. It nests on or near the ground in dense vegetation. Research in Germany found that favored breeding habitat of nightingales was defined by a number of geographical factors.   Muscicapidae Family

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Birds whose last name start with “N”

Old World Flycatcher – Wikipedia

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

Avian and Attributes – Mercy

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Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) Palm Beach Zoo by Lee

“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:11-12 KJV)

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” (Ephesians 2:4 KJV)

Avian and Attributes – Mercy

MER’CY, n. [L. misericordia.]
1. That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.
The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty. Num 14.

2. An act or exercise of mercy or favor. It is a mercy that they escaped.
I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies. Gen 32.

3. Pity; compassion manifested towards a person in distress.
And he said, he that showed mercy on him. Luke 10.

4. Clemency and bounty.
Mercy and truth preserve the king; and his throne is upheld by mercy. Prov 28.

5. Charity, or the duties of charity and benevolence.
I will have mercy and not sacrifice. Mat 9.

6. Grace; favor. 1 Cor 7. Jude 2.

7. Eternal life, the fruit of mercy. 2 Tim 1.

8. Pardon.
I cry thee mercy with all my heart.

9. The act of sparing, or the forbearance of a violent act expected. The prisoner cried for mercy.
To be or to lie at the mercy of, to have no means of self-defense, but to be dependent for safety on the mercy or compassion of another, or in the power of that which is irresistible; as, to be at the mercy of a foe, or of the waves.

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“If we could remember that the divine mercy is not a temporary mood but an attribute of God’s eternal being, we would no longer fear that it will someday cease to be. Mercy never began to be, but from eternity was; so it will never cease to be. It will never be more since it is itself infinite; and it will never be less because the infinite cannot suffer diminution.” A. W. Tozer, (Knowledge of the Holy, p.91)

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) by Lee at PB Zoo

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) by Lee at PB Zoo

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha

The Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. Found in Southeast Asia from Myanmar through to eastern Java, the Philippines and Borneo, it is a large cuckoo measuring up to 49 cm (19 in) with grey and dark green upperparts and chestnut underparts, and a large curved pale upper mandible. The male and female are similar in plumage. Unlike many cuckoos, it builds its nest and raises its own young.

It eats small vertebrates, such as small lizards, frogs, and baby birds, and insects, including caterpillars, grasshoppers, cicadas, stick insects, mantises, cockroaches, beetles, and bugs, as well as spiders and small crabs.  Cuculidae – Cuckoos Family

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Birds whose last name start with “M”

Birds of the Bible – Chestnut-breasted Malkoha

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

Avian and Attributes – Love

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Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) by W Kwong

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8 KJV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)

Divine Love

The love that God has for the sinful human race originates solely in his sovereign will. He loves people because he chooses to love them, not because they in any way deserve his love (Deu_7:7-8; Jer_31:3; Rom_5:8; Eph_1:4; Eph_2:4-5; 1Jn_3:1; 1Jn_4:10).

This was seen clearly in Jesus Christ, who throughout his life helped those in need and by his death saved helpless sinners. Salvation originates in the love of God, and that love found its fullest expression in the cross of Jesus Christ (Mat_14:14; Mar_10:21; Luk_7:13; Joh_3:16; Joh_15:13; Gal_2:20; Eph_2:4-7; Eph_5:25; 1Jn_4:9; see also MERCY). Jesus Christ could perfectly express God’s love, because he and the Father are bound together in a perfect unity in which each loves the other (Joh_3:35; Joh_10:30; Joh_14:31; Joh_15:9; Joh_17:24).

So much is love the dominating characteristic of the divine nature that the Bible declares that God is love. Everything that God says or does is in some way an expression of his love (1Jn_4:8; 1Jn_4:16). (Bridgeway Bible Dictionary)

Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) by W Kwong

Fischer’s Lovebird

The Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) is a small parrot species of the Agapornis genus. They were originally discovered in the late 19th century. They are named after German explorer Gustav Fischer.

Fischer’s Lovebird are native to a small area of east-central Africa, south and southeast of Lake Victoria in northern Tanzania. In drought years, some birds move west into Rwanda and Burundi seeking moister conditions. They live at elevations of 1,100-2,200m in small flocks. They live in isolated clumps of trees with grass plains between them.

Lovebirds are 13 to 17 cm (5 to 7 in) in length and 40 to 60 g (1 1⁄2 to 2 oz) in weight. They are among the smallest parrots, characterized by a stocky build, a short blunt tail, and a relatively large, sharp beak. Wildtype lovebirds are mostly green with a variety of colors on their upper body, depending on the species. The Fischer’s Lovebird, Black-cheeked Lovebird, and the Masked Lovebird have a prominent white ring around their eyes.  – Family Psittaculidae

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Birds whose last name start with “L”

Fischer’s Lovebird – Wikipedia

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