Tag Archives: Christian

Sunday Inspiration – Sylviid Babblers

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Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) ©WikiC

Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) ©WikiC

Here is our next avian group taxonomically, the Sylviidae – Sylvid Babblers Family. The Lord created these birds with a song to sing and some that are very colorful. Actually there are very few Babblers in the family. There are Blackcaps, various Warblers, Whitethroats, Fulvettas, Parrotbills plus a Myzornis and a Catbird.

Fire-tailed Myzornis (Myzornis pyrrhoura) ©WikiC

Fire-tailed Myzornis (Myzornis pyrrhoura) ©WikiC

Sylviidae is a family of passerine birds that was part of an assemblage known as the Old World warblers. The family was formerly a wastebin taxon with over 400 species of bird in over 70 genera. The family was poorly defined with many characteristics shared with other families. Advances in classification, particularly helped with molecular data, have led to the splitting out of several new families from within this group. Today the smaller family Sylviidae includes the typical warblers in the genus Sylvia, the parrotbills of Asia (formerly a separate family Paradoxornithidae), a number of babblers formerly placed within the family Timaliidae (which is itself currently being split) and the wrentit, an unusual North American bird that has been a longstanding taxonomic mystery.

Hume's Whitethroat (Sylvia althaea) ©WikiC

Hume’s Whitethroat (Sylvia althaea) ©WikiC

There is now evidence that these Sylvia “warblers” are more closely related to babblers [Timaliidae], and thus these birds are better referred to as Sylvia babblers, or just sylvids.

Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Sinosuthora webbiana) ©WikiC

Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Sinosuthora webbiana) ©WikiC

Sylviids are small to medium-sized birds. The bill is generally thin and pointed with bristles at the base. Sylviids have a slender shape and an inconspicuous and mostly plain plumage. The wings have ten primaries, which are rounded and short in non-migratory species. (Wikipedia)

For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:18 NKJV)

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Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30 NKJV)

“I Stand Amazed” ~ Faith Baptist Choir

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More Sunday Inspirations 

Sylviidae – Sylviid Babblers

Sylviidae – Wikipedia

Parrotbill – Wikipedia

Babbler For Who?

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Are You Missing Something?

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Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. (Psalms 37:34 NKJV)

While at the Parrot Mountain last week, we saw this Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis). As one of my friend said, after seeing these photos, “that is an ugly bird.” Well, almost, but is beauty in the eye of the beholder? I am sure that from the eyes of another Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, it may not be.

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

As the sign says,:

  • The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill can grow up to two and half feet long and weigh two and three quarter pounds.
  • Have an average life span of 50 years.
  • Silvery-cheeked Hornbills eat by plucking a piece of fruit and tipping its head back to swallow it whole. They will eat berries, figs, palmnuts, as well as a variety of insects.
  • The Hornbill is one of the few birds that have eyelashes to shield them from sun and dust.
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn by Lee

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn by Lee

Also the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill are residents of the tall evergreen forest of east Africa from Ethiopia to South Africa.

Well, maybe this bird is a little ugly:

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Yet, in the Lord’s sight, this bird was created special and most likely fits right in with where it lives and what it does. What I haven’t shown you yet is that it is missing the tip of its beak. Most likely, that is why it is in captivity because it may not be able to obtain food in the wild.

Missing the tip of its beak

Missing the tip of its beak

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill with missing tip of beak.

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill with missing tip of beak.

I was surprised by how many verses that mention the words “cut off.” There are 200 verses in the NKJV. Even the verse where Peter cut off the ear of the servant, but Jesus healed him by putting back on. Only the Creator could have done that. Many mention enemies or sinners being cut off. Also, not being cut off if you are righteous and one of His saints.

For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide. The wicked watches the righteous, And seeks to slay him. The LORD will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. (Psalms 37:28-34 NKJV)

Missing heaven and not spending eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ would be a terrible tragedy. I trust you will not be cut off with the wicked and that you know the Lord as your personal Savior. Accepting the Lord Jesus was the best decision I ever made in my life.

The Gospel Message and Gospel Presentation both explain how to not be cut off or missing out on eternity in heaven.

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Salmon-crested (Moluccan) Cockatoo at Parrot Mountain

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Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) at Parrot Mtn by Lee

Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) at Parrot Mtn by Lee

“So God created … every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:21 NKJV)

Here are a few photos of the Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) or Mouccan Cockatoo, as they call it, at the Parrot Mountain in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. On their brochure they have “In the Beginning GOD Created All Things” and “Hundreds of Tropical Birds in a Garden of Eden Surrounding.” It is a very enjoyable place to visit. The landscaping is very pretty and colorful. More about that in another post. It is very much Christian oriented.

“The salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) also known as the Moluccan cockatoo, is a cockatoo endemic to the south Moluccas in eastern Indonesia. They are members of the Cacatuidae – Cockatoos Family. At a height of up to 46–52 cm and weight of up to 850 g, it is among the largest of the white cockatoos. The female is larger than the male on average. It has white-pink feathers with a definite peachy glow, a slight yellow on the underwing and underside of the tail feathers and a large retractable recumbent crest which it raises when threatened, revealing hitherto concealed bright red-orange plumes to frighten potential attackers. It may also be raised in excitement or in other ’emotional’ displays. Some describe the crest as “flamingo-colored.” It also has one of the louder calls in the parrot world and in captivity is a capable mimic.

Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) at Parrot Mtn by Lee

Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) at Parrot Mtn by Lee

In the wild the salmon-crested cockatoo inhabits lowland forests below 1000 m. The diet consists mainly of seeds, nuts and fruit, as well as coconuts, and also eats Meat. There is additional evidence that they eat insects off the ground, and pet Moluccan cockatoos have tested positive for anemia if their diet does not include enough protein.

Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) at Parrot Mtn by Le

Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) at Parrot Mtn by Lee

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. (James 3:7 NKJV)

The salmon-crested cockatoo can no longer be imported into the United States because it is listed on the Wild Bird Conservation Act. However, they are being bred in captivity. They are popular for their beauty and trainability (which makes them popular in trained bird shows). The salmon-crested cockatoo is widely considered to be one of the most demanding parrots to keep as a pet due to their high intelligence, large size, potential noise level, and need to chew. Moluccan cockatoos require a very large and very sturdy cage or aviary. Salmon-crested cockatoos are highly social and pets can be extremely cuddly, affectionate, and gentle birds.” (Wikipedia)

The photos are shown in the sequence taken. Dan was enjoying scratching its head.

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Parrot Mountain in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Salmon-crested Cockatoo – Wikipedia

Cacatuidae – Cockatoos Family

Wordless Birds

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Collared Aracari – Beautiful Creation

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(Crooked) Collared Aracari Sign at Houston Zoo by Lee

“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 NKJV)

When we visited the Houston Zoo this last spring, we saw a sign for the Collared Aracari. We were able to photograph two other Aracaris, but this one was “off exhibit.” Not sure why, but I was very disappointed, because it is such a neat creation from the Lord.

While checking through some more of Ray Barlow’s photos, guess what I found? Some really great photos of a Collared Aracari Ray had taken, and “without bars” like we get at a zoo. So I trust you will enjoy some more photos from Raymond Barlow.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

An aracari or araçari is any of the medium-sized toucans that, together with the saffron toucanet, make up the genus Pteroglossus. They belong to the Ramphastidae – Toucan Family. This Collared Aracari is not even one of the prettiest, but it is still very becoming.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

They are brightly plumaged and have enormous, contrastingly patterned bills. These birds are residents in forests and woodlands in the Neotropics.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

All the species of Aracari are basically fruit-eating, but will take insects and other small prey.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

They are arboreal and nest in tree holes laying 2–4 white eggs. The Collared Aracari breeds from southern Mexico to Panama; also Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Costa Rica.

And now for the best one of Ray’s photos for the Collared Aracari, at least to me:

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) ©Raymond Barlow

That beak is not painted by none other than the Creative Hand of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16 NKJV)

Click on photos for larger view

Birds of the World – Ramphastidae – Toucan Family

Raymond Barlow’s Site

Ray’s Flickr Site

Collared Aracari – Wikipedia

Wordless Birds

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Plus – Amazing Dolphin Show

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Pacific White-sided Dolphin by Ian

Pacific White-sided Dolphin by Ian

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). (James 3:7 AMP)

A friend sent me this link to a Dolphin Show in Israel. This is one reason my blog’s name ends with Plus so I can add “non-birdie” things.

Here are some more of the fantastic creatures that the Lord has given mankind. Enjoy!

Full-screen is best.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (Isaiah 40:28 KJV)

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Birdwatching At Lake Morton Finally – Part 2

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Anhinga Drying at Lake Morton by Dan

Anhinga Drying at Lake Morton by Dan

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. (Genesis 2:19 NKJV)

After I finished posting Birdwatching At Lake Morton Finally Part 1, about 15 minutes later, Dan came in and handed me his photos. Okay, so what to do? Add to the one I just posted or do a Part 2? You are reading Part 2. So, I am going to share his better photos for you to enjoy.

Wood Stork sitting at Lake Morton by Dan

Wood Stork sitting at Lake Morton by Dan

“Even the stork in the heavens Knows her appointed times; And the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow Observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:7 NKJV)

The Wood Storks were there. Maybe five or six and at least one Great Blue Heron and a Great Egret. Like mentioned in the first article, there weren’t that many birds around.

He also took photos of the Black Swan, and our immature Limpkin and White Ibis.

Black Swan by Dan at Morton

Black Swan by Dan at Morton

and the red-bill, and the pelican, and swan, (Leviticus 11:18 Brenton)

The “Aflac” Duck and the Wood Ducks were about it. Maybe next time the birdwatching will improve. Once it turns cold up north, our “winter visitors” will start coming to visit and spend the winter with us. Then, the chance for some different birds to show you. Stay Tuned!

I know and am acquainted with all the birds of the mountains, and the wild animals of the field are Mine and are with Me, in My mind.
(Psalms 50:11 AMP)

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Visit Dan’s Site – USNDansPix.com

Birdwatching Trips – Lake Morton

Birdwatching Trips

Gideon

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Sunday Inspiration – Fulvettas, Ground Babblers

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Brown-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippe poioicephala) ©WikiC

Brown-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippe poioicephala) ©WikiC

He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. (Psalms 33:5 NKJV)

The Pellorneida is another neatly created family that has 70 members and are a family of mostly Old World passerine birds. They are rather diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. These are birds of tropical areas, with the greatest variety in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The entire family was previously included in the Timaliidae.

Morphological diversity is rather high; most species resemble “warblers”, jays or thrushes.

White-hooded Babbler (Gampsorhynchus rufulus) ©WikiC

White-hooded Babbler (Gampsorhynchus rufulus) ©WikiC

They are small to medium-sized birds. They have strong legs, and many are quite terrestrial. They typically have generalised bills, similar to those of a thrush or warbler. Most have predominantly brown plumage, with minimal difference between the sexes, but many more brightly coloured species also exist.

This group is not strongly migratory, and most species have short rounded wings, and a weak flight. They live in lightly wooded or scrubland environments, ranging from swamp to near-desert. They are primarily insectivorous, although many will also take berries, and the larger species will even eat small lizards and other vertebrates.(Wikipedia with editing)

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A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 KJV)

“Everything’s Fine” ~ ©Hyssongs

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More Sunday Inspiration

Fulvettas, Ground Babblers – Pellorneida

The Amazing Butterfly

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Birdwatching at Lake Morton Finally

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Aflac Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee

Aflac Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee

Last week Dan and I actually got to do a little birdwatching. My back has been improving, but not healed. After 12 therapy sessions, I felt brave enough to see what was going on at Lake Morton. It is in Lakeland, Florida and you can park across the street from the lake. Easy walk for me.

Needless to say, I was excited about getting out birdwatching, but the birds had other ideas. There were very few birds other than the normal residents hanging around for a hand out. Guess the winter birds haven’t arrived yet. That top pictures show the lack of birds on the lake.

Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee Close-up

Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee Close-up

“If you happen to come upon a bird’s nest along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall certainly let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, in order that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” (Deuteronomy 22:6-7 NASB)

Aflac is not the name of this domestic Peking/Mallard Duck. She is pretty though she is a hybrid. She was busy working on her nest and you can see some of the things she was adding below.

Aflac Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee Close-up of nest material

Aflac Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee Close-up of nest material

Other interesting birds were some immature White Ibises, an immature Limpkin and some Wood Ducks. Like I said, it was rather quiet.

Immature White Ibis at Lake Morton by Lee

Immature White Ibis at Lake Morton by Lee

Limpkin Juvenile at Lake Morton by Lee

Limpkin Juvenile at Lake Morton by Lee

Wood Duck at Lake Morton by Lee

Wood Duck at Lake Morton by Lee

Any day we can go birdwatching is always enjoyable. There is usually something that is there to see. Life is not made up of big events all the time, just the everyday normal sights. When we do get to see special birds or whatever, then that makes them extra nice.

Here is a video of that Wood Duck and his mate bouncing around in the water. Trust you don’t get seasick. They seem to have been created to handle floating and bobbing well.

The water prevailed and increased greatly upon the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. (Genesis 7:18 NASB)

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History Through the Eyes of Ogden Owl

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(Sandra Conner, my Christian friend, that writes great blogs, books and a whole lot more, has taken me up on the challenge to write about the Great Grey Owl.)

Here is her tale about our owl:

“Lee Dusing, over at Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus, has posted the picture on her site of this owl with his eyes bulging as he takes in some scene before him. Lee has asked us to write a caption or a story based on the picture — taken by Peter K. Burian.  So, naturally, I had to take up the challenge — even though I’m not much of an owl person in general. My story is below the picture.

LEE'S OWL PIC -- PETER K. BURIAN

HISTORY THROUGH THE EYES OF OGDEN OWL

Ogden Owl couldn’t believe his eyes. He was sure they must be bulging because he was straining so hard to see what was really going on. He’d lived in these sparse clumps of trees close to the sandy beaches of Kitty Hawk, NC, for almost three years now, and ever since he’d moved here, there had been some strange things going on.

Two human beings had spent months at a time out on the sandy stretches of land between the hills, half rolling – half carrying – some contraption that looked a little like a huge, ugly bird, but that seemed to be bound to move on the ground. Ogden was usually up doing his hunting during the night, and by morning, he was ready to get some rest, so he hadn’t bothered with the humans much, except to shake his head at their ability to waste time and energy out here on this almost barren stretch of land.

But early this morning, when he really should have been considering getting some rest again, he had noticed that the two human beings had an even bigger monster of a machine – even more ugly – and this time it made a horrible noise as they moved it across the ground.  They pushed it onto some kind of inclined track, and the next thing Ogden knew, one of the men seemed to climb right into the middle of the machine.

Ogden could hardly hold his eyes open, but he was determined to find out what was going on practically right under his nose. Suddenly the huge machine began moving along the inclined track, picking up speed, and then, to Ogden’s astonishment – and horror – it lifted up from the ground, all the time making a roaring noise. It seemed to catch the wind with its enormous wings and sailed through the air just like he did when he took off from his tree limb and weaved through the sky looking for food.

It couldn’t be! Surely not! Human beings flying??? His eyes stayed glued to the scene. For long seconds, the huge, ugly contraption floated and soared – and scared the heck out of Ogden.

When the machine came back down to the ground and sat down without breaking apart, Ogden took a deep breath. He hadn’t realized that he had been holding his breath the whole time he watched that ugly, noisy machine fly. He shook his head now and stirred restlessly on the branch where he sat. He sighed and stretched his wings a little, wanting to feel their strength once more before he moved back onto one of the hidden branches of his tree to get some rest. He felt sad – and fearful. He had a feeling that life was never going to be the same again after today.  ~”

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Source: History Through the Eyes of Ogden Owl

Click to find out more about Sandra Conner

I have enjoyed reading several of her online stories, plus I have read her three latest novels:

Set Free To Love – Novel 1, Smokey Mountain Series

‘Cameron’s Rib’ – Sneak a Peek… – Book 2

Sneak a Peak at “Repaired By Love” — Book 3 in ‘Smoky Mountain Series’

Her Short Stories

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Sunday Inspiration – Cisticolas and Singing

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Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) by Ian

Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) by Ian

The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove (Cisticola?) Is heard in our land. (Song of Solomon 2:12 NKJV)

The Cisticolidae – Cisticolas and Allies family has 158 species currently. They are  warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are often included within the Old World warbler family Sylviidae. Among the Cisticolida, besides the Cisticola, there are; Jery, Prinia, Warblers, a Longtail, Apalis, Camaroptera, Wren-Warblers, Tailorbirds, Forest Warblers, and Eremomelas.

This family probably originated in Africa, which has the majority of species, but there are representatives of the family across tropical Asia into Australasia, and one species, the zitting cisticola, even breeds in Europe.

Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis) by Nikhil Devasar

These are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. They are often difficult to see and many species are similar in appearance, so the song is often the best identification guide.

By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. (Psalms 104:12 NKJV)

These are insectivorous birds which nest low in vegetation.

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Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. (Psalms 100:2 NKJV)

“How Can I Keep From Singing?” ~  by the Trio + 1 (Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb & Jessie Padgett) Faith Baptist

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More Sunday Inspirations

Cisticolidae – Cisticolas and allies

In Our Place

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Birds of the Bible – Fly Like An Eagle

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Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab. (Jeremiah 48:40 KJV)

I received an email newsletter from Raymond Barlow today with this photo. Oh, my! What a shot. Ray has been one of the first photographers that gave permission to use his photos on this blog. After sending a quick note up to him (Canada), that permission remains and here are some of his latest Bald Eagle photos.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (Proverbs 23:5 KJV)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. (Jeremiah 49:22 KJV)

 

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
(Revelation 4:7 KJV)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (Revelation 12:14 KJV)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Ray Barlow

If you click on these photos you will see them much larger. Thank you, Ray. Thank you Lord for creating such fantastic birds, especially Eagles.

Blessings,

Lee

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Birds of the Bible Eagles

Raymond Barlow’s Site

Wordless Birds

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Birds of the Bible – Lazuli Birds

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Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) by Michael Woodruff

Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) by Michael Woodruff

While reading through Lamentations, I came across this verse:

Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than corals, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli. (Lamentations 4:7 NASB)

I immediately thought of the bird above – the Lazuli Bunting. Working with the Birds of the World, the name “Lazuli” has been seen before, so this is an attempt to find out what it really means and which birds have that color. Let’s dig around and see what we can find out.

Lazuline Sabrewing (Campylopterus falcatus) ©WikiC

Lazuline Sabrewing (Campylopterus falcatus) ©WikiC

The NASB has two more verses that use “lazuli”: Ezekial 1:26 and 28:13. All three use lapis with the lazuli. Checking with my eSword program in the compare mode most of the translations use “Sapphire.” and some use the lapis lazuli. They all refer to a very well polished and cut stone of the sapphire or lazuli color.

Polished Block of Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan ©WikiC

Polished Block of Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan ©WikiC

Lazuli
Lazuline Sabrewing (Campylopterus falcatus)
Lazuli Kingfisher (Todiramphus lazuli)
Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena)

Sapphire Gem ©WikiC

Sapphire Gem ©WikiC

Sapphire
Blue-chinned Sapphire (Chlorestes notata)
Sapphire-throated Hummingbird (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis)
Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (Lepidopyga lilliae)
Blue-throated Sapphire (Hylocharis eliciae)
Rufous-throated Sapphire (Hylocharis sapphirina)
White-chinned Sapphire (Hylocharis cyanus)
Gilded Sapphire (Hylocharis chrysura)
Blue-headed Sapphire (Hylocharis grayi)
Humboldt’s Sapphire (Hylocharis humboldtii)
Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone)
Sapphire-spangled Emerald (Amazilia lactea)
Great Sapphirewing (Pterophanes cyanopterus)
Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani)
Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet (Touit purpuratus)
Sapphire Flycatcher (Ficedula sapphira)
Sapphire Quail-Dove (Geotrygon saphirina)

Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani) by Michael Woodruff

Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani) by Michael Woodruff

What an amazing colection of birds with a beautiful color that the Lord has given us. Not only did we get that fantastic color in stones from the Creator, but He used that color for His avian beauties also.


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Hope you enjoy seeing these beautiful birds. The Bibles verses didn’t really have anything to do with birds. The verse is actually about the destruction of Jerusalem and how those that had been so well dressed in various colors were now appearing blacker than soot (Lam 4:8) because of their sin which had caused the destruction. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, was describing what had been and what they were seeing now.

We also will face judgment one day, for either rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ, at the Great White Throne judgment or for those that have accepted Him as Lord and Savior at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” (John 3:16-21 NASB)

Birds of the Bible

Torrey’s Topical Textbook – Precious Stones

The Gospel

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