“God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.” (Psalms 53:2 KJV)
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) at Palm Beach Zoo by Lee
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“Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.” (Exodus 35:35 KJV)
Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons) – male with nest
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“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” (1 Kings 3:10 KJV)
Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) ©Flickr Paul and Cathy
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“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.” (Exodus 3:2 KJV)
Flame-faced Tanager (Tangara parzudakii) ©WikiC
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Roseate Spoonbill at MacDill AFB by Dan
“But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. (Psalms 26:11 KJV)
Roseate Spoonbill at MacDill AFB, FL by Dan
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Band-tailed Seedeater (Catamenia analis) Male ©WikiC
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” (John 4:34 KJV)
Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra) ©WikiC
We have arrived at the last the Thraupidae family of Tanagers and close family relatives. We begin with the Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra) is a songbird species of the monotypic genus Melopyrrha. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family (Emberizidae), more recent studies have shown it to be part of the tanager family (Thraupidae). Therein, it belongs to the lineage of tholospizan “finches”, which also includes the famous Darwin’s finches. They are found in the Cayman Islands, there only on Grand Cayman, and Cuba. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forest.
Paramo Seedeater (Catamenia homochroa) ©WikiC
The next two genera, Dolospingus, found in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and Catamenia also from South America, are Seedeaters.
Yellow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris olivaceus) by Kent Nickell
Six Grassquits, from Tiaris and Loxipasser genera are from Central and South America. The Yellow-faced Grassquits are interesting because “During courtship, the male vibrates his wings as he sings his subdued song, sitting only 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) away so the female can properly hear him. The roughly globular nest, built by the female, is made of grass and weed stems compacted into a thick mass, and lined with pieces of grass inflorescences and bast fibre. It has a side entrance and is placed usually less than 30 cm (12 in) above the ground, often among grass or weeds on a road or river embankment.” (Wikipedia) Grassquits are known for making covered nests.
Most of the rest of the family are similar in that just a few birds are in each genus. The the Bullfinches, Loxigilla; Ground Finches, Geospiza; Cactus Finches, Geospiza; Tree Finches, Camarhynchus; Warbler-Finches, Certhidea; and then five Tanagers in three genera.
Western Spindalis (Spindalis zena pretrei) Male ©WikiC
There are four “Spindalis is a genus consisting of four non-migratory bird species. The genus is considered endemic to the Greater Antilles; a population on Cozumel Island, off the Yucatán Peninsula’s east coast, is part of that island’s West Indian fauna. Spindalis males are characterized by bright plumage while females are duller and have a different coloration. (Wikipedia) As usual, this helps hide her while sitting on the nest. Also shows the Lord’s concern for all of His Creation.
Plushcap (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) ©WikiC
The next to last bird in the Thraupidae Family is an very interesting bird and I’ll let Wikipedia give the details. “The plushcap is one of the most distinctive of all Neotropical passerines in terms of both its appearance and behavior. The plushcap (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) was in its own family until recently when it was grouped with the tanagers. It is very distinct both physically and in terms of behavior. The bill is broad and black. The body is a chestnut color with a bright golden-yellow forecrown. The forecrown is made up of stiff feathers. It has been speculated that these short, dense feathers are less susceptible to feather wear and more resistant to moisture than typical feathers. This may be an adaptation for its specialized feeding mode [sounds like Wisdom from their Creator], in which it probes into dense whorls of bamboo for its prey items (Hilty et al. 1979). Juveniles are just duller versions of their parents. They are found at high elevations from northern Venezuela south to Argentina, including the coastal mountains of Venezuela and the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and extreme northwestern Argentina. They live in montane forests and secondary forests near bamboo. They forage for insects inside the bamboo. They will eat small insects, berries, and small plant matter. The overall length averages 14 cm (5.5 in) and weigh averages 14.1 grams (0.5 oz).”
Plushcap (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) ©WikiC
“The bird is very distinct and is not confused with many other birds. It stands out from the other tanagers, only possibly being confused with the golden-crowned tanager despite the golden-crowned tanager being blue. The species is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is humid montane forests and it is always found in close association with Chusquea bamboo. It is typically found at an elevation 1,800 to 3,500 m.”
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24 KJV)
“Hallelujah For The Cross” ~ by Jessie Padgett
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Thraudidae Family – Tanagers, Finches and Allies
Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies I
Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies II
Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies III
Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies IV
Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Dacnis, Honeycreepers, Conebills
Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Flowerpiercer, Sierra Finches, Plus
Sunday Inspiration – Inca, Warbling and Various Finches
Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae Tanagers and Allies VIII
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“And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. (Daniel 2:38 KJV)
Into Thy Hand – ©Galazant Desktop
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“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, “(Ephesians 5:26 KJV)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) Having a bath ©Flickr Andy Morffew
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“And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.” (Genesis 24:17 KJV)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) ©Flickr Andy Morffew
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“Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot. (1 Kings 20:33 KJV)
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) ©Flickr Andy Morffew
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“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.” (Psalms 3:5 KJV)
Raja Shelduck (Tadorna radjah) Brevard Zoo by Dan
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Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC San Diego Zoo
And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. (Deuteronomy 14:18 KJV)
The Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) is also know as the Black Egret. They belong to the Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns Family. “This medium-sized (42.5–66 cm in height), black-plumaged heron with black legs and yellow feet. It is found south of the Sahara Desert, including Madagascar, and prefers shallow open waters, such as the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It may also be found in marshes, river edges, rice fields, and seasonally flooded grasslands. In coastal areas, it may be found feeding along tidal rivers and creeks, in alkaline lakes, and tidal flats. Its breeding range is between Senegal and Sudan and to the south. It is found mainly on the eastern half of the continent. It has also been observed in Greece.”
Black heron (Egretta ardesiaca)map) Range Map
“The nest of the black heron is constructed of twigs placed over water in trees, bushes, and reed beds, forming a solid structure. The heron nests at the beginning of the rainy season, in single or mixed-species colonies that may number in the hundreds. The eggs are dark blue and the clutch is two to four eggs.” (Quotes from Wikipedia)
Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) by Daves BirdingPix
“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,” (Psalms 17:8 KJV)
Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC
What is so amazing about this heron is how it searches out its food. They stretch out their wings to form an umbrella or canopy. This creates shade which attracts fish and the canopy also allows the heron to see their future meal better by blocking the reflection of the sun, giving them better visibility.
Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:19-22 KJV)
Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) ©WikiC
Are we trying to shield the corruption of this world, so we can see the clear truth of God’s Word? Are we looking for the good things to see and think about as Philippians 4:8 tells us.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 