GREAT CRESTED GREBE "~ __________________________________ ~G~ROUP2: BIRDS

... ORDER .... FAMILY ... GENUS & SPECIES ~ Podicipediformes ~ Podicipedidae ~ Podiceps cristatus

In the 1800s the feathers of the great crested grebe were used to decorate hats. As a result, the bird was threatened by overhunting.

It has since recovered and is now flourishing in many areas.

KEY FACTS

SIZES

Length: 1 j-) ft. Wingspan: 3 ft . Weight: 1 j-)-2 lb.

BREEDING

Breeding season: May to

September.

Eggs: 3-6; white at first, then

stained brown.

Incubation: About 4 weeks.

Fledging: Up to 3 months.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Nonmigratory, except in

colder regions.

Diet: Small animals, including fish,

mollusks, frogs, and insects and

their larvae. Also waterweeds.

RELATED SPECIES

There are 8 other species in the

genus Podiceps, found in North

and South America, Australia,

and New Zealand. They include

the red-necked grebe, Podiceps

grisegena.

Range of the great crested grebe.

DISTRIBUTION

The great crested grebe is found in Europe, except the extreme

north. It is also found in parts of Asia, eastern and southern Afri­

ca, Australia, and New Zealand.

CONSERVATION

The use of the bird's feathers to trim women's hats in the 19th

century led to its near extinction in many areas, especially Great

Britain . However, its future now seems secure.

FEATURES OF THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE

Bill: Long and slender.

Plumage: White neck, breast, and underparts. Upper­parts are various shades of brown . In the breeding season , the bird has a double­horned crest and chestnut frills around the head . Sexes are alike .

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Flight: Reveals vivid win g patches Long neck and trailing legs aid

identification .

Juvenile: White head and neck with black­brown stripes , which provide camouflage

in vegetation on the water's edge. Re­mains striped until it molts (sheds)

into first winter plumage

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The relative abundance of the great crested grebe today is a

major triumph for the bird protection movement, especially

in Great Britain, where the greatest conservation effort has

taken place. A hundred years ago there were thought to be

no more than 42 pairs left in Great Britain. The population

has increased steadily since then, and there are now more

than 5,000 pairs present during the breeding season.

~ HABITS The great crested grebe can be found in freshwater ponds, slow­flowing rivers, marshes, flooded gravel pits, and reservoirs. It pre­fers habitats where there are large beds of densely growing rushes or reeds.

This bird is mainly sedentary. But some grebes from northern regions move to sandy coasts or estuaries for the winter, when their freshwater habitats freeze over. They soon return inland,

however, to build their nests and raise their young.

The bird hardly ever flies ex­cept during such migrations. It tends to fly very low over the ground, with its wings beating rapidly and its head and feet fully extended. The feet serve as rudders to steer the bird in the air, just as they do in water.

Right: A bold, opportunistic feeder, the great crested grebe will even tackle a mature perch.

~ BREEDING Great crested grebes breed be­tween May and September. Dur­ing this time both sexes acquire double-horned crests and chest­nut frills around their heads. In a very elaborate courtship ritual, male and female face each oth­er some distance apart on the water and stretch their necks. Then they swim together and rub necks, uttering loud calls. Next they dive for waterweeds, which they present to each oth­er. They also tread water, breast to breast, while they shake their heads. The pair may continue their water-treading routine when building a nest.

Left: Chicks can dive for food at six weeks old. They often hitch a ride on a parent.

DID YOU KNOW? • The great crested grebe is the largest and most often seen grebe in Europe. • Like other grebes, the great crested grebe eats its own feathers. Although the feath­ers have little nutritional val­ue, they apparently provide roughage to aid digestion. • The name of the order to

Made from waterweeds, the nest may rest on the bed of a pond or stream, but it is built up so that the top clears the water. Alternatively, the nest may float, attached to a log or a clump of plant stems. The birds line the nest with plant matter, which they later use to cover the eggs when leaving them unattended.

Three to six white eggs are laid, which later become stained a less conspicuous brown. Both birds take turns incubating. The offspring hatch in around four weeks. They are able to swim right away but rely on their par­ents for food for some time.

Right: Both the male and female have handsome ruffs and hornlike crests in the breeding season.

which this species belongs l means the "rump foots." This refers to the fact that the feet are set far back on the body, which helps the bird :)·vVim. • The name "loon" is some­times applied to the great crested grebe as well as to some other water birds that are not related to the grebe.

I ~I BIRDWATCH

I The great crested grebe lives mainly on inland lakes and riv-

I ers. When seen from afar, the grebe may be mistaken for another water bird . Through binoculars, it can be identified by its long bill and black cap.

In flight the great crested

grebe can be recognized by the bold white patches on its wings. Its long, slender neck and trailing feet distinguish it from mergansers.

Adult grebes communicate with barks and clicking noises. The chicks use a loud whistle.

~ FOOD & FEEDING The great crested grebe feeds mainly on small fish, mollusks, and insect larvae. It occasionally eats frogs, as well as weeds, al­gae, and other plant matter.

The bird often dives beneath the water's surface to find its prey. It either probes the bed with its long, slender beak or chases small aquatic animals. It can swim considerable distances when searching for food under the water.

'" CARD 222 I ZEBRA FINCH ,,~------------------------------~~~~~~

ORDER Passeriformes

FAMilY Estrildidae

GENUS & SPECIES Taenioptera guttata

The zebra finch is the most common grass finch in Australia, where it ranges from semideserts to city parks. It is also well known

because of its popularity as a cage bird.

KEY FACTS

SIZES

length: 4 in.

Weight: ~-~ oz.

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: 11 weeks.

Breeding season: Varies.

No. of eggs: 3-7; white.

Incubation period: 12-16 days.

Fledging period: 3 weeks.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Sociable; pairs for life.

Diet: Grass seeds and insects.

Call: A loud "tia" and low "tet-tet"

contact call.

lifespan: Up to 8 years.

RELATED SPECIES

There are about 27 genera con­

taining 124 species in the family

Estrildidae. These birds are spread

all over Africa, Asia, and Australia.

The double-barred finch, Stizoptera bichenovii, is a close relative of the

zebra finch.

Range of the zebra finch.

DISTRIBUTION

Found throughout most of Australia, except in the wet coastal

scrubland and rainforest. Also occurs on the Lesser Sunda Is­

lands of Indonesia.

CONSERVATION

The zebra finch is the most common Australian grass finch,

and it is increasing its range. It has benefited from human set­

tlement and irrigation of arid regions.

FEATU RES O F THE ZEBRA FINCH

Female: Mainly smoky gray, with a black cheek stripe

Tail: Striped black and white in both sexes.

below the eye.

Male: Often marked with streaks of black, white, and red on each cheek; black and white stripes on his breast; and white flecks on his orange-brown sides.

Eggs: 3 to 7. They are laid at different times of the year, but in dry regions they are usually laid after a rain­fall , when food is plentiful.

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Bill: Short and conical , ideal for eat­

ing seeds. Bright red in both sexes.

Nest: Loose dome of grass and twigs

with a side en­trance. Lined with feathers, wool, or fu r. Usually 6 feet from ground but

may b 30 feet up >in eucal ptus trees.

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In the drier parts of its range, the zebra finch frequently

has to survive long periods without drinking water. Even

though this bird possesses highly efficient kidneys and a

remarkable ability to conserve moisture, it usually makes

its home close to a water source. Hikers in the Australian

outback often listen for the zebra finch 5 call because

they know that water will probably be nearby.

~ HABITAT The zebra finch is the most adaptable of Australia's grass finches. In the south it lives near humans, visiting parks and gar­dens. In northern Australia it is usually found in open savanna, woodland, and grassland that has enough scrub or tree cover for nesting.

Because this hardy bird can tolerate semidesert conditions, it can be found in the very dry and barren heartland of Aus­tralia. It has benefited from the

actions of farmers, who have sunk wells and provided water troughs for livestock.

An extremely sociable bird, the zebra finch tends to live in large but closely knit flocks. Ev­ery flock has its own bathing and preening site. Often there is a special tree with a "courting branch," which is used by each pair during mating.

Right: The zebra finch has very efficient kidneys and can live over eight months without water.

~ BREEDING Zebra finches breed in a group of 5 to 25 pairs within the colo­ny. The male performs a lively courtship display, usually on a branch that has no leaves to ob­struct movement. A close pair bond is established, usually last­ing for life. The two birds stay together all year, roosting in a special nest and reinforcing their bond with mutual preening and body contact.

The dome-shaped nest is con­structed loosely from grasses or twigs and has a side entrance. It is set in the branches of a low tree or thorny bush at least six

Left: When courting, the male zebra finch dances before the female. She quivers her tail in response.

feet from the ground. The male collects the materials, while the female constructs the nest.

The female lays three to seven eggs on a bed of feathers, rabbit fur, or sheep's wool. The parents share the incubation, which lasts 1 2 to 1 6 days.

The newborns are blind and partly covered with down. Both parents brood them for about three weeks. Then the young leave the nest for the first time. The adults lead them back, and they continue to roost in the nest until their parents begin raising another brood.

Right: In arid regions, rain stimu­lates the bird to display and start building a nest.

Left: There are numerous sub­species of the zebra finch spread all over Australia. They can vary a great deal in coloring. Each subspecies is adapted to a particular envi­ronment.

DID YOU KNOW? • A male zebra finch can be­come sexually mature at just two months old, but usually he is older. In areas where the rainfall is unpredictable, the bird must be ready to breed at any tim€--€ven after a short period of rain. • The zebra finch drinks like a pigeon, sucking up water

~ FOOD & FEEDING Zebra finches usually feed in flocks of 50 to 100 pairs. The bird's diet consists mainly of grass seeds, which it collects while it hops across the ground. Occasionally it also jumps up, snatching a seed head and then shaking it to dislodge its nutri­tious contents. Although it is an able flier, the bird does not hover when feeding.

The zebra finch also feeds on insects. It takes some, such as flying termites, while it flies. It

rather than filling its bill and tipping back its head. This technique may have come from the bird's need to drink the dew on leaves in order to survive in arid regions. • The zebra finch passes very little urine. Its kidneys retain the body fluids to preserve essential moisture.

snaps up other insects while it hops on the ground. Insects, as well as grass seeds, are an im­portant part of a young bird's diet. The parent stores them in its crop and regurgitates them for its young.

The zebra finch can survive for weeks or months without water. When it drinks, it takes in much less than other species. It retains, stores, and reuses al­most all the water that most birds lose in their urine.

'" CARD 223 I BLACK SKIMMER ,,-------------------------------------------~~

ORDER Charadriiformes

FAMilY Rynchopidae

GENUS & SPECIES Rynchops niger

The black skimmer is known for its distinctive bill, which enables it to feed on fish and shrimp while it flies. With its mouth open, it uses the

lower part of its bill to scoop up prey from beneath the water.

KEY FACTS

SIZES

length: 1 6-20 in.

Weight: 9-1 2 oz.

Wingspan: 3-4 ft.

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: 3-4 years.

Breeding season: May to October.

No. of broods: Usually 1. Eggs: 2-5; usually 3 or 4.

Incubation: 3-4 weeks by both

parents.

Fledging period: 4-5 weeks.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Social. Nests in colonies but

usually feeds alone.

Diet: Small fish and crustaceans.

lifespan: Unknown.

RELATED SPECIES

There are 2 other species in the

skimmer family: the Indian and the

African skimmer. Relatives also in­

clude gulls and terns.

Range of the black skimmer.

DISTRIBUTION

Found on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North, Central, and

South America. Also found farther inland along the larger rivers

of South America.

CONSERVATION

Although its nesting habitat has been reduced by the damming of

rivers, the black skimmer is still fairly common. However, rainforest

destruction has affected its diet and the quality of the water.

FEATURES OF THE BLACK SKIMMER

Plumage: Black upperparts, white underneath . Black crown and white forehead. Long pointed wings. Short white tail.

Flight: Graceful with steady, shallow wing beats. Flies over water with mouth open and longer, lower mandible (bill) scoop­ing up prey. Legs and webbed feet are tucked under body.

THE SKIMMER'S PUPil

Skimmers are the only birds that have

vertical pupils. The pu-pils narrow in bright light but

dilate in fading light, so the bird has maximum light when hunting.

Egg: Usually 3 or 4; creamy white with dark blotches. Incubated by both parents.

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The unusual shape of the black skimmer's bill makes

this bird easy to distinguish from the gulls and terns

to which it is related. The lower part of the bird's bill

is flattened and quite a bit longer than the upper part.

This distinctive feature makes the black skimmer instantly

recognizable, especially when it is seen feeding at dusk

along the coastline and sometimes inland on rivers.

~ HABITS The black skimmer is found on the coasts of North, Central, and South America. In South America it also lives farther in­land, along the banks of rivers, bays, and marshes.

This highly sociable bird of­ten nests in colonies of several hundred individuals on sand­bars or mud banks. When it is not nesting, the black skimmer may rest during the day, usual­lyon mud or sand. If it is ap­proached, it may fly up and

swoop down with hoarse cries, but it rarely attacks an intruder.

The black skimmer is a restless bird that spends a great deal of time in the air, flying short dis­tances between sandbars.

Breeding populations in the northernmost part of the range migrate south for the winter, but those in the south do not migrate at all.

Right: The black skimmer's steady, shallow flight over water is suited to its method of feeding.

~ BREEDING The black skimmer begins to breed at age three or four, join­ing nesting colonies that may contain hundreds of birds. The birds nest on mud banks, sand­bars, or small islands and often share these sites with terns, who protect the skimmers by driving off predators.

In the breeding season, the black skimmer is more aggres­sive than usual, arguing over territories and mates. Airborne fights and chases are a common part of courtship.

The female usually lays three or four eggs in a small, unlined

Left: During incubation, the black skimmer is careful to keep the tem­perature of the eggs constant.

DID YOU KNOW? • When the black skimmer feeds, its mandibles resemble scissor blades cutting through the water, so it is known as the "scissorbill." It is also called "cut water" and "storm gull." • Black skimmer adults rarely

I swim, but the chicks can swim soon after hatching.

I • Most black skimmer breed-

hollow on the ground. Because the nest is so exposed, the eggs are often robbed. In such cases, the bird lays a second clutch at another site.

Both sexes incubate the eggs for three to four weeks. During hot weather, one partner wets its belly and feet in water, then returns to wet the eggs to lower their temperature.

The downy hatchlings remain near the nest before fledging at four or five weeks old. The par­ents then teach the chicks how to feed but supply them with food for a few weeks longer.

Right: The young are vulnerable in their hollow, even though their plumage camouflages them.

ing colonies contain less than 1 00 pairs, but the largest col­ony on record contained ap­proximately 4,000 pairs. • Both mandibles of a black skimmer chick are the same length. This enables the chick to take food from its parents and also pick up food from the ground.

~ FOOD &: HUNTING The black skimmer and the oth­er two species of skimmer are the only birds in which the low­er part of the bill, or mandible, is longer than the upper mandi­ble. The black skimmer uses its flattened lower mandible to cap­ture the crustaceans and small fish that make up its diet.

When hunting, the bird flies with steady wing beats close to the water. With its mouth open, it skims the water with the tip of its lower mandible. When the

Left: When the black skimmer hatches, both mandibles (parts of the bill) are near-ly the same length. But by the time the bird reaches adulthood, it has the charac­teristic longer lower mandible.

lower bill touches prey, the up­per bill jerks down. The bird's head goes back as the mouth snaps shut, and the victim is trapped inside. The black skim­mer's well-developed head and neck muscles playa vital role in this unusual method of feeding.

This bird usually feeds after dusk and prefers to hunt at low tide or in calm waters. It often feeds alone but sometimes joins small packs for a concentrated trawling session.

MEW GULL

,,---------------------------------------------~ ~

ORDER Charadriifbrmes

FAMILY Laridae

GENUS &: SPECIES Larus conus

The mew gull gets its name from the sound of the call that it utters during the breeding season. This bird is widespread in northern

latitudes, where it can be seen in coastal as well as inland areas.

KEY FACTS

SIZES

Length: 15-17 in .

Wingspan: 3 ~-4 ft. Weight: 11 -18 oz.

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: 2 years.

Breeding season: May to July.

No. of broods: 1 .

Eggs: 1-4; olive blotched with

rusty brown.

Incubation: 3-4 weeks.

Fledging period: 5 weeks.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Sociable; mainly day-active.

Diet: Invertebrates, fish, and scraps.

Call: Usually silent; mewing calls in

the breeding season .

lifespan: Oldest known, 24 years.

RELATED SPECIES

The genus Larus contains 40 spe­

cies of gull from all around the

world, including the herring gull,

L. argentatus.

Resident range of the mew gull.

DISTRIBUTION

Winter range. Breeding range.

Breeds in northwestern North America, and from Europe east

across Siberia to the Pacific. Winters as far south as Mexico, the

Red Sea, and Vietnam.

CONSERVATION

The mew gull is widespread and fairly abundant. Its population

has increased in recent decades and is probably continuing to

increase throughout its range.

FEATURES OF THE MEW GUll

Summer adult: White overall, with gray back and upper wing feathers. Black-and­white primaries (wingtip feathers) . Yellow-green bill lacks red spot present on bills of black-backed, glaucous, and herring gulls.

Legs and feet: Yellow. These help distinguish the mew gull from the herring gull , which has pink legs and feet.

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Eyes: Dark, unlike the

herring gull's

Flight: Graceful and buoyant. Reveals long wings suitable

for gliding and soaring .

yellow eyes. . - - •

Winter adult: Brown-streaked head ; otherwise, winter and summer plumage similar. Bill is duller color in winter.

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Eggs: Olive blotched with rusty brown.

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With its small bill, dainty posture, and buoyant flight,

the mew gull is often regarded as a more peaceable bird

than many of its close relatives. Its appearance is deceptive,

however, for this gull frequently resorts to piracy-chasing

other birds and bullying them into giving up their prey.

When it is at its northern breeding sites, the mew gull

will even launch an attack on an unruly neighbor.

~ HABITAT In the breeding season pairs of mew gulls can be found along rocky or sandy seashores. Oth­ers nest inland on tundra and grassland, at altitudes of up to 4,500 feet in hilly regions.

After breeding, the birds flock together to feed at estuaries, sandy shores, and farmland.

I DID YOU KNOW? • The mew gull breaks open eggs by dropping them.

I • In some parts of Norway people provide bird houses for mew gulls and then col-

Those that forage inland often leave at dusk to roost in safer areas near reservoirs or lakes.

Many mew gulls migrate long distances for winter. Birds that nest in eastern Siberia may fly to southern China, while some gulls from Alaska spend the win­ter in California.

leet the birds' eggs for food. I • A mew gull breeding colo-ny is extremely noisy. The bir~s produce an almost constant chorus of high-pitched cries.

~ BREEDING The mew gull nests almost any­where, from rocky islands, cliffs, and dunes to river islands, wa­terside trees, marshes, and tun­dra. Some pairs nest alone, but a suitable nesting site may con­tain several thousand birds.

The female builds the nest \

between May and July. Made of seaweed or other plant mat­ter, the nest is usually on the ground but sometimes on a building. The female mew gull typically lays a clutch of three

Left: The usually silent mew gull breaks into long, strident screams to defend its nesting site.

eggs, which both sexes incu­bate in two or three hour shifts for three to four weeks.

Both of the parents provide their hatchlings with food, but the female tends to bring more than her mate. At first the par­ents put food directly into each chick's mouth, but after several days they just regurgitate food onto the ground for the nest­lings to pick up. The adults con­tinue to bring food to the young until they have fledged.

Right: The downy hatchlings are mottled but develop full plumage after five weeks.

Left: The mew gull breeds on islands, coasts, or tundra. After the female lines the nest with plant matter, her mate helps her incubate for three or four weeks.

~I BIRDWAT CH The mew gull is common on North America's northwestern coast, nesting mostly in Alaska and the Yukon Territory.

After breeding, mew gulls mi-

I grate down the Pacific coast, where thousands spend the winter. At this time of year, the

~ FOOD & FEEDING The mew gull is a predator and scavenger that eats almost any­thing. In coastal areas it feeds on shellfish, shrimps, starfish, and small fish, sometimes stealing prey from puffins, kittiwakes, and black-headed gulls.

On inland waters, the mew gull feeds on caddis flies, drag­onflies, stone flies, and their lar­vae. It catches aquatic prey near the water's surface, swooping down from the air or swimming and dipping its bill underwater.

Left: A frog makes a tasty meal, but the mew gull will eat just about any­thing it can find.

bird's normally white crown is streaked with rusty brown.

The mew gull's bill is yellow­green in summer and duller in winter. But it always lacks the red spot that is found on the bills of the black-backed, glau­cous, and herring gulls.

Inland, the mew gull forages in any grassy area, from farm­land to city parks. The bird tugs at earthworms with its bill or snatches insects such as flies and beetles. Birds in a flock move for­ward by "leapfrogging" over one another.

Groups of mew gulls often cir­cle around tractors, looking for invertebrates in the plowed soil. They also prey on the chicks of ground-nesting birds and on small rodents such as field mice. Like many gulls, they scavenge scraps from garbage dumps in inland towns and fishing ports.

RED-THROATED LOON

ORDER Caviiformes

FAMILY Caviidae

GENUS&: SPECIES Cavia stellato

The red- throated loon's colorful breeding plumage sets it apart from other species. Also, few birds can match its fishing

skills in the northern habitats where it breeds.

KEY FACTS ____________________________ ~

SIZES

Length: About 2 ft . Weight: 2-3~ lb.

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: 2-3 years.

Breeding: May to September.

Eggs: Usually 2; olive-buff with

brown-black markings.

Incubation: About 4 weeks.

Fledging period: 6 weeks.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Active by day. Pairs for life.

Territorial when breeding.

Calls: Barking alarm call, wailing

and cooing during breeding, and

gooselike cackling in flight.

lifespan: Up to 24 years.

RELATED SPECIES

Members of the family Caviidae

also include the Arctic loon, Cavia

arctico, as well as the common

loon, C. immer.

Breeding range of the red-throated loon.

DI STRI BUTION

Winter range.

The red-throated loon breeds on freshwater ponds and lakes in

northern latitudes worldwide. It winters farther south, on ice­

free coasts of Europe, Asia, and North America.

CONSERVATION

The species is still numerous in the remote parts of its range,

but many populations have declined in this century because

of human interference.

~ATURES OF THE RED-THROATED LOON

I ~i~: Slightly Summer plumage: Usually acquired in April or upturned-a May. The gray throat features a wine-red patch feature that on the front that may seem darker in poor light. helps to distin- It fades in the fall. guish the spe-cies in its winter plumage from other loons.

Eggs: 2. Ol ive-buff with brownish black speckles. Incubated by both parents for about 4 weeks.

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Winter plumage: The red throat patch disappears. The gray head and neck become much paler, merging with the white of the breast. The up­perparts have fine white speckling

not seen on other loons.

US P 6001 12 077 PACKET 77

The graceful red-throated loon is often seen on both coasts

of the United States in winter. The smallest and the most

widely distributed member of the loon familYt this bird is

well suited to its aquatic way of life. Loons are second

only to penguins in diving ability. They have a unique

method of squeezing air from their plumage so that

they sink effortlessly beneath the water's surface.

~HABITS The red-throated loon makes its home on freshwater ponds and lakes near the coast but moves farther inland to breed. It is well adapted to life on the water. Unlike most birds, it has solid, heavy bones, so it can control its buoyancy. The loon can sink at will, slipping beneath the surface by expelling the air trapped in its feathers, as well as air in its lungs and air sacs. When alarmed, the loon fully submerges its body, leaving

only its head above the water. The loon's muscles and blood

circulation are adapted for stor­ing extra oxygen that the bird needs for long dives. One dive may last a minute and a half, covering several hundred yards and reaching depths of 30 feet.

Most loons need a long run across the water to become airborne, but the red-throated loon can take off much more easily. It can thus breed near small ponds only 30 feet across.

~ BREEDING Red-throated loons pair for life. They return to the same territo­ry each year and frequently re­use the same nest. On arrival in spring, they fly around, making loud wailing and shrieking cries.

Courtship involves diving to­gether and dipping bills in the water. The paired loons then mate on land. Using mosses or water plants, they build a shal­low nest. It is often located on an island, near the water, and the birds wear a path from the landing place as they shuffle along the ground to the nest.

Left: The red-throated loon 5 dis­tinctive throat patch is visible only in summer.

DID YOU KNOW? • An extra transparent eyelid protects a loon's eyes under the water. • The scientific name stellato means "set with stars." The name refers to the white speck­les that are found on the red­throated loon's upperparts. • In the Shetland Islands the red-throated loon is known as

Both of the adults share the four-week incubation, but the female does most of the work. The two chicks swim and dive within a day of hatching. They snap up water insects and also eat fish that is caught by their parents. They fight aggressively over this food, and often only the stronger chick survives.

The young loons are brooded onshore for several nights. Then they spend nights on the water, safe under a parent's wings or even nestled in the warm feath­ers on its back.

Right: Parents are easily scared off the nest, and they will leave their eggs unprotected.

the rain goose because it is be­lieved that its calls foretell bad weather. Some Native Amer­ican tribes once believed that loons could make it rain. • The red-throated loon, like other loons, loses its flight feathers in the late summer. It is still able to dive for food but is flightless for several weeks.

~ BIRDWATCH In summer the striking breed­ing plumage of the adult red­throated loon is easy to spot. But in winter its drab coloring

, makes it more difficult to dis­tinguish from other loons.

In the wintertime this bird is seen mostly on estuaries and

~ FOOD &: FEEDING With its tapering body, snakelike neck, and sharp bill, the red­throated loon is well adapted for catching fish underwater. To facilitate swimming, its legs are set far back on its body, and it has webbed, paddlelike feet. In addition, the legs are flattened from side to side, minimizing water resistance, and they are rotated in a way that drives the

Left: The skin and feathers of breed­ing birds were once used to make blankets in Greenland.

coastal waters. Major clues to identification are its smaller size; slender, upturned bill; and upward-tilting head . Its plumage has white speckles on the upperparts, and it is noticeably paler than that of other loons.

bird forward through the water. The red-throated loon preys

on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals. It feeds in shal­low water, where there is good light, because it hunts by sight. When foraging, it holds its head just under the water to avoid glare and ripples at the surface.

On a small pond, there is rare­ly enough food for a pair and their offspring. They frequently make trips to larger lakes, coast­al waters, and estuaries for food.

"" CARD 226 I ~ORTHERN LAPWING GROUP 2: BIRDS~ .. ORDER .. FAMILY .. GENUS & SPECIES ~'f

'11IIIIIIII Charadriiformes '11IIIIIIII Charadriidae '11IIIIIIII Vanellus vanellus

The northern lapwing, also known as the peewit, is probably the most familiar shorebird in many parts of Europe. It is the

only lapwing that is widespread in Eurasia.

KEY FACTS

SIZES

Length: 11-12 in.

Wingspan: About 3 ft . Weight: 5-9 oz.

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: 1 year.

Breeding season: Early spring.

No. of broods: 1 .

Eggs: Usually 4; olive brown with

black and dark brown blotches.

Incubation: 24-28 days.

Fledging period: 5 weeks.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Forms large flocks outside

the breeding season.

Diet: Mainly ground-dwelling in­

sects, earthworms, spiders, and

small freshwater mollusks.

Call: Flight call, "peewit, peewit."

Lifespan: 20 years recorded.

RELATED SPECIES

The 24 species in the genus

Vanellus include the blacksmith

and wattled plovers of Africa.

Range of the northern lapwing.

DISTRIBUTION

Found from Ireland, Scandinavia, Portugal, and Morocco east­

ward across Eurasia to China, Korea, and southern Japan.

CONSERVATION

Although protected in many European countries, the northern

lapwing's numbers have declined because of draining of its

habitat and human activity on its breeding grounds.

FEATURES OF THE NORTHERN LAPWING

,

Chasing flight: Joins with other lapwings to drive invading crows from its territory and protect its eggs and young.

Nest: Shallow hollow in soil, lined with dry grass and leaves. Chosen by the female from several hol­lows made by the male during courtship.

© MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

Plumage: Similar in both sexes, but the female has more white on tail and throat. White underparts can be seen in flight. Back is iridescent dark green. Broad, rounded wings unlike those of other shorebirds.

Crest: Long, black, rising from crown of head.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Eggs: Usually J in a clutch . Hatch

in ~ rna tho

Undertail: Chestnut­

colored. Flashed . by male as part

of courtship display.

0160200631 PACKET 63

The northern lapwing is boldly patterned in black and

white, with a wispy black crest rising from its head. The

dark feathers on its upper body are tinged with iridescent

green. As a result, this bird is called the green plover in

parts of Europe. The northern lapwing is particularly

striking during the spring breeding season, when

the male performs a dramatic display in the air.

~ HABITS When not breeding, the north­ern lapwing gathers in large

flocks on open land. In early spring, winter flocks quickly

break up into breeding pairs.

In late July and August, after the breeding season, the flocks

begin to build up again . Some of the birds migrate south or west in September.

Unlike most migratory birds,

the northern lapwing appears to have no set pattern for mi­gration. For example, birds breeding in northern England migrate to several different

places, including France and

Right: The northern lapwing chick soon runs around, but its parents guard it until it can fly.

Ireland. They may change these

locations from year to year, de­pending on the harshness of the weather. During a relatively

mild winter, northern lapwings that have spent the summer in Scandinavia fly west in order to

spend the winter in England .

~ FOOD &: FEEDING The northern lapwing discovers most of its food on the ground or just below the surface. Its diet consists mainly of flightless

insects, earthworms, spiders, snails, and small freshwater mollusks. It also eats some

seeds and plants. The northern lapwing is usu­

ally a welcome visitor to farm

fields, because it eats larvae

Left: Classified as a shorebird, the northern lapwing prefers a habitat with plenty of water.

I DID YOU KNOW? -• The longest recorded migra­tion of northern lapwings oc­curred in 1927. A flock flew

across the Atlantic Ocean to Newfoundland, helped by

I easterly winds.

• The northern lapwing pats the ground with one foot. It

is thought that this iS ,done to imitate the sound of rainfall

and grubs that can harm crops.

The flock spreads out to feed, with each bird some distance

from its neighbor. Each bird

covers the ground thoroughly. It runs a few steps, stops to lis­ten, then snatches an insect with its pointed bill or pulls a worm out of the ground. After

eating, the bird runs another

few steps.

Right: The northern lapwing eats worms and insects found just below or on the ground.

to bring worms to the surface.

• The bird's feeding method is so successful that flocks are

sometimes chased by seagulls trying to steal worms.

• Northern lapwings are hit by airplanes more often than most birds-about five colli­

sions occur for every 10,000 airplane flights.

Displaying northern lapwings can be seen at the start of the

breeding season. They usually

gather in areas with plenty of water-marshes, mud flats,

I and flooded land. Their calls

can be heard as they twist and plunge in display.

~ BREEDING The northern lapwing breeds

from early February to April. Birds fill the air, performing aer­

obatic courtship displays. They rise slowly and then fall through

the air at great speed, jerking their wings and doing twists, turns, and somersaults as they

fall. This display is accompanied by a loud swishing of wings and noisy calls.

The male attracts the female by scraping the ground and showing off his chestnut under­

tail feathers. He makes several hollows, or scrapes, in the soil to

hold eggs. The female chooses

Left: Northern lapwing chicks hatch in about four weeks. They live in a nest scrape made by the male.

At other times, the bird can

be identified by its slow flight, with its broad, rounded wings

moving in lazy wing beats. It can also be recognized by its crest and distinctive flight call.

Large flocks form outside the breeding season.

one and lines it with dry grass and leaves. She lays four olive­

brown eggs blotched with black and dark brown patches.

Each adult takes turns incu­

bating, although the female

spends more time on the eggs. The adults guard their chicks from intruders-even birds of

prey-by dive-bombing them from the air, uttering loud calls. The parents also try to draw

the predator's attention away from the nest by pretending

to be injured. The chicks can run soon after

hatching and fly after about

five weeks. The fledglings then quickly gather in small flocks, ready for the winter.

FIELDFARE

ORDER Passeriformes

FAMILY Turdidae

GENUS &: SPECIES Turdus pilaris

The fieldfare is a member of the thrush family and a winter visitor to much of western Europe. A noisy, sociable bird, it forms

large flocks with other thrushes such as redwings.

KEY FACTS ------------------------------------------------------~

SIZES

Length: 9-10 in.

Wingspan: 15-17 in.

Weight: 3-4 oz.

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: 1-2 years.

Breeding season: Late spring.

No. of broods: 1 .

Eggs: 5-6; pale greenish blue with

reddish brown blotches.

Incubation: 11-14 days.

Fledging period: 12-16 days.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Sociable.

Diet: Worms, insects, al)d fruit.

Call : Chuckling song. Noisy call

in flight.

Lifespan: Oldest known, 18 years.

RELATED SPECIES

Related to other large thrushes,

including the American robin,

Turdus migratorius, and the

European redwing, T. iliacus.

FEATURES OF THE FIElDFARE

Bill: Pointed and yellow with a dark tip . Good for pulling worms out of the ground and plucking berries from branches.

Juvenile: Similar to the adult but lacks the gray head patch. Speckled markings are not as distinct as those of the adult. Legs dark-en as it matures.

©MCMXCVI IMP BV/IMP INC. WILDLIFE FACT FILpM

Resident range of the fieldfare.

DISTRIBUTION

Winter Breeding range.

Found in open woodland, parks, gardens, and farmland. The

summer range extends from Scandinavia east to Siberia. In fall

fieldfare populations migrate to spend the winter as far south

as the northern Mediterranean coast.

CONSERVATION

The fieldfare is common throughout its range. The only poten­

tial threat to its numbers is a series of harsh winters.

Adult: Gray head, chestnut­brown back and upper wings,

gray rump, and black tail. Orange-buff chest and white flanks are patterned with the

dark speckles typical of

Eggs: 5 to 6; pale greenish blue mottled with reddish brown blotches.

most thrushes.

PRINTED IN U.S.A. US P 6001 12077 PACKET 77

The fieldfare-like its close relative, the redwinfris a

northern species of thrush. In late spring this bird breeds in

the northernmost areas of Europe. In the fal/large numbers

migrate south to spend the winter in western and southern

Europe. Most gather on farm fields or pastures, but in very

harsh weather they may also become regular visitors to

garden bird feeders, where they find a ready food supply.

~ HABITS In the fall flocks of several hun­

dred fieldfares cross the North

Sea from Scandinavia and mi­

grate to western and southern

Europe. A few birds arrive in late

August, but most follow two or

three months later.

If the weather is bad, many

birds arrive exhausted from the

long trip. Because of their weak­

ened state, these birds may fall

victim to predators such as gulls or hawks.

In winter fieldfares form large

flocks with other thrushes such

as redwings. These noisy flocks

roam the countryside searching

forfood.

On the ground, the fieldfare

looks like a typical member of

the thrush family, with its speck­

led plumage and upright stance

or hopping gait. When alarmed, it stands erect and looks from

side to side for signs of danger.

If a predator approaches, the whole flock of birds takes cover

in a nearby tree.

~ BREEDING In March and early April, the

fieldfare flies north to breed in

Scandinavia and other parts of

northern Europe and Asia. After

mating, the birds make a cup­

shaped nest of grass, line it with

mud, and then add an inner lin­

ing of fine grass. They build the

nest well above the ground in

the forked branch of a tree. Un­

like other thrush species, the

fieldfare nests in loose colonies,

with the nests close enough for

pairs of birds to interact.

Left: When the ground is too hard for it to dig up worms, the fieldfare eats fallen fruit.

Right: The fieldfare prefers to build its nest in the branches of a pine, alder, or birch tree.

DID YOU KNOW? • The fieldfare is susceptible to extreme cold. Unusually low

temperatures in winter may

force birds to fly south, and

the weaker birds may not be

able to survive the journey.

• The fieldfare attacks preda­tors by "bombing" them with

its droppings. Predators such

as hawks may become so cov-

The female fieldfare lays five

or six pale greenish blue eggs

with reddish brown blotches.

The eggs hatch after an incu­

bation period of 11 to 14 days.

Blind and featherless at first,

the chicks are fed by both par­

ents and grow quickly.

Right: Within a couple of weeks of hatching, the chicks are ready to leave the nest.

ered with the droppings that

they cannot fly.

• Fieldfares usually visit Great Britain only in winter. But in

1967 a pair nested in the Ork­

neys, off the coast of northern

Scotland. Since then, up to 10

fieldfare pairs are thought to

have raised their offspring in

northern Scotland each year.

~I BIRDWATCH From October onward, large

numbers of fieldfares arrive

in Europe's countryside from

Scandinavia . In colder weath­

er, flocks roam widely search­

ing for hawthorn berries and

rose hips. When the weather

becomes warmer, they visit

~ FOOD &: FEEDING The fieldfare eats earthworms,

slugs, insects, and spiders. Dur­

ing cold weather, when it is not

able to obtain worms from the

frozen soil, the fieldfare lives on

ripe berries such as haws, rose

hips, and elderberries. It also

eats fallen fruit.

The fieldfare feeds in flocks

on the ground. It makes quick,

hopping runs across stretches

Left: The fieldfare's gray head and rump distinguish it from the mis­tIe thrush.

parks and gardens, until they

migrate in March and April.

The fieldfare is often con­

fused with the mistle thrush.

But it can be properly iden­

tified by its distinctive gray

head and rusty yellow throat

and breast.

of grassland or a plowed field,

searching for worms and in­

sects. The flock stays together,

moving in loose groups across

the ground.

In fall, when berries are ripe,

the flock settles on bushes and

eats all the berries before mov­

ing on to the next crop. During

extremely cold weather, when

there is a scarcity of berries, the

fieldfare frequently becomes a

regular visitor to a bird feeder

in a garden.

CAPERCAILLIE

""'-----------ORDER Galliformes

FAMILY Tetraonidae

GROUP 2: BIRDS GENUS &: SPECIES Tetrao urogal/us

The capercaillie is normally a timid bird. But in the breeding season, the male becomes so carried away by his raucous calls

that he temporarily loses his senses of hearing and sight.

---:-\1 li1

KEY FACTS

SIZES Length: 2-3 ft. Wingspan: 3-4 ft. Weight: Male, 9 lb. Female, 4 lb.

BREEDING Sexual maturity: Male, 2-3 years. Female, younger. Breeding season: April to July. No. of broods: 1. Eggs: 5-8; sandy or yellowish buff. Incubation: About 1 month. Fledging period: 2-3 months; can fly at 2 weeks.

LIFESTYLE Habit: Sociable in fall. Diet: Plants and insects. Call: Male has an extremely com­plex call. Lifespan: Up to 10 years.

RELATED SPECIES A member of the grouse family. The nearest relative is the black­billed capercaillie, T. parvirostris.

• Range of the capercaillie.

DISTRIBUTION Mountainous forests of northern and central Eurasia from Scan­dinavia and Scotland through the Vosges, Jura, Pyrenees, and Alps, east to northwest Siberia.

CONSERVATION Tree cutting is reducing the capercaillie's range. In central Eu­rope numbers are declining because of climate changes. The bird is also increasingly being shot for sport.

FEATURES OF THE CAPERCAILLIE

Male: Blue-black upperparts. Glossy blue-green breast. Short "beard" of feathers. Chestnut wings with white flashes revealed in flight. White flecks on tail and belly. Male raises and fans his dark, rounded tail in display.

Bill: Ivory in color. Deep and hooked , with a powerful bite for snapping off tree growth.

Comb: Red "eyebrow" on male that swells during his display.

© MCMXCII IMP BV/I MP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Eggs: Up to 8 per clutch . Sand-colored or yellow­buff with darker speckles, usually rusty brown .

Female: Much smaller than male. Brown with heavy black-and-cream

patterning. Neck and breast are mainly brown; underparts

are mainly white.

Chick: Mottled down. It can leave the nest and feed itself a few hours after hatching but

relies on its mother for several days.

0160200811 PACKET 81

The largest member of the grouse family, the capercaillie

owes its name to the Gaelic words capull coille, which

mean "horse of the wood. " In spite of its huge size, this

bird roosts comfortably in the top of a pine tree. In the

morning it glides effortlessly to the ground, where it

forages for food among the forest undergrowth.

~ HABITAT The capercaillie is found in the

forests of Europe and Asia, rang­

ing from Scandinavia east to

northwestern Siberia. This bird

lives in mature woodland with

densely packed trees, general­

ly pines. But in northern Spain

it inhabits holly woods, eating

the berries during winter, and

in Siberia it has been found in

oak forests.

The capercaillie is a very timid

bird. It tends to stay hidden in

ferns and other dense cover,

especially in summer, when it

rarely flies. It makes its nest in

undergrowth on the ground,

except in the winter, when it

perches in trees.

The heavily built capercaillie

does not need to migrate. It

can survive in cold, frequently

snowy, regions by storing warm­

ing layers of fat on its body. Be­

cause it feeds on tree matter,

the bird can stay in its wooded

breeding grounds throughout

the year.

~ BREEDING Male and female capercaillies

usually meet only in the breed­

ing season, when the males

gather in display areas called

leks. The male struts around

with his tail raised and fanned

out and wings drooping. He

stretches his head and neck

upward, ruffles his throat feath­

ers, and utters a song consisting

of raucous clicking, popping,

gurgling, and grating noises.

Before dawn, while perched in

a tree, the male utters this rau­

cous song again. Then, at day­

break, he flies to the ground and

attacks any rivals. The females

wait for the victors to lead them

away. A successful male takes

Left: While calling, the male caper­caillie may be deafened briefly by blood blocking his ear passages.

DID YOU KNOW? • Female capercaillies some­

times mate with blackcocks

(black grouse), producing hy­

brids called rackel grouse.

• The capercaillie died out in

Great Britain in the 1760s,

perhaps because of tree cut­

ting. Reintroduced from Swe-

more than one mate and may

form harems, but after mating

he usually leaves the females.

The female scratches out a

hollow at the foot of a tree or in

undergrowth and lines it with

pine needles, moss, grass, or

heather. She lays five to eight

large eggs, which she incubates

for about a month. The female's

mottled plumage conceals her

on the nest, but if disturbed she

flies away with her wings flap­

ping noisily.

The chicks have dark spots

and stripes on their buff-colored

down. They leave the nest with­

in a few hours of hatching and

can fly after about two weeks.

Right: More subtly patterned than the male, the female is harder to spot and rarely seen.

den in 1837, it now thrives in

parts of Scotland.

• Breeding male capercaillies

can be very fierce. In addition

to fighting one another, they

have been known to attack

anything that moves, includ­

ing humans, cars, and sheep.

~I BIRDWATCH The capercaillie flies with ease

on its short, rounded wings,

but it stays low and only rarely

leaves the woods. It also moves

with surprising stealth on the

ground but takes off noisily

when alarmed.

~ FOOD & FEEDING In summer the capercaillie feeds

on cloud berries, crowberries,

and holly berries, as well as the

leaves, stems, and berries of

bog whortleberry and bilber­

ry bushes. In addition, it eats

sedges, mosses, horsetails, and

wood rush leaves. The capercail­

lie's summer diet also includes

insects, which it finds by raking

the ground with its feet and

Left: The capercaillie's strong bill can clip off fibrous tree buds and new shoots.

The male is bulky, with legs

feathered to his toes. His plum­

age appears gray-black from

afar, but a closer look reveals

the glossy, blue-green chest.

The female is smaller, brown­

er, and more subtly patterned.

the curved tip of its bill. In fall

the bird also eats grain.

During winter the capercail­

lie's main source of food is tree

matter. In addition to pinecones

and needles, this bird feeds on

the young growth of Norway

spruce, pine, Douglas fir, and

juniper trees.

The female leads her chicks to

buds, shoots, and berries. The

young birds also eat grasshop­

pers, spiders, bugs, ants, bee­

tles, moths, and insect larvae.

""CARD 229 I WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD

ORDER Pelecaniformes

FAMILY Phaethontidae

GROUP 2: BIRDS ... GENUS &: SPECIES

'11IIIIIIII Phaethon lepturus

The white-tailed tropicbird is a beautiful seabird that ranges over vast areas of tropical oceans. It spends much of its time

plunging into the sea to catch squid and fish.

KEY FACTS

SIZES Length: 14-18 in.

Weight: 1 1 -1 2 oz .

Wingspan: About 3 ft.

BREEDING Sexual maturity: 5 years.

Breeding season: Any time of year.

Eggs: 1; pale grayish brown or pur­

plish brown.

Incubation period: About 6 weeks.

Fledging: 10-1 1 ~ weeks.

LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary or lives in pairs out­

side the breeding season. Nests in

loose colonies.

Diet: Squid and fish .

lifespan: Unknown.

RELATED SPECIES There are only 2 other species of

tropicbird: the red-billed tropicbird

and the red-tailed tropicbird. Rel­

atives include pelicans, gannets,

boobies, and frigatebirds.

Range of the white-tailed tropicbird.

DISTRIBUTION Found in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. Breeds in

colonies on islands in the ocean.

CONSERVATION Some breeding populations still have a fair number of birds,

but many have suffered a decline. Threats include loss of habi­

tat, disturbance by humans, hunting for food and feathers, and

oil pollution.

FEATURES OF THE WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD

,Uf,~ Flight: Rapid fluttering strokes alternate with soaring glides. Tropicbirds often hover around the rigging of sh ips.

Plumage: Mostly white with black markings on the wings and eyes.

Nest: Built on steep cliffs that can be defended from intruders. The tropicbird has small , weak legs that are set far back on its body, so it has difficulty moving on land . The position of its nest site enables the bird to take off for fl ight by "falling " into the air.

/

Egg: Single pale grayish or purplish brown egg is incu­

bated by both parents.

© MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200601 PACKET 60

The white-tailed tropicbird is the smallest

and most graceful of the three species of tropicbird.

Its buoyant, aerobatic flight is especially noticeable

when it soars on the updrafts that rise above the

cliffs of the tropical islands where it breeds. The sun

shines through the translucent wings of this slender

seabird as it twists and turns in the sky.

~ CHARACTERISTICS The white-tailed tropicbird is

found only in the tropics and

subtropics. Like other tropic­birds, the white-tailed species visits land only when breeding.

It spends the rest of its time in the air. Its graceful, almost but­terflylike flight is made up of

rapid, fluttering strokes that alternate with soaring glides.

It travels for hundreds of miles over open ocean in search of

prey. These journeys extend to the least productive areas of the ocean, which other seabirds do not usually visit.

The white-tailed tropicbird often rests on the surface of

the ocean, sitting high in the water and paddling with its

webbed feet. Its long, w ispy tail feathers-which may be as

long as its body-are cocked

up above the water. The tropicbird's bright white

plumage contrasts with the bold

black markings on its wings and eyes. In some races, the white feathers of the males are tinged

with pink. In the race that breeds on Christmas Island in the Indi­

an Ocean, both sexes have a striking apricot-gold tinge.

Right: Chicks that are left alone during the day may be killed by tropicbirds looking for a nest hole.

~ FOOD &: FEEDING The white-tailed tropicbird feeds on squid and small to medium-size fish. Its agility in the air enables the bird to

catch flying fish, which it is fond of. The tropicbird is most

active at dusk and at night, when squid and some fish rise to the surface waters.

When the white-tailed tropic­

bird spots prey just below the surface of the ocean, it hovers and then dives on half-closed

Left: The tropicbird's bill varies from yellow to red or gray depend­ing on the bird's age.

ID.!.D YOU KNOW? • The prey that the white-tailed tropicbird feeds on is smaller than the prey that its

two relatives eat. As a result, competition for food among the species is reduced .

• Sailors often call tropicbirds "bos'n birds," probably be­cause the shrill high-pitched

whistles of the larger species

wings from a height of 30 feet or more. As the bird hits the water, the impact is lessened

by a cushion of air-filled cells at the front end of its body.

The white-tailed tropicbird

quickly emerges from the wa­ter grasping its prey, which it has seized in its large, pointed bill. The sharp, serrated cut­

ting edges of the bill let the tropicbird grip its slippery fish

prey securely.

Right: The young tropicbird lacks the tail streamers of the adults, and its bill is a duller color.

resemble the sound of a boat­

swain's pipe. Also, the long tail streamers were thought to look like the marlinspike that the boatswain carried.

• One or two pairs of white­tailed tropicbirds have bred

on islands off Florida-more than 600 miles from their

usual breeding grounds.

The white-tailed tropicbird does not have an annual breeding cy­cle. It may breed at any time of the year, but climate and com­petition for nest sites may help

to determine when the birds breed. The average interval be­

tween successful egg-laying is about 1 0 months. If the attempt

is unsuccessful, a pair may breed again in five months.

Breeding takes place on islands in the oceans. Since nest sites

are scarce, tropicbirds prefer to breed in colonies. Adults return to the breeding islands two to

six weeks before laying eggs. During courtship, groups of

Left: With the help of its long, narrow tail streamers, the white-tailed tropicbird can twist and turn as it soars in the sky. It is thought that the tail streamers act as stabilizers.

up to 10 birds fly alongside the

nesting cliffs, circling, swooping, and uttering loud, rattling calls.

One bird may zigzag above an­other with wings bowed down toward the ra ised wings of the lower bird. Pairing often involves

fierce fights over partners and nest sites.

Both male and female incu­

bate the single egg. The hatch­ling is covered in silky grayish white down. Both parents brood the chick for the first few days.

They then bring the chick food once a day or less for about two months. At that age it is

fledged and can fly out to sea.

TAWNY FROGMOUTH

ORDER Caprimulgiformes

FAMILY Podargidae

GROUP 2: BIRDS GENUS &: SPECIES Podargus strigoides

The tawny frogmouth has one of the best disguises of any Australian bird. When it senses danger, it freezes into a position that makes it look exactly like a dead branch.

KEY FACTS ~--~--~~--~~------------------------------------~

SIZES

Length: 1-1 ~ ft. Wingspan: 1 ~-2 ft.

Weight: 3-4 oz.

BREEDING

Mating: Varies with location.

Eggs: Usually 2; white.

Incubation: 1 month.

Fledging period: 1 month .

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Night-active. Usually lives

in pairs.

Diet: Mainly large insects; also

frogs, mice, birds, fruit, and car­rion (dead animal flesh).

Call: Repeated low-pitched hoots;

occasional hisses and screeches.

RElATED SPECIES

There are 2 other frogmouths in

the genus Podargus. The frog­

mouths of the genus Batrachosto­

mus, like the Ceylon frog mouth,

B. moniliger; are more skillful fliers.

Range of the tawny frogmouth .

DISTRIBUTION

The tawny frogmouth is common throughout Australia as well

as Tasmania.

CONSERVATION

The tawny frog mouth is found in natural and man-made habi­

tats throughout its range. Although large-scale building and

development threaten some local populations, the bird's ability

to adapt ensures its survival.

FEATURES OF THE TAWNY FROGMOUTH

Flight: Rapid , agile, and swooping . The bird takes some insects in flight but usually snatches prey from the ground.

© MCMXCIl IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

Bristles: Sprout from around the bill. Improve the disguise and may also serve to funnel insects into

the mouth .

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Bill: Very wide and shallow, with a

hooked tip.

Plumage: Ash gray or tawny brown, flecked with brown and white. Provides

camouflage in the branches on which the bird roosts and nests. t

One subspecies in Austral ia's Northern Territory has deeper red plumage, which blends in

better with the tropical foliage.

Alarm posture: Instead of flying from danger, the bird pretends to be part

of its perch. Flattening its wings and stretching out its body, it

squints its eyes and freezes motionless to resemble

a stump of wood.

0160200841 PACKET 84

The tawny frogmouth is a hunting bird with an unusual

method of catching prey. Instead of spending hours in flight

searching for food, it passes much of its time on a woody

perch well camouflaged by its gray or brown plumage. As

soon as an unsuspecting victim wanders within range, the

tawny frogmouth swoops down to consume its next meal.

~ HABITAT The tawny frog mouth thrives in almost every type of habitat in Australia and Tasmania. It is most common in woodland and dense forest, but it is also found along riverbeds in the Australian outback and in the hot desert interior. This bird is not afraid of humans and is of­ten seen on golf courses and in suburban parks and gardens.

The tawny frog mouth sleeps by day, usually flattening itself against the branch of a mallee, belar, or eucalyptus tree. It is

Right: The tawny frog mouth en­hances the branchlike effect by remaining motionless.

active at night but remains pri­marily within a small area. The bird does not migrate, except for a few local populations in the coastal rainforests and in­land deserts of Queensland.

~ BREEDING The tawny frog mouth usually nests and roosts with its mate throughout the year. The male may build a flimsy twig nest on a horizontal forked branch, 16 to 32 feet above the ground. Or else he may use the old nest of another bird, such as a chough or Australian magpie, and dis­guise it with a lining made of his own feathers plus lichen, moss, and spiderwebs.

The female lays two eggs and incubates them at night while the male hunts. In daytime the

Left: Unable to fly, the young tawny frog mouths display aggressively to repel intruders.

I DID YOU KNOW? • The tawny frog mouth has an extremely effective alarm pos­ture. The bird is so sure of its disguise that it will not flyaway until an intruder comes within a few feet. • A common Australian name for the tawny frogmouth is the

two frequently swap roles. The downy chicks hatch in a month and stay in the nest for another month, until they can fly.

Both adults feed the young, and one of the pair is always with them. This attention serves to protect the offspring from predators as well as from heat. Temperatures in Australia's in­terior frequently exceed 1 040 F. Lacking full protective plumage and unable to fly to shade, the chicks would soon die without a parent's cooling cover.

Right: In Australia 's forests, where food is usually abundant, tawny frogmouths may breed at any time.

mopoke, taken from a call that sounds like "more pork./I The call actually belongs to a total­ly different bird of the night­the boobok owl. • The tawny frog mouth some­times pecks at roads to obtain the minerals in the asphalt.

Although the tawny frog mouth is common, little is known about it. This is partly because it is noc­turnal and partly because it is so good at disguising itself.

Upon sensing danger, the frog­mouth adopts an /I alarm pos­ture." The bird's gray or brown

~ FOOD & FEEDING The first naturalists who studied the tawny frog mouth noted its wide beak and gave it the name frog mouth, assuming that the bird caught insects while flying with its mouth open. This theo­ry proved to be wrong, howev­er, and it is now known that the tawny frog mouth hunts on the ground. Its rounded wings are suited to swoops and sudden turns, so it has no need to make long flights when it is hunting.

The tawny frog mouth does most of its hunting just after sun-

Left: The tawny frog mouth sits with mouth agape, possibly to lure in­sects with its colorful throat.

plumage blends in as it hugs a branch and flattens its wings against its body. With its eyes narrowed to slits and its neck stretched out, the bird resem­bles a dead branch. The bristles around its beak enhance the ef­fect, fooling predators.

set and just before dawn. It re­mains still on a branch or a fence post, using its natural disguise to mislead its prey. When it spots a likely victim, the bird quietly swoops down and makes off with its catch. In this way it can surprise and capture scorpions, beetles, frogs, and even small mice or birds. It also perches at roadsides and darts out to feed on the carcasses of small ani­mals killed by cars.

The frog mouth supplements its diet with fruit. It feeds mostly on grapefruit and oranges, at times causing crop damage in the process.