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Newsletter / Blog
Spotted Crake The Spotted Crake – Porzana porzana - is a small wetland bird, of the family Rallidae. It breeds throughout Europe from southern Scandinavia to the northern Mediterranean, also reaching central and western Asia. They winter along the eastern spine of the African continent, as far down as South Africa. Descripti... more
Common Waxbill The Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild), is native to sub-Saharan Africa but has been introduced to many other regions of the world. It is common throughout most of its range, inhabiting savanna grasslands, woodland and riverine bush, farmyards, gardens and orchards, preferring to be near water. Description: It is a ... more
African Red-eyed Bulbul The African Red-eyed Bulbul [Pycnonotus nigricans] is found in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A near endemic to Southern Africa. It is extremely common throughout most of its range, inhabiting savanna grasslands, woodland and riverine bush, farmyards, ... more
Yellow-billed Duck The Yellow-billed duck [Anas undulate] is a dabbling duck which is common resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa. This species is mainly sedentary, although the southern African population is more nomadic, undertaking considerable local movements with the availability of seasonal wetlands. ... more
Following a successful breeding season for the semi-wild Northern Bald Ibis population at Birecik, Turkey, six of the birds were released as part of trial re-introductions work in late July. A dedicated team first caught up all the birds for the annual ringing/check of the birds at the Birecik ‘Kelaynak’ breeding station run by th... more
A new study, published in the Dutch ornithological journal Ardea, has revealed that Arctic Terns breeding in the northern part of The Netherlands are following previously unknown routes to their wintering grounds in the Antarctic. Seven terns were fitted with geolocators in 2011 and all the birds were recaptured in 2012; of the five devices that ga... more
Amethyst Sunbird The Amethyst Sunbird - Nectarinia amethystine - is a species of bird in the Nectariniidae family. It mainly occurs in Africa south of the equator in the African bushveld - in light and densely wooded areas. Description The fore-crown and throat of the male is metallic green, the carpal patch and rump ar... more
Since the time of the pharaohs, Egyptians have raised nets every autumn along the Mediterranean, to capture golden orioles, nightingales and corncrakes as they wing their way south for the winter. It's an ancient tradition, but in recent years the custom has gotten out of hand. A few scattered nets along the coast have metastasized into a ne... more
Migratory waterbirds have shifted their wintering areas northeastwards due to climate change in Europe, according to a group of scientists including Richard Hearn of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). Their new study, published in Global Change Biology, found a strong link between changes in the numbers of Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and Goosander... more
The Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife and Energy Programme (EWT-WEP), in partnership with Eskom Limpopo Operating Unit, the EWT’s Birds of Prey Programme (EWT-BoPP) and the Vulture Conservation Programme (VulPro), is proud to announce the launch of the Limpopo Vulture Project. “The main aim of the project is to use Global Sy... more
World Migratory Bird Day 2013 highlights importance of site networks for Migratory birds. This weekend 11-12 May World Migratory Bird Day 2013 is being celebrated in over 65 countries, including events held by BirdLife Partners around the world from Paraguay to Lebanon to China. “I fully support the global campaign to raise awarene... more
MEDIA RELEASE World Penguin Day Cape Town, 25 April 2013 – Penguins have captured the world’s imagination, with their comical waddle, beautiful plumage and almost human-like qualities. World Penguin Day is on 25 April every year to raise awareness about this remarkable group of birds. World Penguin Day was started at the McM... more
The bodies of eight Stone Curlews have been found in fields in Norfolk, Suffolk and Wiltshire in the past few days. Stone Curlews are one of the UK's most threatened birds. The birds are believed to have returned from their wintering grounds in Africa and Spain and struggled to find enough food to survive. The bodies weighed around 300g, compar... more
Chris has become the first of our tracked Cuckoos in 2013 to cross the Sahara and to reach Europe! On the morning of 4th April he arrived on the northern side of the desert. He was settled in an area of what appears to be shallow, juniper-covered slope on a High Atlas plateau in Batna province (northern Algeria) by 06:40; three hours earlier he was... more
The coastal area of West Africa is historically known to be highly important for seabirds and palaearctic migratory birds. This evidence was clearly highlighted by the gap analysis of the West African Marine Protected Areas Network [RAMPAO] conducted by the International Foundation of Banc d’Arguin [FIBA] in 2012. Whilst most seabird nesting ... more
It's feared that the ongoing bad weather may be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of seabirds of the east coast of the UK. RSPB Scotland has received many reports of Puffins, as well as Razorbills and Guillemots, washing up on beaches from Aberdeenshire and Angus to Northumberland. The conservation charity believes severe weather may ha... more
Only recently it was discovered that Sociable Lapwing and Black Lark especially have the peculiar habit of piling up animal dung in and around their nests. The use of dung in nests has only been observed in a few other bird species, and the reasons for this odd behaviour are largely unknown. Sociable Lapwings usually just place their clutches into ... more
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has pledged to end ivory trade in Thailand, after the call of nearly 1.5million WWF and Avaaz supporters. Thailand is currently the world’s largest unregulated ivory market and second only to China as the largest illegal ivory market, and so it is hoped that Shinawatra’s gover... more
Thanks to the work of Aves Argentinas [BirdLife in Argentina] and the conservation NGOs, Asociación Ambiente Sur and Fundación Flora y Fauna Argentina, the Buenos Aires Plateau will be the core zone of a new protected area. The new Patagonian National Park has also received the support of politicians from the Province of Santa Cruz. T... more
In a groundbreaking move to halt the relentless poaching of Rhinos, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has partnered with Education for Nature – Vietnam (ENV), a Vietnamese non-profit NGO, to develop a hard hitting rhino protection campaign for countries where rhino horn is in great demand, starting with Vietnam. Said Rynette Coetzee, Pro... more
THE EWT AND ICF WELCOME CITES’ DECISIVE CONCLUSION ON TRADE OF GREY AND BLACK CROWNED CRANES Start An announcement, detailing the suspension of Trade in Black Crowned Cranes from Guinea, Sudan and South Sudan and trade in Grey Crowned Cranes from Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, has just come out of the CITES Conference of the P... more
A colony of White-headed Ducks, a globally threatened species and extremely rare in the Ukraine, was seen at the Lake Yarylhach together with other rare birds. Despite the obvious importance of the Yarylhach wetland in terms of biodiversity richness, the conservation status of this area is at high risk. At the occasion of the International... more
The eighth edition of Spring Alive, a BirdLife International educational campaign that focuses on the observation and tracking of migratory birds, will be launched in February and continue until 21 June. Spring Alive attracts participation from Europe, Central Asia and Africa and tracks the arrival of five well known and common spring migrating ... more
There is a lot of negative bird news to come out of Cyprus but just for a change some good news with this story of a poisoned Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciatus . The commentary is a mixture of English & Turkish and subtitled with both. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXPsCmQmGV8 (or go to you tube and search for The Tale of a Bonelli... more
The RSPB has today called for tighter international regulations to prevent a substance implicated in the deaths of thousands of seabirds from being released into our seas. The substance, Polyisobutene (or PIB), was yesterday identified by scientists at the University of Plymouth from samples taken from seabirds washed up along southwestern coasts, ... more
The Yelkouan Shearwater population of the French island of Le Levant is seriously under threat due to invasive feral cats, according to a French and Spanish joint study. The archipelago is home to the main colonies of this species. Feral cats are considered one of the most dangerous invading species for animals native to Mediterranean islands. Rese... more
Increases in human population and food consumption are likely to lead to greatly increased agricultural demand in coming decades. There has been a recent debate about what kind of farming can provide adequate amounts of food while conserving biodiversity and the ecosystem services the natural environment provides. One possibility is land sparing, i... more
Survey results recently published by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) reveal that the population of Pink-footed Geese may have dropped by around 100,000 in just the last two years. The majority of the world's Pink-footed Geese winter in the UK, having bred in Iceland and Greenland. They arrive in large numbers from their bree... more
The British countryside will be safer from invasive plants following a decision by the government to ban the sale of certain exotic species. The move has been welcomed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, which has long advocated the need to stop selling harmful species in order to protect our native environment. The new measures will sto... more
Today, Saturday 2nd February, is World Wetlands Day! A day when we should all pause for at least a moment to think and remind ourselves of the vital role they play in supporting life and helping peopleÂ’s livelihoods. The theme for this year is Wetlands and Water Management. Put simply, wetlands take care of wa... more
Since 2003, the Globally Threatened Azores Bullfinch Pyrrhula murina, has benefitted considerably from a highly successful conservation project, initiated and run by SPEA - BirdLife's Portuguese Partner and its official Species Guardian. Their award-winning project tackles complicated habitat restoration and provides a boost to the local A... more
BirdLife South Africa and BirdLife International are very concerned that the proposed development of a wind farm at Letseng in Lesotho could have severe impacts on the already declining populations of Cape Vultures and Lammergeiers. South Africa and Lesotho share the responsibility of safeguarding the populations of Lammergeiers and Cape ... more
China lies at the centre of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, and vast numbers of migratory birds pass through the country every year on the journeys between their breeding and non-breeding grounds. In the past seven years the China Coastal Waterbird Census has gathered a wealth of new information on the populations of the waterbirds that... more
In the first 20 months of the BTO's Cuckoo Tracking Project we have learned a huge amount about the migratory journeys of Cuckoos. With them, we have experienced summer deluges, Spanish drought, the hazards associated with migratory journeys and the hunt to keep up with seasonal flushes of insects in Africa. Migration for Cuckoos appears t... more
The Green Tinkerbird has been rediscovered in southern Mozambique by Hugh Chittenden & Greg Davies. An isolated population of Green Tinkerbirds has been rediscovered 55 years after the original and only southern African specimen was collected in 1958. Eight pairs were located on the 17th and 18th January 2013 along a 10 km trac... more
Today Birdlife and Bird Watch Ireland launched their key recommendations for a successful Irish Presidency. As Ireland has taken over the Presidency of the European Council for the period January to June 2013, BirdLife Europe together with Bird Watch Ireland have produced a policy brief entitled Nature Creates Prosperity. It highlights the... more
On Thursday 10th January, a Lincolnshire gamekeeper was convicted of killing two Buzzards and possessing a quantity of an illegally held poison that would have been enough to destroy all the birds of prey in Lincolnshire. Robert William Hebblewhite, 71, of Appleby, Scunthorpe, was fined a total of £1,950 after he was convicted of killing two ... more
As winter bird hunting season continues, many environmentalists are at a loss for words as to how to prevent yet another illegal and unregulated hunting season. Many conservationists are claiming this hunting season to be the worst they have witnessed to date. Unregulated bird hunting is nothing particularly new to Egypt, and has been ta... more
GREAT NEWS – AMUR FALCON REACHES WINTERING GROUNDS IN SA. Raptor enthusiasts across the world were overjoyed and relieved to learn that a migratory female Amur Falcon Falco amurensis finally reached her wintering grounds at Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal on the 10th of January 2013 after an eventful 14 500km journey from the species’ bree... more
New results from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Garden Bird Feeding Survey shows that record numbers of Bullfinch are using garden feeding stations. New results reveal that the stunning and normally shy Bullfinch is being spotted in unprecedented numbers at garden feeding stations, suggesting that gardens appear to be particularl... more
New results from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Garden Bird Feeding Survey shows that record numbers of Bullfinch are using garden feeding stations. New results reveal that the stunning and normally shy Bullfinch is being spotted in unprecedented numbers at garden feeding stations, suggesting that gardens appear to be particularly... more
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is proud to announce the launch of the first paper in its Research & Technical Series, entitled ‘The potential impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine animals and recommendations for research in South Africa’. The purpose of the series is to disseminate project reports, scoping reports and ana... more
A group of Capercaillie experts and enthusiasts have been visiting two Highland estates to find out why numbers of the rare species are increasing in the face of serious declines in other parts of Scotland. Earlier this month, the Friends of Capercaillie were invited to visit Inshriach Forest, owned by Forestry Commission Scotland, and the... more
A second Isabelline Wheatear sighting in a little over a week. The bird was seen two days in a row, Stefan de Maillon in the Chobe area Botswana, on the 1st and 2nd January 2013. GPS co-ordinates provided by Stefan are 17°52'17.99"S ; 25°14'22.12"E. Close to Senyati Safari Lodge on the dirt road to Lesoma. Isabelline Wheatear ... more
The Turtle Dove and the Grey Partridge are displaying alarming number reductions in the UK. Once widespread in southern Britain, the Turtle Dove population, which is currently estimated at 14,000 pairs, is now balancing on a knife-edge in the UK, with nearly 60% lost in the five years to 2010. The UK Grey Partridge population is estimated ... more
BirdLife Australia (BirdLife Partner) has joined an alliance of conservation groups calling on the West Australian government to halt its plans to extend the State Barrier Fence. Construction of the fence extension in the Esperance region would create a largely continuous barrier that would run through five bioregions from North of Geraldt... more
Where do African Penguins go when they’re not breeding? This may sound like the opening line to a lame joke, but currently it’s a fascinating scientific question, the answers to which could help stop the precipitous population decrease of this endangered species. Researchers from BirdLife South Africa and the University of Cape Tow... more
The mortality of wildlife due to collision with vehicles in Africa is now being recognised as a significant threat to many species. This is of increasing concern, particularly in South Africa, which is the third most biologically diverse country on Earth. With the holiday season almost upon us, many of us will be taking to the roads to visit... more
A female Hen Harrier that was found dead in the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire, had been shot according to conservationists. The conservationists were monitoring the bird, which had been fitted with a satellite tag, remotely as it ranged across the uplands of Scotland and northern England earlier this year. Concern for the bird was rai... more
On 19 March last year, the ADU website carried the following NEWS ITEM. It was among the first to break the news of this ornithological disaster. 'SAFRING ringer, Claudia Holgate, is currently aboard the M/V Prince Albert II, a cruise ship to the Antarctic. She reports: "On Wednesday 16 March 04h30 the cargo ship Oliva ran aground on... more
Latest findings from BTO Garden BirdWatch, a year-round survey of garden wildlife, show that over 80% of our frequently spotted garden bird species have been more abundant over recent weeks compared with 2009—2011. Most striking has been the increase of birds that we normally associate with woodland. Siskin and Brambling, both colourful... more
Latest findings from BTO Garden BirdWatch, a year-round survey of garden wildlife, show that over 80% of our frequently spotted garden bird species have been more abundant over recent weeks compared with 2009—2011. Most striking has been the increase of birds that we normally associate with woodland. Siskin and Brambling, both colourful... more
Illegal shooting, trapping, nest destruction and poisoning continue to pose a significant threat to Scotland's birds of prey, according to the latest annual report by RSPB Scotland, covering 2011. The report, The Illegal Killing of Birds of Prey in Scotland in 2011, revealed that, as in previous years, some of the country's rarest bird of... more
Where do African Penguins go when they're not breeding? This may sound like the opening line to a joke, but currently it's a fascinating scientific question, the answers to which could help stop the precipitous population decrease of this endangered species. Researchers from BirdLife South Africa and the University of Cape Town have a b... more
These shocking statistics are contained in the State of the UK's Birds 2012 report just published. The scientists producing the report estimate that there are 166 million nesting birds in the UK, compared with 210 million nesting birds in 1966. The House Sparrow has seen one of the greatest losses of any bird in the UK, with 20 million... more
This bird was fitted with a 5g PTT transmitter in January 2010 at the Newcastle roost. Total km done on the wing since January 2010 +- 80 000km on migrations only, this does not include day trips.... more
One of the satellite-tracked Amur Falcons, an adult female, was fitted with a 5g tag in early January 2010 in South Africa. This spring it was tracked for the third time over the Indian Ocean to its breeding grounds some 470 km west of Peking in China. It left the area during the first half of October to arrive on 4 November at Doyang reserv... more
Populations of three Asian vulture species (White-rumped Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, and Slender-billed Vulture) have declined by more than 99% in South Asia since the early 1990s due to use of veterinary drug diclofenac, prompting BirdLife to classify their status as Critically Endangered. The governments of India, Nepal and Pakistan banned... more
South Africa’s First National Awareness Day for Frogs, 1 December 2012 Aspiring princesses beware! We are very quickly running out of frogs to kiss! Frogs are among the most threatened species on Earth. These creatures of popular folklore are teetering on the brink of extinction and unless we act NOW to save them, South Africa will st... more
Horrific photos of songbird and raptor massacre posted here - these 'hunters' are obviously trying to see who can kill the most birds and be the biggest 'hero' https://www.facebook.com/LebanonEcoMovement Scroll down to 7 Nov and click on the photo to see the full set of 22 sickening pictures... more
The Amur Falcon - Falco amurensis - is a small raptor that winters in Southern Africa and breeds in south eastern Siberia and Northern China. In its winter range, this species inhabits moist grasslands and open areas in woodland. In Southern Africa, it occurs in large flocks. Description Males are dark sooty brown with a chestnut vent. They ... more
Johannesburg, 9 November 2012: The massacre of tens of thousands of migrating Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) killed in Nagaland, Wokha district in northeast India, has shocked the world. Conservation India claimed that about 12 000 – 14 000 Amur Falcons were hunted for commercial sale and human consumption most days during October 2012 in... more
The Porcupine. The Cape porcupine or South African porcupine - Hystrix africaeaustralis - are the largest rodents in southern Africa and also the world's largest porcupines. They are indigenous to Africa and are mostly nocturnal. Description They are rounded, large, have a coat of sharp spines or quills, that defend and ca... more
Lesser Flamingo The Lesser Flamingo - Phoenicopterus minor - is a nomadic bird, found throughout Africa, as well as Spain, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman and Yemen. Over two thirds of the population are found in the alkaline lakes of east Africa. This species is itinerant and makes extensive movements in response to adv... more
You will find this blog post (link below) interesting on recent rather bizarre flamingo movements (mostly Lessers with a small number of Greaters) in the Okavango Delta. http://www.we-are-wilderness.com/2012/09/14/phenomenal-flamingo-movements-in-the-okavango-delta/ Greater Flamingo The Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus roseus - is... more
A new initiative was recently announced by the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) at the World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea. AZE's 7 Wonders (www.AZE7Wonders.org) campaign asks voters to help select seven sites from around the globe to highlight the plight of species on the brink. The winning sites will be featured in a cam... more
Since 1945, Philippine Hawk-owl has been treated as a single species, Ninox philippensis, with eight subspecies. Now a paper in the Oriental Bird Club journal, Forktail [1],co-authored by a BirdLife scientist, proposes that the hawk-owls of the Philippines form a complex of seven species from different islands and island groups, including ... more
The survival rate of Hooded Plovers has increased by 400% on some beaches in Australia thanks to effective monitoring and stewardship by staff and volunteers from the BNB project. Funding for conservation is becoming increasingly difficult to secure, so it is with great pride that BirdLife Australia (BirdLife Partner) can announce that th... more
Rhinose Day Rhinose Day is an annual public fundraiser held over the last three months of the year to raise funds and awareness for rhinos in particular, and the wider fight against poaching and false medicinal myths in general. Although we focus on rhino conservation, the plight of these giants is a symbol of the broader range o... more
Malachite Sunbird The Malachite Sunbird - Nectarinia famosa – is a large sunbird, found in the southern part of the Southern African region. There are two subspecies the nominate N. f. famosa and N. f. cupreonitens which breeds in the highlands from Ethiopia south to northern Mozambique. Description The adult breeding male is m... more
Scotland has successfully reintroduced White-tailed Eagles and Red Kites. The management of reintroduced species is reviewed. A new report reviews the legal avenues to resolve conflicts between land managers and reintroduced species, as well as recommending comprehensive management strategy for all reintroductions. Scotland has already ... more
In the area north of Satara, a roan bull joined up with a sable herd in 1987. The offspring of the love affair was a female hybrid. Ian Whyte, Kruger’s former large herbivore expert, dubbed her a “roble”. Nobody knew where the roan bull came from, since there were no roan herds in this area. He spent many years with the sable herd a... more
A gynandromorph, as the name implies, is an animal that is part male and part female, with the sex-specific parts usually demarcated cleanly. Here’s Brian’s description of how he saw the bird: Brian Peer took these photos of a “gynandromorph” Northern cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis - he found a couple years back in n... more
This autumn total stands at 515,029. August 30th Booted Eagle - 40 Montagu’s Harrier - 427 Hen and Pallid Harrier - 411 Black Kite - &... more
BirdLife Partners around the world have joined with raptor conservation and research organisations to celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day, with events and awareness raising taking place. This comes against a backdrop of problems facing vultures in Africa and Asia. Vultures are an ecologically vital group of birds that face a ran... more
African Black Oystercatcher The African Black Oystercatcher - Haematopus moquini – is a near-endemic and a resident breeder on the rocky coasts and islands of Southern Africa. They occur along the coast of southern Angola, Namibia and much of South Africa, largely excluding coastal KwaZulu-Natal. Description It is a large black... more
As hurricane season gets under way and Tropical Storm Isaac bears down on the Caribbean, biologists are paying particular attention to this fall’s shorebird migration. Researchers at the Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) in Williamsburg, Virginia have documented incredible feats of endurance by migrating Whimbrels (large shorebirds wi... more
Lake Natron is the most important breeding site for Lesser Flamingos in the world. Mining of soda ash at Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania is not economically viable, experts have warned. A new Cost Benefit Analysis report shows that projected return on investment over the next 50 years would be a loss of between $44,354,728 and $492,142,... more
In Canada, a public review of a proposed pipeline project through an area of exceptional importance for marine birds is entering its final stages. The Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline, if approved, would put at least 30 Important Bird Areas at risk, most from oil spills, and fragment habitat for the critically endangered mountain caribou. ... more
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is proud to announce the launch of our store at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Friday the 31st of August from 16h00 to 18h00. The store will offer wildlife lovers from around the globe the opportunity to stock up on exciting products that demonstrate their passion for wildlife and, at the same time... more
The first Saturday of September every year is observed as International Vulture Awareness day by the Birds of Prey Programme (EWT-BoPP) of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, its partners and associates including provincial conservation bodies and several other NGOs involved in vulture research and conservation in South Africa. The purpose ... more
Tom Gullick, an Englishman who lives in Spain, made worldwide birding history when he became the first ever person to crack the magical 9 000 mark on his world lifelist on the 19th August 2012. A fantastic achievement if you think the total world list is just over 10 000 species. His current total is 9 047 species! Well done Tom.... more
The African Black Oystercatcher is the largest of the thirteen species of Oystercatcher worldwide. African Black Oystercatcher The African Black Oystercatcher - Haematopus moquini – is a near-endemic and a resident breeder on the rocky coasts and islands of Southern Africa. They occur along the coast of southern Angola, Namibia and much ... more
Kittiwake numbers have more than halved since the mid–1980s across the UK, and populations in Scotland have crashed by almost two thirds. One Scottish Kittiwake breeding colony is now extinct and others predicted to disappear within three years. Climate change, is believed to be responsible for the dramatic collapse. Kittiwakes The kitt... more
The Jacanas or lily trotters are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone. There are eight species of Jacana. The Northern Jacana has toes and claws measured at 10cm or 4 inches. Description Jacanas are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floatin... more
Barn Owl The Barn Owl - Tyto alba - is the most widely distributed species of owl in the world and is found on every continent except Antarctica. It can be found anywhere that has abundant food and suitable roost sites, but it generally prefers open areas, such as grasslands, deserts and wooded savanna. They have acute hearing, with ears... more
The Osprey is the only raptor whose front talons turn backward. Osprey The Osprey - Pandion haliaetus – also known as the sea hawk, fish eagle or fish hawk, is a fish eating bird of prey. It is the second most widely distributed raptor species, after the Peregrine Falcon. They occur in a wide variety of habitats such as lakes, rivers... more
The Barn Owl is one of the UK public's favourite birds and is responding well to the 19,000 miles of potential hunting habitat for Barn Owls that farmers in England have created. The Breeding Bird Survey recorded a staggering 390% increase in Barn Owl numbers across the UK between 1995 and 2010. Barn Owl The Barn Owl - Tyto alba - is the... more
Today saw the successful launch of the Wild Dog Advisory Group South Africa (WAG-SA) website at www.wagsa.org.za developed by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) in consultation with WAG-SA participants. WAG-SA is a collaborative advisory group made up of key stakeholders in the fight to keep South Africa’s Endangered Wild Dogs alive, inc... more
The Oribi Working Group (OWG), a multidisciplinary Oribi conservation coalition which falls under the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Threatened Grassland Species Programme (TGSP), has recently and successfully relocated two pairs of threatened Oribi to new and far more suitable reserves. The translocation of these animals forms part of ... more
The new booklet - Biodiversity early warning systems - South African citizen scientists monitoring change. Edited by Phoebe Barnard & Marienne de Villiers. This booklet is the result of a collaboration between the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the Animal Demography Unit (ADU) of the University of Cape Town and... more
Just a month after being found injured and unable to fly, Idemili the female cuckoo will be heading off to the sunshine of Italy on British Airways as she has fallen far behind the other cuckoos. Once in Italy, Idemili will be released to join her friends on their southward migration to Africa. The Common Cuckoo The Common Cuckoo - Cuculus ... more
Scientists and birdwatchers have discovered 10 new owl species in the Philippines. Eight of the new species were previously considered sub-species while two are totally new. According to Lisa Paguntalan, field director of Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Programme, there is no significant variation in owls form, but the sound difference o... more
Giant Kingfisher The Giant Kingfisher - Megaceryle maxima - is the largest Kingfisher in the world. It is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa and is fairly common in South Africa. Description The Giant Kingfisher has a long, large black bill, large crest and finely spotted white and black upperparts. The male has a chestnut breast band... more
A rare sighting of a Black-winged Stilt at Pett, Sussex at 16:30 Wednesday 15th August 2012. Black-winged Stilt The Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus - is a widely distributed very long-legged wader rarely seen in the UK. In southern Africa it is common across much of the region. It generally prefers inland and coastal wetland... more
BirdLife Australia (BirdLife Partner) is delighted by the recent announcement made by Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke and NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker to commit $9 million to eradicate rodents from Lord Howe Island. Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage Area and a globally significant Important Bird Area, is home to 182 bird s... more
African Fish Eagle – Photographed by Peter Sievers African Fish Eagle The African Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus vocifer- is a large species of eagle that is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They are found wherever large bodies of open water occur that have an abundant food supply. The African Fish Eagle is usually seen in pairs and they eve... more
The largest kingfisher in the world is Giant Kingfisher. Giant Kingfisher. The Giant Kingfisher - Megaceryle maxima - is the largest Kingfisher in the world. It is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa and is fairly common in South Africa. Description The Giant Kingfisher has a long, large black bill, large crest and finely spotted white... more
Black-chested Snake-Eagle The Black-chested Snake-Eagle - Circaetus pectoralis - is an African bird of prey found in Africa from Ethiopia and southern DRC to South Africa. It inhabits different habitats, ranging from semi desert and open grassland to Karoo scrub and closed deciduous woodland. Description The main identification charac... more
She has put on weight and has now reached 116g, almost 60% heavier than when she was brought in! She has completed the regrowing of her missing wing feathers and has approximately 5 cm left to grow on her tail. Her eye has not fully recovered and the vet who examined her has told Wildlife Aid that she has a damaged pupil and that she do... more
The mortality of wildlife due to collision with vehicles in Africa is the fifth greatest threat to carnivores. However, little attention has been given to this threat, and this is of significant concern in South Africa as we are the third most biologically diverse country on Earth. As a result the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife and Tr... more
The West Coast region renowned for its vibrant display of wild flowers in Spring [August and September], coastal fishing villages and small holiday resorts. Further inland are the majestic Cedarberg mountains and the undulating wheatfields of the Swartland district. Seaside towns worth visiting include Langebaan, Lambert's Bay, Elands Bay,... more
The number of globally at-risk bird species has risen from 1,253 last year to 1,331 this year according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A major cause for concern. The southern Africa region supports a significant proportion of the world’s species dependent upon freshwater wetland habitats. Given that the ... more
Orange-breasted Sunbird The Orange-breasted Sunbird - Anthobaphes violacea - is endemic to the Fynbos habitat of Western Cape, South Africa. They generally prefer dense stands of Protea and Erica. It also occurs in coastal renosterveld and occasionally gardens. Description The Male’s head, throat and mantle are bright metallic gr... more
Eric Herrmann from South Africa, was the mammalogist at the Northern Cape Department of Nature and Environmental Conservation. He recently resigned, and is now cycling across Europe and Asia to watch birds and raise awareness about birds, birding and bird conservation. You can read more on his blog: http://www.cyclingtheworldforbirds.blogspot... more
Rico, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) two year old Belgian Malinois sniffer dog, has been hard at work foiling the efforts of wildlife poachers trying to smuggle contraband through O.R. Tambo International Airport. Rico recently flagged a suspicious package and, once law enforcement officers and other sniffer dogs were brought to... more
Idemili was admitted late on the 12th July for emergency treatment after she was found by a kind member of the public in a garden in Tolworth. She was emaciated, weak and dying. She had been attacked by other birds, probably due to her illness, and she sustained wounds to one of her wings and a badly pecked balding head. She had a heavy para... more
Three of the Cuckoos tagged in the UK are now in Chad. All three birds passed through Italy on their way south. BB one of the three cuckoos took a more easterly bearing from the start, heading from Scotland to southeast Germany close to the Czech border. From there he headed south to central Italy before turning southeast again and making ... more
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is proud and excited to announce the development of its highly successful, groundbreaking Airport Wildlife Programme (AWP) into a vastly expanded Wildlife and Transport Programme (WTP). Based on expressed interest from key role-players in various transport sectors, and the increasing need to address biodiv... more
BTO Satellite-tracked Scottish crossed the Mediterranean Sea and, by early evening 25 July, had made it to Egypt. He is the first to transmit from over Egypt. He continued his movement south from Egypt and successfully completed his desert crossing during the early hours of Saturday 28 July and by the morning of Monday 30 July he had moved ... more
Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the bestseller The Elephant Whisperer, bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during the US invasion in 2003. On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died... more
Ducks use bill colour to determine a potential mates' sexual health, according to new research. The new evidence shows how a brighter, more colourful bill communicates specific and important information about a potential partner's sexual health. Not only can the females identify males with stronger sperm, but close attention to bill colour ... more
Black Sparrowhawk seen yesterday on an Aves Birding Tour at Strandfontein Pans, Cape Town, South Africa. Black Sparrowhawk The Black Sparrowhawk - Accipiter melanoleucus - is the largest African member of the genus Accipiter. There are currently two recognised subspecies of Black Sparrowhawk, which occupy different regions within this spec... more
Cape Grysbok seen yesterday on an Aves Birding Tour at Strandfontein Pans, Western Cape, South Africa. Cape Grysbok The Cape or Southern Grysbok - Raphicerus melanotis - is a small antelope that is endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa. The Cape grysbok's native habitat is the "Fynbos biome" of the Western Cape South Africa. ... more
Verreaux's Eagle Verreaux's Eagle - Aquila verreauxii - is a large bird of prey, found in mountaineous regions of Eastern and Southern Africa. Its distribution is strongly linked to that of the Rock Hyraxes/Dassie and is fairly common in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. Description The adult has black plumage overall, except on back a... more
Eurasian Siskin population has increased by 77% since 2004 in the UK. They feed and nest in conifer plantations and it is thought that the birds are benefitting from the extensive areas of conifer plantation that are now reaching maturity and producing seed. Eurasian Siskin The Eurasian Siskin - Carduelis spinus - is also called the Euro... more
In total, 51% of all threatened birds are being driven towards extinction by invasive alien species. The problem is especially acute on oceanic islands where 75% of threatened birds are affected. In an effort to address this serious threat, the Pacific Partnership of BirdLife International has received renewed support from the David & L... more
The latest research figures show that 40 million European Starlings have disappeared from the European Union, including the UK, since 1980. This crash is triggering concern about the bird's future status as a widespread and familiar bird. The RSPB has launched a research project to see why this bird's population is in freefall in the UK. Eu... more
We were on an Aves Birding Tour and had a great sighting yesterday, early afternoon, of a Verreaux's Eagle, perched and flying, close to Blousteen on the road between Rooiels and Gordon’s Bay. Verreaux's Eagle Verreaux's Eagle - Aquila verreauxii - is a large bird of prey, found in mountaineous regions of Eastern and Southern Africa. Its... more
The Raptor Camp, an international camp organised by BirdLife Malta aimed at monitoring illegal hunting of wild birds, will take place this year between 16h and 30th September- when the peak autumn migration coincides with the hunting season. Malta is situated on the central migratory route between breeding grounds in Europe and wintering g... more
Lanner Falcon The Lanner Falcon - Falco biarmicus - occurs in southern and south-eastern Europe, the Middle East, south-western Asia and much of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding the lowland forests of the DRC and West Africa. In southern Africa it is fairly common. They are mainly resident, but some birds disperse more widely after the breeding ... more
Recent mortalities and nest failures have again highlighted the plight of the African Grass Owl - Tyto capensis - and other grassland species that are often encountered within the urban areas of Gauteng. The African Grass Owl is currently listed as Vulnerable in The Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland and has suffere... more
Idemili is the first female cuckoo to have a satellite tag fitted. She joins five male birds that have been tagged in Wales. She is an adult of at least two years of age and was caught in the Brechfa Forest, Carmarthanshire, Wales, on 10th June 2012. Idemili was named by Essex & Suffolk Water after the river goddess of the African Igbo ... more
The headline of the week, the breeding of not one but two pairs of Great White Egrets at Shapwick Heath, Somerset. With three juveniles fledged from the first nest and another single chick now raised by another pair. Great White Egret The Great Egret or Great White Egret – Egretta alba – is the largest egret in the World. It is... more
Amid the vast echoing marble halls of the Parliamentary Palace in Bucharest, the Eleventh Conference of Parties of the Ramsar Convention closed last Friday 13 July on a positive note. As expected, the issue of institutional hosting of the Secretariat overshadowed much of the meeting and ate away at the time available for other negotiations. ... more
The first ever Chrissiesmeer Crane Festival was hosted by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) on the 6th and 7th of July and attracted over 150 visitors to the tiny town of Chrissiesmeer, exposing them to the magnificence, but also the alarming plight, of our cranes and their wetland habitats. All three of South Africa’s cr... more
How many more must we lose before changing cap? The latest scientific data brought together by BirdLife International and the European Bird Census Council show that common farmland birds continue to decline in the EU: 300 million farmland birds have been lost since 1980. The news was released last week, on the eve of a major civil society d... more
Burung Indonesia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and PT. Pos Indonesia, launched “Indonesia’s Threatened Bird Species” stamp series at the Botanical Garden on Sunday 15 July to celebrate the diversity of Indonesian birds. The four bird species illu... more
Numbers of Wood Duck at Treatment Pond, Whiting Park, Jackson County, US-WV. Wood Duck The Wood Duck or Carolina Duck - Aix sponsa - is a species of duck found in North America and is one of the most colourful of North American waterfowl. Wood Ducks have a unique shape among ducks, a boxy, crested head, a thin neck, and a long, br... more
Two Osprey seen at Winfield Locks & Dam, Putnam, US-WV Osprey The Osprey - Pandion haliaetus - is found on all continents except Antarctica. There are four subspecies of the osprey, each occupying a different part of its overall range and differing slightly in size and appearance: Pandion haliaetus haliaetus, P. h. carolinensis, P. h. ... more
Caspian Tern is a July rarity in the UK. Caspian Tern The Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspia –is the world's largest tern. North American birds migrate to southern coasts, the West Indies and northernmost South America. African and Australasian birds are resident or disperse over short distances. European and Asian birds spend the n... more
Birdlife Africa Partnership got a renewed boost to its work in Poverty reduction and policy making when the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID) gave some additional funding amounting to Euros, 500,000 in October 2010. One of the sites benefiting from this project is Dakatcha Woodlands that are northwest of t... more
Bad news about European breeding birds according to the 2012 IUCN Red List for birds. The Saker Falcon - Falco cherrug - was uplisted to Endangered because a revised population trend analysis indicates that it may be undergoing a very rapid decline. This negative trend is a result of unsustainable capture for the falconry trade, as well as... more
The 2012 IUCN Red List for birds released by BirdLife International gave a strong warning message that the risk of extinction has increased substantially for nearly 100 species of Amazonian birds. What are the results for Europe? Detailed surveys in the Baltic Sea for the period 2007-2009 revealed that almost 3 million Long-tailed Ducks - Clan... more
Lanner Falcon The Lanner Falcon - Falco biarmicus - occurs in southern and south-eastern Europe, the Middle East, south-western Asia and much of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding the lowland forests of the DRC and West Africa. In southern Africa it is fairly common. They are mainly resident, but some birds disperse more widely after the... more
A team of BirdLife International and Fondation NATURAMA (BirdLife Partner in Burkina Faso) visited Oursi Lake recently to assess the impact of small scale funding received from Ricoh to support the rehabilitation of Oursi Lake ecosystem and improve livelihoods. Oursi is one of the most important wetland in Burkina Faso located about 450km ... more
Wood Duck The Wood Duck or Carolina Duck - Aix sponsa - is a species of duck found in North America and is one of the most colourful of North American waterfowl. Wood Ducks have a unique shape among ducks, a boxy, crested head, a thin neck, and a long, broad tail. Their breeding habitat is wooded swamps, shallow lakes, marshes or ponds... more
The Wattled Crane The Wattled Crane - Bugeranus carunculatus - is by far the most endangered crane species in South Africa with only 240 left. They are the most wetland-dependent of Africa’s crane species and are exceptionally susceptible to disturbance while nesting in wetlands, and will easily desert a nest if disturbed.... more
Well worth watching - enjoy
KwaZulu-Natal will celebrate a unique anniversary this year, when the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) celebrate the 20th consecutive annual crane aerial survey in July. Ian Rushworth of EKZNW said: “The 20 year anniversary makes this survey one of, if not the, longest running aerial survey of cranes anywh... more
A large tract of near-pristine Afromontane forest has been found in Angola’s Namba Mountains, tripling the amount of this habitat that was thought to survive in Angola. The site meets the criteria for a new Important Bird Area (IBA), holding one globally threatened species, and assemblages of restricted range and biome-restricted bird spe... more
The 11th Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (themed ‘Wetlands: home and destination’) opens today in Bucharest, Romania, where for the next 10 days the Convention’s 162 Contracting Parties gather to advance the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. As one of five International Organization Partners (IOP... more
Secretarybird The Secretarybird - Sagittarius serpentarius - is a large, mostly terrestrial bird of prey Endemic to Africa. It is usually found in the open grasslands and savannah in sub-Saharan Africa. The majestic Secretarybird is in serious decline and is now classified as Globally Vulnerable. Description The Secretarybird is instantly re... more
Owls are far-sighted and have fantastic far vision, but cannot see close objects clearly. They have binocular vision and are able to see in the dark exceptionally well. Birdwatching Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a tour for you or book on one of the following Aves Birding Tour/Safaris/Adventures to see the symbols of wi... more
A “parliament of owls”. Owls are erect-standing birds of prey characterized by large, rounded heads, large forward-facing eyes, a flattened face and feathered legs. Birdwatching Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a tour for you or book on one of the following Aves Birding Tour/Safaris/Adventures to see the symbols of w... more
There are about 200 different species of owl worldwide. In Southern Africa, 12 different species and in Africa south of the Sahara, 35. In Southern Africa the Verreaux's eagle-owl – Bubo lacteus - is the biggest and the African Scops-Owl – Otus senegalensis - the smallest. Birdwatching Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to crea... more
A Black-browed Albatross was again seen in Alderney waters on 28th June 2012. Black-browed Albatross The Black-browed Albatross - Thalassarche melanophrys - is the most widespread and common member of the Albatross family. It is circumpolar in the southern oceans. They can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. Description A medium s... more
BirdLife Europe encourages those visiting Cyprus during its 6-month EU presidency to enjoy the many traditional culinary delights the Mediterranean island has to offer, but with one important exception: ambelopoulia – Trapped Birds. The issue at stake is not gastronomic but ecological, and relates to the source and content of this one ... more
The House Sparrow has been in long-term decline in the UK and numbers declined sharply in 2006 but are now making a steady recovery. The sudden drop coincided with a large outbreak of trichomonosis in Greenfinches and Chaffinches. Trichomonosis might also have had an impact on House Sparrows. The good news is that House Sparrows are approac... more
BirdLife South Africa, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme (EWT-BoPP), and the University of the Witwatersrand have launched a collaborative satellite tracking project on one of South Africa’s most charismatic raptors, Secretarybird. Secretarybird has a wide distribution, occurring throughout sub-Saharan Afri... more
Giraffe photographed on an Aves North West Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure at Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa on May 6th 2012. Giraffe The Giraffe - Giraffa camelopardalis - is the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. There are nine subspecies, which are distinguished by their coat patterns. ... more
(Washington, D.C. June 28, 2012) The rare Tucuman Parrot will benefit from protections afforded by a new reserve established by Asociación Armonía in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The 44-acre Tucuman Parrot Reserve protects the largest Podocarpus conifer trees in the area, which are critically important as nesting sites for the parrot. The new rese... more
(Washington, D.C., June 26, 2012) In a lawsuit filed today in Washington D.C. District Court American Bird Conservancy has accused the federal government of suppressing information about wind energy projects and their potential negative impact on America's wildlife. ABC is being represented in the suit by the Washington D.C. public-interest ... more
The Gemsbok was photographed in The Karoo National Park, Western Cape, South Africa on a customized Aves Western Cape Birding Tour. Gemsbok The Gemsbok - Oryx gazelle - is a large antelope and is the largest species in the Oryx genus. It is native to the arid regions of Southern Africa. Gemsbok generally occur in semi-arid to arid g... more
Rock Kestrel The Rock Kestrel - Falco rupicolus - has recently been split from the Common Kestrel – Falco tinnunculus. The Rock Kestrel occurs from Angola, southern DRC and Tanzania south to southern Africa, where it is common in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and central Mozambique. It occupies a wide v... more
A third of British Swifts have been lost since 1995, but the reasons underpinning this decline are unclear. BTO scientists are involved in a project aiming to address these knowledge gaps. Tiny geolocators were fitted to adult Swifts captured at the nest in summer 2010 and retrieved in summer 2011 when these birds returned to breed. The resu... more
Nature Seychelles (BirdLife in the Seychelles) has launched an innovative project to enable vulnerable groups, such as people addicted to drugs and alcohol, to improve their mental and physical wellbeing through contact with nature, and to learn practical skills that allow them to rejoin mainstream society. The Greening Livelihoods Project is ... more
The Rhino Orphan Response Project, launched by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) in partnership with rhino rehabilitation specialist, Karen Trendler, has had a busy but successful time working with the casualties of the rhino poaching crisis. The Rhino Orphan Response Project was established to address the need for expert care for the or... more
These Chacma Baboons were photographed in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa on a customized Aves Western Cape Birding Tour. Chacma Baboon The Chacma baboon - Papio ursinus - also known as the Cape baboon, is one of the largest of all baboons. They are found in Southern Africa and size and colour vary within ... more
These Cape Mountain Zebra were photographed in The Karoo National Park, Western Cape, South Africa on a customized Aves Western Cape Birding Tour. Cape Mountain Zebra The Cape Mountain Zebra - Equus zebra zebra - is a subspecies of the mountain Zebra found only in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. The Cape Mount... more
These endangered Roan Antelope were photographed on an Aves North East Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, an IBA in South Africa. Roan Antelope The Roan Antelope - Hippotragus equinus – is found in woodland and grassland savanna. Description Named for the "roan' colour - a reddish brown, they have a ligh... more
To celebrate the 5th edition of the Batumi Raptor Count, you are invited to the Batumi Bird Festival 19-23 September 2012. This is the world's biggest bottleneck for raptor migration. Come and see 50,000 + raptors a day. The four-day programme includes: - Daily viewing excursions, in small groups. Visits to birding hotspot... more
These endemic Bontebok were photographed on an Aves Western Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa. Bontebok The bontebok - Damaliscus pygargus pygarus - is an endangered antelope endemic to the Fynbos biome in South Africa. It is a tall, medium-sized antelope, with two subspecies,... more
These African Bush Elephant were photographed on an Aves North West Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure in the new Mapungubwe National Park, Limpopo Province, South Africa on May 1st 2012. Elephants Elephants are the largest living land animals on Earth. Three living species of elephant are recognized, the African Bush Elephant - Loxodonta afr... more
The West Coast spring flowers are amazing. Why not book an Aves West Coast Overnight Tour during August, September or early October 2012, to see the amazing flowers and special birds of the West Coast of South Africa or ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a special tour for you. Contact me today – Jo Sievers Mobile... more
At the World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting in June 2011, the Tanzanian government confirmed that the 53km stretch of road through the Serengeti National Park would not be paved, and would continue to be managed by TANAPA (the Tanzanian National Park Authority). It would be continue to be used mainly for tourism and administrative purposes, ... more
In January this year we launched an international online appeal to save the Hooded Grebe as a new BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme initiative, building on earlier support provided by the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation as part of BirdLife’s High Andean wetlands initiative. We are delighted to report today that conservation ... more
The International Bird Strike Committee recently issued a report stating that bird strikes are on the increase at an international scale. Estimated damage as a result of these is in excess of US $1, 5 billion per annum. However, in South Africa, the situation is firmly under control. In 2012, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Airports ... more
For most of the past six months or so there have been few Lesser Flamingos at Kamfers Dam, perhaps just a few hundred at times (10,000 or so at present) and nowhere near the 80,000+ which have previously been recorded at Kamfers Dam. Today we received the latest water quality analysis from Dr Jan Roos, an algae and water quality expert from B... more
On Thursday 21 June, the European Commission issued a final legal warning against the Bulgarian Government over its failure to fully designate, protect, and prevent deterioration of the Kaliakra Special Protection Area and Site of Community Importance, required under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. This latest action by the Commi... more
A Marabou Stork seen at the dump site in George yesterday afternoon. Marabou Stork The Marabou Stork - Leptoptilos crumeniferus - is a large bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It has one of the largest wing-spreads of any living bird. They have a wide distribution through sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Eritrea and south ... more
The Blue Crane The Blue Crane - Anthropoides paradiseus - is the national bird of South Africa , yet it is threatened. It is endemic to Southern Africa. Of the 15 species of crane, the Blue Crane has the most restricted distribution of all. Description Body plumage is silvery bluish grey becoming darker on the upper neck and the lower half... more
Over the last month, BTO scientists have visited the Norfolk Broads, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in Scotland, and Tregaron bog in Wales to tag and follow further Cuckoos. Eleven new birds have joined the ranks alongside Chris and Lyster, including two male Cuckoos from Norfolk. This year we will be following a new se... more
Black-capped Petrel The Black-capped Petrel is a nocturnal seabird and may warrant federal protection as a threatened or endangered species. A thorough status review of the species to determine whether the species warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act (Act) is underway. It is found in North America and the Caribbean, and is... more
This species is a very rare vagrant to the UK and Western Europe. Black Scoter seen at the target-rich seaduck flocks off Murcar Golf Course, Blackdog, Aberdeenshire this week. Black Scoter The Black Scoter or American Scoter - Melanitta Americana - is a large sea duck which breeds in the far north of North A... more
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is proud to announce the launch of the very first annual Chrissiesmeer Crane Festival taking place on the 6th and the 7th of July in Chrissiesmeer, Mpumalanga. The Festival aims to spotlight the alarming plight of our cranes and their wetland habitats with only around 4000 Grey Crowned Cranes; less than 25... more
The world’s oldest international conservation organization celebrates 90 years today. Ideas move the world but only if people act upon them. And that’s exactly what happened at midday on June 20 1922, when a remarkable group of people from different countries met in London at the private home of the UK Minister of Finance. United by thei... more
The creation of a pioneering nature reserve in Paraguay. The land purchase and protection initiative is considered a new conservation strategy and a possible model for conservation in other Latin American countries. Indeed, an indigenous community and an NGO have recently jointly purchased a piece of land which both parties were committed ... more
Wind power is one of the fastest growing forms of renewable energy around the world. In South Africa two wind farms have been constructed and are currently operational, namely the Klipheuwel and Darling wind farms on the West Coast in the Western Cape. Proposals to construct many more have been submitted mainly along the West Coast, Ea... more
The latest update of the ICUN Red List of Threatened Species shows that, of the 63,837 species assessed to date, a worrying 19,817 are threatened with extinction. Along with its partner organisations, IUCN is calling upon world leaders to commit to halting biodiversity loss as a matter of urgency. Food, medicine and clean water are all ess... more
The Birdwatching Festival in Sagres, Portugal will take place this year from October 5 to 7. In October, Sagres becomes Europe’s major migratory corridor for storks, eagles, vultures, hawks and falcons on their way back to Africa. A large range of activities will be offered at this year’s festival, including field trips, boating, bird mon... more
A significant increase in poaching in the Italian region of Calabria. The increase in poaching this year is largely due to the drastic reduction (for lack of funds) in the NOA’s staff (the anti-poaching operative task force of the State’s Forestry Corps), by the authorities. This year, the NOA had only three patrols covering a migratory ... more
Sociable Weaver The Sociable Weaver - Philetairus socius - is endemic to Southern Africa. The species ranges across northwestern South Africa, southwest Botswana and extending northwards across Namibia. The area is semi-arid with low and unpredictable rainfall occurring mostly in the summer. Description A buff brown bird with a ... more
The Rufous-backed Bunting – Emberiza jankowskii - was once common on grassland with scattered Siberian apricot scrub across North East China, to Russia and North Korea. But because of conversion of its breeding habitat to farmland, by the late 1990s it was assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. This little-known passerine contin... more
This new book produced by the Swedish Ornithological Society (SOS – BirdLife Partner) provides information on the 251 bird species breeding in Sweden, including population estimates at national and regional scales. It is the first time that bird population estimations for each of the 21 Swedish counties and 29 provinces have been pu... more
A BirdLife International survey in southern New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, has encountered the largest single aggregation of Critically Endangered Beck’s Petrel ever recorded. Upwards of 100 birds were estimated to be present at one location. For a seabird species lost to science for 79 years until its rediscovery in 2007 these vital ne... more
A pair of Great White Egrets – Egretta alba - are raising two youngsters at Shapwick Heath, Somerset, UK. This is a just reward for the magnificent effort invested in restoring the reserve as one of Europe's premier wetland habitats. A mix of extensive reedbeds, fenland, meadows and wet woodland means that the egrets join an eve... more
JOHANNESBURG, 8th June 2012 – Eco Stars, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) new kids only club, launches today at the Outdoor Eco Adventure Travel Experience show at the Waterfall Polo Estate in Kyalami. Eco Stars teaches children about threatened wildlife, our environment and how we all can help to make a difference. “An Eco Star... more
European Roller The European Roller - Coracias garrulus - is the only member of the roller family of birds to breed in Europe. It migrates vast distances between continents. It is a bird of warm, dry, open country with scattered trees. It winters primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains, where it typically nests in tree hol... more
The planet is warming up, especially at the poles. An international team led by a CNRS researcher from the Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology has shown that Little Auks, the most common seabirds in the Arctic, are adapting their fishing behaviour to warming surface waters in the Greenland Sea. So far, their reproductive and survi... more
Liben Lark [ Sidamo Lark] - Heteromirafra sidamoensis - is listed as Critically Endangered. It has an extremely small range [a single grassy plain in southern Ethiopia] and its range size is decreasing. The remaining habitat is rapidly being degraded, and the number of mature individuals is decreasing [with a population of possibly fewer ... more
The 2012 IUCN Red List update for birds is a comprehensive review, undertaken every four years, of all the world’s over 10,000 bird species. The update shows worrying news not just from the tropics but in Northern Europe too, where over a million Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis have disappeared from the Baltic Sea over the last 20 ye... more
Conservationists will attempt to give dozens of Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpipers a head start this summer, by hand-rearing them for the first weeks of their lives in Russia. The new strategy is part of an ongoing international conservation effort that stretches from the coast of Bangladesh and Burma to the Russian Far East, and... more
A first sighting of the Collared Flycatcher - Ficedula albicollis - in Ireland. Collared Flycatcher The Collared Flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis, breeds in southeast Europe and southwest Asia and is migratory, wintering in sub Sahara Africa. A rare summer visitor to Southern Africa. It is a rare vagrant in western Europe. Habitat is deci... more
The week’s highlights of rare bird sightings in the UK and Ireland include - Baillon’s Crake – Porzana pusilla – Malltraeth. Collared Flycatcher – Ficedula alibicillis – Donegal, Ireland. European Roller – Coracias garrulous – East Yorkshire. European Roller The European Roller, Coracias garrulus, is the only mem... more
Conservationists are celebrating the establishment of the new 6,000-acre Sierra Caral Amphibian Reserve in Guatemala, which will protect some of the country’s most endangered wildlife. The reserve is home to a dozen globally threatened frogs and salamanders, five found nowhere else in the world, three species of threatened birds, and the r... more
Conservationists are celebrating the establishment of a new nature reserve in Colombia that provides the first sanctuary for the endangered Golden Poison Frog, an animal that also has the distinction of being possibly the world’s deadliest animal. In one of the wettest tropical rainforests in the world, along the Pacific coast of western C... more
Dilma Roussef, the President of Brazil, has partially vetoed the new Forest Code proposed by the Brazilian Congress. He vetoed 12 articles and made an additional 32 modifications on the text of 84 articles. These changes made by the President need to be approved by the two houses of the Congress within the next four months. According to Jaq... more
Great news for Wildlife in the UK. Wildlife Minister Richard Benyon has dropped proposals to license the destruction of Buzzard nests, as well as the capture of adult birds on shooting estates. Martin Harper, the RSPB's conservation director said - “We're pleased the minister has listened to people's concerns and acted in the publi... more
Great White Egret The Great Egret or Great White Egret – Egretta alba – is the largest egret in the Old World. It is the symbol of the National Audubon Society and represents a conservation success story. The Great White Egret is a large white heron and is found across much of the world, from southern Canada southward to... more
It has not been seen in its small home range in central Vietnam since around 2000. Conservationists searched intensively in 2011 but found none. Leading scientists, conservationists and aviculturalists from Europe and Southeast Asia met at Walsrode in Germany last week to formulate a rescue plan. Edwards Pheasant The Edwards Pheasant - Lo... more
30/05/2012 Baillon’s Crake – Porzana pusilla – Schokland [FL] Melodious Warbler – Hippolais polyglotta – Horst aan de Maas [LI] River Warbler – Locustella fluiatilis –Amsterdam – Flevopark [NH] Alpine Swift – Tachymarptis melba – Vlissingen – Bossenburgh e.o. [ZL] Eurasian Griffon Vulture – Gyps fulvus – Heeze ... more
The Black Rail is a first for West Virginia and was still there at 10:30 AM, May 30th 2012. Black Rail The Black Rail - Laterallus jamaicensis - is a mouse-sized bird and a member of the Rallidae family. It is the smallest rail in North America and is perhaps the most secretive too. They are found in scattered parts of North Americ... more
Turaco crimson flight feathers - Saswati Royal Family. The Purple-crested Turaco is the National Bird of the Kingdom of Swaziland. The crimson flight feathers of this and related Turaco species are important in the Ceremonial Regalia of the Saswati Royal Family. The Purple-crested Turaco - Tauraco porphyreolophus - is found in Central, E... more
Peacock Feathers have been used for healing for tens of thousands of years in every culture throughout time. They are said to carry Spiritual Healing Energy that can be used to assist people seeking balance and harmony in their lives.Peafowl are two Asiatic species of flying birds, of the genus Pavo, the pheasant family – Phasianida... more
Eastern Cape 28/05/2012 Verreaux's Eagle Owl –Bubo lacteus - Kingwilliamstown Free State Province KZN Province Limpopo Province Mpumalanga Province Namibia Western Cape Province 28/05/2012 Ferruginous Duck –Aythya nyroca – at Paarl Bird Sanctuary. Northern Shoveler – Anas clypeta – at Paarl Bi... more
The Magpie Shrike or Long-tailed Shrike – Corvinella melanoleuca – was Zulu King Shaka’s favourite bird. The Zulu names for the bird are isakabutle meaning “the scatterer of enemies” or ujomelameaning “King of Kings”. The feathers of the Magpie Shrike were worn in the headdress and armbands of the fiercest Zulu warrior’s. M... more
The Blue Crane is South Africa’s National Bird and is prized as a symbol of royalty. Only Zulu Kings are allowed to wear the feathers in their headdress. The Blue Crane The Blue Crane - Anthropoides paradiseus - is our national bird, yet it is threatened. Of the 15 species of crane, the Blue Crane has the most restricted distribution of... more
Britain’s first-ever spring Cream-coloured Courser was found by a local lady talking her dog for a walk on Bradnor Hill, Herefordshire. Cream-coloured Courser The Cream-colored Courser, Cursorius cursor, is found in the Canary Islands, north Africa and southwest Asia. They prefer dry open country, preferably semi-desert. Description It... more
Southern Pied Babbler The Southern Pied Babbler - Turdoides bicolor - is endemic to Southern Africa. It is locally common in arid and semi-arid savanna woodland across northern Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and northern South Africa. Description The head is white, while the bill is black and the eyes orange/yellow. Throat is white, brown ... more
The Great White Egret nest site in Somerset, is being monitored by staff and volunteers from Natural England, the RSPB and Somerset Ornithological Society. Natural England hopes to be able confirm that the nest contains chicks and that Britain can welcome a new species to its list of breeding birds shortly. The species is more usually foun... more
An update on the 2 BTO Satellite - tagged cuckoos who have returned from Africa – Chris and Lyster. Chris arrived back in the Brecks, and has spent most of his time focusing on small pockets of woodland near Mildenhall, Suffolk. He was originally tagged on the edge of forest close to Santon Downham, Suffolk, and it seems that he is very ... more
A new longevity record for Sociable Weaver’s – Philetairus socius – of over 16 years. The bird was ringed by Mark Anderson on 29 April 1995 as an adult on Benfontein Game Reserve, Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa. It has been recaptured several times, the most recent time being by Rita Covas on 2 August 2010. Sociable Weaver ... more
Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which is a government department in the UK. Defra's plan is to allow the destruction of Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo - nests on shooting estates and to permit Common Buzzards to be taken into captivity to remove them from shooting estates. There is no evidence that the Common B... more
Pheasants are not native to the UK. Each year about 40 million birds are released for shooting. Just think of the impact that the release and shooting has on the native wildlife. The impacts of this practice on wildlife have been poorly documented, but serious questions have recently been raised about the impact such a large injection of ca... more
Last April the Brazilian Congress approved the ‘new’ Forest Code, a batch of changes to the existing forest code dating from 1965. The ‘new’ code is one of the most controversial laws passed by Congress in recent years and will impede efforts to slow down deforestation in the country. The President of Brazil, Dilma Roussef, has... more
This juvenile African Crowned Eagle was photographed by Jo Sievers on the Aves North West Tour/ Safari/Adventure at Roodewal Forest, Soutpansberg, Limpopo Province, South Africa on Friday 4th May2012. African Crowned Eagle The African Crowned Eagle - Stephanoaetus coronatus - is a very large, powerful, crested bird of prey which is fou... more
Gorgeous Bush-Shrike sighting at Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge, Louis Trichardt, Limpopo Province South Africa while on the Aves North West Tour/Safari/Adventure. Gorgeous Bush-Shrike Gorgeous Bush-Shrike- Telophorus viridis – is found in two separate populations - one along the coast of Tanzania and Kenya and the other in Mozambique, Zim... more
Striped Pipit The Striped Pipit - Anthus lineiventris is found in patches from southern Kenya through Tanzania, Zambia, southern DRC and Malawi to southern Africa. Here it is uncommon to fairly common in northern Mozambique, Zimbabwe, south-eastern Botswana, eastern South Africa and Swaziland. Its natural habitat is dry sava... more
The project is a three-year effort to reverse the decline of one of England's best-loved farmland birds. Once widespread across much of England and Wales, the species has been lost from many areas, with its remaining strongholds concentrated in East Anglia and southeast England. The cause of such an extensive population crash is not fully un... more
The future for England's most threatened bird of prey — the Hen Harrier — is looking perilous, as the species teeters on the brink of extinction as a breeding bird. Early reports indicate that only one pair is showing signs of nesting in England. If this situation continues it will be the worst year for Hen Harrie... more
Short-clawed Lark The Short-clawed Lark - Certhilauda chuana - is endemic to Southern Africa, occurring from south-eastern Botswana to the North-west Province, Free State and Limpopo Province. It prefers open habitat, sparsely vegetated with short grass and scattered trees or bushes, particularly where grass has been severely graze... more
A juvenile African Crowned Eagle was seen and photographed by birders on the Aves North West Tour/ Safar/Adventure at Roodewal Forest, Soutpansberg, on Friday 4th May2012. African Crowned Eagle The African Crowned Eagle - Stephanoaetus coronatus - is a very large, powerful, crested bird of prey which is found in Africa south of the Sahara... more
Five Southern Pied Babblers seen at Mopane Bush Lodge on Aves North West Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure on the 30th April 2012 Southern Pied Babbler The Southern Pied Babbler - Turdoides bicolor - is endemic to Southern Africa. It is locally common in arid and semi-arid savanna woodland across northern Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and nor... more
Six Red-billed Oxpeckers – seen at Mogalakwena River Lodge on 28th April 2012 by birders on the Aves North West Birding Tour/ Safari/ Adventure. Red-billed Oxpecker The Red-billed Oxpecker - Buphagus erythrorhynchus – is endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa. They occur in patches from Ethiopia and Somalia through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and... more
Fremantle, 26 April 2012: The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) today agreed to measures that, if appropriately implemented by tuna longline fishing vessels, will result in significant reductions in albatross mortality. The Indian Ocean is home to globally important populations of eight albatross species, including the Critically Endanger... more
Osprey The Osprey - Pandion haliaetus - is found on all continents except Antarctica. There are four subspecies of the osprey, each occupying a different part of its overall range and differing slightly in size and appearance: Pandion haliaetus haliaetus, P. h. carolinensis, P. h. cristatus and P. h. ridgwayi. It tolerates a wide variety of ... more
Great Campaign - “Oil & Birds Don’t Mix” – Visit - The National Audubon Society Website - www.audubon.org ... more
Red-billed Oxpecker The Red-billed Oxpecker - Buphagus erythrorhynchus – is endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa. They occur in patches from Ethiopia and Somalia through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia to southern Africa. Description The Red-billed Oxpecker has plain brown upperparts and head, buff underparts and a pale rump. The bill... more
There are no endemic species for Congo Brazzaville. The Loango Weaver is a near-endemic to the Republic of the Congo. Loango Weaver The Loango Weaver - Ploceus subpersonatus - is found in Northern Angola, DRC, Gabon and Republic of the Congo. Its favoured habitats are subtropical or tropical forests, coastal savanna and swamps. Descr... more
The DRC has 13 endemic species in a total number of species of 1,139. One of the endemic species is the Congo Peafowl Congo Peafowl The Congo Peafowl - Afropavo congensis – is endemic to the lowland forests of the Congo River Basin in Central part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It occurs in many different forest types ... more
A Northern Waterthrush has been on St Mary’s for over seven months. This bird was first seen on the 17th September 2011 and the last time one of these birds had been seen was 15 years earlier. Northern Waterthrush The Northern Waterthrush - Parkesia noveboracensis breeds in the northern part of North America and Canada. This bird... more
Batumi is located in the southwest of Georgia and this area acts as a bottleneck for many species migrating south through the region in autumn. The Black Sea to the west and the Caucasus mountains to the east funnel birds into a narrow coastal flyway that pushes them over the town of Batumi Peak species day-counts: - Honey Buzzards - 90,0... more
The Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Threatened Grassland Species Programme has taken on the task of reversing the rapid decline and likely extinction of the South African population of the Blue Swallow - Hirundo atrocaerulea. The South African population currently consists of fewer than 38 known breeding pairs, with less than five remai... more
Angola has 13 endemic bird species out of a total of over 990 bird species. Red-crested Turaco The Red-crested Turaco - Tauraco erythrolophus – is endemic to western Angola. Description Adult has green plumage overall. On the upperparts, back and wings are darker bluish-green. Upper back and scapulars are metallic golden-green. Primaries ... more
Malawi has no endemic bird species. A common raptor is the – Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk The Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk - Accipiter rufiventris - also known as the Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, occurs in isolated patches of sub-Saharan Africa, from Ethiopia, eastern DRC and Kenya to Uganda, eastern Zambia to South Africa. In southern Afr... more
Annually, Buff-breasted Sandpiper –Tryngites subruficollis and American Golden Plover – Pluvialis dominica undertake some of the longest journeys of any migratory birds in the world, from their breeding grounds in the tundra of North America (Canada and Alaska) to wintering sites in the grasslands of Southern South America. Aves Uruguay ... more
Zimbabwe has no endemic bird species and has 8 near endemic bird species. They are: - Melodious Lark - Mirafra cheniana Swynnerton’s Robin - Swynnertonia swynnertoni Briar Warbler - Oreophilais robertsi Chirinda Apalis - Apalis chirindensis Woodward’s Batis - Batis fratrum Gurney’s Sugarbird - Promerops gurneyi Swee Waxb... more
The sighting of a Surf Scoter in the Netherlands is very rare. Today at 3 pm an adult male was seen at Texel – Mokbaai [NH] by Sander Schagen. Surf Scoter The Surf Scoter - Melanitta perspicillata - is a large sea duck, which breeds in Canada and Alaska. Description The males are entirely black with a white patch on the forehead and a... more
A Buff-breasted Sandpiper – Tryngites subruficollis – sighted on Friday 13th at Mile 4 Salt Works north of Swakopmund. Buff-breasted Sandpiper The Buff-breasted Sandpiper – Tryngites subruficollis – breeds in the open arctic tundra of North America and is a very long-distance migrant, spending the non-breeding season mainl... more
On explicit request of the main farmers unions, the department taking care of health and consumers issues within the European Commission (DG SANCO), has proposed to dismantle a European bio- safety regime by removing the obligation on countries to contain the spread of a highly destructive maize pest, the Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica vir... more
MME/BirdLife in Hungary, in cooperation with 8 other conservation organizations have just launched a 5 years LIFE+ project that will aim to find effective and alternative solutions to crimes toward birds in Hungary, with a special focus on the conservation of the Eastern Imperial Eagle. Birds suffer severely from different types of crimes ... more
The Common / European Starling and the Common / Indian Myna were introduced at the beginning of the 20th century. The IUCN declared these species among the world’s 100 worst invasive species. Today these birds are a pest in South Africa, North America, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and many Pacific islands. They have affected nati... more
Martial Eagle The Martial Eagle - Polemaetus bellicosus - is the largest eagle found in Africa. It is found in open and semi-open habitats of sub-Saharan Africa. Its preferred habitat is the semi-desert and open savannah. These eagles are mainly resident, although immature birds may wander great distances. Description They are the largest o... more
Zambia has one endemic bird which is the Chaplin’s Barbet. The Chaplin's Barbet or Zambian Barbet - Lybius chaplini – is endemic to south central Zambia, where they are restricted to an area between the upper Kafue River to Kabanga in the Kalomo District. Habitat is moist to dry savanna, grassland and arable land, between 900 and 1,400 ... more
Martin and Chris are in Spain and Italy after crossing the Sahara Desert. Kasper is just behind in the Atlas Mountains in North West Algeria and about to cross the Mediterranean. Lyster’s last transmission received was on 1st April in Ghana. Clement is still missing, one of the five British Common Cuckoos fitted with satellite tag... more
In SABAP 1 published in 1997, Andre Boshoff wrote: "Although numbers have decreased locally in many areas, often dramatically, the Martial Eagle is still widespread in southern Africa ... The conservation status provides cause for concern ... The main causes [of the decrease] are direct persecution (shooting and trapping) by small-stock... more
By 1910 the range of the Red-billed Oxpecker had shrunk to the north-eastern corner of South Africa. The dips used to control ticks on cattle were a death sentence for oxpeckers. With the introduction of “oxpecker-friendly” dips, a series of translocations and natural recolonisation, the range of the Red-billed Oxpecker has expanded in So... more
The Plains- Midwest USA has 3 endemic birds. They are: - Attwater’s Prairie Chicken Greater Prairie Chicken Lesser Prairie Chicken Attwater's Prairie Chicken Attwater's Prairie Chicken - Tympanuchus cupido attwateri - is a highly endangered, endemic to the Western Gulf coastal grasslands. Descripti... more
Black Sparrowhawk The Black Sparrowhawk - Accipiter melanoleucus - is the largest African member of the genus Accipiter. There are currently two recognised subspecies of Black Sparrowhawk, which occupy different regions within this species’ extensive range. Accipiter melanoleucus temminckii is found from Senegal, eastwards to Gabon, Congo ... more
Western USA has 5 endemic birds. They are: - Black Rosy Finch Gunnison Grouse Yellow-billed Magpie Brown-capped Rosy Finch Island Scrub Jay Gunnison sage-Grouse The Gunnison sage-grouse - Centrocercus minimus - is endemic to the USA and is confined to the Gunnison basin in Gunnison and Saguache counties, south-west Colorado, ... more
The Madagascar Pochard - Aythya innotata – was thought to be extinct in the late 1990s and was rediscovered in 2006. It is claimed to be the rarest duck in the world. Today only 60 individuals remain which include the 18 ducklings hatched in a captive breeding centre. It is endemic to Madagascar. Description The Madagascar Pochard is a m... more
The USA has 13 breeding endemic bird species. Black Turnstone The Black Turnstone - Arenaria melanocephala – is endemic to the west coast of North America and breeds only in Alaska. It winters on rocky shores along the Pacific coast of North America from southern Alaska southwards as far as north-west Mexico. Description Breeding-plum... more
The USA has 67 endemicbird species - [based on the Howard and Moore (2003, rev. 2008) taxonomy.] Gunnison sage-grouse The Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) is endemic to the USA and is confined to the Gunnison basin in Gunnison and Saguache counties, south-west Colorado, with small, fragmented populations in Colorado and on... more
Botswana has no endemic species. They however do have the largest single population of Wattled Cranes - Bugeranus carunculatus - in Africa. They also have the most of the world’s Slaty Egrets - Egretta vinaceigula. The Wattled Crane The Wattled Crane - Bugeranus carunculatus - is by far the most endangered crane species in South Af... more
According to Ann Koeslag “The number of cells occupied by the Black Sparrowhawk in both SABAP1 and SABAP2 is almost exactly the same. This means that the species left existing territories and colonized new ones. The shift is most prominently away from Swaziland and Limpopo Province and into Western Cape, as well as into isolated spots of th... more
The tallest flying bird is the Sarus Crane - Grus antigone - standing at a height of up to 1.8 m or 5.9 ft. The Sarus Crane The Sarus Crane - Grus antigone - is a large non-migratory bird found in parts of the India, Southeast Asia and Australia. Description They are very large birds with grey wings and body. The head and part... more
The Common Pheasant or Ring-necked Pheasant – Phasianus colchicus – was introduced in 1857. They have been widely introduced as a game birds worldwide. The adult male has a long brown streaked black tail, with its body plumage barred bright gold and brown, with green, purple and white markings. The head is bottle green with a small cres... more
The Blue Crane - Anthropoides paradiseus – is endemic to Southern Africa. The Blue Crane The Blue Crane - Anthropoides paradiseus - is our national bird, yet it is threatened. Of the 15 species of crane, the Blue Crane has the most restricted distribution of all. Description Body plumage is silvery bluish grey becoming darker on the u... more
The Wattled Crane - Bugeranus carunculatus – is the largest species of crane in Africa. The Wattled Crane The Wattled Crane - Bugeranus carunculatus - is by far the most endangered crane species in South Africa with only 240 left. They are the most wetland-dependent of Africa’s crane species and are exceptionally susceptible to disturb... more
The Grey-crowned Crocias - Crocias langbianbis - is one of the rarest birds in Vietnam and least known birds in Asia. It has just been discovered at a new location in Kon Tum Province significantly extending its known global range and offering hope that the species may not be as threatened with extinction. Previously it was known... more
Little Crake The Little Crake - Porzana parva – breeds in Europe, mainly Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It winters in north east Africa and parts of West Africa. Description Male has blue-grey face and underparts, with narrow white bars on rear flanks and black and white barring on undertail-coverts. Female has blue-grey repl... more
There are 15 crane species in the world and all of them are endangered. One of the main reasons for this is that cranes are intimately linked to the grassland and wetlands. Human impacts are degrading these ecosystems at a rapid rate and cranes are paying the price. South Africa is home to three crane species - The Wattled, Blue and Grey-C... more
Little Crake The Little Crake - Porzana parva – breeds in Europe, mainly Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It winters in north east Africa and parts of West Africa. Description Male has blue-grey face and underparts, with narrow white bars on rear flanks and black and white barring on undertail-coverts. Female has blue-grey replaced... more
Peregrine Falcon The Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus - can be found in every continent of the world excluding Antarctica, with some sub-species that are resident and with others that are migratory. There are 19 Peregrine subspecies worldwide, 3 of which are found in North America. The Arctic subspecies migrates an incredible distance f... more
The Kakapo – Strigops habroptilus - is one of the world's most critically endangered birds, living dangerously close to extinction for more than half a century. It is the world's heaviest parrot, and the only flightless and nocturnal parrot. After many years of holding on with just a few females in New Zealand's most extensive c... more
The critically endangered Chatham Island Pigeon or Parea is restricted to the Chatham Islands. Although similar in appearance to the New Zealand pigeon, it is around 20% heavier, making it one of the world's heaviest pigeons. Once numbering just 40 birds, the population has responded to conservation efforts and now stands at around 500. The ... more
The country with the highest percentage of its bird species endangered is New Zealand with 30% Looking at the endangered status of New Zealand birds is an insight into how tenuous their existence is. Nine birds are 'critically endangered'. The Black Robin or Chatham Island Robin -Petroica traverse - is an endangered bird from the Chath... more
The place to go for everything about Australia’s birds and their conservation. The new website - www.birdlife.org.au ... more
Clement the Common Cuckoo is missing in action. One of the five British Common Cuckoos fitted with satellite tags by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Clement's last known location was in Cameroon, showing that he had begun his journey back to Britain. On 25th February 2012 the BTO received their last transmission from Clement. Clement... more
The Sisi Initiative, local group working to conserve the Natewa Tunuloa Important Bird Area in Fiji has won the prestigious Equator Prize for 2012. According to Eileen de Ravin, manager of the Equator Initiative - “The Sisi Initiative stood out among more than 800 entries as a remarkable demonstration of local development solutions for pe... more
The country with the most endangered birds is Indonesia with 126 species. ... more
The country with the most introduced species is Hawaii - USA with 68 introduced species.... more
The highest price paid for an egg was £1,000.00 pounds Sterling for an egg of the extent Aepyornis maximus Aepyorni maximus was a giant, flightless ratite native to Madagascar and has been extinct since at least the 17th century. It was the world's largest bird, believed to have been 3 metres (10 ft) tall and weighing close to half a ... more
The Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus – is the first bird to be featured on a United States of America postage stamp. It is also the national bird of the United States of America. The Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus - is the national bird of the USA and is the only eagle unique to North America. It is a sea eagle that’s... more
The Peregrine Falcon – Falco peregrinus has expanded its range and increased in abundance in South Africa over the past two decades according to the distribution patterns between SABAP1 and SABAP2. The most interesting changes are in the Western Cape, with a three-fold increase in this population since SABAP1. The Peregrine Falcon ... more
The Czech Society for Ornithology (CSO), BirdLife Partner in the Czech Republic, and Ceskomoravsky sterk, member of the Heidelberg Cement Group, signed an agreement pinning down their long-term commitment to the conservation of nature. There is a mutually benefit for both organisations in the development of this partnership. CSO/BirdLife i... more
Little Crake – Porzana parva – at Covelly wetlands, Western Cape, South Africa. Franklin’s Gull – Larus pipixcan - Strandfontein 26/3/2012 The Little Crake - Porzana parva – breeds in Europe, mainly Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It winters in north east Africa and parts of West Africa. Description Male has bl... more
The Little Crake - Porzana parva – at Covelly wetlands, Western Cape, South Africa. A mega sighting of a female Little Crake, the first for Southern Africa. Photographed by John Tinkler of Aperture Wild Photographic and Viewing Safaris. The Little Crake - Porzana parva – breeds in Europe, mainly Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It ... more
03/25/2012 Hume’s Leaf Warbler – Phylloscopus Humei –Katwijk aan Zee [ZH] Black Grouse – Lyrurus tetrix – Sallandse Heuvelrug-Noetselerveld en Sikkelbosch [OV] Common Crane – Grus grus – Wageningen – Binnenveld [GE] Cetti’s Warbler – Cettia cetti – Dordtse Biesbosch – Zuidplaatje [ZH] Pallas’s Leaf Warbler ... more
The Cape Bulbul - Pycnonotus capensis – is Endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. It generally prefers fynbos, succulent karoo, and coastal scrub. It is common in suburban parks and gardens. Description Male and female have similar plumage, mainly dull, blackish brown with a diagnostic white eye-ring, and yellow undertail coverts. ... more
Nigeria has 900+ species and is a biologically diverse country with lowland rainforest in the south to semi-desert in the extreme north. In the south-east of the country, Grey-necked Picathartes – Picathartes oreas - can be seen on Obudu Plateau. Nigeria has 4 endemic species: - The Rock Firefinch - Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis - and Pla... more
Kenya has 7 endemic birds, 44 near endemics and 1080 recorded species. The term “endemic” refers to any species found only within a defined geographical area. Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a custom tour for you.... more
Madagascar has 105 endemic species of the 280 species recorded on the island. A further 20 are near endemic species and are shared only with the neighbouring South West Indian Ocean islands. Birding Madagascar is, quite simply, a birding experience like no other on Earth. Ask Aves Bird Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a custom tour for y... more
Africa and its islands have 1,800 species in 20 endemic bird families. Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a custom tour for you or book on one of the scheduled tours. ... more
The Common Poorwill is the only bird known to go into topor for extended periods – Weeks to months. The Common Poorwill - Phalaenoptilus nuttallii - is a nocturnal bird in the nightjar family. It is found from British Columbia and southeastern Alberta, through the western United States to northern Mexico. The bird's habitat is dry, open a... more
The longest recorded dive for any bird is by an Emperor Penguin - Aptenodytes forsteri – submerged for 18 minutes. Adaptations for long dives While diving, theEmperor Penguin's oxygen use is markedly reduced, as its heart rate is reduced to as low as 15-20 beats per minute and non-essential organs are shut down, thus facilitating longer ... more
The Little Crake - Porzana parva – at Covelly wetlands, Western Cape, South Africa. A mega sighting of a female Little Crake, the first for Southern Africa. The Little Crake - Porzana parva – breeds in Europe, mainly Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It winters in north east Africa and parts of West Africa. Description Male has blue-g... more
Dear all, BirdLife Cyprus would like to thank all those that have signed and supported our electronic petition against illegal bird trapping in Cyprus. We value your support which empowers our fight against this ecological disaster. On the 1st February 2012 we presented the petition signatures to the Minister of Interior, Mr Neoklis Syliki... more
The deepest recorded dive for any bird is by an Emperor Penguin - Aptenodytes forsteri - a depth of 540 m (1,772 ft) Adaptations for deep dives The Emperor Penguin encounters increased pressure of up to 40 times that of the surface, which in most other terrestrial organisms would cause barotraumas. The bones of the penguin are solid ... more
The Emperor Penguin - Aptenodytes forsteri - 134 days for incubating male emperor penguins. The Emperor Penguin - Aptenodytes forsteri - is the tallest and heaviest penguin and is endemic to Antarctica. They breed in the coldest environment of any bird species. It has several unique adaptations for the harsh cold conditions, deep dive pres... more
A report released by BirdLife Australia (BirdLife Partner) and the Department of Environment and Conservation shows that the numbers of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos decreased in the Perth Region in the last year by 37%. Habitat clearance and fragmentation is the biggest threat to this cockatoo. Carnaby's Black Cockatoo - Calyptorhynchus... more
The Ethiopian Bushcrow - Zavattariornis stresemanni - also known as Stresemann's Bushcrow, has a restricted range, being confined to thorn acacia country in southern Ethiopia. It can be curiously absent from apparently suitable country near these areas. The reasons for this have not been apparent. A new study shows the globally threatened... more
The most talkative bird - an African Grey Parrot – Psittacus erithacus - a vocabulary of 800+ words. An African Grey, N’kisi, who in 2004 was said to have a vocabulary of over 950 words and was noted for creative use of language. The African Grey Parrot - Psittacus erithacus – is found in the primary and secondary rainforests o... more
There are only two species of bird that use sound to convey to man the unique message: "follow me and I'll lead you to a bees' nest". The birds are called honeyguides in English and Indicator in Latin. They are Black-throated Honeyguide - Indicator indicator – and the Pallid Honeyguide - Indicator meliphilus. They mimics t... more
The Marsh Warbler - Acrocephalus palustris – is the world’s greatest mimic with 84 recorded songs. The Marsh Warbler breeds in the middle latitudes of Europe and western Asia. They winter in south-east Africa, from the Western Cape, north to Zambia and Malawi. ... more
Comoros has 14 endemic bird species, a total of 146 bird species, 6 introduced species and 9 globally threatened species. Species endemic to the Comoros: - Comoro Blue Pigeon - Alectroenas sganzini Comoro Olive Pigeon - Columba pollenii Anjouan Scops Owl - Otus capnodes Moheli Scops Owl - Otus moheliensis Grand Co... more
Borneo has 33 endemic bird species and a total of 580 bird species. Species endemic to BorneoMountain Sepent Eagle White-fronted falconet Bulwers Pheasant Bornean Bristlehead Dulit Partridge Red-breasted Partridge Crimson-headed Partridge Dulit Frogmouth Whitehead's Trogon Mountain Barbet Golden-naped Barbet Borneo Barbet... more
The Seychelles has 13 endemic species They are: - Seychelles Kestrel - Falco araea Seychelles Blue Pigeon - Alectroenas pulcherrima Seychelles Scops Owl - Otus insularis Seychelles Swiftlet - Aerodramus elaphrus Seychelles Bulbul - Hypsipetes crassirostris Seychelles Magpie-Robin - Copsychus sechellarum Aldabra Warbler... more
More than 2600 species live, temporarily or permanently in Africa. Of these, 1,800 species and a remarkable 20 bird families are found only in sub-Saharan Africa. Must visit for International Birders. Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a customized tour for you or book on one of the following scheduled Aves Birding Tours/... more
Southern Africa has 98 endemic, 62 near endemic and 5 breeding endemic bird species. A must visit destination for International Birders. The term “endemic” refers to any species found only within a defined geographical area. To see these endemic birds as Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a customized tour for you or boo... more
The Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus roseus - is the most widespread flamingo. It is found in Africa, Southern Asia and Southern Europe. The preferred habitat is mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons. It is the state bird of Gujarat, India. Description This is the largest species of flamingo. Most of the plumage is pinkish-white, but the wi... more
The “Kopački Rit”, Croatia, Danube’s most valuable and best preserved floodplain system along the Croatian – Serbian border is threatened with destruction. The Natural Park “Kopački Rit”, is recognised as a Ramsar site for being a major natural floodplain of International Importance and is the core zone of the Transboun... more
The resurgence on Orkney of the Hen Harrier, a red-listed species of high conservation concern, follows a period of steep decline on the islands, particularly between 1980 and the late 1990s. The breeding population has reached a 20-year high of 100 breeding females producing over 100 chicks. A study to determine the cause of decline, funded ... more
Many of the UK resident birds are gearing up for the breeding season but some birds, despite the snow and ice in February, are ahead of the game. Crossbills - three large chicks, 21st February. Collared Dove - one chick on 6th February. Egyptian Goose - goslings on 13th February. Tawny Owls - had fledged young by the end of February. Robin... more
The Endangered Wildlife Trust [EWT]Healthy Rivers Project aims to proactively address the need to conserve threatened freshwater aquatic species and ecosystems in southern Africa to the benefit of all people. The EWT has been working on the fringes of water conservation for many years, focusing on wetland conservation and restoration, ... more
According to research, just published in Ibis [the International Journal of Avian Science] by University of Birmingham, vultures are colliding with wind turbines because they cannot see the way ahead. Vultures are at the top of the food chain and so their presence provides a good indication of a healthy environment. Thanks to strenuous conser... more
The Common Quail - Coturnix coturnix – reaches breeding maturity between 5 to 8 weeks. The Common Quail - Coturnix coturnix - is a widespread terrestrial species found in Europe, central Asia, China, and Africa. It is a migratory bird which is difficult to see, keeping hidden in crops, and reluctant to fly, preferring to creep away inst... more
14/03/2012 Hooded Merganser – Lophodytes cucullatus – Oostzaan – Het Twiske – DeBlokken [NH] Black Grouse – Lyrurus tetrix – Sallandse Heuvelrug – Haarlerberg [OV] Common Crane –Grus grus – Nederweert {Gemeente} [LI] Cetti’s Warbler – Cettia cetti – Reeuwijksche Plassen – Surfplas... more
After decades of conservation efforts for this endemic species, the population continues to decline. During the 2011 breeding season a total of only 2848 breeding pairs was recorded for the season. This is a drop from the previous years of 2900 breeding pairs. The Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres - is Endemic to Southern Africa and ... more
The Ivory Gull is the most northerly nesting bird. The Ivory GullPagophila eburnean- is a small gull and the species survives year-round in the High Arctic where it breeds in small, often inland, colonies scattered across barren regions. It rarely is found away from pack ice. Description The adult has completely white plumage, lacking the gr... more
The African Fish-Eagle – Haliaeetus vocifer- bird of the year for 2012, shows a roughly stable picture between SABAP1 and SABAP2. In the Western Cape the conservation status of the African Fish-Eagle is now a little bit better than it was two decades ago. The African Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus vocifer- is a large species of eagle that is foun... more
The Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus roseus – has the largest and fleshiest tongue. The Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus roseus - is the most widespread flamingo. It is found in Africa, Southern Asia and Southern Europe. The preferred habitat is mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons. It is the state bird of Gujarat, India. Description Th... more
The White Stork - Ciconia ciconia – is a long-distance migrant, wintering in Africa, or India. When migrating between Europe and Africa, it avoids crossing the Mediterranean Sea and detours via Israel in the east or the Strait of Gibraltar in the west, because the air thermals do not form over water. Description It is a large bird, with ... more
The Wrynecks at two-thirds of its body length excluding the tail. The Wrynecks - genusJynx - are a small but distinctive group of small Old World Woodpeckers. There are two species – Eurasian Wryneck - Jynx torquilla and Red-throated Wryneck - Jynx ruficollis Description Wrynecks have large heads, long tongues which they use to extract t... more
The annual results of the British Trust for Ornithology Garden BirdWatch survey have just been published, revealing nearly five times as many gardens with Goldfinch, but half the number of gardens with Song Thrush. How things have changed in 16 years! Goldfinches rocketed from number 20 in the garden bird 'league table' to number 10. The ... more
The smallest flightless bird is the Inaccessible Island Rail with an average weight of 30 g and a length of 17 cm. The Inaccessible Island Rail - Atlantisia rogersi - is endemic to Inaccessible Island, an island in the Tristan Archipelago of the South Atlantic Ocean. This rail is found throughout the Island but prefers areas where ve... more
Cape Town, 9 March 2012. The status of the world’s seabirds has deteriorated rapidly over recent decades and several species and many populations are now perilously close to extinction. These are the findings of a major new review published this week in the scientific journal Bird Conservation International. The review—based on BirdLife... more
Black Grouse were once widespread across the UK but have suffered steady declines and range contractions over the past 40 years, with populations falling from an estimated 25,000 displaying males in 1970 to just over 5,000 in 2005. Surveys across Black Grouse strongholds of Dumfries and Galloway, Deeside and Speyside revealed a rise in num... more
The tallest extinct bird – The Giant Moa - Dinornis giganteus - 3.7 meters or 12 foot. The Moa were eleven species of flightless birds endemic to New Zealand.... more
The largest extinct bird - Dromornis stirtoni was three metres or 10 feet tall and weighed half a ton or 500 kilos. It inhabited subtropical open woodlands in Australia. Dromornis are part of a family of giant birds called Dromornithidae that lived from 15 million years ago until less than 30,000 years ago. ... more
05/03/2012 Eastern Cape American Golden Plover – Pluvialis dominica – Port Elizabeth. Common Cuckoo – Cuculus canorus – East London. KZN African Crake – Crecopsis egregia – Empangeni. European Honey Buzzard – Pernis apivorus – Empangeni. Lesser Moorhen – Gallinula angulata – Empangeni. Greater Frigatebird – Fregata ... more
The research showed that the status of Australian birds was declining faster than elsewhere in the world. According to Dr Judit Szabo the main reason is a rapid decline in migratory shorebirds coming to Australia from Asia and ongoing threats to oceanic seabirds. Other causes of decline in Australian birds have been invasive species, like r... more
Paul Winter will receive the John James Audubon Center Award for Art Inspiring Conservation (AIC), just prior to a special public concert by the Paul Winter Consort, on Saturday, April 21. His newest project, Flyways, is a musical celebration of the great bird migration from Africa through the Middle East to Eurasia interweaving the voices o... more
Five of the six species of vultures of Africa are no longer seen in Nigeria. The hooded Vulture can still be found in parts of the country, but there is a marked decline in numbers. The only Vultures seen during a recent survey were Vultures being sold in markets. Live Vultures sell for 20,000 Naira, while a dead one goes for 7,000 Naira in... more
Europe’s largest wildlife conservation charity RSPB - BirdLife in the UK - and one of the globe’s biggest retailers –Tesco - have teamed up to increase awareness of the deforestation crisis and raise essential funds to support on-the ground conservation work to tackle the problem. The ground-breaking partnership is called ‘Together F... more
The Knysna Turaco - Tauraco corythaix – is an endemic resident in South Africa. It is found in the mature evergreen forests of southern and eastern South Africa. These birds are one of the most effective seed spreaders in our evergreen forests. Description Within its range, this is an unmistakable bird, although often inconspicuous in the... more
Matthew Gonshaw, a serial egg collector, of Bow, London, has become the first person in England to receive an Anti-Social Behaviour Order [ASBO] for crimes against nature. He is not allowed to visit Scotland or any of the RSPB and Wildlife Trust Lands for the next ten years. He could receive a £20,000 fine and a five-year jail term for... more
The Dakatcha Woodland in Kenya is home to several globally threatened bird species. This beautiful forest would have been destroyed if proposals for a plantation of the biofuel crop Jatropha were given the green light. After a long battle the Kenyan government has formally recognised the environmental damage that would be caused by thi... more
01/03/2012 Gauteng European Honey Buzzard – Pernis apivorus – River Club, Johannesburg. KZN Red-headed Weavers – Anaplectes melanotis – Phinda Private Game Reserve. Pink-backed Pelican – Pelecanus rufescens – Pietermaritzburg. Cuckoo Finch – Anomalospiza imberbis – Midmar Dam. White-throated Canary – Crithagra ... more
02/03/2012 Gyr Falcon – Falco rusticolus – Westdorpe [ZL] Common Crane – Grus grus – Huissen – Slingerbos e.o. [GE] Crested Lark – Galerida cristata – Venlo-Tradeport-West [LI] Cetti’s Warbler – Cettia cetti – Brabantse Biesbosch – Gat van Lijnoorden/Boomgat [NB] Lesser White-fronted Goose – Anser erythropus ... more
The Ostrich – Struthio camelus – is the world’s heaviest flightless bird. They usually weigh from 63 to 130 kilograms or between 140 to 290 lbs, with exceptional male Ostriches weighing up to 156.8 kilograms or 346 lbs. Description Adult males are mostly black, with white primaries and a white tail. Females and young males are gra... more
The Rhinoceros Auklet - Cerorhinca monocerata - is a seabird of the north pacific and a close relative of Puffins. The nest burrows normally range in length between 1 to 5 metres.... more
The Lammergeier or Bearded Vulture - Gypaetus barbatus – has a specialized diet of nutritious bone marrow, which makes up 90% of its diet. They can swallow whole bones up to the size of a lamb's femur and its powerful digestive system quickly dissolves even large pieces. The Lammergeier has learned to crack bones too large to be swallowed b... more
The Sharp-beaked Ground Finch - Geospiza difficilis – also known as the Vampire Finch is endemic to the Galapagos Islands. They have the habit of feeding on blood of large birds, notably Masked Boobies. They peck the skin of the Booby with their very sharp beaks until they draw blood. Curiously their feeding does not appear to harm the Boobie... more
Swifts have the shortest legs. They have four small pointing toes which enable them to cling to vertical surfaces. They are unable to perch on twigs or wires. Swifts are of the family, Apodidae, and are highly aerial birds. They occur on all the continents, though not in the far north or large deserts, and on many oceanic islands. Swifts of ... more
The Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus - is a small eagle but a medium bird of prey. South African Booted Eagles avoid woodland and hunt mostly over low scrub or agricultural crops such as wheat or even vineyards. Migration South Africa has two different populations, each with a different migratory pattern. The one breeds in Eurasia then ... more
The Cape Rock Thrush - Monticola rupestris - is endemic to Southern Africa. The distribution coincides with the mountainous regions of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. The preferred habitat is cliffs, rocky valleys, boulder-strewn hillsides with scattered trees, bushes and succulents. Description The male has a blue-grey head, orange... more
The Amur Falcon - Falco amurensis - is a small raptor that winters in Southern Africa and breeds in south eastern Siberia and Northern China. In its winter range, this species inhabits moist grasslands and open areas in woodland. In Southern Africa, it occurs in large flocks. Description Males are dark sooty brown with a chestnut vent. The... more
This adult female Amur Falcon - Falco amurensis - which I fitted with a 5 g satellite tag (No. 95778) in Newcastle (South Africa) in January 2010 has returned to the colony where it was trapped a few days ago after a long stay in the Kruger NP in January. We have several very good fixes (LC:2 and 3) for Newcastle. It can therefore be no do... more
The Zino's Petrel - Pterodroma Madeira – is endemic to the island of Madeira. It is Europe's most endangered seabird, restricted to a few ledges high in the central mountains of Madeira. Zino's Petrel nests in burrows which are visited only at night, to the accompaniment of their haunting calls. The single white egg is incubated by both ... more
Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE) the BirdLife International Affiliate for Egypt is aware of the problems with hunting management in Egypt, particularly bird hunting. They are actively lobbying and advocating about this issue. Read about it – Visit - http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/636586 ... more
In SABAP 1 published in 1997, Andre Boshoff wrote: "Although numbers have decreased locally in many areas, often dramatically, the Martial Eagle is still widespread in southern Africa ... The conservation status provides cause for concern ... The main causes [of the decrease] are direct persecution (shooting and trapping) by small-stock... more
Watch this video, it shows the illegal killing of protected and critical endangered birds of prey, storks and waterbirds by a group of Maltese hunters. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34GPawd-HuO ... more
The oldest Golden Eagle - Aquila chrysaetos – was over 32 years and 9 months. It was found dead in Sweden 32 years 9 months after having been ringed. The Golden Eagle was once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many of the more heavily populated areas. They are still found in Eurasia, North America and North Africa.... more
The Cape Parrot - Poicephalus robustus – is endemic to South Africa. These parrots have a very restricted distributional range. It occurs in Afromontane forests at moderate altitudes in eastern South Africa from the coastal escarpment near sea-level to the midlands at around 1000m. These forests occur as a series of small patches around t... more
The oldest House Sparrow - Passer domesticus – was older than 19 years 9 months. It was found dead in Denmark. The House Sparrow is a chunky bird, with a large rounded head, a short tail, and a stout bill. Females are usually smaller than males. They are mostly different shades of grey and brown. Females and juveniles are mostly buff and ... more
The oldest White Stork - Ciconia ciconia – was 39 years old, found dead in Switzerland. The White Stork is a large bird, with long legs, a long neck, and a long, straight, pointed beak. The sexes are identical in appearance, except that males are larger than females. The plumage is mainly white with black flight feathers and wing cov... more
The oldest recordedPink-footed Goose - Anser brachyrhynchus – was 40 years 11 months. They breed in eastern Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard and winter in northwest Europe, Britain, Netherlands and Denmark. It is a medium-sized goose, with a short bill, bright pink in the middle with a black base and tip, and pink feet. The body is mid g... more
The oldest Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea – was 37 years 6 months found dead in Denmark. They are found throughout temperate Europe, Asia and most of Africa. It has become common in summer even inside the Arctic Circle and along the Norwegian coast. It is a large bird, which is largely grey above, and off-white below. Adults have a white hea... more
The oldest the oldest Manx Shearwater - Puffinus puffinus - recorded in Britain/Ireland – more than 50 years 11 months. The Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) is a medium-sized shearwater and the commonest shearwater in the north Atlantic and North Sea. They are long-lived. A Manx Shearwater was as of 2003/2004 the oldest known liv... more
According to the latest Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) report — compiled by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) on behalf of RSPB, JNCC and in association with WWT —around 12.5 million waterbirds spend the winter months in the UK. Some of the birds that come to the UK's wetlands for a winter holiday have been doing so... more
It is estimated that 100,000 pairs of Swifts will return from Africa to Britain and they will need somewhere to breed. Many will make their way back to the same nest that they have used for several years. Some the old nest will no longer be available as we repair and replace roofs and as a result block the holes, nooks and crannies that provi... more
The Emperor Penguin at 540 metre or 1,772 feet. The Emperor Penguin - Aptenodytes forsteri - is the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species and is endemic to Antarctica. They have a lifespan of 20 years in the wild. Description It has a streamlined body to minimise drag while swimming, and wings that have become stiff,... more
The Dromornis stirtoni of Australia. Dromornis stirtoni was three metres or 10 feet tall and weighed half a ton or 500 kilograms. It inhabited subtropical open woodlands in Australia. Dromornis are part of a family of giant birds called Dromornithidae that lived from 15 million years ago until less than 30,000 years ago.... more
The smallest soaring birds are Swifts. The swifts are a family, Apodidae, and are highly aerial birds. Swifts occur on all the continents, though not in the far north or large deserts, and on many oceanic islands. Swifts of temperate regions are strongly migratory and winter in the tropics. In a single year the common swift can cover at leas... more
The African Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus vocifer- is a large species of eagle that is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They are found wherever large bodies of open water occur that have an abundant food supply. The African Fish Eagle is usually seen in pairs and they evenly share the kills. It is the national bird of Zambia and Zimbabwe. De... more
World Wetlands Day marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and made an encouraging beginning. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizatio... more
The Common Crane - Grus grus - are thought to have gone extinct as a breeding bird in the UK around 400 years ago. In 1979, three of these migrant birds spent the winter in the Norfolk Broads in the east of the UK. These three pioneering cranes liked what they found and stayed put, and the population slowly but steadily grew through immigra... more
The Greater Roadrunner – at 26 mph or 42km/h. The Greater Roadrunner - Geococcyx californianus - is a long-legged bird in the cuckoo family. It is found in south western United States and northern Mexico. They are found in open arid and semiarid country with scattered brush. It is the state bird of New Mexico. Description Adults have a ... more
The Ostrich lays the largest egg of any living bird in the world. The Ostrich - Struthio camelus- is the world's tallest and heaviest bird. They are flightless birds, found in savanna and arid regions of Africa. Ostriches are strong runners and can sprint at speeds up to 43 miles (70 kilometers) an hour. Ostriches begin breeding at the age ... more
Eastern Cape 02/02/2012 Amur Falcon - Falco amurensis – at Oyster Bay Lesser Black-backed Gull – Larus fuscus – at Orient Beach, East London. KZN Province 02/02/2012 Harlequin Quail – Coturnix delegorguei - at Umzumbe. Black Heron – Egretta caerulea – at Umgeni River. Limpopo Province 02/02/2012 Senegal Coucal ... more
03/02/2012 Rough-legged Buzzard – Buteo lagopus – Zuidlaardermeer- Omnerpolder [GR] 02/02/2012 Gyr Falcon – Falco rusticolus – Westdorpe – Autrichepolder [ZL] Hume’s Leaf Warbler – Phylloscopus Humei –Katwijk aan Zee [ZH] Barrow’s Goldeneye – Bucephala islandica – Valkenburgse Meer [ZH] Great White Pelica... more
Researchers at Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama, who have been conducting a two year study focusing on the diets of Tiger Sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, have made a surprising discovery. Not only are the sharks feeding on fish and other marine organisms, they are also feeding on land-based birds, such as woodpeckers, tanagers, mead... more
The Ostrich – an eye diameter of 5cm or 2in. The Ostrich - Struthio camelus- is the world's tallest and heaviest bird. They are flightless birds, found in savanna and arid regions of Africa. Ostriches are strong runners and can sprint at speeds up to 43 miles (70 kilometers) an hour. Ostriches begin breeding at the age of 4 and their lifes... more
Grant Michael Teahan a farmer from Dannevirk, North Island, New Zealand was fined $20,000-00 NZ after a judge found him guilty of two counts of ill-treating animals. Ornithologists believed a previously undiscovered species of hawk had emerged when red-winged birds of prey were spotted around the North Island town of Dannevirk. In fact... more
The Northern Jacana has the longest toes relative to body length at 10cm or 4 in. The Northern Jacana - Jacana spinosa - is a Mexican and Central American species. Eight species of Jaçana are known from six genera. Jacanas are a group of wetland birds, which are identifiable by their huge feet, which enable them to walk on floating veget... more
Researchers from the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC) have found that the Wandering Albatross has benefited from climate change. Climate change is causing wind patterns to change in the Southern Ocean and as a result the higher wind speeds enable the Wandering Albatross of the Crozet Islands to travel more rapidly in search of f... more
Cave Swiftlets and Oilbirds. Swiftlets form the Collocaliini tribe within the swift family Apodidae. The group contains around thirty species mostly confined to southern Asia, south Pacific islands, and northeastern Australia. What distinguishes Cave Swiftlets - Collocalia linchi - is their ability to use a simple but effective form of echol... more
The Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus – is the bird that has the longest legs. It is a widely distributed very long-legged wader. In southern Africa it is common across much of the region. It generally prefers inland and coastal wetlands, such as commercial salt pans, flooded fields, flood plains, papyrus swamps and sewage works. ... more
The Cape Robin-Chat - Cossypha caffra - is a resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa. It is a common species at forest edges and in scrub, fynbos, Karoo, plantations, gardens and parks. Description The adult’s upper-parts are grey, and the face sides in front of and behind the eye are blackish, separated from the crown by a white ... more
Wrynecks have the longest tongue. It is two-thirds of its body length excluding the tail. The Wrynecks - genus Jynx - are a small but distinctive group of small Old World Woodpeckers. They have large heads, long tongues which they use to extract their insect prey and have two toes pointing forward, and two backwards. Zygodactyl feet. Their die... more
The Bee Hummingbird - Mellisuga helenae - is the smallest living bird at 5.7 cm or 2.24 in and 1.6 g or 0.056 oz. As the smallest bird, it is no larger than a big insect and as its name suggests, is scarcely larger than a Bee. Only the Etruscan shrew and the bumblebee bat compete with this species in size. Description The male has the green ... more
European researchers have found that butterflies and birds are no longer able to keep up with climate change. According to the findings, birds are more than 200 kilometres behind the shifting climate zone, with butterflies 135 kilometres behind. The research — in which Dutch Butterfly Conservation (De Vlinderstichting), SOVON ... more
Free State Province 26/01/2012 Black Tern – Chlidonias niger at Loch Athlone, Bethlehem. KZN Province 26/01/2012 Rufous-bellied Heron – Ardeola rufiventris at St. Lucia Estuary. Limpopo Province 26/01/2012 Red-tailed Tropicbird – Phaethon rubricauda at Rankin's Pass. Mpumalanga Province 26/01/20... more
27/01/2012 Bufflehead – Bucephala albeola at Barendrecht – Gaatkensplas [ZH] Corn Bunting - Emberiza calandra at Strijbeek – Strijbeeksche Heide [NB] Cetti’s Warbler – Cettia cetti at Huizen – Parkie achter Newport [NH] Glaucous Gull – Larus hyperboreus at Katwijk aan Zee – Binnenwatering [ZH] Iceland Gull – Laru... more
The Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus - is a widespread bird of prey and can be found nearly everywhere on Earth. The male and female have similar markings, with the female much larger than the male. The back and the long pointed wings of the adult are usually bluish black to slate grey and the underparts are barred white. The bill is black... more
The Andean Condor - Vultur gryphus - is found in the Andes Mountains, South America. Condors are vultures and the Andean Condor is mostly black, but males have a distinctive white "collar" around their necks and some white markings on their wings as well. The head and neck are a dull red color, which may change color in resp... more
Large numbers of waders winter in Myanmar's Gulf of Martaban and local hunters set nets to catch the waders for food. About half the population of the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper winter here and it is thought that this trapping is the most likely cause of the rapid recent declines of this species. BirdLife Myanmar with the s... more
The Great Bustard or The Kori Bustard. The Great Bustard - Otis tarda - is the heaviest flying bird in Europe with the heaviest verified specimen - 21 kg or 46lbs. The adult male is brown above and white below, with a long grey neck and head. The breast and lower neck sides are chestnut. In the breeding season, the male has long white n... more
The Wandering Albatross - Diomedea exulans, is the bird with the greatest wingspan of any living bird, averaging from 2.51 to 3.50 m or 8.2 to 11.5 ft. The longest-winged examples verified have been in the region of 3.7 m or 12 ft. They can live for over 50 years. Wandering Albatrosses spend most of their life in flight, lan... more
The Red-billed Quelea - Quelea quelea - is the world's most abundant bird species at up to 10 billion. It is found in most of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding the tropical rainforests. Their life expectancy is two to three years. Description During breeding the male is distinguished by its more colorful plumage and red bill. Breeding pl... more
The Southern Carmine Bee-eater - Merops nubicoides - occurs across sub-equatorial Africa and breeds in colonies on river banks. The Southern Carmine Bee-eaters of the Caprivi and South Western Zambia are under threat. From mid to end August the birds start breeding on the banks of the Zambezi in the Caprivi and South Western Zambia. Thes... more
The Rüppell's Vulture - Gyps rueppellii - has been recorded at a height of 11,274 metres, or 7 miles. The birds have a special protein in their blood that causes it to be extremely efficient at transferring oxygen to their muscles. It is a large vulture that occurs throughout the Sahel region of central Africa. They are found in the more ar... more
The Common Swift -Apus apus – is the most aerial of land birds, not landing in 3 years. Common Swifts are migratory and in midsummer they are found in the UK and northern Europe, while they winter much further south in Southern Africa. These Swifts have been known to live for as long as 21 years. It can survive bad weather by entering what... more
The Ostrich - Struthio camelus- is the world's tallest and heaviest bird. They are flightless birds, found in savanna and arid regions of Africa. Ostriches are strong runners and can sprint at speeds up to 43 miles (70 kilometers) an hour. Ostriches begin breeding at the age of 4 and their lifespan is between 30 to 70 years. Description Ad... more
The Barn Owl – Tyto alba – has the keenest sense of hearing. This is the most widely distributed owl and one of the most widespread of all birds. It is a medium sized owl, with pale/whitish underparts, pale brown patches in upperparts and a white shaped facial disc. Barn Owls can catch and eat up to 1,000 mice each year. Great ne... more
The Sooty Tern - Onychoprion fuscatus - is a large tern of the tropical oceans. The wings and deeply forked tail are long, and it has dark black upperparts and white underparts. It has black legs and bill. The average life span of this tern is 32 years. The Sooty Tern spends 3 to 10 years without landing.... more
The Bar-throated Apalis – Apalis thoracica - inhabits forest and scrub from South Africa to Kenya. It is common across much of Zimbabwe, central Mozambique, south-eastern Botswana and South Africa, preferring evergreen forest, valley bushveld, woodland along drainage lines in the Karoo and scrub around sand dunes. Description The upperp... more
The Welsh Records Panel has confirmed a total of 136 rare sightings which include two species never previously recorded here. The previous high was 109 birds in 2008. The two are Iberian Chiffchaff and Marmora’s Warbler. Iberian Chiffchaff The Iberian Chiffchaff – Phylloscopus ibericus - is brighter, greener on the rump, and y... more
17/01/2012 Eastern Cape Wedge-tailed Shearwater – Puffinus pacificus – Bird Island, Port Elizabeth. Grey-headed Kingfisher – Halcyon leucocephala – On road between Stutterheim and Komga. Gauteng African Skimmer –Rynchops flavirostris - De Pan, Carltonville. Terek Sandpiper –Xenus cinereus - De Pa... more
The Western Meadowlark - Sturnella neglecta - are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States. The habitat is grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields, all of which may be found from across western a... more
The American Robin - Turdus migratorius - is widely distributed throughout North America. This bird is considered a symbol of spring. These Robins occasionally overwinter in the northern part of the United States and southern Canada. Most however migrate to winter south of Canada from Florida, the Gulf Coast to central Mexico and the Wes... more
Rare bird sightings - California 15/01/2012 The Falcated Duck - Anas falcate – Salton Sea, California The Eurasian Wigeon - Anas penelope - Salton Sea, California. ... more
The Swee Waxbill - Estrilda melanotis – is a Southern African Endemic. It is a common and tame bird typically seen in small parties, and does not form large flocks. It generally prefers edges of montane and coastal forest, wooded valleys in fynbos, bushy hillsides, grassy clearings in woodland, plantations and gardens. Description It has ... more
Rare Bird Sightings Texas – USA 05/01/2012 Rose-throated Becard -Pachyramphus aglaiae – Estero Llano Grande SP 10/01/2012 Lewis's Woodpecker - Melanerpes lewis - Rodeo grounds in Junction. 11/01/2012 Nutting's Flycatcher - Myiarchus nuttingi – Santa Elena Canyon. 12/01/2012 Dusky-capped Flycatcher - Myiarchus tuberculifer - ... more
13/01/2012 Gyr Falcon – Falco rusticolus – Nieuw Beijerland [ZH] Hume’s Leaf Warbler – Phylloscopus humei – Nederhorst den Berg – Spiegel – en Blijkpolderplas [NH] White-headed Duck – Oxyura leucocephala – Reeuwijksche Plassen – Surfplas/Plas Broekvelden [ZH] Ross’s Gull – Rhodostethia rosea – Buff... more
The Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis - is found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps. Description The male is slightly larger than the female. The male is a brilliant crimson red with a black face mask over the... more
Eastern Cape Province African Crake - Crex egregia – Gamtoos River Mouth. Gauteng Province Baillon’s Crake -Porzana pusilla - Marievale Bird Sanctuary. European Honey Buzzard – Pernis apivorus - Irene. Pale–crowned Cisticola - Cisticola cinnemoneus - Marievale Bird Sanctuary. KZN Province Short-tailed Pipit - Anthus brachyu... more
The new Helm-published field guide, Birds of Senegal and The Gambia by Nik Borrow & Ron Demey is a professional, modern publication with an excellent design and layout that will inevitably make it the new 'essential' for any birdwatcher planning a visit to the region. ... more
The American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis - also known as the Eastern Goldfinch and Wild Canary, is migratory, ranging from Canada to Mexico. This bird prefers open country where weeds thrive as well as open deciduous and riparian woodlands. Description The American Goldfinch is a small finch. The male is a vibrant yellow in the summer a... more
To see the Spanish Sparrow in the UK is very exciting and it is generating a lot of interest. It has been 12 years since the last sighting and only the 8th sighting ever recorded. This new sighting was first seen in December 2011 in Calshot, Hampshire. The discovery has caused a huge stir among birdwatchers and as many as 2,000 are expecte... more
Over an 11-month study period during 2009 and 2010, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean’s, [EPIC’s] partners Katharine and David Lowrie, sailed 3,162 nautical miles, surveying by land and/or sea 200 islands capable of supporting seabirds, with each island surveyed in the winter breeding season and again during the summer. Visiting ... more
The Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis - is found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps. Description The male is slightly larger than the female. The male is a brilliant crimson red with a black face mask over the... more
The Hermit Thrush -Catharus guttatus - is a medium-sized thrush in North America. They live in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from boreal forests of the far north to deciduous woods and mountain forests and often occupy lower-elevation forests with dense understory and berry bushes. It is the state bird of Vermont. Description The Hermit... more
The California Gull Larus californicus is a medium-sized gull and is the state bird of Utah. The habitat is lakes and marshes in the interior of western North America. They are migratory, most moving to the Pacific coast in winter. It is only then that this bird is regularly found in western California. Description The California Gull ha... more
According to Rina Pretorius, Migrating Kestrel Coordinator. “Thousands of Amur Falcons are currently at the Newcastle roost”. “The Amur Falcons fitted with Satellite transmitters during Jan 2010, in Newcastle. One of the Adult Females is in the Kruger National Park. This female successfully crossed the Indian Ocean for the... more
The Northern Mockingbird -Mimus polyglottos - is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. The bird is the state bird of Mississippi. Mockingbirds have a strong preference for certain trees such as maple, sweetgum and sycamore. De... more
The African Paradise Flycatcher - Terpsiphone viridis - is a common resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It occurs across sub-Saharan Africa, absent only from very arid areas. In southern Africa, it is common from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana to large areas of South Africa. This species is usually found in open fore... more
The Northern Mockingbird -Mimus polyglottos - is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. The bird is the state bird of Mississippi. Mockingbirds have a strong preference for certain trees such as maple, sweetgum and sycamore. De... more
TheRing-necked Pheasant - Phasianus colchicus - is native to Georgia and has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In most parts of the world it can be considered semi-domesticated. It is the state bird of South Dakota. Description The adult male has a red bare face, iridescent green head with lighter tufts above and behind eyes... more
The Agriculture Department [USDA] admitted on Thursday that it did have a hand in the recent mass killing of starlings. The birds were poisoned in Nebraska to help farmers who had complained about starling flocks defecating into livestock feed troughs. The birds dropped dead en masse after migrating north. The USDA's Wildlife Services Progr... more
The BTO are running a survey in an attempt to find out how common are plumage aberrations, which species are affected, which aberrations are commonest, and if these aberrations are commoner in some areas than in others. Survey forms at: - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/plumagesurvey... more
The Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus - is a common species of wren, resident in the eastern half of the US, the extreme southern Ontario and Northeast Mexico. These birds are generally permanent residents throughout their range and defend territory year round. Description It is second largest Wren in North America. The upperparts ... more
The Seychelles Warbler - Acrocephalus schellensis - has come a long way from the days it neared extinction in the 1960s. The total world population of 26 was found only on Cousin Island, Seychelles. Today this population numbers over 300 birds. From Cousin Island, BirdLife International and Nature Seychelles started new populations, in... more
The Pectoral Sandpiper, Calidris melanotos, is a small wader. It is a very long-distance migrant, breeding in the tundra. The American and most of the Asian bird’s winter in South America, but some Asian breeders winter in southern Australia and New Zealand. On migration and in winter, the Pectoral Sandpiper is typically found at fres... more
The Rhode Island Red – Gallus gallus domesticus - is a breed of chicken. Non-industrial strains of the Rhode Island Red are listed as recovering by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Three vital variations appeared to have had the largest impact around the Rhode Island Red: Asiatics, Game, and Mediterranean. The Rhode Island... more
The Ruffed Grouse - Bonasa umbellus - is a medium-sized grouse occurring in forests in the northern regions of North America. They are one of 18 species of grouse. It’s habitat is Aspen woodlands and early succession mixed deciduous forests, with small clearings. It is non-migratory. The Ruffed Grouse is the Pennsylvania State Bird. Desc... more
The Wedge-tailed Shearwater – Puffinus pacificus - which nests in the remote coastal dunes on the now-fenced Kaʻena Point at the northwestern tip of O’ahu, has produced the highest number of chicks since the annual survey began in 1994. “This is extraordinary news. It has been only eight months since the predator-proof fence was ... more
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and Golden Gate Audubon hailed the signing into law of new Standards for Bird Safe Buildings by San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee. The signing follows the unanimous approval of the bill by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors last month. The Standards will greatly reduce bird deaths and injuries resulting from c... more
The Western Meadowlark - Sturnella neglecta - are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States. The habitat is grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields, all of which may be found from across western and ... more
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata undulata is protected by the Tunisian law and several international conventions to which Tunisia is signatory. This did not prevent the near-extermination of the Tunisian population of Houbara Bustard by poaching of the emirs of the gulf states and which was authorised during more than 20 years by th... more
In an historic and collaborative effort to save the Critically Endangered species from extinction, 24 Nihoa Millerbirds were released on Laysan Island.Millerbirds have been absent from Laysan for nearly 100 years. The birds were captured on Nihoa, then transported for 3 days and then released on Laysen Island. All of the radio-tagge... more
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - Tyrannus forficatus - also known as the Texas bird-of-paradise and the swallow-tailed flycatcher is a long-tailed insectivorous bird. The scissor-tailed flycatcher is found in North and Central America. It is the state bird of Oklahoma. They form large pre-migratory roosts in late summer, with up to 1,000 bir... more
Cape Gannet The Cape Gannet - Morus capensis - originally Sula capensis, is a large seabird of the gannet family, Sulidae. Description They are easily identified by their large size, black and white plumage. The pale blue bill is pointed with fine serrations near the tip. They have a distinctive golden crown and nape, which gradually b... more
Since 2004, SAVE Brasil (BirdLife in Brazil) has been working to conserve the last remaining forests in the Sierra do Urubu in the municipality of Lagoa dos Gatos, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil. It is IBA BR074 and is home to a rich and unique biodiversity, including two of the world’s most threatened birds - Alagoas Foliage-gleaner... more
The Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis - is found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrub lands, and swamps. It is the Ohio State Bird. Description The male is slightly larger than the female. The male is a brilliant crimson red with a... more
The Western Meadowlark - Sturnella neglecta - are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States. The habitat is grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields, all of which may be found from across western and... more
The Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis - is found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps. Description The male is slightly larger than the female. The male is a brilliant crimson red with a black face mask over the ... more
The Haribon Foundation, with the support of the Disney’s Friends for Change has produced a 6-minute video aimed at children on deforestation and its impacts, and what Haribon is doing to tackle the problem and restore degraded forests as part of BirdLife’s Forests of Hope programme. For several years, Haribon has been implementing a con... more
La Digue Island is the stronghold of the Critically Endangered Seychelles Paradise-flycatcher - Terpsiphone corvine. According to “Le Seychelles Hebdo” a local newspaper, the owner and contractor of land on La Dique have been illegally felling and cropping of several native tree species used by the Seychelles Paradise-flycatcher. The S... more
The Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis, is a small thrush found in open woodlands, farmlands and orchards, and most recently can be spotted in suburban areas. It is the state bird of New York. They are found east of the Rockies, southern Canada to the Gulf States and southeastern Arizona to Nicaragua. Description The Eastern Bluebird is a smal... more
The Greater Roadrunner - Geococcyx californianus - is a long-legged bird in the Cuculidae family. This roadrunner is also known as the chaparral cock, ground cuckoo, and snake killer. The name roadrunner comes from the bird's habit of racing down roads in front of moving vehicles and then darting to safety in the brush. It is foun... more
The American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis - also known as the Eastern Goldfinch and Wild Canary, is migratory, ranging from Canada to Mexico. This bird prefers open country where weeds thrive as well as open deciduous and riparian woodlands. Description The American Goldfinch is a small finch. The male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and... more
The Purple Finch - Carpodacus purpureus – its habitat is coniferous and mixed forest. On the U.S. Pacific coast it is varies wooded areas. Birds from northern Canada migrate to the southern United States for the winter, while other birds are permanent residents. This is the state bird of New Hampshire. Description A rather chunky finch ... more
The Common Waxbill - Estrilda astrild - is native to sub Saharan Africa. It has been introduced to many parts of the world. Common Waxbills inhabit open country with long grass and rank vegetation. They are often found near water in marshes and among reeds... They can become tame and will enter gardens, parks and farmland. Description It is ... more
For the fifth year in succession, cattle ranchers and representatives of the conservation community in the Southern Cone of South America gathered to discuss the conservation of natural grasslands. The mood and the results of the meeting were extremely positive. Over 300 people attended, including old friends who met again to discuss the c... more
The 13 Spoon-billed Sandpipers - Eurynorhynchus pygmeus - from far eastern Russia have been moved out of quarantine into purpose-built quarters at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in Gloucestershire. These Spoon-billed Sandpipers will form the basis of a breeding population providing a safety net against extinction should the wild populatio... more
The Mountain Bluebird - Sialia currucoides – is migratory, from Mexico in the winter to as far north as Alaska. Northern birds migrate to the southern parts of the range. Southern birds are often permanent residents. Some birds may move to lower elevations in winter. They inhabit open rangelands, meadows, generally at elevations above 5,00... more
The BirdLife Africa Partnership is a network of 23 indigenous conservation NGOs working together for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across the African continent. During the past twenty years, the BirdLife Africa Partnership has carried out scientific research, developed strategic conservation plans, advocated for their... more
What our Client's say. Thanks very much for the great days birding at Strandfontein, Rondevlei and Kirstenbosch. It really was very good to meet you, and you have managed to teach me so much about birding - some of it may have actually stuck! I've passed on your contact details and web page to Karen O'Dwyer from Back Track Travel in Austra... more
The Western Meadowlark - Sturnella neglecta - are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States. The habitat is grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields, all of which may be found from across western a... more
Maltese customs confiscated five protected birds from three Maltese individuals arriving on a flight from Scotland. The protected birds were two Common Buzzards, two Oystercatchers and a Shelduck. They were found hidden inside the carcasses of legal game species. All three species are protected under UK, Maltese and EU law. The thre... more
The Western Meadowlark - Sturnella neglecta - are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States. The habitat is grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields, all of which may be found from across western a... more
The last two months have brought some good news, most of more than 400 birds – mostly Little Penguins and endangered New Zealand Dotterels – had been released back into the wild. The bird’s home beaches have been cleared of lingering oil pollution. The New Zealand Dotterel, Red-breasted Plover, or New Zealand Plover - Charadrius obscuru... more
The Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis, is a small thrush found in open woodlands, farmlands and orchards, and most recently can be spotted in suburban areas. It is the state bird of Missouri. They are found east of the Rockies, southern Canada to the Gulf States and southeastern Arizona to Nicaragua. Description The Eastern Bluebird is a sm... more
Saving the Endangered Endemic Henderson Petrel - Pterodroma atrata Henderson Island, one of the UK’s most remote territories and a World Heritage Site, has been ravaged by Pacific Rats. The rats were significantly damaging the populations of bird species, rare plants, insects and snails all found nowhere else on earth. There were m... more
The Northern Mockingbird -Mimus polyglottos - is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. The bird is the state bird of Mississippi . Mockingbirds have a strong preference for certain trees such as maple, sweetgum and sycamore. D... more
The Great Northern Loon, Great Northern Diver, or Common Loon - Gavia immer - is a large member of the Loon, or diver family. The species is known as the Common Loon in North America and the Great Northern Diver in Eurasia; its current name is a compromise proposed by the International Ornithological Committee. They breed in Canada, parts of ... more
What our Client's have to say. Thanks very much for the great days birding at Strandfontein, Rondevlei and Kirstenbosch. It really was very good to meet you, and you have managed to teach me so much about birding - some of it may have actually stuck! I've passed on your contact details and web page to Karen O'Dwyer from Back Track Travel i... more
The breeding population of the Barn Owl - Tyto alba - increased from approximately 100 pairs thirty years ago to about 3000 pairs today. This fantastic achievement is largely due to the efforts of the Barn Owl Protection Foundation and themany volunteers in cooperation with farmers and citizens in the Netherlands. According to the mission o... more
The Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs - is widespread and very familiar throughout Europe. It is the most common finch in Western Europe, and the second most common bird in the Britain. Its range extends into western Asia, northwestern Africa. It was introduced from Britain into a number of its overseas territories in the 18th and 19th centuries... more
The American Robin - Turdus migratorius - is widely distributed throughout North America. This bird is considered a symbol of spring. These Robins occasionally overwinter in the northern part of the United States and southern Canada. Most however migrate to winter south of Canada from Florida, the Gulf Coast to central Mexico and the West... more
The Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus - is a small, North American bird in the tit family. It is the state bird of Massachusetts. The black-capped chickadee is found from coast to coast, from the northern half of the United States in the south, to James Bay, the southern edge of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, an... more
The White Collared Kingfisher - Todiramphus chloris kalbaensis – is a small kingfisher with a population of 55 pairs or less. These are almost entirely restricted to Khor Kalba in the UAE and two small sites in Oman. They live in the mangrove forests at these three sites. If the mangroves vanish so does this beautiful kingfisher which is co... more
The Hen Harrier - Circus cyaneus - or Northern Harrier – in North America. In the UK, the Hen Harrier suffers illegal persecution by gamekeepers and their employers on shooting estates, particularly those managed for Red Grouse shooting, resulting in local and regional extinction in many areas. In a 2011 joint survey of the English upland... more
The Baltimore Oriole - Icterus galbula – is Maryland's official state bird. Its preferred habitat is open woodland, forest edge, river banks, and small groves of trees. These birds have adapted well to human settlement and often feed and nest in parks, orchards, and backyards. Description Adults have a pointed bill and white bars on the... more
Birds Australia has been protecting Australia’s birds since 1901. A few years later, a splinter group, known as the Bird Observers Club of Australia (BOCA), was formed to cater for the needs of recreational bird watching rather than scientific ornithological study. In 2010 a merger of these organizations was re-examined and it became clear ... more
The Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus - is a small, North American bird in the tit family. It is the state bird of Maine. The black-capped chickadee is found from coast to coast, from the northern half of the United States in the south, to James Bay, the southern edge of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, and the souther... more
The Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis - is found along the ocean shores and on only a few inland lakes in the southwestern U.S. It is the only dark pelican, and also the only one that plunges from the air into the water to catch its food. Groups of Brown Pelicans often travel in single file, flying low over the water's surface. Descriptio... more
The UN climate change talks in Durban, South Africa took one step closer to a legally binding deal, agreeing to establish the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action to negotiate a new global agreement by 2015. This new global agreement would have legal force and require all countries, developed and developing [particularly fast-growing major emit... more
The EU Court of Auditors published a report damning costly failures to eliminate overfishing in Europe last Monday. The report found that the multi-billion euro European Fisheries Fund designed to balance fishing activities at sustainable levels is actually doing the reverse. Loopholes mean that fleet owners are receiving subsidies to incre... more
The Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis - is found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps. Description The male is slightly larger than the female. The male is a brilliant crimson red with a black face mask over the... more
The Western Meadowlark - Sturnella neglecta - are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States. The habitat is grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields, all of which may be found from across west... more
The American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis - is migratory, ranging from Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season and from just south of the Canadian border to Mexico during the winter. It is gregarious during the non-breeding season, when it is often found in large flocks. This bird prefers open country where weeds thrive. Descri... more
The Speckled Pigeon - Columba guinea - is a resident breeding bird in much of Sub Saharan Africa. It is a common and widespread species in open habitats over a good deal of its range. This bird occurs from Senegal to Ethiopia south to Tanzania, with a separate population in south-western Angola and southern Africa. The Speckled Pigeon is fr... more
The Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis - is found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps. Description The male is slightly larger than the female. The male is a brilliant crimson red with a black face mask over the... more
The Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis - is found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps. Description The male is slightly larger than the female. The male is a brilliant crimson red with a black face mask over the... more
For the last three years, Purple Sandpipers – Calidris maritime - have been colour-ringed at two different locations on Spitsbergen, an Arctic Ocean island north of Norway lying at a latitude of 78°N. The team is very interested in hearing from birders in the UK and other countries in Western Europe who might be lucky enough to come acros... more
The 6th Festival will take place from March 25th-April 1st 2012 Organized by the Israel Ornithological Center of the SPNI, the spring migration festival brings together birders from the world over for an unforgettable week during the peak of spring migration in southern Israel. Visitors are free to choose from several free guided daily tou... more
The Hula Valley International Bird Festival is part of 5 weeks of International Birding events in the Galilee. The Hula Valley Festival is a one week event that offers something for everyone - Birding tours, Photography seminars, a large scale scientific conference and much more. The Hula Valley, Northern Israel is one of the most important... more
The Mountain Bluebird - Sialia currucoides – is migratory, from Mexico in the winter to as far north as Alaska. Northern birds migrate to the southern parts of the range. Southern birds are often permanent residents. Some birds may move to lower elevations in winter. They inhabit open rangelands, meadows, generally at elevations above 5,000... more
Officials say the falcons were brought from Qatar by a member of its royal family without proper documentation. Members of Gulf royal families routinely bring in such falcons for hunting birds and other animals in Pakistan, with government sanction. Wildlife officials say that some of the birds they hunt are endangered. Among them is the E... more
Spanish King, Juan Carlos, presented the Fondena Award to SEO/ Birdlife. The Fondena Award is presented every two years for important nature conservation work in Spain. The award is endowed with 40 000 euros. ... more
The Red-faced Mousebird - Urocolius indicts - Occurs from southern Angola, Zambia and Malawi to southern Africa, where it is common in non-arid areas. It generally prefers Acacia savanna and thickets, gardens, woodland with nearby rivers, strandveld, gardens and orchards. This is a social bird outside the breeding season, feeding together in small ... more
KARACHI - At least 25 special permits have been issued to dignitaries belonging to the Arabian peninsula allowing them to hunt the internationally protected houbara bustard during the hunting season 2011-2012 Sources said almost half of the 25 permits — 12 to be precise — have been issued to men from the United Arab Emirates. Hunt... more
Goats and rats have been removed from two Fijian islands in a joint operation conducted by BirdLife International’s Fiji Programme and the National Trust of Fiji aimed at protecting unique wildlife on Monuriki and Kadomo. “This is a massive achievement which will provide benefits for the iguanas, birds, plants and people of these islands... more
The Nene - Branta sandvicensis - is a species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is the State of Hawaii. The Nene is only found in the wild on the islands of Hawaii, Maui and Kaua. The Nene is an inhabitant of shrubland, grasslands and coastal dunes. Description Adult males have a black head and hindneck, buff cheeks and heavily furrowe... more
The Brown Thrasher - Toxostoma rufum - is a bird in the Mimidae family, a group that also includes the New World catbirds and mockingbirds. Its breeding range includes the US and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a partial migrant, with northern birds wintering in the southern US, where it occurs throughout the year. It is found in ... more
Cogradulations to all at BirdLife. The 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) made a number of decisions that should lead to significant improvements in the conservation status of the world’s migratory birds. As well as agreeing a new policy framework for ... more
The Northern Mockingbird -Mimus polyglottos - is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. The bird is the state bird of Arkansas.Mockingbirds have a strong preference for certain trees such as maple, sweetgum and sycamore. Descripti... more
The Wood Thrush - Hylocichla mustelina - is widely distributed across North America, wintering in Central America and Southern Mexico. It is the official bird of the District of Columbia. It is solitary, but sometimes forms mixed-species flocks. The Wood Thrush defends a territory that ranges in size from 800 to 28000 square meters Descri... more
Delegates at the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), in Bergen, Norway are poised to adopt new guidelines on how to avoid birds being killed by power line collisions and electrocutions. The Guidelines on How to Avoid or Mitigate the Impact of Electricity Power Gri... more
The American Robin - Turdus migratorius - is widely distributed throughout North America. This bird is considered a symbol of spring. These Robins occasionally overwinter in the northern part of the United States and southern Canada. Most however migrate to winter south of Canada from Florida, the Gulf Coast to central Mexico and the West... more
Unusual sighting - National Bird of South Africa seen flying over Rondevlei Nature Reserve, midday, yesterday.... more
The Lark Bunting - Calamospiza melanocorys - is a medium-sized sparrow and is the state bird of Colorado. Flocks of these birds migrate to southern Texas and Mexico. Description The adult breeding male has mostly black plumage, with striking white patch on the wing. Non-breeding males have black elements of plumage replaced by streaked gra... more
Robben Island, has a list of 164 bird species. It is an Important Bird Area because it provides breeding habitat for several threatened marine and coastal species. It was declared a cultural World Heritage Site in 1999, and an Important Birding Area. Robben Island is the only site to see Chukar Partridge - Alectoris chukar – a f... more
The Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica - is the 2011 Bird of the Year and the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It visits South Africa during our summer. According to the latest research SABAP 2, populations look stable and are possibly increasing. Great News. These beautiful swallows can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tour... more
The California Quail - Callipepla californica - is a small ground-dwelling bird in the New World Quail Family. It is a highly sociable bird that often gathers coveys. They were originally found mainly in the southwestern United States. They have been introduced into British Columbia, Chile, New Zealand and Australia. Description They are pl... more
The Red-winged Starling - Onychognathus morio - is endemic to eastern Africa, from Ethiopia to the Western Cape, South Africa. This species has a wide habitat tolerance. It generally prefers rocky outcrops and gorges in highland grasslands, occasionally visiting forests for fruit.It is now common in many urban areas, due to the similarity be... more
New figures compiled by RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage reveal that in 2011 there are 186 breeding pairs of Red Kite in Scotland, a rise of 22 on the previous year. During this year's breeding season, a record 314 young fledged, the highest since reintroductions began in Scotland in 1989. It is now estimated that, following reintrod... more
Populations of long-distance migratory landbirds are declining so rapidly in the African-Eurasian flyway that a delegation of 20 staff from around the BirdLife International Partnership will be lobbying this week for their plight to be addressed at a meeting focused on conserving the world's migratory species. The decline of these birds is so... more
The Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos - is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. The bird is the state bird of Arkansas. Mockingbirds have a strong preference for certain trees such as maple, sweetgum and sycamore. Descr... more
The State of the UK’s Birds 2011 report provides the results of bird surveys, monitoring schemes and projects from across the UK. The latest wintering population figures on wetland birds shows that several species have exceeded previous maxima, while others have dramatically fallen to an all-time low. Overall, numbers of wintering waterbird... more
The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2012 begins with a general roundup of 2011's biggest ornithological headlines; although these may be old news to some it is remarkably up-to-date (including the Slimbridge Spoon-billed Sandpiper project and migrant Common Cuckoo tracking amongst others) and, in the future, will inevitably serve as an excellent remind... more
The Cactus Wren - Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus - is a species of wren that is native to the southwestern US and central Mexico. It is a bird of arid regions and almost all water is obtained from the food it eats. Cactus wrens can live to be 7-10 years old. Description The adult has brown or gray-brown upperparts overall, with dark barrin... more
The Willow Ptarmigan - Lagopus lagopus - is a member of the Grouse family. It is the State Bird of Alaska. They can be found in the tundra and in thickets with alder and willow trees. They are found in open forests and shrub meadows high in the mountains where the temperature is colder. Description In summer male's plumage is marbled... more
The Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus - is a medium-sized member of the woodpecker family. It one of the few woodpecker species that migrates. They can be found in open habitats near trees, including woodlands, yards, and parks. Description Adults are brown with black bars on the back and wings. A black patch on the upper breast, with th... more
The Snow Goose - Chen caerulescens - also known as the Blue Goose, or the Lesser Snow Goose is a North American species of goose. Description It has two color plumage morphs, white or gray/blue. White-morph birds are white except for black wing tips, but blue-morph geese have bluish-grey plumage replacing the white except on the head, nec... more
Scientists at Bird Studies Canada (BSC) recently published a seminal paper in the open-access journal PLoS ONE entitled Landscape Movements of Migratory Birds and Bats Reveal an Expanded Scale of Stopover. The spatial scale of movements made by nocturnal migrants during stopover was assessed using a sophisticated radio-telemetry system and ... more
A delegation of 20 staff from around the BirdLife Partnership, including representatives of Partners in Africa, the Americas, Central Asia and Western Europe, is attending the 10th conference of Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in Bergen, Norway. Their urgent mission is to seek endorsement for a number of resolutions. One... more
The first draft resolution seeks to improve the conservation status of African-Eurasian migratory land birds (mostly passerines), which are probably declining faster than any other suite of birds in the region, and are a priority for conservation attention. Among these species are five that are already listed as Endangered or Vulnerable by Bird... more
The Hadeda Ibis - Bostrychia hagedash, is found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is found throughout open grassland, savanna and wetlands as well as urban parks, school fields, green corridors and large gardens. Description It is a large dark brown Ibis with a white "moustache", glossy greenish purple wings, a large black bill with a r... more
The Hadeda Ibis - Bostrychia hagedash, is found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is found throughout open grassland, savanna and wetlands as well as urban parks, school fields, green corridors and large gardens. Description It is a large dark brown Ibis with a white "moustache", glossy greenish purple wings, a large black bill with a red... more
Thirteen Spoon-billed Sandpipers have arrived in the UK bound for Slimbridge WWT in Gloucestershire, from their breeding grounds in far-eastern Russia.This is the start of a conservation breeding programme intended to help prevent the extinction of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper one of the rarest birds in the world. The Spoon-billed Sandpiper -... more
The National Emblem of the Netherlands/Holland is the Lion - Panthera leo - what is the National Bird of the Netherlands?... more
Is it the Red-crowned Crane - Grus japonensis - or the Crested Ibis - Nipponia nippon - or the Blue-eared Pheasant - Crossoptilon auritum?... more
Ohio State Bird is the Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis. The male is a brilliant crimson red with a black face mask over the eyes, extending to the upper chest. The color is dullest on the back and wings. The female is fawn, with mostly grayish-brown tones and a slight reddish tint on the wings, the crest, and the tail feathers... more
The biodiversity of Madagascar is legendary. Many animal and plant groups are exceptionally rich in species, and in natural forest areas the great majority of all animals and plants are endemic – found only in Madagascar, and often only in a specific small part of Madagascar. This extraordinary biodiversity is also well known to be ... more
Barn Swallows – Hirundo rustica- is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. Adults migrate long distances to their wintering grounds. An abundant summer visitor to Southern Africa. Adults may live to10 years. Its preferred habitat is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with near... more
The barbaric act of putting baits laced with deadly poisons out into the countryside to kill wildlife was outlawed a century ago. Yet despite this, a new report published today by the RSPB shows that this practice remains a major problem for the UK's birds of prey. The list of chemicals used illegally to poison birds of prey includes a host... more
The barbaric act of putting baits laced with deadly poisons out into the countryside to kill wildlife was outlawed a century ago. Yet despite this, a new report published today by the RSPB shows that this practice remains a major problem for the UK's birds of prey. The list of chemicals used illegally to poison birds of prey includes a host... more
The Southern White Rhinoceros or Square-lipped rhinoceros - Ceratotherium simum - is one of the five species of rhinoceros that still exist. It has a wide mouth used for grazing and is the most social of all rhino species. White Rhinoceroses are found in grassland and savannah habitat. Description It is the world's largest land mammal afte... more
Barn Swallows – Hirundo rustica- is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. Adults migrate long distances to their wintering grounds. An abundant summer visitor to Southern Africa. Adults may live to10 years. Its preferred habitat is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, preferably with nearb... more
In one of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area’s most important developments, the government of Mozambique on 14 June 2011 approved the declaration of the Futi Corridor as a protected area. This joins Tembe Elephant Park and Maputo Special Reserve. Globally it is one of the most striking areas of biodiversity. One o... more
Southern African Peace Parks The establishment and development of peace parks is a dynamic, exciting and multi-faceted approach to jointly manage natural resources across political boundaries. It is an exemplary process of partnerships between governments and the private sector - an African success story that will ensure peace, prosperity a... more
The Sociable Weaver - Philetairus socius - is endemic to Southern Africa. The species ranges across northwestern South Africa, southwest Botswana and extending northwards across Namibia. They have a black chin, black barred flanks and a scalloped back. The sexes are indistinguishable. Food It mainly eats seeds, supplemented with termites... more
The Arctic Tern - Sterna paradisaea - has a worldwide, circumpolar breeding distribution which is continuous and there are no recognized subspecies. Arctic Terns are long-lived birds, with many reaching thirty years of age. Migration The Arctic Tern is famous for its migration. It flies from its Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and b... more
The world's biggest wildlife Reserve straddles five countries – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kaza is the world's biggest wildlife park. It is 15 times the size of the Serengeti yet few people working outside environmental circles will have heard of the Kavango - Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, or Kaza for short.... more
The Southern Masked Weaver - Ploceus velatus - is a resident breeding species common throughout Southern Africa. It is found in a wide range of habitats, including scrubland, savanna, grassland, open woodland, inland wetlands and semi-desert areas. It also occurs in suburban gardens and parks. Plumage The adult male in breeding plumage has ... more
African Pied Wagtail - Motacilla aguimp - was sighted on Monday afternoon at Buffels Bay, Cape Peninsula, Western Cape, South Africa. It occurs across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Sudan south to around Port Elizabeth in South Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland ... more
The biggest population declines were in the Northern Isles, with reserves in Orkney showing significant drops in populations of sensitive species such as Arctic Terns and Kittiwakes. A full colony count at Marwick Head reserve on the Orkney mainland showed a staggering 53% decline in the total number of seabirds present since the last full ce... more
Edwards's Pheasant - Lophura edwardsi - is endemic to the rainforests of Vietnam. It has red legs and facial skin. The male is mainly blue-black with a white crest, and the female is a drab brown bird. The alarm call is a puk-puk-puk. Edwards's Pheasant was first described in 1896 and remained virtually unknown until the 1920s. Although ... more
The Bittern – Botaurus stellaris – or Eurasian Bittern is a thickset heron with yellowish-brown plumage on upperparts, golden patches mottled and streaked black. It has on broad, rounded, bowed wings with reddish-orange primaries. Underparts are paler, with vertical dark streaks. Breast, belly and flanks are heavily streaked with reddish-... more
The Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus - is a large bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird of the United States of America. Its range includes most of Canada and Alaska, all of the contiguous USA and northern Mexico. It is found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nest... more
The Mauritius Kestrel - Falco punctatus - is a small bird of prey, endemic to the forests of the island of Mauritius, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, where it is restricted to the southwestern plateau’s forests, cliffs, and ravines. It is the most distinct of the Indian Ocean Kestrels. The males are slightly smaller ... more
Oostvaardersplassen This large wetland, can easily be reached and has some excellent hides. In spring and summer many marshland species can be seen here such as Bluethroat, Savi's warbler, Spoonbill, Great White Egret, Bittern and Black Tern In winter it is one of the best places to see White-tailed Eagle.... more
The Tagus Estuary, one of Europe's largest estuaries, is about 20 minutes from the airport. Large numbers of White Storks, Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Black-winged Stilts and Spoonbills. This large wetland is one of the most important in Europe and can easily provide 100 species of bird in a day. ... more
The Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus - is widely distributed and may be found in southern Europe, Africa and Asia. Unfortunately it is now extinct in South Africa. It has sometimes also been known as the Pharaoh's Chicken. It is a small vulture with white and black flight feathers and a wedge tail. The bill is slender and long a... more
The Great Thick-knee - Esacus recurvirostris - is a large wader with a massive 7 cm upturned bill. It has unstreaked grey-brown upperparts and breast, with rest of the underparts whitish. The face has a striking black and white pattern, and the bill is black with a yellow base. The eyes are bright yellow and the legs a duller green... more
The five species classified as "Critically Endangered" in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland are Bittern, Wattled Crane, Whitewinged Flufftail, Rudd's Lark and Blue Swallow. The Bittern - Botaurus stellaris- is a thickset heron with bright, pale, buffy-brown plumage covered with dark streaks and bars. It is usually well-hidden and sol... more
The two "Regionally Extinct" species are Egyptian Vulture and African Skimmer. Occasional sightings of both species as vagrants hold out some hope that they will recolonize South Africa. The Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus - is a small Old World Vulture, found widely distributed from southwestern Europe and northern Africa... more
The Alagoas Curassow - Mitu mitu - is a large, mainly glossy black pheasant-like bird. It was formerly found in forests in north-eastern Brazil, but it is now extinct in the wild. A captive population exists. The Guam Rail - Gallirallus owstoni - is a flightless bird, which is extinct in the wild and endemic to Guam. The efforts by Beck, and oth... more
More than 130 species of birds have become extinct since AD 1500, mostly because of human actions. Today’s Red List update includes 189 species which are listed as Critically Endangered. On the very edge of extinction and without immediate action, many will not be here in ten years time. Of course we should we care. It is highly likely th... more
During summer, Florida’s beaches come alive with our feathered inhabitants, from Snowy Plovers and American Oystercatchers, to Least Terns and Black Skimmers, are busy raising young this time of year. Unfortunately, these shorebirds (and others) are declining, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists them as threatene... more
Sunday 23rd October 2011- Diderick Cuckoo – Chrysococcyx caprius - first of the season calling just outside Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa. Friday 21st October 2011- European Bee-eaters – Merops apiaster - and Diderick Cuckoo – Chrysococcyx caprius - in Maputo, Mozambique. Friday 21st October 2011- Greate... more
It is now apparent that private companies are using threats to silence those who are opposed to massive developments in Tana Delta in Kenya. In the last month, Mr. Hajj Idris Bakero, a religious leader in Garsen Division, received death threats, presumably for his opposition to a jatropha project in the area. On September 9th 2011, his wife ... more
Endangered Nahan’s Francolin - Francolinus nahani - is once again threatened by SCOUL. - 2011-10-23Nahan's Francolin - Francolinus nahani - is found in rainforest in northeastern DRC and western Uganda is. It is a relatively small, terrestrial bird with a red eye-ring, legs and base of the bill, white chin, brownish upperparts, and black-and-white underparts and head. It is found in lowland primary forest, preferring riverine or swampy a... more
The Seychelles Paradise-flycatcher - Terpsiphone corvine - is a rare bird endemic to the Seychelles. The males have two long black central tail feathers and are entirely glossy black with a deep blue sheen. The upperparts of the females including wings and tail are reddish brown. The underparts are pale cream white. Facial skin, bill, and le... more
The Red-chested Cuckoo - Cuculus solitarius - is found in Africa south of the Sahara. In Southern Africa it is a common breeding migrant, in the eastern half of southern Africa, and is quite common in protected areas. The preferred habitats for the Red-chested Cuckoo are woodlands but lives in wide range of habitats. The Red-chested C... more
The Jackal Buzzard - Buteo rufofuscus - is a strikingly plumaged bird of prey. It is almost black above with a chestnut tail. The primary flight feathers are blackish and the secondaries off-white, both barred with black. Below the chin and around the throat is mainly white, and the rest of the underparts and the underwing coverts are rich ru... more
The Bufflehead - Bucephala albeola - is a small American sea duck and it rivals the Green-winged teal as the smallest American duck. Adult males are striking black and white, with iridescent green and purple heads with a large white patch behind the eye. Females are grey-toned with a smaller white patch behind the eye and a light underside. ... more
India is home to some 1,200 different species of birds. Despite measures designed to protect this rich array of bird life by banning the capture and trade of wild birds, records indicate that as many as 300 of these species are caught and traded with impunity. The estimate comes from figures compiled by the Trade Records Analysis of Fl... more
Birds Australia, Charles Darwin University and CSIRO Publishing today launched The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010. The Action Plan is the third in a series that have been produced at the start of each decade. It analyses the status of all the species and subspecies of Australia’s birds to determine their risk of extinction. “At o... more
A recent study from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has confirmed that the Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis - which has been declining for the past two years because of harsh winters, is once again thriving. The birds are susceptible to overly cold weather because as ice freezes their waterway habitats, the birds have trouble ge... more
The Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus - was actively scouting through the zoo, perhaps enjoying the company of other animals - including its captive bald eagle cousins - or perhaps looking for an easy lunch. To protect the animals from the eagle's attention, zookeepers moved more than 40 animals out of their regular open-air enclosures and... more
Wild turkeys in Battery Park? Bald Eagles in Inwood? Falcons on Fifth Avenue? Believe it or not, New York City is a bounty for bird watchers. Wild New York: A Guide To the Wildlife, Wild Places and Natural Phenomena of New York City by Margaret Mittlelbach and Michale Crewdson (Crown Publishers, 1997) tells readers exactly where to see wi... more
Limpopo Tourism and Parks (LTP) has spoken out against the planned coal mining development near Nyslvlei Nature Reserve, stating that should the project go ahead, it will have "a huge detrimental impact on the whole wetland". LTP has one of its resorts in the reserve, Nylsvlei Birding Lodge, a popular spot with avitourists visiti... more
The Great White Shark - Carcharodon carcharias is found in almost all coastal and offshore oceans which have water temperatures between 12 and 24 °C (54 and 75 °F). One of the densest known populations of these sharks is around Dyer Island, Western Cape, South Africa. The great white shark is known for its size, with the l... more
Sunday 2nd October 2011 - Barn Swallows – Hirundo rustica and Yellow-billed Kite – Milvus migrans parasitius at Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve near Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Sunday 2nd October 2011 - Ruddy Turnstones – Arenaria interpres at Stanger, KZN Province, South Africa. Sunday 2nd October 2011 - D... more
The Lilian's Lovebird - Agapornis lilianae - also known as Nyasa Lovebird, is a small African parrot species and is the smallest parrot on mainland Africa. These Lovebirds are Endemic to Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is mainly green with white eyerings. It has orange on its head, neck and upper chest and has a green rump... more
Unregulated and unmonitored recreational shooting swamps in the Caribbean have claimed perhaps their most notable bird victims, two Whimbrels. One, named Machi, had been tracked by satellite for two years over a distance of 27,000 miles. The other, named Goshen, had been tracked for about one year over nearly 14,000 miles. The birds ... more
A bird recently rediscovered in Bolivia after an absence of almost 100 years is a distinct species according to a recently published article in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology. The Palkachupa Cotinga was rediscovered in 2000 by American Bird Conservancy (ABC) partner Asociación Armonía. It was initially thought to be a subspecies ... more
The Cape White-eye - Zosterops pallidus, is Endemic to Southern Africa. Traditionally, the Cape White-eye and the Orange River White-eye have been treated as separate species. It is found in a wide range of densely to lightly wooded habitats. Most populations are resident, but some perform minor seasonal movements. This is a sociable species... more
Nature Seychelles (BirdLife Partner) has won the 2011 International Innovation Prize from the World Leisure Organisation (WLO). The Prize was given for innovative efforts to use the environment for “edutainment” programs at the Sanctuary at Roche Caiman. These include Green Health, Heritage Garden and Outdoor Classroom. This is ... more
Migration news – South Africa Tuesday 27th September 2011 – Curlew Sandpiper – Calidris ferruginea, Marsh Sandpiper – Tringa stagnatilis, Wood sandpiper – Tringa glareola, Ruff – Philomachus pugnax and Common Greenshank – Tringa nebularia at Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Tuesday 27th Septe... more
As part of a David and Lucile Packard Foundation project Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie (SCO) the BirdLife Partner in New Caledonia, undertook operations in 2008 to eradicate invasive Black Rats Rattus rattus and Pacific Rat Rattus exulans from three important seabird islands in New Caledonia. The latest follow up surveys ... more
A major new report has been published entitled State of Nepal’s Birds 2010. Produced by Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN; BirdLife in Nepal) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, it was officially launched by Parmanand Jha, the Right Honourable Vice President of Nepal, at a ceremony in Kathmandu. State of Nepal... more
The White-throated Swallow - Hirundo albigularis, is common species, found in southern Africa, which has benefited from the increased nesting opportunities presented by the construction of bridges and dams. It has glossy dark blue upperparts and a bright chestnut crown. A dark blue-black breast band separates the white throat from the g... more
September 21st 2011 - Klaas’s Cuckoo – Chrysococcyx klaas, African Cuckoo – Cuculus gularis,Greater Painted Snipe – Rostratula benghalensis, African Snipe – Gallinago nigripennis, Pearl-breasted Swallow – Hirundo dimidiata, White-throated Swallow – Hirundo albigularis, Common Sandpiper – Actitis hypoleucos and Marsh Sandpi... more
Independent conservation organisation Forest & Bird (BirdLife Partner in New Zealand) today lodged an appeal against a 140-hectare open-cast coal mine on Denniston Plateau conservation land. “An open-cast coal mine will wipe out the ecology of the Denniston Plateau,” Forest & Bird President Andrew Cutler said. “This one ... more
The Mao - Gymnomyza samoensis - is an endemic honeyeater found in Samoa and is classified as Endangered. Little is known about its feeding and breeding habits. It is a large honeyeater, with dark plumage, varying from blackish on the head and breast to greenish. There is a greenish mark under the eye. The bill is black, long and c... more
The Grenada Dove - Leptotila wellsi is a medium-sized tropical dove which is endemic to Grenada. It is the national bird of Grenada. This dove is considered to be one of the most critically endangered doves in the world. The Grenada Dove has a white throat, face and forehead pale pink shading to dull brown on crown and nape, upperparts ol... more
In gratitude for assistance during the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March, Japan has sent a pair of endangered red-crowned cranes to Taiwan. The birds are serving as a gesture of friendship between the two nations, and they will be hosted at the Taipei Zoo. The Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis), also called the Japanese Crane or ... more
Tibetan Plateau, Tibet is known as the ''Roof of the World'', an inhospitable region but to certain wildlife it is "paradise''. There are more than 2,300 species of insects, 64 species of fish, 45 species of amphibians, 55 species of reptiles and 488 species of birds. There are 18 nature reserves, five of them are national nature reserve... more
BirdLife Cyprus reveals online bird trapping death toll counter for the current autumn migration BirdLife Cyprus has just published online [www.birdlifecyprus.org] an estimated death toll from the illegal bird trapping taking place in Cyprus during this autumn migration season. The toll has been estimated on the basis of field data from Bir... more
Few issues of our day are as huge, in scope or in implication, as climate change. The task of wrestling this topic down into something that the human mind can manage, without losing sight of the big picture because it’s snowing in Buffalo, is likely to be the task of a lifetime for many science communicators. All sorts of tools are needed ... more
Do you know of any bird conservation projects which could do with a little financial help to get them going? A new conservation funding initiative, the Sound Approach Bird Fund, offers grants of up to GBP£10,000 (c. US$15,800 equivalent) to bird conservation projects around the world. We're looking for projects that will ha... more
The Black Stork - Ciconia nigra - is a widespread, but rare, species that breeds in the warmer parts of Europe, predominantly in central and eastern regions. This is a shy and wary species. It is seen in pairs or small flocks—in marshy areas, rivers or inland waters. The Black Stork resembles the white stork in size, but shines with reddish ... more
The Black Stork - Ciconia nigra - is a widespread, but rare, species that breeds in the warmer parts of Europe, predominantly in central and eastern regions. This is a shy and wary species. It is seen in pairs or small flocks—in marshy areas, rivers or inland waters. The Black Stork resembles the white stork in size, but shines with reddis... more
September 13th, 2011: - Ruff's early this year at Modimola Dam, Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa. Last year they arrived end October. September 13th, 2011: - Barn Swallows, a couple of Greater Striped & White-throated Swallows around but not a lot of migrants yet. An African Openbill flying west at Oyster bay, Eastern Cape, South A... more
BirdLife International has joined forces with its New Zealand Partner Forest & Bird to remind their government there of its responsibilities towards reducing the toll of seabirds in the country’s fisheries. New Zealand’s Ministry of Fisheries recently released a draft seabird by-catch policy to replace a National Plan of Action for S... more
Well after 20 years doing bird rescue work I have decided to retire. I will still be involved in an advisory role. The sharing of information in this type of work is vital. Something that works really well in getting a bird back to the wild should be shared. That is why we hold bird rescue weekends and the one day courses that Massey Univ... more
The Cape Sugarbird - Promerops cafer, is endemic to the Cape Floral Kingdom of the Western Cape and the western regions of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is a grey-brown bird that is easily recognizable by a black long curved bill, the very long tail of the male, pronounced moustachial streak, a pale rufous breast and a yellow v... more
The Little Spotted Kiwi - Apteryx owenii - is a smallest species of Kiwi, about the size of a bantam, originally from South Island, New Zealand. They are nocturnal forest dwellers, and they remain in a shelter burrow during daylight hours. Their feathers are pale-mottled gray, with fine white mottling, and are shaggy looking. The bill is iv... more
The Great Spotted Kiwi, Great Gray Kiwi, or Roroa, Apteryx haastii, is a species of Kiwi Endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest of the kiwi and is found in the rugged topography and harsh climate of the high altitude, alpine, part of South Island. They have a plumage composed of soft, hair-like feathers that can rang... more
Brown Kiwi or Kiwi –Apteryx australis – is endemic to New Zealand and is New Zealand’s national bird. It is New Zealand’s most unique bird and it is also its most ancient. The Kiwi is a brown bird with unique feathers that have a hair like quality and is a flightless bird with rudimentary wings and no tail. It is about the size of ... more
We arrived at Strandfontein Pans at 8:45 on Tuesday, September 6th in a strong cold wind from the south east. This cold wind makes birding at Strandfontein and Rondevlei difficult. The first birds we saw were a large group of Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis – many in breeding plumage with pinkish buff plumes on the head, back and b... more
Secretaries Day is an unofficial holiday observed in many countries. In the USA it is on the Wednesday of the last full week of April to recognize the work of secretaries and other administrative support professionals. In 2011, the date was April 27, 2011 in Canada and the United States. In South Africa it is today September 7th, 2011 and we sa... more
Secretarybird The Secretarybird - Sagittarius serpentarius - is a large, mostly terrestrial bird of prey Endemic to Africa. It is usually found in the open grasslands and savannah in sub-Saharan Africa. The majestic Secretarybird is in serious decline and is now classified as Globally Vulnerable. The Secretarybird is instantly recognizable... more
A Nairobi newspaper reports that, after consideration of the scientific evidence, Kenya's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has decided to advise the Kenyan Government to halt the planting of the biofuel crop jatropha within the Coast region of Kenya. Proposed jatropha plantations would do irreparable damage to coastal Important ... more
The Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres - is Endemic to Southern Africa and is found mainly in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia. A large vulture with near-naked head and neck. Adult creamy-buff, with contrasting dark flight- and tail-feathers. Pale buff neck-ruff. Underwing in flight has pale silvery secondary feathers and black alu... more
Effective migratory bird conservation efforts address issues throughout a species’ flyway – and in Canada, flyway conservation is imperative, as about 90% of the country’s birds migrate south each year, only to return the following spring. This flyway concept is being put to the test with one initiative that links three Important Bird Ar... more
The Kagu - Rhynochetos jubatus - is Endemic to the forests and shrublands of New Caledonia and New Guinea. It is a ground-living bird, with unusually bright plumage for a bird of the forest floor. It is ash-grey and white coloured. It possesses bright red legs which are long and strong, enabling the bird to travel long distances ... more
The International Vulture Awareness Day’s aim is tohighlight the important work being carried out by the world’s vulture conservationists. Vultures form an important ecological component of our natural environment and vulture populations are under pressure with some species are facing extinction. There were eleven species of vult... more
The International Vulture Awareness Day’s aim is to highlight the important work being carried out by the world’s vulture conservationists. Vultures form an important ecological component of our natural environment and vulture populations are under pressure with some species are facing extinction. There were eleven species of vulture i... more
Researchers recently discovered that Common Murre chicks had hatched on the Channel Islands for the first time since 1912. The Channel Islands of California are a chain of eight islands located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California. Five of the islands make up the Channel Islands National Park. The Common Murre or Co... more
A five-year cooperative effort involving several organizations has succeeded in returning the Western Bluebird to Washington’s San Juan Islands. The bird had historically inhabited the islands, but changing land use practices and a paucity of nesting sites meant the species had not nested there for over 40 years. Over the course of the fi... more
Biologists found the species in a burrow among a colony of petrels on Midway Atoll during the Pacific Ocean Biological Survey Program in 1963 and identified it as a Little Shearwater. The specimen sat in a drawer at the Smithsonian for nearly 50 years until Peter Pyle discovered it. After DNA analysis, the bird was given the name Bryan’s Sh... more
The Liben Lark - Heteromirafra sidamoensis – Endemic to Ethiopia has a population of possibly fewer than 100 birds and is classified as Critically Endangered. This threatened bird has now been thrown a lifeline thanks to funds raised by the British Birdwatching Fair held at Rutland Water last August. A cheque of £242,000 or $395,... more
Halfway through this year's turtle nesting season, survey and monitoring data reported so far show that Irene claimed more than 100 nests along the Atlantic coast from Georgia through North Carolina. Especially hard hit it appears are nests marked along the South Carolina coast. A complete assessment won’t be done until the nesting seaso... more
Halfway through this year's turtle nesting season, survey and monitoring data reported so far show that Irene claimed more than 100 nests along the Atlantic coast from Georgia through North Carolina. Especially hard hit it appears are nests marked along the South Carolina coast. A complete assessment won’t be done until the nesting seaso... more
We entered Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens through the top restaurant gate at 3:30pm on a beautiful blue skied, sunny, Sunday afternoon. To greet us above the nursery the gate were Sombre Greenbul, and Helmeted Guineafowl. A short distance up the path we had excellent sightings of a pair of Cape Batis. The Gardens are spectacular with ... more
The Common Swift - Apus apus - is special in many ways, the body is the perfect development for flying in the air. It does everything in the air, except breeding. It finds its prey there and feeds on the wing. It preens and plays in the air. It sleeps there most of the time. It mates and collects nesting material on the wing. It drinks ... more
The Grey Partridge - Perdix perdix - also known as the Hungarian Partridge, was successfully introduced to many parts of the world for shooting, including vast areas of North America, where it is most commonly known as Hungarian partridge, or just "Hun". Widespread and common throughout its large range, the Grey Partridge is evaluat... more
The Bugun Liocichla - Liocichla bugunorum - is a small babbler with olive-grey plumage and a black cap. The face is marked with prominent orange-yellow lores, and the wings have yellow, red and white patches. The tail is black with crimson coloured undertail coverts and red tips. The feet are pink and the bill is black at the face fading to pal... more
The elusive Jerdon's Courser - Rhinoptilus bitorquatus - was thought extinct in 1900, but was dramatically rediscovered in 1985 in the forest area of the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. There may be only 25 of these birds left, with most f... more
The extremely rare Western Tragopan -Tragopan melanocephalus - has been found at two new sites in Jammu and Kashmir. Sightings and calls of the rare pheasant were validated at the Kalamund-Tatakuti and Khara Rakh areas of the range. ... more
India featured prominently among the ten countries in the world having the largest number of threatened species of birds. Brazil topped the list with 141 while India was ranked seventh with 88. Of the 88 threatened species, 13 are categorised as Critically Endangered, 10 are Endangered and the remaining as Vulnerable. ... more
East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa: - Black Saw-wing, White-throated Swallows and Klaas's Cuckoo, Sunday 21st August 2011. Sasolburg, Northern Free State, South Africa: - White-throated swallows, Little Swifts, Ruff and Wood Sandpipers, Sunday 21st August 2011. Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa: - Common Swifts seen feeding above Nels... more
The Great Bustard Project The UK is obliged under EU legislation (Habitats Directive 1992) to reintroduce species where it is considered feasible. The GBG was set up in 1998 to explore the possibility of reintroducing the Great Bustard to the UK and commissioned a feasibility study accordingly. The study took several years to compil... more
Department of Conservation staff are baffled by the discovery of a Kiwi - Apteryx australis - in Russia. The flightless bird was found in the port town of Sochi, on the Black Sea. Sochi is a Black Sea resort more than 16,000 km from New Zealand, and the bird was apparently found in a decorative garden near the port. ... more
The Hamerkop - Scopus umbretta - is the sole member of its family and is so different that it is one of the really iconic species of Africa south of the Sahara. In terms of taxonomic uniqueness the Hamerkop is equal in rank to the Shoebill! The shape of its head with a black, long, flat, and slightly hooked bill, a crest at the back of t... more
The status of the Hamerkop has changed dramatically from the SABAP1 and SABAP2. The Hamerkop is now a species of real conservation concern. Visit http://sabap2.adu.org.za/news.php Careful research is needed to uncover the factors which are impacting the decreases in the range and abundance of Hamerkop in South Africa. ... more
The Lappet-faced Vulture, African eared vulture or Nubian Vulture - Aegypius tracheliotos - is the largest, and among the rarest, of all of the African vultures. This large, long and square-winged vulture is black-looking with white thighs and white bar running across leading edge of underwing in flight. Like many vultures, it has a bald... more
According to a report on Birding in the United States, 48 million people watched birds in 2008/9. Birdwatching was more popular in the Southern States and the fivel states with the greatest birding participation rates were found to be Montana , Maine, Vermont, Iowa and Minnesota. It is thought that there are more than 50 Million birders in the U... more
Chinese Crested Tern - Sterna bernsteini - has been seen and photographed in Pulau Lusaolate, north Seram, Indonesia. This is the first record of the species outside the breeding season for over 70 years. Craig Robson noticed a roosting group of 30-40 Greater Crested Terns Sterna bergiion on some rocks just off the beach. Checking through the ... more
It’s one of nature’s greatest miracles: millions of birds leave Africa each spring and head north to nest in the UK and other parts of Europe, only to return to Africa each autumn. However this multi-million-winged migration is under threat. In the UK, for example, according to the 2010 Breeding Bird Survey of the 10 UK birds which have d... more
Great news for Birds and Birders. Ernst Retief, the BirdLife South Africa's regional conservation manager in Gauteng/North West will drive a sponsored air-conditioned VW Polo hatchback for a year, courtesy of Avis Rent a Car South Africa. ... more
All five birds have reached Africa and are spread across some 3,000km of Africa. They started their journeys from the same breeding area in the UK in June where they were tagged and fitted with trackers. Two are in southern Chad, one is in northern Nigeria and the fourth one is in Burkina Faso. One cuckoo is lagging slightly behind the rest and ... more
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officials confiscation of a shipment of OVER 500 African Grey Parrots en route to Singapore. The birds were being kept in revolting conditions, kept in tiny, cramped cages, with no food or water. These beautiful birds were taken to a rescue and rehabilitation site. The parrots will need to be rehabili... more
More than 1,200 African Grey Parrots have been seized at Douala International Airport, Cameroon. The parrots were being illegally shipped to Bahrain and Mexico for the pet trade. These beautiful birds but are now being cared for by the Limbe Wildlife Centre in Cameroon. In January 2007 a two-year ban on exports of African Grey Parrots from fiv... more
Tanzania has banned wildlife exports after, wildlife worth $110,000 or £66,700 was exported illegally and flown out in a cargo plane from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The wildlife included four Giraffes, 68 Gazelles, two Impalas, four Ground Hornbills and two Lappet-faced Vultures. Does TRAFFIC monitor this trade in Tanzania and the rest... more
Port Aransas has been named the 2011 ‘America’s Birdiest City’ in the Small Coastal City division for the second year in a row. Utilizing the peak of migration, Port Aransas birders counted 192 different species of birds during the 72-hour window for the competition which was conducted in early May. To be considered a “small coastal city... more
China has 1,329 species out of a world total of 9,000-odd. It has a rich mix of habitats, from upland steppe and desert, to mountain fir and spruce forests, lowland tropical rainforest, and wetlands. China is the world centre for pheasants, boasting 62 out of 200 species worldwide. The tail feathers of the Reeve’s pheasant, are prized for ... more
Birding in China is growing rapidly and new birding "Hot Spots" are being discovered. Listed below are some of the better known birding "Hot Spots." 1. Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province. 2. Dongting Lake, Yueyang, Hunan Province. 3. Beidaihe, near Qinhuangdao in Hebei Province. 4. Qinghai Province. 5. Dongzhai, Xinyang, Henan Provin... more
The texan bird species list is around 632. The official list is maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Texas supports a greater variety of birds than any other state in the USA. Top Birding areas in Texas: - 1. The bird-rich Rio Grande Valley. 2. The Texas Coastal Birding Trail. 3. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. 4... more
According to a 2006 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service survey, birders spent more than $12 billion nationwide on travel and equipment expenses such as cameras, binoculars and bird food. That same report states that about 1.3 million people came to Arizona to observe wild birds. Arizona birding generated $838 million in trip-related spending the... more
Cape Weaver The Cape Weaver - Ploceus capensis - is Endemic to South Africa. This common species occurs in grassland, agricultural and fynbos habitats, often near rivers. A large weaver with a long, pointed black bill. Male less brilliant yellow than other ‘golden’ weavers. The face and throat has a brown to orange wash. Breeding ma... more
The Spring Flowers flowering season has started after good early rains and flowers are showing their pretty colours along the West Coast, Cedarberg and in Namaqualand. From just outside Cape Town all the way to the Namibian border, the exuberance of spring flowers has a worldwide reputation. This area receives little rain throughout the yea... more
The following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures are in Malaria FREE Areas: - Aves Arid Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure. Aves Eastern Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure. Aves Western Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure. All Aves Western Cape Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Overnight Tours/Safaris/Adventures. The following Aves Birding Tour/Safari... more
First sightings of the season: - Yellow-billed Kites - Milvus migrans parasitus - seen in Umzumbe and Umtentweni on the South Coast, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa Tuesday 9th August 2011. Fiery-necked Nightjar - Caprimulgus pectoralis - seen in Parkview, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa,Tuesday 9th August 2011. Black Saw-wing - Psalidoprocne ... more
The Red Junglefowl - Gallus gallus - is a member of the pheasant family. They are thought to be ancestors of the domestic chicken. The Red Junglefowl was first raised in captivity at least several thousand years ago. They were first domesticated in Asia. The domesticated form has been used all around the world as a very productive food source for... more
Sightings of : - Yellow-billed Kites from Durban, KZN, South Africa today August 9th. African Palm-Swift and a couple of White-throated Swallows at Northam Farms, Guateng, South Africa, Sunday August 7th. Lesser Striped Swallow near Sun City, North West Province, South Africa, yesterday afternoon August 8th. Lesser Striped Swallow Luvuvhu... more
Last swift left Bristol on August 3rd. According to Mark Glanville - "Of my 3 pairs, one pair fledged around the 15th July, another pair on the 22nd and the last pair between the 23rd & 25th. The first pair that fledged, 1 adult left immediately, the other remained until the 1st August. The second pair that fledged, both adults remai... more
The Common Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus - is also known as the European Kestrel, Eurasian Kestrel, or Old World Kestrel. In Britain, where no other brown falcon occurs, it is generally just called "the kestrel". This species occurs over a large range. It is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. Females are noticeably larger than t... more
The White Stork - Ciconia ciconia - is a large mainly white bird, with black on its wings. They have long red legs and long pointed red beak. A small patch of bare black skin surrounds their brown eyes. Sexes are similar in appearance, though males are slightly larger. Juvenile birds are duller in colorat... more
The European Robin - Erithacus rubecula- most commonly known as the Robin, is the national bird of the United Kingdom. The male and female are similar in colouration, with an orange breast and face lined with grey, brown upperparts and a whitish belly. The legs and feet are pale brown and eyes are black. The bill is short, pointed and black. It ... more
The Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus - is the national bird of the USA and is the only eagle unique to North America. It is a sea eagle that’s range includes most of Alaska, Canada and the United States. About half of the world's bald eagles live in Alaska. In the late 20th century the Bald Eagle was on the brink of extinction in the ... more
The Red-crowned Crane - Grus japonensis - also called the Japanese Crane or Manchurian Crane is a large east Asian crane and among the rarest cranes in the world. In some parts of its range, it is known as a symbol of luck, longevity and fidelity. Adult Red-crowned Cranes are snow white with black to the wings (appears almost like a black tail w... more
The Green Pheasant - Phasianus versicolor - Endemic to Japan and also known as Japanese Pheasant is closely related to the Common Pheasant - Phasianus colchicus. The male is distinguished by dark green breast and mantle, violet neck, red bare facial skin and purplish green tail. The female is smaller than male, and has a dull brown plumage with da... more
The Namaqua Dove - Oena capensis - This small beautiful dove is about the size of a great sparrow. It has a long black tapered tail. The adult male has a black face, throat and breast, a yellow and red bill, with pale underparts. The adult female lacks the black and has a red-based grey bill. Young birds are dark blotched on the throat, ... more
The Great Tit - Parus major - is a widespread and common species throughout Europe, the Middle East, Central and Northern Asia, and parts of North Africa in any sort of woodland. It is large for a tit, has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognise. The Male has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib and head, and white che... more
The Tricolored Blackbird - Agelaius tricolor - is a near endemic California passerine and the most colonial songbird in North America. The male is glossy-black with a red shoulder patch and bright white bar, while the female is dark blackish-brown. Its range is limited to the Pacific coastal areas of North America, from Northern California to u... more
The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday afternoon to protect wildlife on the brink of extinction by supporting an amendment in the Interior and Environment spending bill to uphold safeguards for endangered species. Mike Daulton - Vice President of Government Relations for Audubon, said, “In the midst of an historic assault on the... more
The African mourning Dove - Streptopelia decipiens - is a fairly widespread resident breeding bird in sub Saharian Africa. In South Africa it is only found in the far north eastern part of the country. It is not a close relative of the Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura - common in North America. It is a large, stocky dove, with pale brown bac... more
The Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura - is a member of the Columbidae family. They formerly were known as the Carolina Pigeon or Carolina Turtle dove.It's plaintive call gives the bird its name. The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized, slender dove with broad wings and a rounded head. Its tail is long and tapered. The legs are short and reddish colour... more
The nation’s leading bird conservation organization – American Bird Conservancy (ABC) – today hailed the decision by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to require the use of nontoxic ammunition for the first Mourning Dove hunting season in Iowa since 1918. In Iowa, the hunting of doves will use the same nontoxic am... more
The Cape Spurfowl - Pternistis capensis - is Endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. This spurfowl appears all dark from a distance, apart from the red legs, but when seen closer the plumage is finely vermiculated in grey and white, with a plainer crown and nape. The sexes are similar in plumage, but the male has two leg spurs whereas... more
The word Pelagic comes from a Greek word meaning "of the sea." It was first used in the middle of the 17th century, but did not become common until the 19th century. Pelagic means “of or relating to the open or high sea, as distinguished from the shallow water near the coast.” It is most commonly used to refer specifica... more
The Waved Albatross, Phoebastria irrorata - is the only Albatross that lives and breeds in the tropics. It is the largest bird of the Galapagos Islands. They are medium-sized Albatrosses. They are distinctive for their yellowish-cream neck and head, which contrasts with their mostly brownish bodies. Even more distinctive is the very long, brigh... more
A parrot conservation group says the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) could have “blood on its hands” for stalling a pioneering project that would return a company of wild-caught African Grey parrots, smuggled into South Africa, to their natural forest habitat. Dr Steve Boyes, the director of the World Parrot Trust Africa, ... more
An important and contentious discovery is Archaeopteryx, found in southern Germany in 1861. It lived in the Late Jurassic Period around 150 million years ago, in what is now southern Germany during a time when Europe was an archipelago of islands in a shallow warm tropical sea, much closer to the equator than it is now. Archaeopteryx i... more
Black-shouldered Kite - Elanus caeruleus - is a small raptor with a wide distribution in Africa, Madagascar, Iberia and Tropical Asia. It is found in varied habitats, from desert to open woodland, being most common in open grassland. A small almost Owl-faced raptor, with large head, long pointed wings that project beyond the tip of ... more
The Red Knot, Calidris canutus [Knot in Europe] is a large member of the Calidris Sandpipers, second in size to the Great Knot. This species forms enormous flocks when not breeding. The red knot has one of the longest migrations of any bird. Every year it travels more than 15,000km from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America. The b... more
The Japanese Robin - Erithacus akahige, formerly Luscinia akahige - has a very large range and is native to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Russian Federation, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The male upperparts are dark reddish-brown, face, throat and upper breast are dark orange. Underparts are white with dark breast band only on the male. Flank... more
The Nagoya City Wild Bird Observation Center is a two storey facility and has an observation deck on each floor equipped with telescopes to view the many birds in the huge estuary created by the Shonaigawa, Shinkawa and Nikkogawa rivers as they enter the sea. Entrance is free. During spring and autumn thousands of migatory shorebirds rest and fe... more
Crimson-breasted Shrike – Laniarius atrococcineus – is a Near Endemic in Southern Africa. The head, bill and back are black while the underparts are entirely scarlet. The sexes have the same colouration and are indistinguishable from each other. A yellow-breasted form is occasionally seen. Young birds have a mottled and barred buff-brow... more
Lake Natron is located in northern western Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border, in the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley. The lake is a salt lake and is fed by the Ewaso Ng'iro River and the mineral-rich hot springs. It is less than three meters deep, and varies in width depending on its water level, which changes due to high levels of eva... more
Recent stormy Scottish weather has impacted the breeding success of wild birds. Heavy rain and gale force winds left more than 1,000 nests on the Insh Marshes nature reserve in the Highlands submerged underwater, including those of wading species such as lapwing, snipe, redshank and curlew. The rare Slavonian grebe, a bird whose UK population ... more
The Laysan Albatross - Phoebastria immutabilis - is a large seabird that ranges across the North Pacific. This albatross has blackish-grey upperwing, mantle, back, upper rump, and tail, and their head, lower rump, and underparts are white. It has a black smudge around the eye, a pink bill with a dark tip.They are colonial breeders, nesting on sc... more
Cape Town, 20 July. Seventeen of the world’s 22 albatross species are threatened with extinction, with longline fishing responsible for much of the problem. BirdLife International in collaboration with Fishtek (UK) is trialling a new type of safe fishing weights in South Africa, designed to sink baited hooks quickly and reduce seabird bycat... more
The Coalition has noted media reports stating that the environmental authorisation granted to Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL) by the Department of Environmental Affairs in the first s.24G application for rectification of illegal activities, was based on “science, not emotion”. It also noted a statement that “the DEA’s Is... more
With your help, eBird reached a new milestone this May, gathering 3,067,344 bird observations over the course of the month! And 215,853--almost a quarter million--of those sightings came from Canada. Achieving our highest monthly total isn't just a fun anecdote though, it also means more data for science and conservation, and... more
Over the last four years thousands of volunteers have been out and about in Wales counting birds and taking part in the BTO’s most ambitious project to date, the 2007-11 Bird Atlas but time is running out and evidence of breeding birds in Wales is still needed. Right now Swifts are at their most obvious, and screaming parties of these enigma... more
The Cape Cormorant - Phalacrocorax capensis - Endemic to Southern Africa - is an almost entirely glossy black bird, though in breeding condition it has a purplish tinge and a few white plumes on head, neck, and cloacal areas. It has blue/greenish eyes and an orange - yellow bare patch on the base of the bill. The bill is black, with a blue-grey ba... more
A recent study carried out by scientists from Canada, Mexico and the United States, including several BirdLife Partners found that of the 882 native landbirds shared across borders, 17% (148 species) need immediate conservation action. The report concludes with six steps that Canada, Mexico and the United States must take to reverse the trend... more
Spanish Partner SEO/BirdLife has launched an appeal to secure the world’s largest remaining population. Morocco’s Souss-Massa National Park region is crucial for Northern Bald Ibis, as all the country’s breeding colonies occur here. Over the last 14 years SEO/BirdLife has supported a dedicated team of local wardens, who are deep... more
The Northern Bald Ibis - Geronticus eremita - is a migratory Ibis found in barren, semi-desert or rocky habitats, often close to running water. It is a large, glossy black bird. The plumage is black, with bronze-green and violet iridescence, and there is a wispy ruff on the bird's hind neck. The face and head are dull red and unfeathered, and the... more
The Cape Grassbird - Sphenoeacus afer - is Endemic to Southern Africa. Its crown and face sides are rufous, except for white around the eye, and it has black malar and moustachial stripes on its white throat. The upperparts are brown with heavy streaking and the long tail is a lighter brown. The underparts are whitish with blackish spo... more
The Blue-throated Macaw - Ara glaucogularis - is Endemic to a small area of north-central Boliva which is known as Los Llanos de moxas. This striking Macaw has vivid colours with turquoise-blue wings and tail, and bright yellow underparts and blue undertail coverts. The throat is blue and continuous with its blue cheeks. It has a large black bill... more
The European Cuckoo - Cuculus canorus - is one of the UK's fastest declining migrants. Over 50% of the birds migrating between Europe and Africa have disappeared over the past 25 years. Our knowledge about what this amazing species does once it leaves the UK in August is extremely poor, hampering our ability to explain population changes.... more
Gouldian Finches - Erythrura gouldiae - occur in two morphs. Red heads or Black heads. Red-headed females prefer red-headed males – and black prefer blacks. In the small populations it is not always possible for the finches to chose their own type. When they cross the results are not good. However, a “hybrid” female will always hav... more
BirdLife recently attended the 2nd meeting of the Ramsar Convention’s Regional Initiative for the Conservation and Wise Use of Mangroves and Coral Reefs in the Americas. BirdLife participated as a Ramsar International Organization Partner and is committed to assist in the further development and implementation of the convention. The meeting ... more
The Spoon-billed Sandpiper - Eurynorhynchus pygmeus - most distinctive feature of this species is its spatulate bill.The breeding adult bird has a red-brown head, neck and breast with dark brown streaks. It has blackish upperparts with buff and pale rufous fringing. Non-breeding adults lack the reddish colouration, but have pale brownish-grey up... more
This autumn Sagres, Algarve, Portugal, will be an irresistible destination for birdwatchers. During three days, from September 30th to October 2nd, we propose to come and live your passion for birds, approaching creatures as beautiful as Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Egyptian vulture, Hobby, Eleonora’s Falcon, Griffin and m... more
Southern Double-collared Sunbird or Lesser Double-collared Sunbird – Cinnyris chalybeus – Endemic – Breeding males have a metallic green head, back, throat and upper chest. Narrow red breast-band, pale greyish belly and blue rump. When displaying, yellow feather tufts can be seen on the shoulders. Females are brownish grey and the juvenile ... more
The African Wood Owl - Strix woodfordii - is a dark eyed owl with no ear tufts. Brown above spotted with white, rufous and dark barring on whitish background below. Brown facial disk with white eyebrows. Strix woodfordii is found in forests, woodlands and plantations, in Southern Angola, Southern Zaire, South Western Tanzania and down the... more
The Puerto Rican Amazon - Amazona vittata - also known as the Puerto Rican Parrot, is the only parrot indigenous to the USA left in the wild. This parrot is extremely endangered. The bird is a predominantly green BIRD with a red forehead and white rings around the eyes. They reach sexual maturity between three and four years of age.... more
The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee zeroed out funding for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) grants program which is the only federal U.S. grants program specifically dedicated to the conservation of our migrant birds throughout the Americas. Congress should not defund a program that has a proven track-rec... more
The Pink-necked Green Pigeon - Treron vernans is found in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Phillippines. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland Forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Pink-necked Green Pigeons eat main... more
BirdLife Partners from 38 European countries have gathered information about the illegal killing and trapping of birds that occur in their countries. The revealing results were presented at the European Conference on Illegal Killing of Birds in Larnaka, Cyprus. Illegal killing and trapping of birds is not restricted to the Mediterranean count... more
BirdLife South Africa's Albatross Task Force paid for a local artist to produce a series of sketches that illustrate how fishermen should handle and dehook seabirds. We've posted this on our website: http://www.birdlife.org.za/images/stories/conservation/Seabirds/for%20the%20birds.jpg. Please go and download this, and post it to other websites... more
The African Grey Parrot - Psittacus erithacus - also known as the Grey Parrot, is found in West and Central Africa. Their overall gentle nature and their inclination and ability to mimic speech have made them popular pets. This has led many to be captured from the wild and sold into the pet trade. A new moratorium forbidding the import of Afri... more
The Brown-backed Honeybird - Prodotiscus regulus - formerly known as Sharp-billed Honeyguide, also known as the Wahlberg's Honeybird or Wahlberg's Honeyguide, is a small, drab honeyguide with grey-brown upperparts and a sharp, slender bill. In flight shows white outer tail. Usually only seen when calling from high in the canopy of a tree. It main... more
Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, or Lake Niassa, or Lago Niassa in Mozambique has been officially declared a reserve by the Government of Mozambique today, protecting the species and natural habitats of one of the largest and the most bio-diverse, freshwater lakes in the world. The Government of Mozambique has also approved the prop... more
Thursday 30th June 2011 We left Simonstown at 3pm and on route to the Cape Point Nature Reserve gate had good sightings Kelp Gull, African Black Oystercatcher, Red-winged Starling, White-necked Raven, Egyptian Geese and long skeins of Cape Cormorants. In the Nature Reserve our first sighting was a Familiar Chat, followed by... more
The Sacred Kingfisher - Todiramphus sanctus - is a medium sized tree kingfisher. It has a turquoise back, turquoise blue rump and tail, buff-white underparts and a broad cream collar. There is a broad black eye stripe extending from bill to nape of neck. Both sexes are similar, although the female is generally lighter with duller upper parts. Y... more
The Short-tailed Albatross or Steller's Albatross - Phoebastria albatrus - is a medium sized albatross. Its plumage as an adult is overall white with black flight feathers, some coverts, as well as a black terminal bar on its tail. It has a yellow-stained nape and crown. Its bill is pink; however, in older birds will gain a blue tip. Once... more
The California Condor - Gymnogyps californianus - is the largest North American land bird. Currently, this condor inhabits only the Grand Canyon region. It is a large, black vulture with patches of white on the underside of the wings and a largely bald head with skin color ranging from yellowish to a bright red, depending on the bird's mood. I... more
The Harris Hawk - Parabuteo unicinctus - formerly known as the Bay-winged Hawk or Dusky Hawk, is a medium to large bird of prey which breeds from the south western United States, south to Chile and central Argentina. The Harris Hawk is famous for its remarkable behavior of hunting cooperatively in family groups. Most birds of prey are solitary h... more
Gould's Petrel - Pterodroma leucoptera - one of Australia’s rarest seabirds, is a small petrel, 30 cm long with a wingspan of about 70 cm. It is largely grey above and white below with a blackish crown and hindneck and a black M-shaped band across the wings and rump. It nests in burrows on steep mountainsides. On Cabbage Tree Island i... more
The Amur Falcon - Falco amurensis, formerly Eastern Red-footed Falcon, is a small bird of prey that breeds in south-eastern Siberia, Mongolia and Northern China and winters in Southern Africa. Amur Falcons swirl around Eskom power lines in Newcastle, KZN, South Africa, before landing on the branches of nearby pine trees. It is estimated that abo... more
The Spoon-billed Sandpiper - Eurynorhynchus pygmeus - is a small wader which breeds in north eastern Russia and winters in South east Asia. The most distinctive feature of this species is its spatulate bill. The breeding adult bird is 14–16 cm in length, and has a red-brown head, neck and breast with dark brown streaks. It has blackish ... more
The Yellow-eared Parrot - Ognorhynchus icterotis - is an endangered parrot of tropical America. It is found in the western Andes in Colombia and is closely associated to the wax palm. They nest and live among wax palms in a few areas of Western and Central Cordillera of Colombia. It inhabits cloud forests about 1800–3000 meters above sea level an... more
The Red-headed Woodpecker - Melanerpes erythrocephalus - is strikingly tri-colored, with a black back and tail and a red head and neck and whit underparts. The wings are black with white secondary remiges. Adult males and females are identical in plumage. Juveniles are similarly shaded, but are mottled with brown. It is one of the most aggressiv... more
Massive fall of swifts last Thursday, 26th May, evening at Broad Lough, County Wicklow, Ireland. Easily 3 - 4 thousand swarming over the lake and sea, with a steady stream of birds coming from the east. Never seen anything like it! ... more
The Cape Cormorant - Phalacrocorax capensis - is endemic to the southwestern coast of Southern Africa. It is a medium sized cormorant, with a length of about 63 cm; the males are a little larger than the females. They are almost entirely glossy blue-black, with an orange throat patch. The bill is dark grey; the eyes turquoise and the legs and f... more
The Jackal Buzzard - Buteo rufofuscus - is a strikingly plumaged bird of prey. It is almost black above with a chestnut tail. The primary flight feathers are blackish and the secondaries off-white, both barred with black. Below the chin and around the throat is mainly white, and the rest of the underparts and the underwing coverts are rich ru... more
The Tanzanian Government announced that the proposed asphalt road which would have bisected the Serengeti National Park, will not now be built. ” By taking this bold decision to protect the Serengeti, the government of Tanzania has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainable management of the country’s abundant biodiversity resour... more
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced more than $4.3 million in grants for 34 projects that will support neotropical migratory bird conservation throughout the Western Hemisphere. Matched by more than $15.1 million in additional funds from partners, the projects will support habitat restoration, environmental education, population... more
Sugarbirds - Endemic to Southern Africa - 2011-06-23Cape Sugarbird The Cape Sugarbird, Promerops cafer, is endemic to the Fynbos biome of the western and eastern Cape, South Africa. It is a grey-brown bird that is easily recognizable by a yellow vent and the very long tail feathers. The female, shorter-tailed, shorter-billed, and has a paler breast. Another characteristic of the Cape Sugarbird is... more
The Hooded Vulture - Necrosyrtes monachus - formerly common in public places, and regularly seen on the rooftops of houses and public buildings, are now rare and missed by many in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. Has Ouagadougou become an inhospitable city to these birds? What happened to them anyway? These questions have inspire... more
The Mediterranean Gull - , Ichthyaetus melanocephalus - breeds almost entirely in Europe. There are colonies elsewhere in southern Europe, and this species has undergone a dramatic range expansion in recent decades. It has colonised Britain, mainly in southern and eastern England with more than 90 pairs in 2000. This gull breeds in ... more
Liberia: - The Common Bulbul - Pycnonotus barbatus - is mostly greyish-brown above and whitish-brown below, with a distinctive dark head and pointy crest on top of the head. The back of the head merges into the brown of the back, and the chin is also blackish. The underparts are grey-brown apart from yellow around the vent. It is about 18 ... more
Namibia: - The Crimson-breasted Shrike - Laniarius atrococcineus - or "Reichsvogel" in Namibia is a striking bird in black and red. This shrike is extremely nimble and restless, its penetrating whistles often being the first sign of its presence, although it is not a shy species. The sexes have the same colouration and are indistin... more
Angola: - The Peregrine Falcon also known historically as the "Duck Hawk" in North America. The Peregrine is renowned for its speed, reaching speeds of over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop, making it the fastest extant member of the animal kingdom. It is a large Falcon, with a blue-grey back, b... more
The national Bird for both Kenya and Nigeria is the Black Crowned Crane. The Black Crowned Crane - Balearica pavonina occurs in dry savannah south of the Sahara. It nests in somewhat wetter habitats. This species and the closely related Grey-crowned Crane, which prefers wetter habitats for foraging. Like all cranes, the Black Crowned Crane fe... more
The Grey Crowned Crane is the national bird for Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. These spectacular birds and are the only cranes that can roost in trees, because of a long hind toe that can grasp branches. The Grey Crowned Crane has a breeding display involving dancing, bowing, and jumping. It has a booming call which involves inflation of th... more
Botswana: - The Lilac-breasted Roller - Coracias caudatus - is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is found in open woodland and savanna and is largely absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from... more
Lesotho: - The Southern Bald Ibis - Geronticus calvus - is found in open grassland in the mountains of Southern Africa. This large, glossy, blue-black Ibis has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, decurved red bill. It breeds colonially on cliffs, laying 2-3 eggs which are incubated for 21 days before hatching. It feeds on insects,... more
The ADU - Animal Demography Unit - presented results of a research project sponsored by the Responsible Fisheries Alliance - RFA, a partnership between WWF South Africa, and four major fishing industry players, namely I&J, Oceana, Sea Harvest and Viking: "This is the first alliance of its kind in the history of South African marine c... more
The Pink-footed Shearwater - Puffinus creatopus - is a large pelagic shearwater occurring in the Pacific Ocean. It nests on Mocha Island off the Chilian Coast. It is a transequatorial migrant, moving toward subarctic waters of the Pacific after raising its young. It is fairly common well off the west coast of the US during the country's warm... more
In the 2000 Red Data Book, two species were classified as "Regionally Extinct" The two "Regionally Extinct" species are the Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus - and the African Skimmer - Rynchops flavirostris. Occasional sightings of both species as vagrants hold out some hope that they will recolonize South Africa.&n... more
Decline emphasizes need to list the knot under the Endangered Species Act and implement stronger protections at key U.S. stopover. Scientists released a report announcing that a decrease of at least 5,000 Red Knots was observed at key wintering grounds in Tierra del Fuego, Chile from the previous year. Scientists reported population counts of... more
American Bird Conservancy - ABC - the nation’s leading bird conservation organization, and ten other groups have called on the Environmental Protection Agency - EPA - to begin immediate proceedings to have rodent poison products that do not meet new EPA packaging guidelines withdrawn from retail shelves. In 2008, following years... more
Old trees must be protected to save the homes of more than 1,000 different bird and mammal species who nest, says a new study from the University of British Columbia. Most animals can't carve out their own tree holes and rely on holes already formed. The study found that outside of North America, most animals nest in tree holes formed by damag... more
The Arabian Oryx - Oryx leucoryx - or White Oryx is a medium sized antelope with a distinct shoulder hump, long straight horns, and a tufted tail. It was hunted to near extinction, is now facing a more secure future according to the latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. Its wild population now stands at 1,000 individuals.... more
The African Penguin - Spheniscus demersus - also known as the Jackass Penguin or the Black-footed Penguin is found on the south-western coast of Africa, living in colonies on 24 islands and 3 mainland colonies, between Namibia and Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. In the 1900s, penguins were threatened by egg collection and guano scraping ... more
SAFRING is based at the University of Cape Town and provides bird ringing services in South Africa and other African countries. This entails providing ringing equipment to qualified ringers, and curating all ringing data. SAFRING communicates with ringers and interested parties through annually publishing one or two issues of a newsletter, Afr... more
BirdLife International has a well-established and highly successful programme of defining Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The aim of the IBA programme is to "identify and protect a network of sites at a biogeographic scale, critical for the long-term viability of naturally occurring bird populations, across the range of those bird species fo... more
The Common Eider - Somateria mollissima - breeds in the Arctic and some northern temperate regions, but winters further south in temperate zones, where it can form large flocks on coastal waters. It can fly at speeds up to 113 km/h. The eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the celebrated eiderdown, plucked from the female's b... more
The Gurney's Pitta - Pitta gurneyi, - one of the most beautiful birds in the world, has a blue crown and black-and-yellow underparts. The rest of the head is black, and it has warm brown upperparts. The female has a brown crown and buffy-whitish underparts. They feed on slugs and worms. It is named after the English ornithologist John Henry Gurn... more
The Amur Falcon - Falco amurensis, formerly Eastern Red-footed Falcon, is a small bird of prey that breeds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China and winters in Southern Africa. Satellite tracking of raptors on migration has become an indispensable tool in studying the routes taken by birds. It is especially useful when used in areas where... more
Arctic Tern - Sterna paradisaea A new study adds surprising new detail to the Arctic tern's epic migration. The Arctic tern's extraordinary pole-to-pole migration has been detailed by an international team of scientists. The researchers fitted the birds with tiny tracking devices to see precisely which routes the animals took on their 70,000k... more
A red penguin that stands nearly five feet tall. Researchers in Peru have unearthed the fossil of just such a creature, a giant penguin that lived about 36 million years ago. The fossil, named Inkayacu paracasensis, or Water King, gives researchers their very first look at p... more
The Ground Hornbill Project is sponsored by Rand Merchant Bank. The focus of the EWT’s Ground Hornbill work is in the Kruger National Park and coordinated by Scott Ronaldson. The Ground Hornbill populations are carefully monitored and threats specific to each area addressed. In the Lowveld/KNP, where the bulk of the country’s wild popul... more
Written by Niall Perrins This is a target I have set myself. To my knowledge only the legendary Ian Sinclair has done it before and publicly announced it. Will I do it? I don't know, but I am going to give it a damn good go. My past achievements with this in mind are as follows: 2008: 701 birds - target was 700, a... more
The unusual wet and cold weather for this time of the year in the Kalahari, Northern Cape, South Africa has resulted in to bird mortalities. According to Dylan Smith, of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Northern Cape South Africa “with the cold (4C) and wet (40+mm) we had numbers of bird mortalities - laughing doves, scaly-feathered finches, wattled s... more
Based on two years of follow-up research, scientists have concluded that the birds Jeff Gilligan, Gerard Lillie, and four Irish friends saw from the deck of their cruise ship off the coast of Chile are likely members of a new species of storm-petrel. The men, who are all serious birders, spotted what they thought were Wilson’s Storm-Pe... more
Today, one of the world’s rarest birds passed a key milestone – the Pale-headed Brush-Finch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) was downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List of globally threatened birds after of more than a decade of sustained conservation action. The announcement came following news that the... more
In a novel look at managing both the future's timber harvest while being mindful of the impact on key songbirds in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Michigan State University researchers use a new forest simulation model for the first time to look at what timber-friendly hardwood regeneration can mean to bird habitat. And it's a long-range look, giv... more
Albatrosses are large seabirds that range widely in the Southern Ocean and North Pacific. They are absent from the North Atlantic and are among the largest of flying birds. Of the 21 species of albatrosses, 19 are threatened. A new global estimate of the impact of longline fisheries on seabirds reveals that, despite efforts to reduce seabi... more
DeJong is measuring the duck eggs in several museum collections -- from the Smithsonian Institution, in this case, where Bendire was the first curator of the discipline known as oology, or the study of birds' eggs. When her project is done, DeJong will have assembled and analyzed a metrics database on perhaps 60,000 duck eggs representing at l... more
On April 26, 1986, history's greatest nuclear accident took place northwest of the Ukrainian city of Chernobyl. Despite the scale of the disaster, 25 years later, we still do not know its real effects. An international team of investigators has shown for the first time that the colour of birds' plumage may make them more vulnerable to radioact... more
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker Campephilus principalis is or was one of the largest woodpeckers in the world, at roughly 20 inches in length and 30 inches in wingspan. It was native to the virgin forests of the southeastern United States. Due to habitat destruction, and to a lesser extent hunting, its numbers have dwindled to the poin... more
The Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps or Indian Bustard is found in India and certain parts of Pakistan. It has been uplisted to Critically Endangered, the highest level of threat. Hunting, disturbance, habitat loss and fragmentation have all conspired to reduce this magnificent species to perhaps as few as 250 individuals. Standing a me... more
The Bulgarian government has confirmed Special Protection Area extensions for four key Important Bird Areas in Bulgaria. The extensions of Lomovete, Central Balkan, Pirin and Western Rhodopes will provide protection for key breeding populations of endangered species such as the Egyptian Vulture and Saker falcon, along with a host of fore... more
Pulling into the parking lot at the Baltimore Woods Nature Center in Marcellus, the first thing you notice is several fields, the surrounding woods and a brush pile or two. The fun starts by looking closely at the surroundings — and listening. “Hear that?” asked Jason Mauro as he focused in on a bird chirping in a nearby tree. “That’... more
The Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus is not actually bald. The name derives from the older meaning of the word, "white headed". Bald Eagles are sexually mature at four or five years of age. When they are old enough to breed, they often return to the area where they were born. It is thought that Bald Eagles mate for life. However, if ... more
I am really worried! This year as with every year, summer really doesn’t start until the swifts arrive. Usually they appear mid to early May, dipping and diving at incredible speed above our little Warwickshire town. Our town is predominately medieval/Elizabethan timber framed houses, many of them still sporting their open eaves and perfec... more
To celebrate World Environment Day, BirdLife has launched a new section on its website focusing on people, showcasing the work of the BirdLife Partnership in bringing communities together to safeguard birds and biodiversity, whilst ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for people. BirdLife is the largest conservation network of its kind... more
Indian Myna - Acridotheres tristis - numbers have exploded across Canberra since they were deliberately introduced, and are a serious environmental threat to native wildlife. Indian Mynas: are one of the most invasive animal species in the world take over nesting hollows, evicting birds and small mammals, and prey on nestlings pose som... more
Palm-Nut Vulture - Gypohierax angolensis - was located on the farm, Fernbank, near Sedgefield, Western Cape, South Africa. The farm is situated on the Sedgefield/Karatara tarred road about 7.5km from the low water bridge at GPS bearing 3359.035S and 2249.429E on the left-hand side of the roadway as you head towards Karatara. Please remember that ... more
A Goliath Heron - Ardea goliath - present at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Western Cape, South Africa this morning. A Squacco Heron - Ardeola ralloides - still present at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Western Cape, South Africa. These beautiful birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safari/Adventures. Goliath Heron Aves Eastern Cape Birding Tou... more
Great Snipes - Gallinago media - Spain saw an unprecedented arrival of this species in April and May and the UK saw its first-ever displaying (lekking) male in North Norfolk. Very concerning though is the failure of this species to materialise at a number of regular breeding leks in Estonia and Poland - the lekking locations being too wet pos... more
Even though many European Turtle Doves arrived on cue in the UK, on or about 20 April, they have so far failed to materialise in greater numbers. In fact, I would describe their current status here as critical. This once abundant species is now confined in its stronghold to just coastal Essex and Kent, and is now fairly scarce in Suffolk an... more
The Hooded Vulture, Necrosyrtes monachus, is typical vulture, with a bald pink head and a greyish “hood”. It has fairly uniform dark brown body plumage. It has broad wings for soaring and short tail feathers. It is a small species compared to most vultures. It breeds in a stick nest in trees (often in palms) in much of sub -saharan Africa, ... more
DANGPLAT, Cambodia — A wake of vultures perches on the bare branches of a towering tree, dark shapes silhouetted against a pale sky, sharp beaks and talons ready to tear apart a dead cow laid out in a Cambodian jungle clearing. This manmade "vulture restaurant" is part of efforts across Asia to save the critically endangered bird f... more
LOS ANGELES -- Three California condors found in northern Arizona and southern Utah have died of lead poisoning and three others had toxic levels of lead in their bodies, prompting conservationists to urge hunters to use non-lead ammunition and to carefully dispose animal carcasses that condors could feast upon. Biologists recently captured a... more
After six years in which Pale Male and his then-mate Lola produced eggs every year, only to have to abandon them in early summer long after they should have hatched, Pale Male suddenly switched to classic Red-tailed Hawk, fathering behavior on Thursday. He brought captured Central Park prey to his new mate, Ginger, at their fabled East Side pe... more
The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), is a a fish eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor with a 2 m wingspan. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts, with a black eye patch and wings. The Osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate f... more
The Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, and known historically as the "Duck Hawk" in North America has taken to life in New York City. Three peregrine falcon moms have found New York City bridges to be the perfect roost for raising a family. Nine fuzzy, white and chubby chicks have recently hatched at the Verrazano-Narrows, Marine Parkwa... more
The King Penguin Aptenodytes patagonicusis, the second largest species of Penguin at about 11 to 16 kg (24 to 35 lb), second only to the Emperor Penguin. King Penguins breed on the Subantartic islands at the northern reaches of Antartica, South Georgia, and other temperate islands of the region. The total population is estimated to be 2.23 mi... more
The Golden-winged Warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera, breeds in eastern North America and southeastern Canada. Golden-winged Warbler populations are slowly expanding northwards, but are generally declining across its range, most likely as a result of habitat loss and competition / interbreeding with the very closely related Blue-winged Warbler, V... more
The Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori) is an African endemic. It is the heaviest bird capable of flight. The Kori Bustard is mostly grey in color, with a black crest on its head and yellow legs. Kori Bustards are often found with bee-eaters riding on their backs as they stride through the grass. The bee-eaters make the most of their walking perch by haw... more
In the UK, housing developers make contributions to a fund, known as Section 106 funds, for the purposes of financing urban art. Cambridge City Council came up with the brilliant idea of making an allocation to build a Swift Tower on Logan's Meadow Nature Reserve (Pye Fen) which would be not only an attractive piece of static urban art, b... more
The Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) is a small swft and in flight, looks like a flying cigar with long slender curved wings. The plumage is a sooty grey-brown; the throat, breast, underwings and rump are paler. They have short tails. The breeding season of Chimney Swifts is from May through July. Their breeding habitat is near towns and cities... more
There are four flamingo species in the Americas and two species in the Africa and Asia. Flamingos are very social birds that live in colonies that can number in the thousands. These large colonies are believed to serve three purposes for the flamingos; predator avoidance, maximizing food intake and exploiting scarce suitable nesting sites. Th... more
The International Society for Salt Lake Research (ISSLR), is an organisation devoted to research, management and conservation of salt lakes worldwide, that holds triennial conferences with research on salt lakes as a central theme. In 2011 the confere... more
How many birds were killed, injured or otherwise affected by the millions of gallons of oil that rushed toward shorelines? That’s one of the major questions federal scientists and state biologists are wrestling with as they approach the anniversary of the disaster. The Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank off Louisiana’s coast Apri... more
The Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto, is a species native to Asia and Europe, and also recently introduced in North America. It is a medium sized dove, distinctly smaller than the Wood Pigeon, similar in length to a Rock Pigeon but slimmer and longer-tailed, and slightly larger than the related Turtle Dove. The Great Backyard Bird Coun... more
The Common House Martin - Delichon urbicum, is a migratory swallowwhich breeds in Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia and winters in sub-saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It feeds on insects which are caught in flight, and it migrates to climates where flying insects are plentiful. According to Martin Goodey there were large numbers of Hou... more
Migratory birds are building a diverse range of nests at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre in Berkshire after flying thousands of miles from Africa. With bodies shorter than a ball-point pen, the first to complete their impressive journeys in March and mid-April were the sand martins and the reed warblers. They have now been joined by the larg... more
These three much-loved birds breeding in the West-Central Palearctic have much in common:core breeding ranges, wintering ranges and loop migration strategies both into and out of Africa. All three of these birds are long-range migrants (e.g. St. Petersburg to Harare), may have been hit these past three years (at least), by an intensifying and er... more
The Marsh Warbler, Acrocephalus palustris, breeds in temperate Europe and western Asia and winters mainly in south east Africa. It is notable for incorporating striking imitations of a wide variety of other birds into its song. The Marsh Warbler breeds in a variety of mostly damp habitats, but in Africa winters mainly in dry, well-vegetated ar... more
The Thrush Nightingale, Luscinia luscinia is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in forest in Europe and Asia. It winters in Tropical Africa. The Thrush Nightingale is similar in size to the European Robin. It is plain grey brown above and grey to white below. Its greyer tones, giving a cloudy appearance to the underside, and lack of th... more
The Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) breeds in most of Europe and winters in tropical Africa. Although a migratory visitor to Great Britain, it had been considered extinct as a breeding bird and has been named as a protected bird in Britain under a Biodiversity Action Plan. In September 2010 the RSPB announced that a breeding pair had successf... more
Great snipe is the fastest migratory bird over long distances. - 2011-05-30The great snipe could well be the fastest bird on Earth over long distances. After following the birds' migration south from Sweden to central Africa using tiny tracking devices, Swedish scientists found that the birds fly non-stop over a distance of around 4200 miles (6760km) at a phenomenal 60mph (97kmh). A lot of birds can fly eithe... more
A brave male House Sparrow! - 2011-05-28Enough is Enough! Statutory warning: Do not attempt this at home ... more
The Fire-eyes, Pyriglena, are a genus of BIRDS, in the antbird family Thamnophilidae. The genus contains three species, all found in South America. The fire-eyes are 16-18 cm in length, weigh 25-36 g and have characteristic red eyes that give them their name. They have sexually dimorphic plumage, with the females possessing brown to buff coloured b... more
The São Tomé Ibis (Bostrychia bocagei), or the Dwarf Olive Ibis, is a critically endangered bird that is endemic to Sao Tome' e Principe. The Dwarf Olive Ibis was thought to be a subspecies of the larger Olive Ibis (Bostrychia olivacea), but it is now classified as a distinct species. Reports from BirdLife Species Guardians on São Tomé – a s... more
A Bateleur [Terathopius ecaudatus] was seen between Wellington and Stellenbosch. There are very few records of this species in the province, especially this close to Cape Town. The closestAves Birding Tour/Safari/Adventureto see the Bateleur is the Aves Arid Birding Tour/Safari/ Adventure. These magnificant birds can be seen on the following Ave... more
Research shows that this colorful bird uses its massive beak to rapidly radiate away heat, allowing it to chill out in tropical climates or when expending a lot of energy while flying. At its most efficient, the toucan is theoretically capable of jettisoning 100% of its overall body heat loss through its bill. Birds don’t sweat. Neither do... more
The African Bird Club [ABC] has just over 1200 members the ABC provides information about Africa and supports conservation across the continent. Through its website and magazines provides a huge resource of images, papers, checklists, and sound-recordings to anyone interested in Africa and its 2500+ species of birds. Visit on - www.africanbirdc... more
The swifts are back in Berlin. According to estimates by the Berlin Association of Nature Conservation Germany (NABU), there are up to 20,000 breeding pairs of swifts in the capital. The birds have arrived late and do not have much time to search for nesting sites. ... more
The largest flock of White Storks (Cikonji Bojod)ever recorded in Malta shot at from several different locations, as the rare birds sought overnight shelter in Malta. At least six storks were seen shot down, while another injured stork was recovered but had to be euthanized by a vet. Yet another two injured storks were recorded in flight with d... more
New Aves West Coast Overnight Birding Tour / Safari, Western Cape, South Africa. - 2011-05-20This new Aves West Coast Overnight Birding Tour / Safari includes two Important Bird Areas on the West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa. They are: - West Coast National Park, and the Berg River Estuary. The tour includes Tiene Versveld Nature Reserve near Darling and Rocher Pan Nature Reserve which are great birding destinations.This tour fo... more
On their epic journeys, often spanning thousands of kilometres, migratory birds cross many borders, linking different countries as well as ecosystems. The annual migration of an estimated 50 billion birds representing around 19% of the world’s 10,000 bird species is one of nature’s great natural wonders. Yet each year, more and more of the ... more
The ban on a veterinary drug, diclofenac, which caused an unprecedented decline in Asian vulture populations has shown the first signs of progress, according to scientists. However, the recovery of the wild vulture populations requires efforts to see the drug completely removed from the birds’ food supply. Although the legal action has sta... more
The Amer Group, the Egyptian real estate developer responsible for Porto Marina and Porto Sokhna massive tourism developments along Egypt’s North and Ain Sokhna coasts, plans to build “Porto Fayoum” on 650 acres in the Lake Qarun Protected area near Fayoum Oasis. This is the first development of such huge proportions to be allowed in an... more
Japie Claassen has reported that he found 2 White-fronted Bee-eaters Merops bullockoides along the gravel road from Prince Albert to Leeu-Gamka over the Swart River about 5km outside Prince Albert in the Great Karoo, South Africa. This is approximately 700 kilometers south west of the species normal range. ... more
Grazing by farm animals can skew the sex ratio of bird chicks, a UK research team has found - potentially affecting the species' prospects. They found that meadow pipits Anthus pratensis produce fewer males if land near their nests is either grazed heavily or not at all, with light grazing bringing more males. The reasons behind it are unclea... more
The African Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus, is found in the primary and secondary forests of West and Central Africa. They feed primarily on palm nuts, seeds, fruits and leafy matter. Their overall gentle nature and their inclination and ability to mimic speech have made them popular pets. This has led to thousands/millions being captured illega... more
The Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha) is one of the smallest falcons in the Southern African Sub-region and there are only 25 birds in South Africa. The birds were first discovered in South Africa about 18 years ago. According to Andre Botha the Taita Falcon has never been an abundant species. Historically, the species occurred in greater n... more
"A new species of seabird has been found. A five-person multi-national expedition led by British seabird expert Peter Harrison, captured 12 of the mystery storm-petrels at sea near Puerto Montt, Chile on February 18, 19, and 21, and can now confirm the existence of a new species. This tiny black and white seabird belongs to a group of se... more
February 18, 2009—A rare quail from the Philippines was photographed for the first time before being sold as food at a poultry market, experts say. Found only on the island of Luzon, Worcester's buttonquail was known solely through drawings based on dated museum specimens collected several decades ago. Scientists had suspected the sp... more
Stress may play a crucial role in determining whether some birds mimic the sounds of others, say researchers. Scientists studied the vocal repertoire of bowerbirds. Best known for their elaborate nests or "bowers", the birds can also copy up to fifteen sounds. Bowerbirds were previously thought to mimic predators as a form of defen... more
Norway's first Crag Martin Hirundo rupestris was found on the small island of Hernar on the west coast of Norway and isn't that far from Bergen on the 5/5/2011. The bird is still present and twitchers are flocking to the island from all around Norway.... more
Habitat destruction in the Eastern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal is causing the endemic Cape Parrot to eat a high fat diet. This new diet of green pecan nuts, syringa fruits and jacaranda pods are malnourishing and poisoning these beautiful parrots. All the sick birds that have been examined have been underweight, some by as much as 40%, covered in flea... more
Cape Parrots falling out the skies in King William's Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa. - 2011-05-08Over the last two weeks five dying Cape Parrots have been handed in to the SPCA King William's Town or directly to staff of the Cape Parrot Project. SPCA workers say that they suspect that double the number of Cape Parrots are not being reported. Most people see a Cape Parrot and think that they can rehabilitate it and have it saying: &... more
Worldwide, parrots are the most threatened species of any bird family. Of the 332 parrot species in the world, more than 90 species are threatened with global extinction. The endemic Cape Parrot is one of South Africa’s most threatened species and is threatened by both habitat loss and illegal trade.... more
A Pallid Harrier, one of Europe’s most-endangered birds of prey, which was shot in Malta, was sent to Germany for rehabilitation by BirdLife Malta, at the end of April. This Pallid Harrier is one of 26 shot protected birds which BirdLife Malta has received since the spring hunting season started on the 13th April. On this list ar... more
The Barn Owl Tyto alba is the most widely distributed species of Owl in the world, and one of the most widespread of all birds. Barn Owls can catch and eat up to 1,000 mice each year. Great news - more and more farmers are trying to attract barn owls to help control rodent populations in the Vineyards of the Western Cape and in Agricultural ... more
Four Common Swifts Apus apus seen circling, apparently feeding above the established colony site at Three Legged Cross, Dorset, at 10am today. Same date and same number that returned first last year. Spring is definitely here!!! Geoff Beale Dorset UK... more
The 2011 International Black-faced Spoonbill Census has found a large decrease in the known wintering populations since last year’s census. Overall numbers fell from 2,347 birds in January 2010 to 1,848 in January 2011, a decline of 21%. Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor is currently considered as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It was ... more
Dozens of dead birds have been found lying in a residential street in Sweden, days after thousands of birds fell to their deaths in the US. Police in the town of Falkoeping have told Swedish media that between 50 and 100 jackdaws had died. Some are said to have been hit by cars but others have no visible injuries. Parallels have been drawn... more
Mystery solved. It wasn't poison, or lightning, or the end of the world. According to USA today: - It was someone shooting off professional grade fireworks in a residential district, scaring the night-blind birds out of their roost into a 25-mph flight that ran them into houses, signs and even the ground, says Karen Rowe, Arkansas ... more
Yesterday evening at 20.07, in clear sky with still the cold easterly wind 5, Swifts over the my road in North West London. The temperature was 5 degrees according to weather forecast. The Swifts were performing aerobatics in the sky, they were clearly not just passing through. They are back at last.... more
This new Aves West Coast Overnight Birding Tour / Safari includes two Important Bird Areas on the West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa. They are: - West Coast National Park, and the Berg River Estuary. The tour includes Tiene Versveld Nature Reserve near Darling and Rocher Pan Nature Reserve which are great birding destinations.This tour fo... more
Good news from my house Just now two swifts flew by screaming. As fast as they appeared they were out of sight. While typing I heard them again. Time to get some power in the cameras This is what happened here last year 22nd April The first swifts have arrived in Northern Ireland 23rd April First swift seen over my house 2nd May Tw... more
Sérgio Cabral, Governor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has signed an historic decree creating an important new protected area – The Costa do Sol State Park. The new park is the only place in the world that the Critically Endangered Restinga Antwren Formicivora littoralis is found and encompasses 9,840 hectares of unique habitat – t... more
Aves Overberg Overnight Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure. Day 1 07:00 Depart for Rooi Els via Gordon’s Bay, Western Cape on the scenically spectacular coastal road. Bird the area Cape Rock-jumper, Ground Woodpecker, Cape Rock Thrush, Jackal Buzzard and Cape Siskin. 09:30 Depart for Stoney Point, Western Cape, the Afr... more
Subject: [SMS-Worldwide] First swift in one of my nestboxes Dear All, This morning the motion detection system of my cameras software captured the first image of a swift happily sitting in the nest used the past year by a pair to raise two chicks. Finally the show has already started!. Best regards, Porfirio Solla Vigo - Galici... more
Adaptable urban birds have bigger brains - 2011-04-27City dwelling birds have larger brains relative to their body size, according to scientists. They have found that family traits are key to identifying why certain birds thrive in European cities. "Urban adapters" including tits, crows, nuthatches and wrens all come from families of related species that have large brains compared to ... more
Swift numbers increasing over Crumlin Nr Ireland saw five over the village a few minutes ago,and two new arrivals today . Incidentally Crumlin now has a swift tower at the New Tesco store in Crumlin providing twenty new nest boxes which Tesco paid for.... more
Is this a Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis - cross Black Heron - Egretta ardesiaca - or Western Reef Heron - Egretta gularis? This bird was photographed on the eastern outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria. Your Comments please.......... more
Barn Owls [Tyto alba] can catch and eat up to 1,000 mice each year. More and more farmers are trying to attract barn owls to help control rodent populations in the Vineyards of the Western Cape and in Agricultural lands in South Africa. These Owls can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours / Safaris: - Aves Arid Birding Tour / Safari Aves ... more
Rovio Mobile Ltd, the world-leading entertainment media company announced today that their Angry Birds are taking up the fight to save the world’s most threatened birds from extinction. Rovio is working with BirdLife International, the world leader in bird conservation, to give these otherwise condemned bird species a last throw of the dice.... more
Great weather in London, like summer, the doves are cooing, the garden plants are bursting out all over, there are lots of hover flies around - but no Swifts yet! ... more
"All of the 400 plus rockhoppers now at the release pool were brought down from the rehab centre by tractor and trailer. It was a humid, hot day on Tristan and the penguins took to the water with visible relief at being able to cool down and swim in the spacious pools. The strongest penguins were darting and diving underwater and was... more
This new Aves West Coast Overnight Birding Tour / Safari includes two Important Bird Areas on the West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa. They are: - West Coast National Park, and the Berg River Estuary. The tour includes Tiene Versveld Nature Reserve near Darling and Rocher Pan Nature Reserve which are great birding destinations. This tour foc... more
Cape Town, 15 April 2011. The Russian research vessel Ivan Papanin arrived at the remote Tristan da Cunha Island group on Monday. On board were valuable supplies to assist in cleaning up oil from a grounded cargo ship that has oiled many thousands of endangered Northern Rockhopper Penguins. The MS Oliva was on a voyage from Brazil to China, ... more
Is this a Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis - cross Black Heron - Egretta ardesiaca - or Western Reef Heron - Egretta gularis? This bird was photographed on the eastern outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria. Your Comments please....... more
The Aves afternoon trip to Rondevlei started with the sighting of a Peregrine Falcon at Klip Road, Cemetery, Grassy Park. This is the second time an Aves afternoon Tour has seen a Peregrine Falcon here. On entering Rondevlei Nature Reserve we identified Laughing Dove, Cape Bulbul, Red-eyed Dove, Karoo Prinia and Common Waxbill. ... more
The Aves group entered Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens through the top gate, Rycroft Gate, after eight on a beautiful blue skied, sunny, Sunday morning. To greet us near the gate were Sombre Greenbul, Egyptian Geese and Helmeted Guineafowl. A short distance up the path towards the irrigation dam we spotted an African Goshawk which wa... more
Aves Overberg Overnight Birding Tour. This new Aves birding tour includes three Important Bird Areas in the Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa. They are: - Agulhas National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve and De Mond Nature Reserve. Mudlark River Front Lodge on the Breede River, Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Rooi Els and Stoney Point Afric... more
Saw two or three today and heard some singing. Also visited a nearby sand martin colony where there were (I think literally) hundreds - wonderful!... more
The Aves tour party left Cape Town at 6 in the dark for the West Coast National Park. IBA As the sun rose we identified Pied Crow, Helmeted Guineafowl and Cape Spurfowl on route. In the park on the drive to Abrahamskraal waterhole we saw three pairs of Steenbok, Grey-winged Francolin, Cape Spurfowl and Cape Bulbul. On route to the Ge... more
After seven days at sea, a five-member specialist team has arrived on Tristran da Cunha to lend their expertise to cleaning the thousands of Northern Rockhopper Penguins affected by the oil spill which followed the grounding of cargo ship MS Oliva on Nightingale Island. After a day's delay caused by rough weather, the team from SANCCOB (the ... more
Aves Tour / Safari / Adventure Trip Report: - We left Cape Town at 6AM on the N1 national road which extends from Cape Town to the country’s northern border with Zimbabwe. This national road to Bloemfontein covers a number of different habitats - Wetlands, Mountain Fynbos, Succulent and Nama Karoo, Rivers and Highveld Grassland. A number ... more
6/4/2011 A big arrival of Common Swifts in progress, we're talking several hundreds in the past 10 minutes. The birds coming in off the sea from the general direction of Africa. ... more
We left the Twelve Apostles Hotel, Oudekraal, Campsbay, Cape Town in light rain and a fairly strong northerly wind. The rain continued all the way through Houtbay and Constantia and all we saw were Helmeted Guineafowl. At Grassy Park Cemetery we were extremely fortunate to see a Peregrine Falcon catch a Feral Pigeon. Near the entrance of Zeek... more
Is this a Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis - cross Black Heron - Egretta ardesiaca - or Western Reef Heron - Egretta gularis? This bird was photographed on the eastern outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria. Your Comments please....... more
Aves Overberg Overnight Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure. Day 1 07:00 Depart for Rooi Els via Gordon’s Bay, Western Cape on the scenically spectacular coastal road. Bird the area Cape Rock-jumper, Ground Woodpecker, Cape Rock Thrush, Jackal Buzzard and Cape Siskin. 09:30 Depart for Stoney Point, Western Cape, the A... more
An exhibition by Jeremy Houghton, inspired by flamingos, will be raising funds in support of the Kamfers Dam wetlands, the largest Lesser Flamingo breeding population in South Africa.... more
Big arrival of Common Swifts, Tuesday, 29/03/2011 and later in the afternoon another arrival of both Pallid and Common Swifts. Torremolinos, Spain.... more
This new Aves West Coast Overnight Birding Tour / Safari includes two Important Bird Areas on the West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa. They are: - West Coast National Park, and the Berg River Estuary. The tour includes Tiene Versveld Nature Reserve near Darling and Rocher Pan Nature Reserve which are great birding destinations. This to... more
Last thursday I saw the first two common swifts over Livorno and, today, I had my first Barn Swallow! Giorgio Paesani Livorno-Toscana- Italia ... more
Is this a Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis - cross Black Heron - Egretta ardesiaca - or Western Reef Heron - Egretta gularis? This bird was photographed on the eastern outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria. Your Comments please....... more
Is this a Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis - cross Black Heron - Egretta ardesiaca - or Western Reef Heron - Egretta gularis? This bird was photographed on the eastern outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria. Your Comments please.... more
Cattle egret - Bubulcus ibis - They are almost exclusively urban birds in Libya. The biggest cattle egret colony in Libya is at the old Tobacco factory in Tripoli which is closed down and secluded with thousands of birds roosting in the eucalpytus trees every night. In Benghazi, the biggest colony is at Buduzeera lake. They b... more
Aves Overberg Overnight Birding Tour. This new Aves birding tour includes three Important Bird Areas in the Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa. They are: - Agulhas National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve and De Mond Nature Reserve. Mudlark River Front Lodge on the Breede River, Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Rooi Els and Stoney Point Africa... more
Southern Africa has more than 500 Game and Nature Reserves. These conservation areas are made up of National Parks, Game Reserves, Wildlife Reserves, Game Management Areas and Safari Areas. They all play a vital role in protecting threatened habitats, species and specific organisms. A second vital role they play is in promoting an u... more
Over the past two days reports from various Italian localities tell of the arrival of the vanguard of Common Swift, Alpine Swift and Pallid Swift. Even the swallows are back and I saw one in Isle of Elba, now we are waiting for the Red-rumped Swallow! Giorgio Paesani Livorno - Toscana - Italia... more
Aves Western Cape Birding Tour / Safari, includes De Hoop Nature Reserve in its itinerary. This beautiful Fynbos and Marine Reserve is situated in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, near the southern tip of Africa and covers an area of about 36 000ha. Birding De Hoop Nature Reserve. IBA The De Hoop vlei/wetland is famous for ... more
Two Pallid swifts of the season were cycling over one of their colonies here at Vigo and one of them entered into one of the nesting holes. Weather at the time was very bad with temperatures lower than 10 C degrees, strong Northern wind and rain showers. Porfirio Solla Vigo - Galicia (NW Spain)... more
This was a two day Aves Birding Tour / Safari and Aperture Wild Photographic and Viewing tour to the Little Karoo and Overberg regions of Western South Africa and what a fantastic tour it was. We enjoyed some memorable encounters with wildlife, including the Plains Zebra, Oryx [Gemsbok], Springbok in the huge, 540 square kilometer, Sanbona ... more
An Amazing Little Karoo Trip. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is situtated, north of route 62, between the villages of Montagu and Barrydale in the little Karoo of South Africa. Sanbona covers an area of roughly 540 square kilometers and is divided by the spectacular Warmwatersberg mountain range with its majestic geological formations and diverse ve... more
On 4 March, the first four Pallid Swifts, two Alpine Swifts, a large flock of House Martins, Barn Swallows, Crag Martins, Red-rumped Swallows and some Sand Martins. These were seen in El Hondo (Elche-Spain) . ... more
Mutulanganga Important Bird Area (IBA) is a Local Forest Reserve in Southern Zambia that has a sizeable area of mopane woodland. Commercial logging in Mutulanganga IBA in Zambia has been stopped through community pressure with the help of the Zambian Ornithological Society (BirdLife Partner).... more
A lifeline to prevent Africa's first recorded bird extinction Liben Lark [ Sidamo Lark] - Heteromirafra sidamoensis This species is listed as Critically Endangered. It has an extremely small range [a single grassy plain in southern Ethiopia] and its range size is decreasing. The remaining habitat is rapidly being degraded, an... more
Barn Owls [Tyto alba] can catch and eat up to 1,000 mice each year. More and more farmers are trying to attract barn owls to help control rodent populations in the Vineyards of the Western Cape and in Agricultural lands in South Africa. These Owls can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours / Safaris: - Aves Arid Birding Tour / Safari Aves ... more
BirdLife Europe has published a leaflet to increase awareness about invasive alien species in the 27 EU Member States and to promote the importance of adopting appropriate legislation in Brussels. Invasive alien species are non-native species that establish, spread and cause harm to native biodiversity, ecosystems, socioeco... more
Threatened bird species. December 2010 proved to be a very sad month in Finland in terms of bird protection. The new Red List, indicating which species are threatened, showed that the number of threatened bird species in Finland had increased by almost 70%. ... more
Researchers from the Victorian Wader Study Group – a special interest group of Birds Australia [BirdLife Partner] – have just recaptured a Ruddy Turnstone which has completed a 27,000 km round trip migration for the second time.... more
Crowned Cormorant - Phalacrocorax coronatus - Photographed by John Tinkler of Aperture Wild Photograhic and Viewing Safais at Kommetjie, Western Cape, South Africa. These Cormorants can be seen on the following Aves Tours / Safaris: - Aves Western Cape Tour / Safari. Aves West Coast Tour / Safari.... more
Cape Cormorant - Phalacrocorax capensis - Photographed by John Tinkler of Aperture Wild Photograhic and Viewing Safais at Kommetjie. These Cormorants can be seen on the following Aves Tours / Safaris: - Aves Eastern Cape Tour / Safari. Aves KZN Tour / Safari. Aves Western Cape Tour / Safari. Aves West Coast Tour / Safari. Bank Cormorant - Ph... more
Woolly-necked Stork - Ciconia episcopus - A rare visitor to the Western Cape. Photographed at Somerset College, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa. These striking Storks can be seen on the following Aves Tours / Safaris: - Aves KZN Tour / Safari. Aves North East Tour / Safari.... more
Yellow Wagtail - Motocilla flava - A rare visitor to the Western Cape. Photographed by John Tinkler of Aperture Wild Photographic and Viewing Safaris near the crayfish factory between Kommetjie and Scarborough on Monday 14th February 2011. These beauti ful Wagtails can be seen on the following Aves Tours / Safaris: - Aves Eastern Cape Tour / ... more
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