Tuesday, 15 May 2018
4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN HINGED BACK TORTOISE (Kinixys zombensis)
Kinixys is a genus of turtles in the family Testudinidae. The genus was erected by Thomas Bell in 1827. The species in the genus Kinixys are native to Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar and commonly known as hinged tortoises or hinge-back tortoises.
Most of the Kinixys species are omnivores. They feed mainly on a wide range of different leaves, weeds, roots, flowers and fruits. However, they also eat worms, insects and other small invertebrates.
The several species of the genus Kinxys are found across much of tropical and sub-tropical sub-Saharan Africa, ranging as far south as KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and as far north as the fringes of the Sahel and Sahara. However, individuals are often very scarce within this range, and several species are threatened.
Though the species' wide geographic ranges overlap considerably, they are separated from each other by favouring different habitats within this range. Some species (such as K. belliana) favour open savannah or grasslands, others (such as K. homeana) favour rainforest.
Species of tortoises in the genus Kinixys play host to a number of ectoparasites (external) and endoparasites (internal). A survey (by Alan Probert & Clive Humphreys) of mixed captive K. spekii and K. belliana (mostly K. spekii) in Zimbabwe showed that the following parasites were known to infest/infect this species. This had been observed and published by others too. However some of the tiny roundworms (photographed under scanning electron microscope) are very likely new species and as yet remain undescribed.
4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - YELLOW THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx croceus)
The yellow-throated longclaw (Macronyx croceus) is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae. It is found in Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and sandy shores.
A large pipit-like bird with golden-yellow underparts and eyebrow, and a circular broad black necklace emphasizing the yellow throat. The upperparts are subdued streaky brown and the outer tail corners are white, which is a key feature in flight. Pairs occupy grassland and grassy savanna, especially close to water, or when it is flooded. The species often perches up to sing a strongly whistled “chuuu-ew” and variations thereof. The smaller Fülleborn's Longclaw differs from Yellow-throated Longclaw by lacking any streaking on the breast below the black necklace.
Yellow-throated longclaws are passerine birds, which means that they like to stand or perch on trees, branches, and even fence posts. They are most often solitary or with a partner, foraging for insects on the ground. In addition to their namesake long claws, these birds also have long tails that they swish back and forth frequently. Their nests are built on the ground and they lay up to four speckled eggs. They grow to 20 cm (8 in) long.
These birds are endemic to many African countries, such as Angola, Burkina Faso, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe among others.
Yellow-throated longclaws love to forage on the ground, plucking its food from the ground. However, it may occasionally catch prey in flight. It feeds on insects and invertebrates, such as grasshoppers, moths, ants, mantids, millipedes, beetles, worms, mollusks, and arthropods.
These birds are monogamous and will only seek a new mate if their partner dies. During courtship, the males perform an aerial display, flying slowly in a circle with its tails spread wide.
Their breeding season happens from September to March, peaking in November to January. The females build the nest, a thick wall of grass stems and blades, bordered by more delicate rootlets and grass. Since they are ground-nesters, they hide their nest by concealing it with rank grass, leaving an ample-sized hole as their entrance.
The female lays 1-4 gray colored eggs, solely incubated by the female yellow-throated longneck for about two weeks. The parents jointly feed the chicks. Their juveniles leave the nest about three weeks after they hatch or when they already able to run fast against predators.
Monday, 14 May 2018
4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - RED BILLED TEAL (Anas erythrorhyncha)
The Red-billed Teal, known scientifically as Anas erythrorhyncha, is a medium-sized dabbling duck. It measures 43–48 centimeters in length and is adorned with a blackish cap and nape, which strikingly contrasts with its pale face. The bird's most distinctive feature is its bright red bill. Its body plumage is a rather subdued dark brown, delicately scalloped with white. When in flight, one can observe that the secondary flight feathers are buff-colored with a prominent black stripe.
Both sexes of the Red-billed Teal are similar in appearance, with juveniles presenting a slightly duller version of the adults' plumage. To identify this species, look for the combination of the red bill, pale face, and the unique pattern on the secondary flight feathers during flight.
The Red-billed Teal favors freshwater habitats within relatively open landscapes. It is commonly found in areas that provide dense vegetation near water, which is essential for nesting.
This species is an abundant resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa, typically found south of 10° S latitude. While not migratory, the Red-billed Teal is known to travel considerable distances in search of suitable waters.
Outside of the breeding season, the Red-billed Teal is highly gregarious, forming large flocks. It is an omnivore, feeding by dabbling for plant food or foraging on land, often during the evening or at night.
The Red-billed Teal is generally a quiet bird. However, during display, the male emits a 'whzzt' call, while the female produces a soft, mallard-like quack.
Nesting occurs on the ground amidst dense vegetation close to water bodies. This strategic choice of nesting site provides protection and proximity to essential resources.
As an omnivore, the Red-billed Teal's diet includes a variety of plant materials. It typically feeds by dabbling in the water or foraging on land, with a preference for feeding in the later hours of the day or at night.
4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius)
The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the Pygmy hippopotamus. Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse".
Aside from elephants and rhinos, the hippopotamus is the largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the Hippopotamidae are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in the world due to their highly aggressive and unpredictable nature.
Hippos are recognizable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and large size. The eyes, ears, and nostrils of hippos are placed high on the roof of their skulls. This allows these organs to remain above the surface while the rest of the body is submerged. The hippo's jaw is powered by huge masseter and digastric muscles which give them large, droopy cheeks. The jaw hinge allows the animal to open its mouth at almost 180°. The canines and incisors are used mainly for combat instead of feeding. Hippos rely on their flattened, horny lips to grasp and pull grasses which are then ground by the molars. Hippo skin is 6 cm (2 in) thick across much of its body with little hair. The animal is mostly purplish-grey or blue-black, but brownish-pink on the underside and around the eyes and ears. Their skin secretes a natural, red-colored sunscreen substance that is sometimes referred to as "blood sweat" but is neither blood nor sweat. This secretion is initially colorless and turns red-orange within minutes, eventually becoming brown. This natural sunscreen cannot prevent the animal's skin from cracking if it stays out of water too long.
4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN SPUR WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis ssp niger)
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Spur-winged geese (Plectropterus gambensis) are large, Sub-Saharan African waterbirds. They are among the largest true African waterfowl (besides the wading Goliath heron) and are, on average, the world's largest "goose".
Adults of this species are 75-115 cm (30-45 in) long, and weigh an average of 4-6.8 kg (8.8-15 lb) (rarely up to 10 kg (22 lb)); ganders (males) are noticeably larger than the geese (females). Spur-winged geese are mainly black, with a white face and large white wing patches. Their long legs are pinkish-red in color. The male differs from the female, not only in size, but also in having a larger red facial patch extending back from the red bill, and a knob at the base of the upper mandible.
Spur-winged geese occur in Gambia to Ethiopia, south to Angola and the River Zambezi, and south of the Zambezi River in southern Africa from Namibia and Zimbabwe to the Cape Provinces. They prefer open grasslands with lakes, seasonal pools, rivers, swamps, and river deltas. Large inland rivers and lakes are perhaps most commonly inhabited, with saline lakes; they usually avoid upland areas, although they can occur at higher elevations in eastern Africa.
4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - COMMON LEOPARD BUTTERFLY (Phalanta phalantha)
Phalanta phalantha, the common leopard or spotted rustic, is a sun-loving butterfly of the nymphalid or brush-footed butterfly family.
The common leopard is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 50–55 mm with a tawny colour and marked with black spots. The underside of the butterfly is more glossy than the upper and both the male and female are similar looking. A more prominent purple gloss on the underside is found in the dry-season form of this butterfly.
The butterfly is found in Subsaharan Africa and southern Asia (including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar) in a number of subspecies.
It is widely distributed and abundant; from the tops of hills in Sri Lanka and southern India and up to 3000 m in the Himalayas, as well as the whole of Subsaharan Africa.
Sun loving and avoids shade. Seen in the plains, gardens, and edges of clearings. Has active and sharp flight movements. Visits flowers regularly especially Lantana, Duranta, Meyenia laxiflora, Gymnosporia montana, and thistles. Often seen mudpuddling from damp patches in the ground, either alone or in groups. A regular basker with wings spread wide open. It is commonest in dry areas and dry weather and absent from the wetter parts of India during the monsoon. It often perches on edges of clearing with wings half open and has the habit of chasing away other butterflies and guarding its territory.
14-5-2018 VILLALONGA TUNNELS, VALENCIA - SWEET SCABIOUS (scabiosa atropurpurea)
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Scabiosa atropurpurea (syn. Sixalix atropurpurea), the mourningbride, mournful widow, pincushion flower, or sweet scabious, is an ornamental plant of the genus Scabiosa in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to southern Europe.
Scabiosa atropurpurea has cauline leaves that are pinnately dissected, plants have red to purple flowers. It is native to southern Europe. It propagates by seeds which are dispersed by animals.
It prefers cooler climates; high temperatures and humidity negatively impact its growth. Scabiosa atropurpurea grows best in rich, alkaline soils high in organic matter with good drainage. It makes a good cut flower. Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Beaujolais Bonnets' is a cultivar grown for its long blooming period and burgundy flowers.
It has become an invasive species outside of its native range, including the US state of California where it has invaded grasslands. It ranks as one of South Australia's most commonly recorded weeds.
14-5-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
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1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - AMERICAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber)
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The American flamingo, known scientifically as Phoenicopterus ruber, is a strikingly vibrant wading bird with a profusion of reddish-pink plumage. This species, the only flamingo naturally inhabiting North America, is recognized by its long, lean stature, standing 120 to 145 cm tall. The males, slightly heavier, average 2.8 kg, while females tip the scales at around 2.2 kg. The bird's plumage transitions from a paler hue during youth to the iconic pink of adults, a result of their specialized diet. The wings are adorned with red coverts and contrasting black flight feathers, while the bill is a mosaic of pink, white, and a pronounced black tip. Completing the portrait are the entirely pink legs, a feature that adds to the bird's elegance.
When identifying the American flamingo, look for the following key characteristics: a large bird with predominantly pink plumage, red wing coverts, black primary and secondary flight feathers, and a distinctive bill that is pink and white with a black tip. The legs are also pink, and the bird's overall stature is tall and slender. The call of the American flamingo is a resonant, goose-like honking.
The American flamingo favors saline lagoons, mudflats, and shallow brackish coastal or inland lakes. These environments provide the ideal conditions for the flamingo's feeding and breeding habits.
This species is native to the West Indies, northern South America, including the Galápagos Islands, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Historically, it was also found in southern Florida, where it is now an uncommon visitor with potential small resident populations.
1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber)
The Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber), sometimes referred to as the red ibis, is a strikingly colored member of the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. Its brilliant scarlet plumage sets it apart from other species, making it an unmistakable sight in its native habitats. This bird is one of the two national birds of Trinidad and Tobago and is celebrated in the region's culture and folklore.
Adult Scarlet Ibises are predominantly scarlet, with the intensity of color varying slightly across their feathers. The tips of their wings are the only exception, displaying a rich inky black or dark blue on the longest primaries. The bill and feet are generally red, though the bill may darken towards the end. Juveniles start out grey, brown, and white, gradually acquiring the adult's scarlet hue as they mature. Adults measure 55–63 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of approximately 54 centimeters.
Scarlet Ibises favor wetlands and marshy environments, including mudflats, shorelines, and rainforests. They are often found in areas with abundant water sources, such as swamps, where they can forage for food.
This species has a broad range across South America and the Caribbean. It is native to Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and several Caribbean islands. The Scarlet Ibis is also known to inhabit the coastal regions of various Brazilian states.
Scarlet Ibises are strong fliers, migrating in flocks that adopt the classic V formation. They are sociable birds, living in groups and nesting in close proximity to one another. These birds are also known for their aggressive behavior when foraging, often dominating over other species to secure food.
The Scarlet Ibis is relatively quiet, with its vocalizations typically consisting of low-pitched honking sounds.
Mating pairs construct simple stick nests in trees, often above water for protection. They lay clutches of three to five eggs, which incubate for about 19–23 days. Both parents share in the care of the young.
The American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) is the closest relative and is sometimes considered conspecific. However, the Scarlet Ibis is distinguished by its vibrant red coloration.
The diet of the Scarlet Ibis is varied, including insects, crustaceans, and other small prey. They use their long, curved bills to probe for food in mud and under plants. Their red coloration is due to a diet rich in red crustaceans, which contain the carotenoid astaxanthin.
The Scarlet Ibis is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. While some local populations are declining, the species as a whole is not currently considered threatened.
The Scarlet Ibis holds significant cultural importance in Trinidad and Tobago, where it is a national bird and features on the country's coat of arms. It is also a focal species for conservation efforts in the region, particularly within the Caroni Swamp wildlife sanctuary.
Sunday, 13 May 2018
13-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROUGH HAIRED LAGRIA BEETLE (Lagria hirta)
Lagria hirta is a species of beetle in the family Tenebrionidae.
The species name hirta comes from the Latin hirtus meaning rough hair or rough wool, referring to the coarse, fuzzy appearance of the beetle.
This species is present in Europe, in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco), in Russia (Western and Eastern Siberia), in Israel, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
L. hirta prefers areas with sandy soils. It can be found in open woods, deciduous forests, forest clearings, forest edges, grasslands, and wet meadows, but also in dry valleys and wet areas.
Lagria hirta can reach a length of 7–8 millimetres (0.28–0.31 in). These beetles have a soft and elongated body and a head and thorax brown or shiny black. The relatively elongated elytra are yellowish-brown and covered by dense fine light yellowish-brown hairs. The rest of the body is also hairy, but they are less clearly visible. L. hirta's antennae, underside of body and legs are black. This species has eyes, large and round. Antennae are composed of eleven segments.
The elytra of the females are more extended backward than in the males and the female's abdomen looks from above wider than in the males. The male, in addition to its slimmer body, is distinguished from the females by their larger eyes and by the length of the last segment of the antennae, which is nearly twice the corresponding segment in the female. The hind wings are transparent.
The fully formed beetles can be seen from late May to September. The adult beetles feed on nectar and pollen. Females lay eggs in the soil, where they hatch after about eight days. The larvae live in the humus where they feed on decaying vegetables. After having overwintered, larvae pupate in early summer of the next year and a new generation of beetles will then develop.
13-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DARKLING BEETLE (Family Tenebrionidae)
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Tenebrioninae is the largest subfamily of the darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae), containing flour beetles, among others. Tenebrioninae contains more than 20 tribes.
Adults are robust, mid-sized beetles that typically have elytra with some sort of corrugation on the upper side. They are typically black, dark brown or grey, and often have a satiny sheen. The body is shaped like a medication capsule or like a bullet; the legs can be short and stout or long and spindly. They eat both fresh and decaying vegetation, including vegetable produce, and several are commercially important pests of flour and other cereal products.
The subfamily has been characterized as adults having mandibles with the back opposite the cutting edge, without margination and excavated opposite the molar pait; having ocelli arranged in two transverse, crescent shaped or circular groups on each side of head, and with five more or less fused lenses; having antennae with basal articles noticeably longer than wide; having pygidium that is apically bicomute; and having abdominal spiracles that are oval and transverse, among other characteristics.
13-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CRAB SPIDER (Genus Bassaniodes)
1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - LESSER JARDINE PARROT (Poicephalus gulielmi)
The red-fronted parrot (Poicephalus gulielmi), also known as Jardine's parrot, is a medium-sized mainly green parrot distributed across wide areas of Africa. It has three subspecies. The extent and shade of the red or orange plumage on its head, thighs, and bend of wings vary depending on the subspecies.
They are popular as pets, partly because of their ability to mimic speech and copy sounds. Trapping of wild birds for the pet trade is a potential threat to wild populations; however, they are protected by CITES (appendix II) making the trade, import and export of all wild-caught parrots illegal.
The red-fronted parrot is 28 cm (11 in) long. It is mostly green and has a short black squarish tail. Black feathers on the head, neck, back, and wings have lighter green edges giving a scalloped appearance. The lower mandible is dark grey and the upper mandible has a horn coloured base and a dark grey tip. The irises are red-orange, the eyerings are pinkish-grey, and the legs are grey-brown. The amount of red or orange on the forecrown, the bend of the wing, and thighs varies in the three subspecies but is absent in all young birds – juveniles having a dark smokey appearance above a paler beak and brown irises. The adult male and female are identical in external appearance. Sex determination of chicks is normally carried out by breeders using DNA analysis of a feather sample or by internal examination of the cloaca. The latter method is cheaper and quicker but does cause some distress to the bird.
The first red-fronted parrot to be scientifically identified was named Congo Jack. The parrot was brought back live from the Congo to the United Kingdom by Sir William Jardine's son on his return from a three-year cruise on HMS Favourite. Congo Jack became tame and whistled and screamed, rather than talk. Sir William Jardine gave the species the binomial name Pionus Gulielmi after his son, William R.N. (Latin: Gulielmi means "William's"), and published the description in 1849.
The red-fronted parrot nests in tree cavities. The eggs are white and there are usually three or four in a clutch. The female incubates the eggs for about 27 days and the chicks leave the nest about 80 days after hatching.
They fly swiftly making noisy calls above the forest in pairs or small groups between their night-time roosts and feeding grounds. They feed quietly in the upper canopy of trees, where they are well camouflaged.
Usually called Jardine's parrots, the red-fronted parrot is becoming an increasingly popular pet, owing to increased availability and a growing following. They are particularly playful, intelligent, and affectionate. Some speak very clearly, and imitate other birds expertly. Their size, temperament, and voice makes them good candidates for apartment dwellers, though they can give a shrill call. Captive bred birds have an endearing nature, bonding well, usually imperceptibly or only slightly favouring one member of the family more than others. They are not as "needy" as some companion species and so long as they are occupied, can be left alone for longer periods without emotional stress (allowing the owners to work for example).
The wild red-fronted parrot population in Africa is difficult to estimate, because of its vast range. They are potentially threatened by trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade; They are listed on appendix II of The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), along with almost all other parrot species. This has made the trade, import and export of all wild caught parrots illegal.
1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - HARTLAUB'S TURACO (Tauraco hartlaubi)
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Hartlaub's turaco (Tauraco hartlaubi ) is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It is found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The common name and Latin binomial commemorate the German physician and ornithologist Gustav Hartlaub.
A beautiful green turaco with dark blue wings, tail, and crown. Note the white markings on the head: a white spot in front of the eye and a white line below the eye. Like all turacos, shows large crimson wing patches in flight. Found in montane forests, lush woodlands, and gardens. Acts like a typical turaco, bouncing through the trees and flying occasionally with short bursts of wingbeats and long glides. Similar overall to other turacos, but separated from most by the dark blue crown, and from Purple-crested Turaco by the white facial markings. Call is a gruff, accelerating series of “kow” notes.
Distribution is Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda.
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Diet is Fruits and berries (some of which are extremely poisonous to humans) sometimes caterpillars, moths and beetles.
Habitat: Montane evergreen forest , well-timbered suburban gardens
Incubation: 16-18 days, 1-2 eggs
Social structure: forage in groups of up to 20 birds, monogamous pairs during breeding season
Weight: max 270g, Dimensions: max 43 cm
Estimated population in the wild: Unknown, fairly common.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Threats: There are no major threats for this species.
Their vivid plumage is a product of two unique copper pigments, unknown in any other bird family, or in any other animal group.
Turacos are poor flyers but are expert climbers, skipping nimbly from branch to branch, and moving from tree to tree by gliding or with a few fast wing beats.
1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE FACED WHISTLING DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
The White-faced Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna viduata, is a distinctive species with a long grey bill, elongated head, and relatively long legs. Its plumage is characterized by a black neck and head contrasted with a white face, which can vary in extent regionally. The back and wings are cloaked in dark brown to black, while the underparts are black with fine white barring on the flanks. A chestnut neck completes the ensemble. Both sexes are similarly attired, and juveniles resemble adults but with less pronounced head markings.
When identifying the White-faced Whistling Duck, look for the stark white face against a black head and neck. The species also has a distinctive three-note whistling call that can aid in identification even when the bird is not in sight.
These ducks favor freshwater lakes and reservoirs rich in vegetation, where they can forage for seeds and other plant-based food.
The White-faced Whistling Duck has a curious distribution, found in both sub-Saharan Africa and much of South America. It is thought that human activity may have contributed to their spread across these continents.
This species is known for its sociable nature, often forming large flocks. It is mostly sedentary, though it may undertake local movements of over 100 kilometers in response to environmental conditions.
Breeding sites are typically ground depressions or reed beds. Both sexes incubate the clutch of 6 to 12 eggs, which hatch after 26 to 28 days. The ducklings, with dark down above and yellow below, are tended by both parents and are usually concealed in reeds. They fledge at about two months of age.
The White-faced Whistling Duck is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
While the White-faced Whistling Duck is quite distinctive, it could potentially be confused with other whistling ducks. However, its unique facial coloration and call usually make it easily distinguishable.
The diet of the White-faced Whistling Duck primarily consists of seeds and other plant materials, which they forage from their aquatic habitats.
In the gentle light of dawn, one might observe the White-faced Whistling Duck, a creature of both beauty and intrigue, as it congregates in flocks that paint the sky with their synchronized flights and fills the air with their melodious calls.
1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - AMERICAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber)
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The American flamingo, known scientifically as Phoenicopterus ruber, is a strikingly vibrant wading bird with a profusion of reddish-pink plumage. This species, the only flamingo naturally inhabiting North America, is recognized by its long, lean stature, standing 120 to 145 cm tall. The males, slightly heavier, average 2.8 kg, while females tip the scales at around 2.2 kg. The bird's plumage transitions from a paler hue during youth to the iconic pink of adults, a result of their specialized diet. The wings are adorned with red coverts and contrasting black flight feathers, while the bill is a mosaic of pink, white, and a pronounced black tip. Completing the portrait are the entirely pink legs, a feature that adds to the bird's elegance.
When identifying the American flamingo, look for the following key characteristics: a large bird with predominantly pink plumage, red wing coverts, black primary and secondary flight feathers, and a distinctive bill that is pink and white with a black tip. The legs are also pink, and the bird's overall stature is tall and slender. The call of the American flamingo is a resonant, goose-like honking.
The American flamingo favors saline lagoons, mudflats, and shallow brackish coastal or inland lakes. These environments provide the ideal conditions for the flamingo's feeding and breeding habits.
This species is native to the West Indies, northern South America, including the Galápagos Islands, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Historically, it was also found in southern Florida, where it is now an uncommon visitor with potential small resident populations.
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