BIRDWALKERMONDAY

Sunday, 7 May 2017

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - PIANO KEY BUTTERFLY (Heliconius melpomene)

Heliconius melpomene, the postman butterfly, common postman or simply postman, is a brightly colored, geographically variable butterfly species found throughout Central and South America. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. Its coloration coevolved with another member of the genus, H. erato as a warning to predators of its inedibility; this is an example of Müllerian mimicry. H. melpomene was one of the first butterfly species observed to forage for pollen, a behavior that is common in other insect groups but rare in butterflies.

Because of the recent rapid evolutionary radiation of the genus Heliconius and overlapping of its habitat with other related species, H. melpomene has been the subject of extensive study on speciation and hybridization. These hybrids tend to have low fitness as they look different from the original species and no longer exhibit Müllerian mimicry.

Heliconius melpomene possesses ultraviolet vision which enhances its ability to distinguish subtle differences between markings on the wings of other butterflies. This allows the butterfly to avoid mating with other species that share the same geographic range.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - RICE PAPER BUTTERFLY (Idea leuconoe)

Idea leuconoe, also known as the paper kite butterfly, rice paper butterfly, large tree nymph, is a butterfly known especially for its presence in butterfly houses and live butterfly expositions. It has a wingspan of 12 to 14 cm. The paper kite is of Southeast Asian origin, but can also be found in Southern Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands.

Larvae feed on Parsonsia species, Tylophora hispida, Parsonsia helicandra, Parsonsia spiralis, and Cynanchum formosanum so both the butterfly and larvae are poisonous.

The paper kite butterfly's forewings and hindwings are translucent silvery white with black spots, similar to the Idea lynceus.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - POSTMAN BUTTERFLY (Heliconius melpomene)

Heliconius melpomene, the postman butterfly, common postman or simply postman, is a brightly colored butterfly found throughout Central and South America. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. Its coloration coevolved with a sister species H. erato as a warning to predators of its inedibility; this is an example of Müllerian mimicry. H. melpomene was one of the first butterfly species observed to forage for pollen, a behavior that is common in other groups but rare in butterflies.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos)

The Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a mockingbird commonly found in North America and has rarely been observed in Europe. The bird is known for its mimicking ability, as reflected by the meaning of its scientific name, "many-tongued thrush". The Northern mockingbird is also known for its intelligence and is the state bird of five states, appears in book titles, songs, and lullabies, and makes other appearances in popular culture.

The Northern mockingbird is a medium-sized bird with long legs and a tail. Males and females look alike. Its upper parts are colored gray, while its underparts have a white or whitish-gray color. It has parallel wing bars on half of the wings connected near the white patch giving it a distinctive appearance in flight. The black central rectrices and typical white lateral rectrices are also noticeable in flight. The iris is usually a light green-yellow or yellow, but there have been instances of an orange color. The bill is black with a brownish-black appearance at the base. The juvenile appearance is marked by the streaks on its back, distinguished spots and streaks on its chest, and a gray or grayish-green iris.

Northern mockingbirds breed in southeastern Canada, the United States, northern Mexico, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and the Greater Antilles. These birds are generally year-round residents of their range, but the populations that live in the northern portion of their range move further south during the winter season. Northern mockingbirds prefer forest edges and open areas with sparse vegetation. In the eastern regions, suburban and urban areas such as parks and gardens are frequent residential areas. In western regions, desert scrub and chaparral are among their preferred habitats. When foraging for food, Northern mockingbirds prefer short grass.

Northern mockingbirds are omnivores. They eat insects, earthworms, berries, fruits, seeds, and occasionally lizards. They can drink from puddles, river and lake edges, or dew and rain droplets that amass onto plants. Adult mockingbirds may also drink sap from the cuts on recently pruned trees.

Northern mockingbirds are active during the day and are usually seen singly or in pairs. They forage on the ground or in vegetation and also fly down from a perch to capture their food. While foraging, mockingbirds frequently spread their wings in a peculiar two-step motion to display the white patches. When on the ground they move by hopping, walking, and may even running. Northern mockingbirds are aggressive and territorial birds, especially around prime feeding areas. They use various threat postures to fend off intruders and may even mob and dive at humans if they venture too close to nesting areas. Northern mockingbirds generally communicate with the help of songs and various calls. Both males and females sing, with the latter being generally quieter and less vocal. Males start singing in late January to February and continue into the summer and the establishing of territory into the fall. Females sing less often in the summer and fall and only sing when the male is away from the territory. Northern mockingbirds have four main calls; these include the nest relief call, hew call, chat or chatburst, and the begging call. The hew call is mainly used by both sexes for potential nest predators, conspecific chasing, and various interactions between mates. The differences between chats and chatbursts are frequency of use, as chats are year-round, and chatbursts occur in the fall. Another difference is that chatbursts appear to be used in territorial defense in the fall, and the chats are used when mockingbirds are disturbed. The nest relief and begging calls are only used by the males.

Northern mockingbirds form monogamous pairs that remain together for many years, but incidents of polygyny (one male to several females) have also been reported. These birds breed in the spring and early summer and produce 2-4 broods a year. The males arrive before the beginning of the season to establish their territories. They use a series of courtship displays to attract females to their sites. The males run around the area either to showcase their territory to the females or to pursue the females. The males also engage in a flight to showcase their wings. They sing and call as they perform all of these displays. Both the male and female are involved in the nest building. The male does most of the work, while the female perches on the shrub or tree where the nest is being built to watch for predators. The outer part of the nest is composed of twigs, while the inner part is lined with grasses, dead leaves, moss, or artificial fibers. The female lays 3 to 5 light blue or greenish speckled with dots eggs and incubates them for nearly 2 weeks. The chicks are altricial, meaning that, when hatched, they are born relatively immobile and defenseless and therefore require nourishment for a certain duration from their parents. After about 10 to 15 days of life, the chicks become independent and reach reproductive maturity after one year of life.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)

The Purple Honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the tanager family Thraupidae. This Neotropical avian jewel is adorned with a striking plumage; the male boasts a deep purple hue with contrasting black wings, tail, and underbelly, and sports vivid yellow legs. The female and immature birds present a more subdued palette, with green upperparts and yellowish-buff underparts streaked with green. A cinnamon throat and a distinctive blue moustachial stripe complete their attire. Both sexes have a long, black, decurved bill, with the Trinidadian subspecies C. c. longirostris exhibiting a notably longer bill than its mainland counterparts.

When identifying the Purple Honeycreeper, look for the male's unmistakable purple and black coloration and the female's green and buff streaked appearance. The long, curved bill is a key feature for nectar feeding, and the bright yellow legs of the male are quite distinctive. Juveniles resemble females but may lack the blue moustachial stripe.

This species is primarily a denizen of the forest canopy, but it also adapts to human-altered landscapes such as cocoa and citrus plantations. It thrives in a variety of forest types, including low-growing premontane rainforests rich in epiphytes and mosses, as well as elfin forests and páramo at higher elevations.

The Purple Honeycreeper is found across northern South America, from Colombia and Venezuela through the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. Its range extends west of the Andes to parts of southern Panama and reaches the western fringes of the Pantanal. It is generally seen at elevations up to 1,000 meters above sea level but has been recorded as high as 2,300 meters.

This species is often observed in small groups, actively foraging in the canopy. It is known for its boldness and curiosity, especially in response to the calls of predators such as the ferruginous pygmy owl, which it will approach to mob. The Purple Honeycreeper's diet consists of nectar, berries, seeds, fruits like bananas and papayas, and insects.

The vocalization of the Purple Honeycreeper is a high-pitched, thin 'zree', which is characteristic of the species.

The female takes on the responsibility of constructing a small cup nest within a tree. She incubates a clutch of two eggs, which are white with brown blotches, nurturing the next generation of these forest gems.

The Purple Honeycreeper's diet is varied, including nectar from bromeliads and other flowers suited to its bill shape, as well as berries, seeds from plants like Trema and Clusia, and a range of fruits. It also consumes insects, foraging primarily in the forest canopy.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Purple Honeycreeper as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - RED LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)

The red-legged honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus ) is a small songbird species in the tanager family (Thraupidae). It is found in the tropical New World from southern Mexico south to Peru, Bolivia and central Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and on Cuba, where possibly introduced. It is also rarely found in southern Texas.

The red-legged honeycreeper is on average 12.2 cm (4.8 in) long, weighs 14 g (0.49 oz) and has a medium-long black, slightly decurved, bill. The male is violet-blue with black wings, tail and back, and bright red legs. The crown of its head is turquoise, and the underwing, visible only in flight, is lemon yellow. After the breeding season, the male moults into an eclipse plumage, mainly greenish with black wings.

Females and immatures are mainly green, with paler, faintly streaked underparts. The legs are red-brown in the female, and brown in young birds.

The call of red-legged honeycreeper is a thin, high-pitched tsip.

This is a species of forest edge, open woodland, and cocoa and citrus plantations. The red-legged honeycreeper is often found in small groups. It feeds on insects and some fruit and nectar. It responds readily to the (easily imitated) call of the ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucidium brasilianum ).

In Costa Rica red-legged honeycreepers generally breed between April and June. The nest is built entirely by the female and is placed in a shrub or tree several meters above the ground. The cup-shaped nest has thin side walls and is formed of stiff fibres. It is attached to the supporting twigs with cobwebs. The clutch consists of two eggs that are laid in early morning on consecutive days. They are 13.4 mm × 19.1 mm (0.53 in × 0.75 in) in size and have a white background with brown speckles forming a ring around the larger end.

The female incubates the eggs for 12 or 13 days. When they first hatch the nestlings have their eyes closed and are covered with tuffs of grey down. They are brooded by the female but fed by both parents. They fledge after around 14 days.

A specimen studied in the Parque Nacional de La Macarena of Colombia was found to be free of blood parasites.

Common and widespread, the red-legged honeycreeper is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - EUROPEAN STARLING (FEMALE) (Sturnus vulgaris)

The Common Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, is a medium-sized passerine bird characterized by its glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen. Throughout the year, the plumage is speckled with white, though less so during the breeding season. Adults measure approximately 20 cm in length, with pink legs and a seasonally changing bill color—black in winter and yellow in summer. Juveniles display browner plumage compared to adults.

To identify the Common Starling, look for its iridescent black feathers, which may appear purple or green when reflecting light. The bird's bill is black in the winter and transitions to yellow in the summer, aiding in identification. The starling's flight is strong and direct, with pointed wings that are distinctive in the air. On the ground, its waddling gait is notable.

Common Starlings are highly adaptable, favoring urban and suburban areas where they find ample nesting and roosting opportunities. They also inhabit grasslands, such as farmlands and pastures, where short grass makes foraging for invertebrates easier.

Native to temperate Europe and western Asia, the Common Starling has been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, North America, and other regions. Its range extends from Europe to northern Africa and across the Palearctic to western Mongolia.

The Common Starling is a gregarious bird, especially in autumn and winter, forming large flocks known as murmurations. These flocks are thought to be a defense against predators. On the ground, starlings forage in groups, often following grazing animals to feed on disturbed invertebrates.

The Common Starling's song is a varied mix of melodic and mechanical sounds, including mimicked noises from other bird species and the environment. Males sing to attract mates and defend their territory. Calls include a harsh alarm scream and a variety of social chatters.

Breeding occurs in the spring and summer, with the female laying four to five glossy, pale blue eggs in a nest built within a natural or artificial cavity. Both parents share incubation duties, and the young fledge after about three weeks.

Omnivorous, the Common Starling's diet includes a wide range of invertebrates, seeds, and fruit. They employ various foraging techniques, such as probing the ground and catching flying insects.

Despite declines in some European populations, the Common Starling's global population is not considered to be declining significantly. It is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis)

The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America; there it is the most prodigious and ecologically essential natural forest regenerator. Widely introduced to certain places around the world, the Eastern gray squirrel in Europe, in particular, is regarded as an invasive species.

The Eastern gray squirrel is a squirrel of medium size, and both males and females are of the same size and color. Its fur is mainly black or gray, the gray color being grizzled and often banded with gray and black guard hairs, tinged white, with the underside being white. Its tail is quite bushy and sometimes reddish in color and is used for maintaining balance while it leaps between branches. The overall fur color may change with different seasons, with the grayish fur being tawnier during summer, and the tail whiter.

Eastern gray squirrels are native to the eastern and mid-western parts of America, and to the south of the eastern parts of Canada. They range from Manitoba to New Brunswick, and south to Florida and East Texas. They inhabit large areas of mature, dense woodland ecosystems. These forests usually contain large mast-producing trees such as oaks and hickories, providing ample food sources. Close to human settlements, Eastern gray squirrels are found in parks and backyards of houses within urban environments and in the farmlands of rural environments.

Eastern gray squirrels are aggressive, alert, and inquisitive rodents, very fast when moving and jumping amongst the treetops. These squirrels are scatter-hoarder; they hoard huge quantities of food for the future and can make several thousand caches per season. They are more active in the daytime than at night, particularly at dawn and during the afternoon. Males and females may share the same nest during the breeding season, which they build in the forks of trees, and during cold winters, squirrels may also share these dreys to stay warm. The dens are usually lined with moss plants, thistledown, dried grass, and feathers. Females nest alone during pregnancy, and lactating females are particularly aggressive and left alone by other squirrels. These squirrels do not hibernate. To communicate with each other they use both vocalizations and posturing. They have a quite varied repertoire of vocalizations, including a squeak similar to that of a mouse, a low-pitched noise, a chatter, and a raspy "mehr mehr mehr". Other methods of communication include tail-flicking and other gestures, including facial expressions. Squirrels also make an affectionate coo-purring sound that biologists call the "muk-muk" sound. This is used as a contact sound between a mother and her kits and in adulthood, by the male when he courts the female during mating season.

7-5-2017 SEVILLE , ANDALUCIA - BARNACLE GOOSE (Branta leucopsis)

The Barnacle Goose, Branta leucopsis, is a medium-sized member of the black geese genus Branta. It is characterized by its striking black and white plumage, with a distinctive white face, black head, neck, and upper breast. The underparts are predominantly white, while the back and wings boast a silver-gray hue adorned with black-and-white bars that glisten in the sunlight. Adults typically measure between 55 to 70 centimeters in length, with a wingspan stretching from 130 to 145 centimeters, and weigh between 1.21 and 2.23 kilograms.

When observing these geese, look for the white face contrasting sharply with the black head and neck. In flight, the V-shaped white rump patch and silver-gray underwing linings are telltale signs of the species. The barred pattern on the back and wings is also a key feature to distinguish the Barnacle Goose from similar species.

Barnacle Geese are known to breed in the high Arctic regions, often selecting precipitous cliff edges to place their nests, well out of reach of terrestrial predators. They favor coastal areas and are commonly found in wetland environments during winter.

The species has a circumpolar distribution, with breeding grounds in Greenland, Svalbard, and the Russian Arctic. Wintering areas include the British Isles, particularly the Hebrides and parts of western Ireland, as well as the Wadden Sea area in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. Notably, new breeding populations have established in Iceland and along the Baltic Sea.

These geese are renowned for their perilous breeding strategy, where goslings must leap from towering cliffs to join their parents on the ground below. This dramatic plunge is a rite of passage, ensuring that only the fittest survive. The goslings imprint on their parents and follow them to feeding grounds, learning to forage under their guidance.

The Barnacle Goose communicates with a repertoire of honking calls, which can be heard during their social interactions and as they fly in formation during migration.

Nesting typically occurs on cliff ledges, where the female lays her eggs far from the reach of predators. The young goslings must make a daring leap to the ground to join their parents after hatching, a testament to the harsh realities of life in the Arctic.

The Barnacle Goose can be confused with the Brant Goose, but the latter lacks the Barnacle's white face and has a more uniformly dark belly.

These geese graze on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, aquatic plants, and mosses. They are herbivorous and often feed in wetlands and coastal areas where such food is abundant.

The IUCN lists the Barnacle Goose as Least Concern, with populations on the rise. The species has benefited from conservation efforts under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.

7-5-2017 SEVILLE , ANDALUCIA - MALLARD HYBRID (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos),

Mallard breeds can be somewhat confusing. They can be larger than normal or much smaller, darker or lighter, all white or all black. Watch for the little curled feathers on the back of the male, above the tail. Only the Mallard and its domestic descendants have those.

The domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus ) or domestic mallard is a variety of mallard that has been domesticated by humans and raised for meat, eggs, and down feathers. A few are also kept for show, as pets, or for their ornamental value. Almost all varieties of domesticated ducks, apart from the domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata ), are descended from the mallard.

Domestic ducks (mainly mallard, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, with some Muscovy ducks, Cairina moschata domestica) are ducks that have been domesticated and raised for meat and eggs. A few are kept for show, or for their ornamental value. Most varieties of domesticated ducks, apart from the Muscovy duck and hybrids, are descended from the mallard, which was domesticated in China around 2000 BC.

Duck farming is simplified by their reliable flocking behaviour, and their ability to forage effectively for themselves. Over 80% of global duck production is in China. Breeds such as White Pekin are raised for meat, while the prolific Indian Runner can produce over 300 eggs per year. In East and Southeast Asia, polycultures such as rice-duck farming are widely practised: the ducks assist the rice with manure and by eating small pest animals, so that the same land produces rice and ducks at once.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - GREEN THORNTAIL (FEMALE) (Discosura conversii)

The green thorntail (Discosura conversii) is a small hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama.

Male green thorntails are about 9.5 to 10.2 cm (3.7 to 4.0 in) long and females about 6.6 to 7.5 cm (2.6 to 3.0 in). Five individuals whose sex was not recorded had an average weight of 3.0 g (0.11 oz). The adult male has a dark green crown and a lighter more metallic green back. The coppery bronze rump has bluish black inclusions and a white band across it. The bluish black tail is deeply forked and the outer feathers are very narrow, giving the species its common name. The throat is bright metallic green and the breast and belly mostly darker green with the center of the breast being metallic greenish blue. The adult female's upperparts are like the male's but for a darker rump. Its tail is notched but not elongated. All but the outermost pair of tail feathers are bluish black with dark green bases; the outmost have white bases, a blue-black middle, and white tips. Their face has a broad white cheek patch. The chin is dull black with white spots, the flanks dull green with a white spot, and the breast and belly dull black. Juveniles are like the adults but with a grayish white chin.

The green thorntail forages for nectar mostly at the tops of flowering trees but also from epiphytes and shrubs. It appears to favor legumes. It nectars while hovering with its tail cocked at nearly a right angle to its body. Its diet also includes small arthropods such as flies, wasps, and spiders that it captures by hawking from a perch and gleans from the underside of leaves while hovering.

Breeding male green thorntails perch on high bare twigs and sometimes give a dive display. The species' breeding season appears to vary across its range but are not well defined. It is thought to span from November to April in Costa Rica, and displays have been noted in Colombia in June. All hummingbirds lay two white eggs that are incubated by the female alone, but no details of the species' breeding phenology are known and the nest has not been described.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - GREEN CROWNED BRILLIANT HUMMINGBIRD (MALE) (Heliodoxa jacula)

The Green-crowned Brilliant, scientifically known as Heliodoxa jacula, is a dazzling species of hummingbird belonging to the tribe Heliantheini within the subfamily Lesbiinae. This avian jewel is adorned with a glittering green to blue-green head and breast, with males featuring a metallic violet-blue throat patch. The upperparts and belly shimmer with a bronzy green, while the vent area and thighs are a contrasting white. The tail is a striking blue-black, completing the bird's vibrant palette.

Adult males are typically 12 to 13 cm in length, with females slightly smaller at 10.5 to 12 g. Both sexes possess a distinctive white spot behind the eye and a forked tail, though the male's is more pronounced. Females lack the male's shiny head and have a short white malar stripe, with their underparts being whitish and heavily spotted with green. Immature birds can be identified by their duller coloration and less forked tails.

The Green-crowned Brilliant thrives in various environments, including the interiors and edges of humid sub-montane and montane forests, mature secondary forests, and even gardens. They are adaptable birds that can also be found in forest clearings.

This species graces the skies of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama, with its range extending across different elevations depending on the region.

Green-crowned Brilliants may exhibit seasonal movements, particularly at lower elevations in Costa Rica and Ecuador. They typically forage in the middle and upper strata of the forest, with males sometimes defending feeding territories.

The vocal repertoire of the Green-crowned Brilliant includes a loud, squeaky "kyew" or "tyew" call. Males in display produce a "tseek, tseek, tseek" sound, while chases are accompanied by sputtering notes and squeaks.

The breeding season varies by region, with nests being bulky cups of plant fibers and tree fern scales placed on thin branches. The female incubates two white elliptical eggs, shouldering the responsibility alone.

The Green-crowned Brilliant primarily feeds on nectar from Marcgravia vines and small understory plants. They exhibit both territorial and trap-lining feeding behaviors and prefer clinging to flowers over hovering.

The IUCN has classified the Green-crowned Brilliant as Least Concern. Although its population is believed to be decreasing, it has not faced any immediate threats and shows some resilience to habitat fragmentation and disturbance. However, forest clearance could lead to local population declines.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - GREEN THORNTAIL (MALE) (Discosura conversii)

The green thorntail (Discosura conversii) is a small hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama.

The green thorntail is found on the Caribbean slope in Costa Rica and the Pacific slopes of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador almost to the Peruvian border. It is thought to also occur on the Caribbean side of eastern Panama. It is primarily a forest canopy species, inhabiting the upper levels of the interior and edges of humid montane forest and lowland evergreen forest. It also occurs at flowering trees in clearings. In elevation it mostly ranges from 700 to 1,400 m (2,300 to 4,600 ft) in Costa Rica, 600 to 1,200 m (2,000 to 3,900 ft) in Panama, from near sea level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in Colombia, and at 300 to 1,000 m (980 to 3,300 ft) in Ecuador.

The green thorntail is generally resident throughout its range but it also tends to move to its lower elevations during the wet season.

Tiny hummingbird with short straight bill. Male all shimmering green with distinctive, long, pointed tail feathers. Female has short tail and a distinctive white mustache. Both sexes show white band across rump. Most similar to coquettes but without orangey tones. Found in forested habitats and gardens; visits feeders.

This species has a very large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the threshold for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years of three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Saturday, 6 May 2017

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - RICHMOND BIRDWING BUTTERFLY (Ornithoptera richmondia)

Ornithoptera richmondia, the Richmond birdwing, is a species of birdwing butterfly that is endemic to Australia. It is the second smallest of the birdwing species, the smallest being Ornithoptera meridionalis.

Historically, O. richmondia is recorded from rainforests southwards from Maryborough to the Clarence River in New South Wales. Due to widespread habitat loss throughout its range, its distribution is much more restricted, especially in Queensland. Its present-day range is from Kin Kin and Pomona, North Arm, Yandina, Coolum (although this population is now extinct due to drought), Parklands and Nambour, Diddillibah, Buderim, Eudlo, Palmwoods, the Mooloolah and Diamond Valleys, the entire Blackall Range southeast from Kenilworth to the state forest near the Caloundra Turnoff and west to Peachester and the Stanley River, and the Conondale Range southwards to Mount Mee.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - ASIAN BLUE QUAIL (FEMALE) (Synoicus chinensis)

The King Quail, known scientifically as Synoicus chinensis, is a diminutive species of Old World quail belonging to the family Phasianidae. It is the smallest of the "true quails" and is recognized by various names including the blue-breasted quail, Asian blue quail, Chinese painted quail, or Chung-Chi. The male of the species exhibits a palette of colors such as blue, brown, silver, maroon, dark brown, and almost black, with striking orange feet adapted for a terrestrial lifestyle. Females, while similar in form, do not display the blue hues of their male counterparts.

Males are distinguishable by their varied coloration, including the presence of blue shades, and their robust orange feet. Females lack the blue coloration and are generally more subdued in appearance. The eggs of the King Quail are light, creamy-brown, and slightly pointed at one end.

The King Quail is a ground-dwelling bird that thrives in a variety of habitats across its range.

This species is widespread, ranging from southern China through South and Southeast Asia to Oceania, and extending south to southeastern Australia. It has been introduced to various locales, including a failed attempt in New Zealand.

King Quail males engage in combat for mating privileges, with victorious males breeding with multiple females. Females may lay eggs within a day or two of mating, either in a constructed nest or directly on the ground. They tend to become broody once an ideal clutch size is achieved.

The clutch size of the King Quail can range from five to 13 eggs, with incubation commencing after the entire clutch is laid. In captivity, six to eight eggs are considered an ideal clutch size. The incubation period lasts approximately 16 days.

In the wild, King Quails feed on small insects, seeds, and grasses. In captivity, a varied diet of seeds, fruits, and vegetables is recommended, with additional calcium-rich foods for breeding females. Chicks should be provided with high-protein food such as chick crumb and mealworms.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - BUDGERIGAR (Melopsittacus undulatus)

The Budgerigar, also known as the common parakeet, shell parakeet, or affectionately as the budgie, is a small and vibrant seed-eating parrot. In the wild, its plumage is primarily a bright green and yellow, adorned with black scalloped markings on the nape, back, and wings. Captivity has given rise to a kaleidoscope of color variations including blues, whites, and greys, with some even sporting charming crests.

Adult budgerigars can be distinguished by the color of their cere, the fleshy area containing the nostrils above the beak. Males typically boast a blue cere, while females exhibit a brown or beige cere, particularly when in breeding condition. Juveniles present a more uniform purplish-pink cere, regardless of sex. These birds are also characterized by their iridescent cheek patches and the distinctive throat spots that adorn each side of their neck.

Budgerigars thrive in the drier regions of Australia, favoring habitats such as scrublands, open woodlands, and grasslands. Their ability to adapt to the harsh inland conditions has been remarkable, a testament to their resilience and nomadic lifestyle.

Native to Australia, budgerigars have also been introduced to other regions, including Florida in the United States. Their distribution in the wild is closely linked to the availability of food and water, which can lead to large, nomadic flocks in search of sustenance.

Budgerigars are gregarious and nomadic, often seen in flocks that can swell to great numbers when conditions are favorable. They exhibit a variety of social behaviors, including mutual preening and feeding, indicative of their affectionate nature. In flight, they are agile and can switch between speeds with remarkable ease.

The vocalizations of budgerigars are a delightful symphony of chirps and warbles, a social tool that plays a crucial role in their interactions. Their ability to mimic human speech has made them endearing companions in captivity.

Breeding in the wild aligns with the abundance of grass seeds, typically after periods of rain. Budgerigars are monogamous and form strong pair bonds, often breeding in large colonies. Their nests are made in tree hollows or similar natural cavities, where they lay four to six eggs that hatch after about 18 days of incubation.

While budgerigars are unique in their genus, they share some similarities with other small parrots, particularly in their size and social behavior. However, their distinctive coloration and markings set them apart.

Budgerigars primarily feed on a diet of grass seeds. In the wild, they are also known to consume spinifex, grass, and occasionally ripening wheat. Their diet in captivity can be supplemented with various fruits and vegetables to ensure a balanced nutrition.

The budgerigar is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting its wide distribution and stable population numbers. However, vigilance is required to ensure that this status is maintained, as changes in habitat and climate can impact their numbers.

20-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - BOAT TAILED GRACKLE (MALE) (Quiscalus major)

The boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major) is a striking bird, with the male boasting a glossy, iridescent black plumage and a distinctive keel-shaped tail, measuring 37–43 cm in length. The female, considerably smaller at 26–33 cm, is cloaked in tawny-brown with darker wings and tail. Both sexes exhibit a robust physique, but it is the male's long dark bill and pale yellowish or brown iris that often catch the observer's eye.

Adult males are entirely black with a shimmering iridescence and a pronounced tail. Females are smaller, with a shorter tail and brownish coloration. The wingspan ranges from 39–50 cm. Juvenile males resemble the adults but lack the iridescence, while immature females are duller with possible blotches on the breast. Eye color varies geographically, with Gulf Coast and inland birds having dark eyes, and Atlantic birds pale eyes.

The boat-tailed grackle is a coastal denizen, favoring saltwater marshes and, in Florida, inland waters. It is not uncommon to find them in urban settings, rummaging through refuse or perched in parking lots.

This bird is a permanent resident along the coasts of the Southeastern United States, with a presence that extends to several Gulf Coast cities and towns.

The boat-tailed grackle is a ground forager but will also search for food in shallow waters and shrubs. It exhibits a boldness, at times pilfering food from other birds.

The vocal repertoire of the boat-tailed grackle includes a harsh "jeeb" and an array of grackle-like chatters and squeaks, each call as distinctive as the bird itself.

Nests are well-concealed cups situated in trees or shrubs near water, with an average clutch size slightly exceeding three eggs.

The great-tailed grackle is similar but has a longer tail and lacks the domed head of the boat-tailed grackle. The common grackle is smaller, with a shorter tail and no domed head, and often shares habitat with the boat-tailed grackle along the Atlantic coast.

An omnivorous bird, the boat-tailed grackle's diet includes insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, grain, and occasionally small birds.

The boat-tailed grackle is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.