14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - MALACHITE BUTTERFLY (Siproeta stelenes)

Siproeta stelenes (malachite) is a Neotropical brush-footed butterfly (family Nymphalidae). The malachite has large wings that are black and brilliant green or yellow-green on the upperside and light brown and olive green on the underside. It is named for the mineral malachite, which is similar in color to the bright green on the butterfly's wings. Typically, the wingspread is between 8.5 and 10 cm (3.3 and 3.9 in). The malachite is found throughout Central and northern South America, where it is one of the most common butterfly species. Its distribution extends as far north as southern Texas and the tip of Florida, to Cuba as subspecies S. s. insularis (Holland, 1916), and S. s. biplagiata, and south to Brazil.

Malachites often are confused with the heliconiine Philaethria dido. They have similar coloration, but their wing shapes are different.

Adults feed on flower nectar, rotting fruit, dead animals, and bat dung. Females lay eggs on the new leaves of plants in the family Acanthaceae, especially Ruellia. The larvae are horned, spiny, black caterpillars with red markings, The pupal stage is green, with sharp, gold spines that can puncture predators.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - RED RIVER HOG (Potamochoerus porcus)

The Red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus) is a wild member of the pig family that lives in Africa. It is rarely seen away from rainforests, and generally prefers areas near rivers or swamps.

Red river hogs have striking orange to reddish-brown fur, with black legs and a tufted white stripe along the spine. Adults have white markings around the eyes and on the cheeks and jaws; the rest of the muzzle and face are a contrasting black. The fur on the jaw and the flanks is longer than that on the body, with the males having especially prominent facial whiskers. The entire body of Red river hogs is covered with hair, with no bare skin visible. Males are slightly larger than females and have conical protuberances on either side of the snout and small, sharp tusks. These facial protuberances are bony and probably protect the male's face during head-to-head combat with other males.

Red river hogs are found in western and central Africa. They range from the Congo area and the Gambia to the eastern Congo, southwards to the Kasai and the Congo River. Red river hogs live in rainforests, wet dense savannas, and forested valleys, and near rivers, lakes, and marshes.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - RED TAILED PARROT (Amazona brasiliensis)

The red-tailed amazon (Amazona brasiliensis), also known as the red-tailed parrot, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to coastal regions in the south-east Brazilian states of São Paulo and Paraná. The bird has been threatened by habitat loss and capture for the wild bird trade, and is a symbol of the efforts to conserve one of the Earth's most biologically diverse ecosystems. Consequently, it is considered Near Threatened by BirdLife International and the IUCN. In 1991–92, the population had fallen below 2000 individuals. Following on-going conservation efforts, a count and estimate from 2015 suggests a population of 9,000–10,000, indicating that this species is recovering from earlier persecution.[1] A recent study shows that the population of this species is stable at Paraná state, Southern Brazil, revealing population trend fluctuation during the last 12 years.

Red-tailed amazons weigh around 425 g (15.0 oz) and are approximately 35 cm (14 in) long. As expected from its common name, it has a broad red band on its tail, but as it largely is limited to the inner webs of the feathers, it is mainly visible from below or when the tail is spread open. Additionally, the tail has a broad yellow tip, and the outer rectrices are dark purplish-blue at the base. The remaining plumage is green, while the throat, cheeks and auriculars are purple-blue, the forecrown is red, and the rectrices are broadly tipped dark blue. It has a yellowish bill with a blackish tip to the upper mandible, a pale gray eye ring, and orange irises. Juveniles have a duller plumage and brown irises.

The red-tailed amazon is associated with the Atlantic Forest system, and lives in forests, woodlands and mangroves near the coast. This species is almost entirely restricted to lowlands, typically occurring at altitudes below 200 meters (660 feet) above sea-level, though sometimes reaching altitudes up to 700 m (2,300 ft).

Red-tailed amazons are usually found in pairs or flocks, which occasionally may number several hundred individuals in the non-breeding season. It primarily roosts and breeds on coastal islands, but most of the foraging takes place on the nearby mainland, where the birds forage mainly for fruits, but their diet also includes seeds, flowers, nectar, and rarely, insects.

The red-tailed amazon breeds in mangrove and coastal forests on islands. The breeding season lasts from September to February, when the parrots lay three or four eggs in a natural tree-cavities. The incubation period is 27 to 28 days, and the fledging period an additional 50 to 55 days.

Brazil's recent industrialization, accompanied by intense economic and population growth, is largely responsible for the parrot's endangered status. Every year extensive logging wipes out pristine plots of land once home to thousands of plant, insect, and animal species. Land areas equivalent in size to small countries are wiped out in a matter of months. This ongoing logging continues to destroy habitat and threaten the bird's limited geographic range. Extensive logging also destroys the native plant species that provide food and shelter for the birds. As a result, the birds are forced to relocate to less suitable areas. Frequently, the parrots are unable to locate food and perish.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - BLACK NECKED SWAN (Cygnus melancoryphus)

The black-necked swan (Cygnus melancoryphus ) is the largest waterfowl native to South America.

An unmistakable bird with bold patterns, Black-necked swans are characteristic and majestic inhabitants of southern South Americas wetlands. They are easily distinguished by their immaculate white body feathers that contrast sharply with their velvety black head and neck. The bill is blue-gray in color and has a noticeable, double-lobed scarlet-colored knob, called a caruncle, at its base. The eyes are surrounded by a thin white line which goes along the sides of the head to the rear. Males and females are similar in appearance, though females are generally slightly smaller. The juvenile does not have a caruncle, and has a head and neck that is more brownish-black, with varying amounts of brownish-tipped and grayish-flecked feathers.

The Black-necked swan inhabits southern South America, from Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands northwards to Paraguay, central Chile, and southern Brazil. It lives in a wide variety of freshwater and saline habitats such as shallow coastal regions along the Pacific Ocean, estuaries, inland lakes, lagoons, and marshes. Particularly important are places that are rich with submerged aquatic vegetation.

These swans are highly social birds, and are gregarious outside of the time of the breeding season. They become territorial during the breeding season and divide up into mated pairs, nesting in small colonies or as solitary pairs, but they regroup once the young have hatched, each flock numbering thousands of birds. These flocks may move around, dependent on the climate and resources, but usually stay in the south of South America until migrating north. Black-necked swans are diurnal and most of their time is spent in water. If males need to defend their territory, they display aggressive behavior such as lowering their neck and thrusting the head forward. After fighting with beating its wings, the male returns to the female in triumph, continuously lifting its chin and calling.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - WREATHED HORNBILL (Rhyticeros undulatus)

The Wreathed Hornbill, also known as the Bar-pouched Wreathed Hornbill, is a majestic bird adorned with a long, curved bill featuring distinctive ridges or wreaths on the casque of the upper mandible in adults. The male of the species boasts a rufous crown, a white upper breast and face, and a striking yellow throat devoid of feathers. In contrast, the female is cloaked in black with a blue throat and is marginally smaller than her male counterpart.

To identify the Wreathed Hornbill, look for the pale yellow bill, black legs and feet, and the black band encircling the gular skin. Males are distinguished by their bright yellow throat and white neck, while females have blue gular skin. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with differences in plumage and gular skin coloration becoming more pronounced as the birds mature.

This hornbill favors the lush tropical evergreen forests, making its home in the verdant landscapes from the foothills of Northeast India and Bhutan to Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and the Greater Sunda Islands.

The Wreathed Hornbill's range extends across the foothills and evergreen forests of Northeast India and Bhutan to Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and the Greater Sunda Islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and several smaller islands.

The Wreathed Hornbill is a sociable creature, most active in the early mornings when it embarks on foraging expeditions for fruits. It forms larger flocks than other hornbill species and remains gregarious throughout the year. The bird is known to travel considerable distances in search of fruit, even flying between islands, though it does not migrate.

The Wreathed Hornbill's primary call is a resonant double yelp, often described as "coo-cuk" or "wuff-wurff." This call, typically repeated in sequences, can be heard from afar, with the second part being higher-pitched and louder. The bird also makes various other low-pitched, bisyllabic barking sounds.

The Wreathed Hornbill is a monogamous breeder, exhibiting biparental care. It nests in tree cavities in a range of habitats, including coastal forests and foothills. The female incubates and guards the eggs alone for 40 days, and the nesting cycle lasts between 111 to 137 days.

Primarily a frugivore, the Wreathed Hornbill feeds mainly on large fruits, such as figs, which it swallows whole, thus playing a crucial ecological role in seed dispersal. It also consumes small animals, particularly during the breeding season.

The Wreathed Hornbill faces threats from hunting, habitat fragmentation, and deforestation. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2018, with the global population estimated to decrease due to these threats. International protection under CITES Appendix II and national protections in some range countries are in place to aid its conservation.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - NORTHERN BALD IBIS (Geronticus eremita)

The northern bald ibis, hermit ibis, or waldrapp (Geronticus eremita ) is a migratory bird found in barren, semi-desert or rocky habitats, often close to running water. This 70–80 cm (28–31 in) glossy black ibis, which, unlike many members of the ibis family, is non-wading, has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill. It breeds colonially on coastal or mountain cliff ledges, where it typically lays two to three eggs in a stick nest, and feeds on lizards, insects, and other small animals.

The northern bald ibis was once widespread across the Middle East, northern Africa, southern and central Europe, with a fossil record dating back at least 1.8 million years. It disappeared from Europe over 300 years ago, although reintroduction programs in the region are underway. In 2019 there were about 700 wild birds remaining in southern Morocco, and fewer than 10 in Syria, where it was rediscovered in 2002 but where their number declined in the following years, maybe to zero.

To combat these low numbers, reintroduction programs have been instituted internationally in recent times, with a semi-wild breeding colony in Turkey which counted almost 250 birds in 2018 as well as sites in Austria, Italy, Spain, and northern Morocco. These programs and the natural growth in Morocco from about 200 birds in the 1990s helped to downlist the northern bald ibis from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2018. There are about 2000 northern bald ibises living in captivity.

The reasons for the species' long-term decline are unclear, but hunting, loss of foraging habitat, and pesticide poisoning have been implicated in the rapid loss of colonies in recent decades.

The northern bald ibis is a large, glossy black bird, 70–80 cm (28–31 in) long with a 125–135 cm (49–53 in) wingspan and an average weight of 1.0–1.3 kg (35–46 oz). 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 long, curved bill and the legs are red. In flight, this bird has powerful, shallow, and flexible wing beats. It gives guttural hrump and high, hoarse hyoh calls at its breeding colonies, but is otherwise silent.

The sexes are similar in plumage, although males are generally larger than females, and, as with other ibises that breed in colonies, have longer bills. The longer-billed males are more successful in attracting a mate. The downy chick has uniformly pale brown plumage, and the fledged juvenile resembles the adult except that it has a dark head, light grey legs, and a pale bill. The unfeathered areas of the young bird's head and neck gradually become red as it matures. Moroccan birds have a significantly longer bill than Turkish birds of the same sex.

If the eastern and western populations are considered to be separable subspecies, it is unclear which should be considered to be the nominate (first-named) form, since the first description of this species was based on a now-extinct population from Switzerland which is of unknown race.

The northern bald ibis is readily distinguished from its close relative, the southern bald ibis of Southern Africa, by the southern species' whitish face. The northern bald can also be confused with the similarly dark-plumaged glossy ibis, which overlaps its range, but it is larger and stockier than that species. In flight, when the bill and face colouration may not be visible, the bald ibis' less rounded wings and shorter neck give it a different profile from glossy ibis, and its relatively short legs mean that its feet do not project beyond the tail, unlike those of the glossy ibis.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - BLACK HEADED WEAVER (FEMALE)

The black-headed weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus ), also known as yellow-backed weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.

Medium-sized weaver. Breeding males are striking with their black face and neck and dark brown irises contrasting with their yellow body. Females and non-breeding males are similar, with a yellow breast and white belly. Usually found in marshy areas with tall grass. Nest is built in a basket shape, weaving together grass and sticks hanging from trees.

Breeding males have a black head and yellow nuchal collar, which is absent in the Juba and golden-backed weavers. It also differs from the latter species and village weaver by its plain, greenish mantle plumage. The pale yellow underpart plumage is suffused with a variable amount of chestnut.

The female and non-breeding male lack the black head, and resemble a female masked weaver, except that they have dark eyes and a darker bill. Their buffy breast plumage also distinguishes them from non-breeding golden-backed weavers.

It occurs in West, Central, and East Africa, but it has also been introduced to the Iberian Peninsula. It is found in savanna and similar habitats, typically near water. It often lives on an Acacia tree 3 meter away from land to prevent predation.

The Black-headed Weaver, known scientifically as Ploceus melanocephalus and also referred to as the Yellow-backed Weaver, is a striking member of the Ploceidae family. The breeding male is particularly distinctive with its bold black head and contrasting yellow nuchal collar, a feature that sets it apart from its relatives, the Juba and Golden-backed Weavers.

During the breeding season, the male Black-headed Weaver can be identified by its black head and the bright yellow collar gracing the nape of its neck. The mantle is a plain, greenish hue, and the underparts are a pale yellow, often infused with varying degrees of chestnut. Females and non-breeding males lack the black head and are more easily confused with the female Masked Weaver, though they can be distinguished by their dark eyes, darker bill, and buffy breast plumage.

The Black-headed Weaver is typically found in savannas and similar environments, often in proximity to water sources. It has a particular affinity for Acacia trees, which it uses for nesting, usually situated about 3 meters from land to deter predators.

This species is native to West, Central, and East Africa. It has also expanded its range to the Iberian Peninsula, where it has been introduced.

The Black-headed Weaver is known for its elaborate nesting behavior, often constructing its nest in Acacia trees to provide a measure of safety from ground predators.

The vocalizations of the Black-headed Weaver are an integral part of its breeding display, with the male often singing to attract a mate.

The breeding male's plumage is a key aspect of its courtship display, with the black head and yellow collar playing a significant role in attracting females. It is also known for its elaborate nesting behavior, often constructing its nest in Acacia trees to provide a measure of safety from ground predators.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - BLACK HEADED WEAVER (JUVENILE) (Ploceus melanocephalus)

The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus ), also known as the spotted-backed weaver or black-headed weaver (the latter leading to easy confusion with P. melanocephalus ), is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae found in much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been introduced to Portugal as well as to the islands of Hispaniola, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Mauritius and Réunion.

This often abundant species occurs in a wide range of open or semi-open habitats, including woodlands and human habitation, and frequently forms large noisy colonies in towns, villages and hotel grounds. This weaver builds a large coarsely woven nest made of grass and leaf strips with a downward facing entrance which is suspended from a branch in a tree. Two to three eggs are laid. Village weavers are colonial breeders, so many nests may hang from one tree.

Village weavers feed principally on seeds and grain, and can be a crop pest, but it will readily take insects, especially when feeding young, which partially redresses the damage to agriculture. The calls of this bird include harsh buzzes and chattering.

The first English name, "weever oriole" was given by John Latham, an early British ornithologist, whose work was often cited by Linnaeus. "Village weaver" has been designated the official name by the International Ornithological Committee (IOC). Other English names are "black-headed weaver", "Layard's black-headed weaver", "black-hooded weaver", "mottled-backed weaver", "mottled weaver", "spotted-backed weaver", "spot-backed weaver", and "V-marked weaver". Statius Muller gave it the German name Rappendrossel, and Brisson named the bird Le Pincon du Senegal in French and Fringilla senegalensis in Latin, both meaning "Senegal finch". In southern Africa, the bird is known as jesa in Shona, lihlokohloko in Siswati, letholopje in Sesotho, kwera nguya in Kiswahili, thaga in Setswana, ndzheyana in Tsonga, ihobo-hobo in Xhosa and ihlokohloko in the Zulu language. In West Africa, some common names are ɛ̀gà in Yoruba, àxà in Edo, àʃá in Igbo, ègwa in Nupe, and àga in Idoma.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - BLACK HEADED WEAVER (Ploceus melanocephalus)

The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus ), also known as the spotted-backed weaver or black-headed weaver (the latter leading to easy confusion with P. melanocephalus ), is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae found in much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been introduced to Portugal as well as to the islands of Hispaniola, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Mauritius and Réunion.

This often abundant species occurs in a wide range of open or semi-open habitats, including woodlands and human habitation, and frequently forms large noisy colonies in towns, villages and hotel grounds. This weaver builds a large coarsely woven nest made of grass and leaf strips with a downward facing entrance which is suspended from a branch in a tree. Two to three eggs are laid. Village weavers are colonial breeders, so many nests may hang from one tree.

Village weavers feed principally on seeds and grain, and can be a crop pest, but it will readily take insects, especially when feeding young, which partially redresses the damage to agriculture. The calls of this bird include harsh buzzes and chattering.The Black-headed Weaver, known scientifically as Ploceus melanocephalus and also referred to as the Yellow-backed Weaver, is a striking member of the Ploceidae family. The breeding male is particularly distinctive with its bold black head and contrasting yellow nuchal collar, a feature that sets it apart from its relatives, the Juba and Golden-backed Weavers.

During the breeding season, the male Black-headed Weaver can be identified by its black head and the bright yellow collar gracing the nape of its neck. The mantle is a plain, greenish hue, and the underparts are a pale yellow, often infused with varying degrees of chestnut. Females and non-breeding males lack the black head and are more easily confused with the female Masked Weaver, though they can be distinguished by their dark eyes, darker bill, and buffy breast plumage.

The Black-headed Weaver is typically found in savannas and similar environments, often in proximity to water sources. It has a particular affinity for Acacia trees, which it uses for nesting, usually situated about 3 meters from land to deter predators.

This species is native to West, Central, and East Africa. It has also expanded its range to the Iberian Peninsula, where it has been introduced.

The Black-headed Weaver is known for its elaborate nesting behavior, often constructing its nest in Acacia trees to provide a measure of safety from ground predators.

The vocalizations of the Black-headed Weaver are an integral part of its breeding display, with the male often singing to attract a mate.

The breeding male's plumage is a key aspect of its courtship display, with the black head and yellow collar playing a significant role in attracting females. It is also known for its elaborate nesting behavior, often constructing its nest in Acacia trees to provide a measure of safety from ground predators.

The Black-headed Weaver can be confused with the Juba Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver, and the Village Weaver. However, its plain greenish mantle and the chestnut tinges on its underparts, along with the absence of a yellow nuchal collar in the Juba and Golden-backed Weavers, help in distinguishing it from these similar species.

Village weavers forage and roost in large groups, often with other weaver species. In some areas, they move periodically along fixed routes. The birds look for food on the ground, but also look up to search vegetation and trees. The village weaver nests in colonies and is very active during the breeding season. Birds fly in and leave again constantly, making a lot of noise. Colonies can contain as many as 150 nests, but anything between eight and a hundred nests in a single tree is usual.

A village weaver's nest is 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in) long and 11–13 cm (4.3–5.1 in) high. The entrance is mostly extended into a tube of 4–8 cm (1.6–3.1 in) long. The male weaves the structure of the nest using long strips of leaf, that he has torn from palms or large grass species such as Arundo donax. The nest is roofed, ovoid or kidney-shaped, internally consisting of a nesting chamber that is separated by a ground sill from an antechamber, that has the entrance of the entire nest at the bottom. On the inside, the ceiling is made of strips of grass or other leaves, which are simply inserted instead of woven-in. The floor on the inside is lined by short, thatched strips of palm, grass blades or heads, and feathers. The nest requires about three hundred long strips of leaf, which the male tears off and transports one by one. The male gathers building material throughout the building process, during which he works with his feet in exactly the same position, and maintaining the same orientation. He starts by creating the attachment by weaving around mostly two hanging branches just below a fork, a foot on both of them, which he includes in a ring he constructs by weaving in the plain of the branches at the edge of his reach. He than extends the high end of the ring in front of its head, gradually working towards his feet creating a half-globe, that is the nesting chamber. The male continues by constructing the roof of the antechamber, working over his head. This is followed by lining the ceiling, and constructing the entrance tube, hanging upside-down, but still with his feet at the same spots. The weaving technique consists of seizing a strip of near the end and double the strip back on itself. Next he pokes the end with a vibrating movement in between his previous work until it sticks. He then release it, moves his head to the other side of the nest wall, seizes the strip again and pokes it in somewhere. He keeps repeating this, regularly reversing the direction in which he weaves the strip, poking and pulling the strip through holes until the entire length is used. The female collects material too, but she occupies herself only with the lining of the nesting cup.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - NORTHERN BALD IBIS (Geronticus eremita)

The Northern Bald Ibis, also known as the Hermit Ibis or Waldrapp (Geronticus eremita), is a striking bird with a glossy black plumage that exhibits bronze-green and violet iridescence. It stands out with its unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill. This bird measures 70–80 cm in length, with a wingspan of 125–135 cm, and weighs between 1.0 and 1.3 kg. Unlike many ibises, it does not wade but instead forages on land.

Adults are easily identified by their bare red face and head, long red bill, and glossy black feathers. In flight, the Northern Bald Ibis has a distinct profile with less rounded wings and a shorter neck compared to other ibises. Its legs are relatively short, so its feet do not extend beyond the tail in flight. Juveniles have a dark head, grey legs, and a pale bill, with red areas developing as they mature.

The Northern Bald Ibis favors open landscapes such as grasslands, rocky habitats, and semi-deserts, often near running water. It nests on coastal or mountain cliff ledges, away from the trees and wetlands preferred by other ibis species.

Historically widespread across the Middle East, northern Africa, and southern and central Europe, the Northern Bald Ibis has vanished from most of its range. Today, the majority of the wild population is found in southern Morocco, with reintroduction programs in Europe and a semi-wild colony in Turkey.

This bird is known for its gregarious nature, forming flocks that commute to feeding areas. It breeds in colonies, with pairs that mate for life. The Northern Bald Ibis is migratory in parts of its range, with some populations traveling significant distances between breeding and wintering grounds.

At breeding colonies, the Northern Bald Ibis produces guttural "hrump" and high, hoarse "hyoh" calls. Outside of these areas, it is generally silent.

Breeding occurs on cliff ledges or boulders, where the ibis lays two to four eggs in a stick nest. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, which fledge after 40–50 days. The species starts breeding at three to five years of age.

The Southern Bald Ibis (G. calvus) can be distinguished by its whitish face. The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is similar in dark plumage but is smaller and has a different flight profile.

The Northern Bald Ibis has a varied diet, primarily consuming lizards and beetles, but also small mammals, birds, and various invertebrates. It forages in flocks, using its bill to probe the soil for food.

The Northern Bald Ibis is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population has declined due to hunting, habitat loss, and other human-related factors. Conservation efforts, including protection of breeding sites and reintroduction programs, have helped stabilize some populations.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - VIOLET TURACO (Musophaga violacea)

The violet turaco, also known as the violaceous plantain eater (Musophaga violacea ), is a large turaco, a group of African otidimorphae.

Spectacular purple turaco with a beautiful facial pattern: a large red-and-yellow bill, red bare skin around the eye, a white patch behind the eye, and a dark red back of the head. Shows large crimson wing patches in flight. Found along forest edge and in gallery forests and lush gardens. Acts like a typical turaco, bouncing through the trees and flying occasionally with short bursts of wingbeats and long glides. Call is a low, rollicking trill that is often given in raucous chorus by a group. Similar to Ross's Turaco, but overlap in range is minimal, and Violet is easily separated by many details of its facial pattern, including its two-colored bill.

These are unmistakable birds, but shy and often inconspicuous in the treetops. They are approximately 48 cm (19 in) long, including a long tail and a 4 cm (1.6 in) bill. They boast a winglength of 21 cm (8.3 in) and weigh approximately 360 g. The plumage is glossy violet, except for the yellow forehead, chestnut crown and white ear coverts; the bill is thick and red. In flight, the violet turaco's crimson primary flight feathers contrast with the violet plumage. The red colour in the wings is typical of turacos.

It is resident in West Africa, and has an extremely large range from Senegal through to the Nigeria, with an isolated population in Chad and Central African Republic. It occurs in tropical savannas, wetlands, woodlands and forests.

Turacos are social birds, travelling in flocks of around ten to twelve individuals. They are not strong fliers but they can run quickly through the branches. Violet turaco has a loud cooroo-cooroo call.

Diet consists of fruit, and they are quite partial to figs, but they will also eat leaves, buds, flowers, insects, snails and slugs.

Cooperative breeding behavior has been observed in captivity in this species. The female lays two eggs in a flimsy tree platform nest.

This species is locally common, but is vulnerable to trapping for the pet trade in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family, Coraciidae, resplendent in a panoply of pastel hues. This African bird is a sight to behold, with its lilac throat and breast, olive crown to mantle, and cheeks of lilac-rufous. The species is further adorned with long, black tail streamers, which juveniles lack. Unofficially, it is considered the national bird of Kenya.

In the field, the lilac-breasted roller is almost unmistakable. Adults boast a lilac throat that deepens into a darker lilac breast, with an olive crown and mantle. The cheeks and ear coverts are a lilac-rufous. Juveniles and immatures can be identified by their lack of tail streamers and a throat and breast of rufous-tawny with broad diffuse buffy-white streaks. The species is not sexually dimorphic, though males may be slightly larger.

The lilac-breasted roller favors open woodland and savanna, typically avoiding treeless expanses. They are often seen perched high, surveying the landscape for prey.

This species is widely distributed across Southern and Eastern Africa and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is most abundant in Kenya and can be found from sea level to elevations of 2,000 meters or more.

Lilac-breasted rollers are usually solitary or found in pairs. They are known for their aggressive defense of their nests against raptors and other birds. During the breeding season, males perform acrobatic flights, swooping and diving while emitting harsh cries.

Their diet consists of arthropods and small vertebrates, including insects, spiders, scorpions, and small birds. They hunt from perches, swooping down to catch prey on the ground or in the air.

Lilac-breasted rollers are active during the day and are usually found alone or in pairs. They perch conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles, or other high vantage points from where they can spot insects, lizards, or other prey moving about on the ground. Lilac-breasted rollers hunt from a perch and scout from a higher vantage point (including from atop large herbivorous mammals) before swooping in and grabbing prey with their beaks. If their prey is small, they will swallow it on the ground. These aggressive birds will carry larger prey back to a perch and beat it until it is dismembered. Outside of protected areas such as national parks, Lilac-breasted rollers may often be seen when farmers burn land for agricultural use. Such brush fires stir up insects and other invertebrates, and birds can be seen swooping in for easy prey. In East Africa, they join other perch hunters like Taita fiscals and Pale flycatchers to make opportunistic use of grassland fires. In South Africa, they are also seen in association with kites, storks, swallows, and bee-eaters when the burning of firebreaks drives small animals onto roads. The call of these acrobatic fliers is a harsh, sawing 'rak rak rak' that is given during flight. They also produce loud raucous calls during flight displays and will perch to sing.

Lilac-breasted rollers are monogamous birds believed to mate for life. Pairs nest solitary and are protective of their nest and one of the pair will fly in a rolling pattern as a territorial display against intruders or distract nest predators. During courtship, a Lilac-breasted roller will fly upwards and then tip forward with the wings closed, before flapping to gain speed towards the ground. While leveling out at the highest speed the bird will roll to the left and right a few times, uttering a harsh, raucous 'kaaa, kaarsh', before swooping up again. The display may end with a harsh chuckling. The breeding season occurs at various times of the year, depending on the location; in Somalia, these birds breed from late April to mid-September. They build flat nests of grass in a baobab, dead coconut, casuarina, or Terminalia tree. The nest is situated in a hollowed-out tree cavity some 5 meters (16 ft) off the ground, or even on the side of a termite mound. Lilac-breasted rollers do not create the cavities themselves but take over nest spaces that have been previously hollowed out by woodpeckers or kingfishers. Females lay 2-4 eggs per breeding season and both partners will take turns incubating the eggs for 22 to 24 days. Hatchlings are born altricial (helpless), becoming fully feathered after 18-20 days. They will remain dependent on their parents for up to another month and will be ready to breed at the age of 2 years.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)

The Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. Unlike most owls, these owls are often active during the day, but like many other kinds of owls, though, they do most of their hunting during dusk and dawn, when they can use their night vision and hearing to their advantage. Living in open grasslands as opposed to forests, the burrowing owl has developed longer legs that enable it to sprint, as well as fly, when hunting.

Burrowing owls have bright eyes and their beaks can be dark yellow or gray depending on the subspecies. They have prominent white eyebrows and a white "chin" patch which they expand and display during certain behaviors, such as a bobbing of the head when agitated. Adults have brown heads and wings with white spotting. The chest and abdomen are white with variable brown spotting or barring, also depending on the subspecies. Juvenile owls are similar in appearance, but they lack most of the white spotting above and brown barring below; their breast may be buff-colored rather than white.

Burrowing owls range from the southern portions of the western Canadian provinces through southern Mexico and western Central America. They are also found in Florida and many Caribbean islands. In South America, they are patchy in the northwest and through the Andes but widely distributed from southern Brazil to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Burrowing owls are year-round residents in most of their range. Birds that breed in Canada and the northern U.S. usually migrate south to Mexico and the southern U.S. during winter months. These owls inhabit grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts, or any other open dry area with low vegetation.

Burrowing owls spend most of their time on the ground, and may breed in loose colonies. They nest and roost in burrows, such as those excavated by prairie dogs. Unlike most owls, Burrowing owls are often active during the day, although they tend to avoid the midday heat. However, most of their hunting is done from dusk until dawn, when they can use their night vision and hearing to their advantage. When hunting, Burrowing owls wait on a perch patiently until they spot prey. Then, they swoop down on prey or fly up to catch insects in flight. Sometimes, they walk, hop, or chase prey on foot across the ground. When not hunting Burrowing owls sleep at their burrow entrances or on depressions in the ground. The rest of the time is spent stretching, preening, and bathing in a puddle and the birds will also take a dust bath in a shallow depression in the dirt. Disturbed Burrowing owls bob jerkily up and down and can scream, cluck, and chatter when defending the nest. Their main call is a mellow 'coo-coooo' and a song 'co-hoo' that can usually be heard at night.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - EURASIAN GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

The great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), a robust seabird, is cloaked in predominantly black plumage. It is a member of the cormorant family, with a widespread distribution. The species exhibits considerable size variation across its range, with males generally larger than females. Notable features include a longish tail and a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults boast white patches on their thighs and throat.

To identify the great cormorant, look for its large size, heavy build, and thick bill. It lacks a crest and its plumage does not have a green tinge, distinguishing it from the common shag. In North America, it is bulkier than the double-crested cormorant and has less yellow on the throat and bill. The white thigh patches are a key identifier.

Great cormorants are found in a variety of aquatic environments including seas, estuaries, freshwater lakes, and rivers. They often nest in colonies close to these water bodies.

This species has a broad distribution, breeding across the Old World, Australia, and the Atlantic coast of North America. Northern populations tend to migrate southward in winter, seeking coasts rich in fish.

Great cormorants are generally silent but may emit guttural noises at breeding colonies. They are known for their wing-drying posture, often seen with wings outstretched to dry after diving.

Mostly silent, the great cormorant vocalizes with guttural sounds in the vicinity of its breeding colonies.

Great cormorants typically nest in colonies near wetlands, rivers, or sheltered inshore waters, often returning to the same site annually. Their nests are constructed from sticks and can be located in trees, on cliff ledges, or on predator-free ground. They lay clutches of three to five pale blue or green eggs, which are incubated for about 28 to 31 days.

These birds are piscivorous, diving to catch fish such as wrasses, sand smelt, flathead, and common soles. They exhibit seasonal dietary shifts, preferring larger fish in colder temperatures. Their foraging efficiency is influenced by the size of the prey rather than the quantity.

The great cormorant is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Conservation efforts have led to a population rebound, with approximately 1.2 million birds in Europe alone. However, their increasing numbers have led to conflicts with fisheries due to predation on fish stocks.

14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atratus)

The black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a striking large waterbird, native to the southeastern and southwestern regions of Australia. It is characterized by its predominantly black plumage and a distinctive red bill, with a pale bar and tip. The legs and feet are a greyish-black hue. Males, known as cobs, are marginally larger than females, or pens, and possess a longer, straighter bill. Juveniles, referred to as cygnets, display a greyish-brown coloration with pale-edged feathers.

Adult black swans range from 110 to 142 centimeters in length and weigh between 3.7 and 9 kilograms. Their wingspan stretches from 1.6 to 2 meters. Notably, they have the longest neck relative to body size among swans, which is typically curved into an elegant "S" shape.

Black swans inhabit a variety of wetland environments, including fresh, brackish, and saltwater lakes, as well as swamps and rivers with abundant underwater and emergent vegetation. They are also found in permanent wetlands and ornamental lakes, and may occasionally venture into flooded pastures, tidal mudflats, or the open sea near islands or the coast.

Within Australia, black swans are common in the wetlands of the southwest and east, and their range extends to adjacent coastal islands. They are nomadic birds, with migration patterns influenced by climatic conditions, such as rainfall or drought.