Tropical Birds

Mockingbirds belong to the Family Mimidae. There at least thirty-five known species of mockingbirds in the world, twelve of them in North America. Their species is then sorted into varieties such as Mimus polyglottos, also known as the Northern Mockingbird. Whatever name this vocal songster travels under, it’s for sure that the very title suggests mimicry. The ability to mimic other birds provides quite an advantage to the Northern Mockingbird in fooling its stalkers.

Oct 22, 2003 - Glenda Gibbons

It bears emphasis that the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) was obviously not always known as a chimney-dweller. Humans can take a certain amount of pride in the fact that we have helped in the survival of at least one species. Perhaps the most commonly known swift is the Chimney Swift.

Sep 9, 2003 - Glenda Gibbons

There is a common misconception that Purple Martins eat mosquitoes as part of their regular diet. In a seven year study of Purple Martins by the Purple Martin Conservation Association in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, the diets of parents to young show absolutely no mosquitoes.

Aug 19, 2003 - Glenda Gibbons

An introduction to swallows, swifts, and martins. These are summer migrants that are welcome guests in any garden or on any farm. Able to consume their weight in mosquitos and other flying insects, this quality alone means that these birds never outstay their welcome!

Jul 9, 2003 - Glenda Gibbons

What impresses me the most about the frigatebird, and immediately draws my attention upward is the immense size of the bird. A frigatebird resembles a giant-sized swallow; once you’ve seen it, you’ll always be able to identify one.

Jun 10, 2003 - Glenda Gibbons

We birders are lucky; we have a non-stop fashion parade passing right over our property 24 hours a day. However, along with our love of birds comes the responsibility of informing others about the dwindling lands and territories in which our bird friends try their best to adapt and to live a life of relative freedom.

Mar 16, 2003 - Glenda Gibbons

At one time, it was actually believed that birds hibernated by burrowing in the ground. Thanks to the many wonderful birders and birding organizations around the world, we are now assured that this speculation is just not so! Truth is; birds navigate with skills that would rival even the best human pilot!

Jan 10, 2003 - Glenda Gibbons

Those of us who live in the northern and Midwest United States, tend to think of our bird friends as living “here” in the summer. In truth, it’s the opposite way around. Most birds fly to the northern hemisphere to breed, and then by summer’s end, the fledglings are ready to fly to the southern hemisphere on their own.

Nov 27, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

Flycatchers are visible in North America only in the summer months, breeding in the southwest regions of the country. They winter in the areas from Mexico down to Panama and South America. There are many different species of flycatchers, but perhaps the most flamboyant of these is the scissortail.

Oct 1, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

It was perched on a pasture fencepost in my yard the time I first noticed it. What drew my attention first, was the beak. To me, it was clearly a heron's beak. The bird appeared dark in sunlight, but I could recognize the long neck when it stretched, then took to flight.

Aug 9, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

Part 2 in a two-part series regarding the growing practices of coffee; shade-grown vs sun-grown, and the economic implications of these methods.

Jul 2, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

Part 1 in a 2-part series on the Songbird Foundation. This organization helps to preserve the forests of South and Central America by promoting organically and environmentally sound products. Do you drink coffee?

May 29, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

I can still remember the first time I ever saw a Baltimore Oriole. I was walking along a country road with a friend when a streak of orange flew by my head. I was so taken with the bright colors that I had to learn all about this bird! Until then, the only Baltimore Orioles I knew about, were baseball players!

Apr 16, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

In the Old World, sunbirds are the equivalent of the American hummingbird. While both groups bear no relationship to each other, there are some similarities that simply cannot be ignored.

Mar 5, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

When the idea of a pink bird comes to mind, the picture usually brings a flamingo into view. Most people are unaware of other tropical birds that are also pink. The roseate spoonbill is a large pink bird, like the flamingo. But that is where the similarity ends.

Feb 4, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

The last in a series of three articles that covers the migration and breeding grounds of the ruby throated hummingbird. There are thirty-eight states and seven Canadian provinces that become summer homes for the ruby throated hummingbird. When migration begins, there is an amazing amount of flight miles to cover before reaching the wintering grounds in Central America, and Panama.

Jan 1, 2002 - Glenda Gibbons

Additional information about the ruby throated hummingbird. Anyone who has come in contact with these cute little birds insists on seeing them again and again. Here are some tidbits of information to help you locate the ruby throated.

Dec 24, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

Aside from being beautiful to look at, interesting to watch, and fun to attract and feed, the ruby-throated hummingbird plays an important part in the delicate balance of the earth's ecological systems.

Dec 18, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

A continuation of information on the magnificent hyacinth macaw. These birds make wonderful, affectionate pets. Proper diet and environment will assure the health of your bird. Plus, by breeding your pair of macaws, you'll be helping to sustain the dwindling population of the hyacinth.

Dec 11, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The beautiful hyacinth macaw is a gentle giant among parrots. It is also endangered. This is part one of a two-part article on the hyacinth macaw. Even in its natural habitat, this bird is still not safe.

Dec 4, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The cattle egret has thrived throughout the years. Originally hailing from the tropics, the cattle egret has managed to migrate and expand its territory. Now there are three distinct races of cattle egret in the world today.

Nov 27, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The snowy egret is one of the smaller herons that frequent the neotropics. Breeding season can take these birds up to the coast of Maine. Perhaps the most conspicuous part of the bird is its yellow feet and black legs.

Nov 20, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The domestic side of the rainbow lorikeet is presented this week. Sociable and entertaining, this is a bird that will not only add companionship, but beauty as well! Read on to learn about the special needs of a house bound lorikeet.

Nov 13, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

Lories and Lorikeets belong to the parrot family. There are fifty-six species of lories, which includes several sub-species. Perhaps the most colorful is the rainbow lorikeet.

Nov 6, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The black-crowned night-heron is a nocturnal feeder, with a tendency to steal the eggs and young from the nests of other herons. For this reason, it is disliked and discouraged from nesting in colonies with other species of herons.

Oct 30, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The red knot is an attractive, eye-catching bird that frequents the shoreline. It winters along the southeastern coast of the United States and on down to South America. But when the migration and breeding urge sets in, this little bird sets out on a migration course that is a courageous testimony and example to its endurance!

Oct 23, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The American anhinga is an amazing bird that can be found in the United States along the southernmost coastal areas of the Carolinas and Florida. This bird has nicknames such as, "water turkey" and "snakebird" due to its feeding and sunning habits.

Oct 16, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The Great White egret is North America's largest egret. With its all-white plumage and yellow beak, this bird is sometimes mis-identified as the white morph of the Great Blue heron.

Oct 8, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

Herons and Egrets are literally, survivors. There is evidence of these birds that dates back 14 million years. The Great Blue heron is one of the largest herons in the world today. It sports an impressive 7' wingspan.

Oct 2, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

The White ibis is a neotropical bird that is not difficult to identify. The downward curving pink bill is a sure giveaway.

Sep 25, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

All about the American white pelican and its fishing and nesting habits. Groups of American white's fly in formation, rivaling even the most spectacular of air shows! They are massive, with an impressive wingspan, yet very private birds.

Sep 18, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

There are about eight species of Pelicans in the world today. Two that are seen in the Americas are the Brown pelican and the American white pelican. This week, the Brown pelican is in the spotlight. A majestic and impressive sight, encounters with the Brown pelican are not easily forgotten.

Sep 12, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

A wealth of information describing the amazing toucan bird's ability to adapt and thrive in a domestic human setting. Care and feeding is discussed, as well as some common health concerns.

Sep 4, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

Who can resist those colorful toucans? This tropical bird has real character! From its brightly colored bill, and entertaining habits, to its mystic legends, the toucan is truly an awesome sight to see. Whether raised in the jungle or in captivity, this bird will win your heart.

Aug 28, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

When we think tropical and neotropical, images of bright blues, reds, and yellows come to mind. So it is with our feathered friends! Check out three species of neotropical birds decked out in Mother Nature's finest artwork!

Aug 21, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

Both Tropical and Neotropical birds are well-known for their brilliant colors. The primary colors; blue, red, and yellow are the building blocks of all other colors. Check out these three beautiful neotropical birds decked out in their primary colors. Mother Nature has done herself proud when it comes to these little feathered wonders!

Aug 21, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons

Before their habitats can be studied, it must be determined whether a bird is tropical or neotropical. Here is a way to determine the two. You may find that many birds you've always thought were just migratory, are also neotropical.

Aug 14, 2001 - Glenda Gibbons