Title: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Patti from Kentucky on 11-Nov-10, 01:17:02 AM
Woo-hoo, after midnight in the Eastern US!
I'm excited to start the letter F because F is for Frigatebird, and I have two lovely shots of a male Great Frigatebird.
We took these in the Galapagos. The first photo shows the male doing his courtship display...he puffs out his chest, flaps his wings, and utters a strange call when any female flys overhead.
The second photo shows a male incubating eggs.
I'm excited to start the letter F because F is for Frigatebird, and I have two lovely shots of a male Great Frigatebird.
We took these in the Galapagos. The first photo shows the male doing his courtship display...he puffs out his chest, flaps his wings, and utters a strange call when any female flys overhead.
The second photo shows a male incubating eggs.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: dale on 11-Nov-10, 01:26:09 AM
that courtship display scares the heck out of me. Good thing I'm not a frigatebird.
crazy pictures, Patti.
crazy pictures, Patti.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Patti from Kentucky on 11-Nov-10, 01:29:14 AM
F is for Finch...there are many different finches, but the photos below show two of the finches collectively known as "Darwin's Finches", since they formed part of the evidence Charles Darwin used when describing how species evolve through natural selection/adaptation.
The first photo is a Vampire Finch. This bird is a subspecies of the Sharp-beaked Ground Finch in the Galapagos.
Excerpted from Wikipedia:
"This bird is most famous for its unusual diet. The Vampire Finch occasionally feeds by drinking the blood of other birds, chiefly the Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, pecking at their skin with their sharp beaks until blood is drawn (Schluter & Grant 1984). Curiously, the boobies do not offer much resistance against this. "
The second photo is another species of Darwin's Finch, but I don't know which one...
The first photo is a Vampire Finch. This bird is a subspecies of the Sharp-beaked Ground Finch in the Galapagos.
Excerpted from Wikipedia:
"This bird is most famous for its unusual diet. The Vampire Finch occasionally feeds by drinking the blood of other birds, chiefly the Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, pecking at their skin with their sharp beaks until blood is drawn (Schluter & Grant 1984). Curiously, the boobies do not offer much resistance against this. "
The second photo is another species of Darwin's Finch, but I don't know which one...
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Patti from Kentucky on 11-Nov-10, 01:32:10 AM
Up next...the Franklin's Gull
I took this photo in Southeast Arizona; the only wetland in that arid region big enough was a wastewater holding pond, which is where this bird is!
I took this photo in Southeast Arizona; the only wetland in that arid region big enough was a wastewater holding pond, which is where this bird is!
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Annette on 11-Nov-10, 01:36:50 AM
Fieldfare
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fieldfare (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fieldfare)
Francolin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francolin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francolin)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fieldfare (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fieldfare)
Francolin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francolin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francolin)
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: anneintoronto on 11-Nov-10, 01:48:47 AM
F is for Field Sparrow
Field Sparrow: Medium sparrow, rufous back with dark streaks, unstreaked, buff breast. Gray-brown rump. Gray head, rufous cap, and white eye-ring. Pink bill, legs and feet. Forages on ground or low shrubbery. Short flights, alternates rapid wing beats with brief periods of wings pulled to the sides. [whatbird.com]
It's fun to watch these little ones flying madly off in all directions! They are not energy efficient!
They have a lovely little song (once they've caught their breath!). Just in case you were wondering: A group of field sparrows are known as a "crue" of sparrows.
Anne in Toronto
Field Sparrow: Medium sparrow, rufous back with dark streaks, unstreaked, buff breast. Gray-brown rump. Gray head, rufous cap, and white eye-ring. Pink bill, legs and feet. Forages on ground or low shrubbery. Short flights, alternates rapid wing beats with brief periods of wings pulled to the sides. [whatbird.com]
It's fun to watch these little ones flying madly off in all directions! They are not energy efficient!
They have a lovely little song (once they've caught their breath!). Just in case you were wondering: A group of field sparrows are known as a "crue" of sparrows.
Anne in Toronto
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: dale on 11-Nov-10, 02:12:51 AM
Two F Nightjars:
FRECKLED NIGHTJAR - Great name, huh http://www.flickr.com/photos/jboyles/4820259555/in/photostream/
FELINE OWLET-NIGHTJAR - That's 3 beasts for the price of one.
2 photos: http://www.birdtourasia.com/westpapuareport2009.html
...that's if you can scroll down past the Wilson's Bird of Paradise. Scroll down.
The nightjars look like owlets and cats and a few other things.
FRECKLED NIGHTJAR - Great name, huh http://www.flickr.com/photos/jboyles/4820259555/in/photostream/
FELINE OWLET-NIGHTJAR - That's 3 beasts for the price of one.
2 photos: http://www.birdtourasia.com/westpapuareport2009.html
...that's if you can scroll down past the Wilson's Bird of Paradise. Scroll down.
The nightjars look like owlets and cats and a few other things.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: anneintoronto on 11-Nov-10, 07:54:40 AM
Two F Nightjars:
FRECKLED NIGHTJAR - Great name, huh http://www.flickr.com/photos/jboyles/4820259555/in/photostream/
FELINE OWLET-NIGHTJAR - That's 3 beasts for the price of one.
2 photos: http://www.birdtourasia.com/westpapuareport2009.html
...that's if you can scroll down past the Wilson's Bird of Paradise. Scroll down.
The nightjars look like owlets and cats and a few other things.
All I can say is WOW!!! Nature does have quite the fashion sense!!!FRECKLED NIGHTJAR - Great name, huh http://www.flickr.com/photos/jboyles/4820259555/in/photostream/
FELINE OWLET-NIGHTJAR - That's 3 beasts for the price of one.
2 photos: http://www.birdtourasia.com/westpapuareport2009.html
...that's if you can scroll down past the Wilson's Bird of Paradise. Scroll down.
The nightjars look like owlets and cats and a few other things.
Anne in Toronto
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: annieinelkhart on 11-Nov-10, 08:09:15 AM
OH OH OH!! So far no one has said F for FALCON!!!! YEAH I will! The super cool raptor that caught my attention on the internet, right after we got our first computer! It has lead me to a whole lot of super cool people and information! :thumbsup:
I even got my first tattoo last year and it is a peregrine falcon!
I even got my first tattoo last year and it is a peregrine falcon!
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: MAK on 11-Nov-10, 08:46:25 AM
Flicker(Northern)
Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you’d expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly you’ll see a flash of color in the wings – yellow if you’re in the East, red if you’re in the West – and a bright white flash on the rump. (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you’d expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly you’ll see a flash of color in the wings – yellow if you’re in the East, red if you’re in the West – and a bright white flash on the rump. (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: dale on 11-Nov-10, 11:20:42 AM
I even got my first tattoo last year and it is a peregrine falcon!
Wow!!! Where is it??? Just don't say it's in Elkhart.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Dumpsterkitty on 11-Nov-10, 11:56:01 AM
Flicker(Northern)
Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you’d expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly you’ll see a flash of color in the wings – yellow if you’re in the East, red if you’re in the West – and a bright white flash on the rump.
Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you’d expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly you’ll see a flash of color in the wings – yellow if you’re in the East, red if you’re in the West – and a bright white flash on the rump.
I had one of these land on my bird feeder last weekend. At first I couldn't see what it was, I just knew it was HUGE compared to the titmice & chickadees that are regulars. Who knew bug eaters like an occasional sunflower seed snack!
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Donna on 11-Nov-10, 12:06:02 PM
F is for Flamingo: Pretty in Pink
Nearly everyone knows what flamingos look like ---pink birds with long legs. You can see them at just about every zoo. You can find them in storybooks. Alice uses flamingos as croquet mallets in Through the Looking Glass (by Lewis Carroll). Images of flamingos, standing under palm trees, appear in paperweights and snow globes. Plastic flamingos make colorful lawn ornaments!! But did you know that some flamingos live high up in the Andes Mountains of South America? Flamingos can swim, and flamingos can fly.
Ornithologists (scientists who sturdy birds) spent many years arguing whether flamingos are more like ducks, or more like storks, until they decided that flamingos belong in a group by themselves.
Nearly everyone knows what flamingos look like ---pink birds with long legs. You can see them at just about every zoo. You can find them in storybooks. Alice uses flamingos as croquet mallets in Through the Looking Glass (by Lewis Carroll). Images of flamingos, standing under palm trees, appear in paperweights and snow globes. Plastic flamingos make colorful lawn ornaments!! But did you know that some flamingos live high up in the Andes Mountains of South America? Flamingos can swim, and flamingos can fly.
Ornithologists (scientists who sturdy birds) spent many years arguing whether flamingos are more like ducks, or more like storks, until they decided that flamingos belong in a group by themselves.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: MAK on 11-Nov-10, 12:26:09 PM
Francolin
The francolins are birds of the genus Francolinus. They are members of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. This genus is the most diverse of the Galliformes, having by far the most members. Francolins are terrestrial (though not flightless) birds of the Old World that feed on insects, vegetable matter and seeds. Most of the members have a hooked upper beak, tails with fourteen feathers and in many of them the male has tarsal spurs.[1] Of the 41 extant species, 36 are exclusive to Africa.(Wikipedia)
Here are 2 of them:
The francolins are birds of the genus Francolinus. They are members of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. This genus is the most diverse of the Galliformes, having by far the most members. Francolins are terrestrial (though not flightless) birds of the Old World that feed on insects, vegetable matter and seeds. Most of the members have a hooked upper beak, tails with fourteen feathers and in many of them the male has tarsal spurs.[1] Of the 41 extant species, 36 are exclusive to Africa.(Wikipedia)
Here are 2 of them:
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: dale on 11-Nov-10, 12:33:25 PM
A little reminder about copying and pasting text from other people's websites without attribution ... what people write in their bird sites is copyrighted, and even wikipedia should be cited, as far as I understand. Hard to remember, but important!
I like those francolins.
I like those francolins.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: gayle on 11-Nov-10, 05:06:34 PM
Ferrugnious Hawk
The Ferrugnious Hawk is the largest American hawk, with a wingspam of four feet. Its range is west of the Rockies. Its name comes from iron reflecting its rust color. It prefers open areas and perches on solitary trees or poles. This bird seems to be claiming a sanctuary on a sign post in the Kamath Basin!
Gayle
The sign says "Pheasant hunting only!"
The Ferrugnious Hawk is the largest American hawk, with a wingspam of four feet. Its range is west of the Rockies. Its name comes from iron reflecting its rust color. It prefers open areas and perches on solitary trees or poles. This bird seems to be claiming a sanctuary on a sign post in the Kamath Basin!
Gayle
The sign says "Pheasant hunting only!"
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: gayle on 11-Nov-10, 06:05:39 PM
Great Frigatebird (Continued)
The frigatebird is also known as Man O' War due to its aggressive behavior. It practices kleptoparisitism. It chases other birds, principally blue-footed boobies and tropic birds in the Galapagos, and forces them to regurgitate their food which the frigatebird them steals.
Here are a female great frigate bird and two chicks from Genovese. I refer to the chick in the third photograph as a teenager!
Gayle
The frigatebird is also known as Man O' War due to its aggressive behavior. It practices kleptoparisitism. It chases other birds, principally blue-footed boobies and tropic birds in the Galapagos, and forces them to regurgitate their food which the frigatebird them steals.
Here are a female great frigate bird and two chicks from Genovese. I refer to the chick in the third photograph as a teenager!
Gayle
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: dale on 11-Nov-10, 07:01:35 PM
It practices kleptoparisitism. It chases other birds, principally blue-footed boobies and tropic birds in the Galapagos, and forces them to regurgitate their food which the frigatebird them steals.
Here are a female great frigate bird and two chicks from Genovese. I refer to the chick in the third photograph as a teenager!
Gayle
Here are a female great frigate bird and two chicks from Genovese. I refer to the chick in the third photograph as a teenager!
Gayle
WHOA, HORSIE!!!! This thing blows up red balloons in its neck, chases blue boobies and WHAT?????
It makes them urp up their food and steals it?
no WONDER those teenagers in the bottom two (splendid) photos look so bummed out.
They don't want to go into the family business, that's what.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Kris G. on 11-Nov-10, 07:42:42 PM
Flicker(Northern)
Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you’d expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly you’ll see a flash of color in the wings – yellow if you’re in the East, red if you’re in the West – and a bright white flash on the rump.
Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you’d expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly you’ll see a flash of color in the wings – yellow if you’re in the East, red if you’re in the West – and a bright white flash on the rump.
I had one of these land on my bird feeder last weekend. At first I couldn't see what it was, I just knew it was HUGE compared to the titmice & chickadees that are regulars. Who knew bug eaters like an occasional sunflower seed snack!
They like safflower seeds and orange suet too, Ei! We've had 3 Flickers at our feeder over the past few days! I was surprised-thought it was our Red-bellied Woodpecker until I looked closer. It's only the second time in my life that I've ever seen one so it's been fun having them here.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: MAK on 11-Nov-10, 07:59:40 PM
Flicker(Northern)
Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you’d expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly you’ll see a flash of color in the wings – yellow if you’re in the East, red if you’re in the West – and a bright white flash on the rump.
Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage. On walks, don’t be surprised if you scare one up from the ground. It’s not where you’d expect to find a woodpecker, but flickers eat mainly ants and beetles, digging for them with their unusual, slightly curved bill. When they fly you’ll see a flash of color in the wings – yellow if you’re in the East, red if you’re in the West – and a bright white flash on the rump.
I had one of these land on my bird feeder last weekend. At first I couldn't see what it was, I just knew it was HUGE compared to the titmice & chickadees that are regulars. Who knew bug eaters like an occasional sunflower seed snack!
They like safflower seeds and orange suet too, Ei! We've had 3 Flickers at our feeder over the past few days! I was surprised-thought it was our Red-bellied Woodpecker until I looked closer. It's only the second time in my life that I've ever seen one so it's been fun having them here.
I'm always happy to see them in my yard cuz they eat alot of ants. When I lived in Hamlin we had a problem with red ants. We don't use poison or pesticides so a visit periodically from a pair of Flickers took care of the problem! :yes:
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Patti from Kentucky on 12-Nov-10, 02:55:15 AM
Another entry in the Finch category. These are House Finches; I took the photos during a very destructive ice storm a couple of winters ago. My feeders were well stocked and the birdbath was heated, but they still look a little bewildered.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Patti from Kentucky on 12-Nov-10, 03:00:49 AM
And one more Finch: the Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. We took this photo in the Canadian Rockies this past summer; right at the boundary between a subalpine and alpine environment (treeline, basically). This finch is a master of extreme conditions!
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: annieinelkhart on 12-Nov-10, 08:10:36 AM
Sorry Dale a bit late here! I got it in honor of turning 60 last year!
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Donna on 12-Nov-10, 08:16:50 AM
Very cool Tattoo. I'm still trying to find that perfect pic of Kaver for my next Tat. I have a few in mind but hard to pick. Was thinking this one of about 20 pics. Big decision.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: MAK on 12-Nov-10, 08:33:56 AM
:wave: That would make for a great tattoo Donna! Go for it!!! :yes:
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: MAK on 12-Nov-10, 08:36:08 AM
:2thumbsup: Love your tat too Annie! ;D
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: dale on 12-Nov-10, 12:56:13 PM
Annie, thanks, that's great!
Looks terrific on your arm, too; no one would have seen it on your Elkhart.
Looks terrific on your arm, too; no one would have seen it on your Elkhart.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: annieinelkhart on 12-Nov-10, 01:38:52 PM
LOL! Thanks for the compliments! It was my first tattoo next I got one of my 3 dogs. Two goldens we miss so much and Jake we have now. They are in a heart shape to continue that. Then this year got a "family tree" ankle bracelet! I NEVER would have thought at age 60 I would START getting tattoos! :surprise:
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: dale on 12-Nov-10, 04:04:14 PM
tawny FROGMOUTH - I love these guys. Like nighthawks/nightjars, more of an amphibian look than a birdy one
c. coverdale, wikimedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tawny_Frogmouth_(Coverdale).jpg
austrailian museum: http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/Tawny-Frogmouth/
london zoo: http://tinyurl.com/2f7rx8z
c. coverdale, wikimedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tawny_Frogmouth_(Coverdale).jpg
austrailian museum: http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/Tawny-Frogmouth/
london zoo: http://tinyurl.com/2f7rx8z
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: MAK on 12-Nov-10, 05:16:31 PM
:thumbsup: Aren't they fun!? They look like little furbies! Thanks for sharing. :clap:
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Patti from Kentucky on 12-Nov-10, 06:28:38 PM
F is for Flame-colored Tanager. This is a bird that lives mostly in Mexico and Central America, but occasionally shows up in the Southwestern US. I was lucky enough to see this one in Madera Canyon, in Southeast Arizona near Tucson.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: dale on 12-Nov-10, 06:29:27 PM
another frogmouth from the australian museum.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Mardean on 12-Nov-10, 07:36:23 PM
And here's another Finch -- the purple finch, the state bird of New Hampshire. They really do look like they've been dipped in raspberry juice. I have them occasionally at my feeder, but not as often as the house finch.
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: MAK on 12-Nov-10, 09:36:11 PM
another frogmouth from the australian museum.
;D Cool pic! :clap:
Title: Re: The ABCs of Birds - F
Post by: Carol P. on 12-Nov-10, 10:35:33 PM
another frogmouth from the australian museum.
Dale - You come up with some of the most bizarre looking creatures. Love the frogmouth!