Le Conte's Thrasher

Toxostoma lecontei

Le Conte's Thrasher is a bird named for John Lawrence Le Conte, an American entomologist. Though he was a renowed Beetle expert, he discovered this particular bird while on a Beetle-finding trip to Arizona. Le Conte ended up collecting many different birds on his Beetle trips, sending them back to the Smithsonian.

But lets learn more about this bird! The Le Conte's Thrasher is a very pale colored bird found in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It lives in very dry, desert areas that have little vegetation. They live in some of the most desolate parts of North America!

Their habitat is so dry that standing water is only present for a few days a year. Luckily these birds are able to get all the water they need from the insects that they eat. Invertebrates are their main prey, but they will eat fruits and seeds as well when they can find them.

These birds are currently listed as being of Least Concern, though they have become rare in some parts of their range. They need a Desert environment to survive, so areas in their former range that have been irrigated and developed are no longer suitable for them.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : North America
Size : Length around 11in (28cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Mimidae -- Genus : Toxostoma -- Species : T. lecontei
Image :  CPNM

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Black-chinned Laughingthrush

Continuing with our "Animals of the Western Ghats" theme-- today we have the Black-Chinned Laughingthrush, an Endanered bird that lives above elevations of 4,000ft.

This bird has a a confusing taxonomic past, and you will sometimes see it referred to as the Nilgiri or Rufus-Breasted Laughingthrush. It has also gone through 3 different genera before ending up in Trochalopteron!

Today, we know it as T. cachinnans, though it does have a few different subspecies. You can tell those apart based on their coloration and location. Different subspecies have varying amounts of grey and red on their breasts.

All of the subspecies exhibit similar behavior. They live at higher elevations hear forest edges. They forage for berries and insects either alone or in small groups. And they nest between February and June, building nests in low bushes near the ground. Two blue eggs are laid at a time, and the chicks are fully fledged after 3 weeks. Interestingly, the parents will completely deconstruct the nest after fledging!

Like the other animals we've been learning about this week, the Black-chinned Laughingthrush is in trouble due to habitat loss. They also have a small, fragmented range that does their population size no favors.

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IUCN Status : Endangered
Location : India
Size : Length up to 10in (24cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Leiothrichidae -- Genus : Trochalopteron-- Species : T. cachinnans
Image :  Lee's Birdwatching

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Raso Lark

Today's animal is named for the tiny island that it lives on-- Raso Islet in the Cape Verde chain. When I say tiny, I really mean tiny-- it is only 7 square kilometers!

No humans live on Raso, which is good for the few animals that reside there, as most are very, very endangered. Raso is the only home of the Raso Lark, which is itself critically endangered.

The Raso Lark has not been studied extensively-- there are very few of them and they live in a rather remote area. It is estimated that the population numbers around 150 individuals, but that the male to female ratio is quite off (about 2 males for every female). Reproduction is especially tough due to some of the Lark's neighbors. The island is home to the also-rare Cape Verde Giant Gecko, which loves to feed on eggs.

Raso Larks have irregular breeding seasons which are tied to the availability of food and water. Raso Islet is a volcanic island that is very dry and has little vegetation. Food and water can quickly become scarce. When food is to be found, it usually comes in the form of plant bulbs.

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IUCN Status : Critically Endangered
Location : Cape Verde
Size : Length up to 3ft (.9m), Weight up to 130lbs (65kg)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Alaudidae -- Genus : Alauda-- Species : A. razae
Image : Winkel

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Tropical Mockingbird

Mimus gilvus

The Tropical Mockingbird is a creature than can be found in South and Central America, as well as on a handful of Caribbean Islands. They are residents in there locations-- meaning they do not generally migrate. These birds live in open habitats, and can commonly be found in human-inhabited areas. They feed on insects, as well as on fruits.

These birds can be identified by their grey heads and backs, dark wings and tail, and by the two thin white stripes that run across each wing. Males and females look alike.

Unlike its closest relative, the Northern Mockingbird, Tropical Mockingbirds do not mimic the songs of other species. They sing their own tunes (which they sometimes copy from each other), and the songs can be quite long and are often repeated several times.

Attracting a mate is one of the purposes for these songs. Males will sing and build a nest. If a female responds, she will help him to finish the nest and the pair will feed and raise a clutch together. If no females respond to a singing male, he will abandon his nest and find a new location.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : South and Central America
Size : Length up to 10in (25cm)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Mimidae -- Genus : Mimus-- Species : M. gilvus
Image : Brian Gratwicke

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Saxual Sparrow

Passer ammodendri

The Saxual Sparrow, named for a plant whose seeds it often eats, is a relative to the Common House Sparrow. It is found in remote areas of Central Asia, and because of its range it is little studied.

Saxual Sparrows are relatively large for their type-- they can grow more than 6in in length. Males have black throats, crowns, and eye stripes. Females lack the bold black markers and are s tad duller in color overall.

The full details of this bird's behavior are unknown. We do know that they live in small flocks outside of breeding season, and during the breeding season they aren't especially social. That is most likely due to their dry habitat, where nesting sites are few and far between. We also know that they feed on insects, as well as on seeds.

We also know that there are enough of them in a large enough area for the species to be listed as Least Concern.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Asia
Size : Length up to 6.5in (17cm)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Passeridae -- Genus : Passer -- Species : P. ammodendri
Image : Russian Birds

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Iago Sparrow

Passer iagoensis

The Iago Sparrow is a small bird that is endemic to the Cape Verde islands, which are located in the Atlantic Ocean off of the western coast of Africa. They live in many different habitats, including urban areas and farms, as well as cliffs and plains.

The birds are sexually dimorphic when it comes to their plumage. Males have a black crown and vibrant reddish-brown feathers on the sides of their head. Females are more drab, and lack the crowns and bright cinnamon feathers.

Iago Sparrows are very social birds, and live in colonies year round. These groups are smaller during the breeding season, but can grow very large outside of it. It is believed that the birds have similar mating habits to House Sparrows, in that they build grass and feather lined nests, and produce up to 5 chicks per clutch.

Though they are endemic to only a few islands, these birds are very abundant. They are listed as being of least concern.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Cape Verde
Size : Length up to 5in (13cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Passeridae -- Genus : Passer -- Species : P. iagoensis

Image : Ze Pinho

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Siberian Blue Robin

The Siberian Blue Robins (unsurprisingly) live in Siberia... though they call other east and southeast Asian locations home as well, including islands in Japan and Indonesia. They are found in forested areas and tend to breed near rivers or woodland edges.

These birds are very blue. Well... at least the males are. In their breeding plumage they have bright white undersides and shiny blue feathers. Females are a drab brown with lighter undersides, which helps to camouflage them while nesting.

Siberian Blue Robins have a very large range and a population size in the hundreds of thousands, but their numbers are on the decline due to fragmentation and habitat destruction. They are currently listed at Least Concern, though as with many species, that could change in the coming years if their habitats continue to disappear.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Eastern Asia
Size : Body Length up to 6in (14cm)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Muscicapidae -- Genus : Luscinia-- Species : L. cyane
Image : Wikimedia Commons

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Sri Lanka Blue Magpie

Urocissa ornata

Would you be shocked to hear that today's bird is a relative of the Crows and Ravens? This bright, colorful creature belongs to the very same family as those often-darker birds, an example of how brilliant things can be in other parts of the world!

As you may have guessed from the name, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie is found only on the island of Sri Lanka. They live in the hilly rainforests, grouping up into small flocks of 6-8 birds. These birds are primarily carnivorous, and feed on small reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Sadly, these gorgeous blue and chestnut birds are considered to be Vulnerable. Habitat loss due to logging and agriculture is the biggest threat. Air pollution has also damaged the rainforests that these birds call home. Luckily, they are protected by the Sri Lankan government, and live in a handful of protected parks.

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IUCN Status : Vulnerable
Location : Sri Lanka
Size : Length up to 18in (45cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Corvidae -- Genus : Urocissa -- Species : U. ornata

Image : John Thompson

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Chinese Hwamei

Garrulax canorus

The word "Hwamei" derives from the Chinese "hua-mei," which translates to "Painted Eyebrow." Looking at this bird, you can tell that that is a very accurate name! These birds have reddish-brown feathers covering their bodies... except around their eyes. There, they have a white ring that circles that eye and then extends backwards as a line.

The Chinese Hwamei live in many different countries, not just China. They are also found in Laos and Vietnam, and have been introduced to Japan, Taiwan, and even far-away Hawaii. They live in open woodlands and scrublands.

You may stumble across one of these birds as they forage on the ground for fruits and insects. (Though keep in mind that they can be difficult to spot!) They tend to live in small groups or pairs.

At present, the Chinese Hwamei has a very large range and is common throughout it. They are listed as Least Concern for now, but it appears that the population is declining (albeit very slowly).

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : East Asia, Hawaii
Size : Body length up to 10in (25cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Timaliidae -- Genus : Garrulax -- Species : G. canorus

Image : Zep

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Cape Weaver

Ploceus capensis

The Cape Weaver is a small nest-weaving bird found only within South Africa. They are residents, meaning that they do not migrate, and can be found in grassland and scrubland habitats.

Males of the species are more vibrant in color than the females. When it comes time to breed their feathers become bright yellow and their head goes orange. The rest of the year they are more dull in color, and the females are a paler olive-yellow year round.

Breeding is a very notable times for the males, because not only do their colors change, but they also undertake massive construction projects. They weave large, glove-like nests that are suspended from tree branches with openings near the underside.

If a female likes a particular nest, she will choose its builder as her mate. Picking the best nest means that she will have a good comfortable home to incubate from, and ensures that the genes of a good builder get passed on!

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : South Africa
Size : Body length 7in (17cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Ploceidae -- Genus : Ploceus -- Species : P. capensis

Image : Brian Ralphs

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Forty-spotted Pardalote

Pardalotus quadragintus

There are four different species of Pardalote, all of which live in Australia. Today's animal, the Forty-spotted Pardalote, is by far the most rare. These little songbirds are one of
the most endangered bird species in Australia.

You will find them only in a handful of colonies on Tasmania. They used to be found on the mainland as well, but all of those birds have now died off. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to the Forty-spotted Pardalotes, because they rely on very specific conditions to live. You will only find them in dry Eucalyptus forests where there is an abundance of White Gum trees. The birds forage for insects near those specific trees, often in small groups.

Forty-spotted Pardalotes are named for the bright white dots on their wings. Males and females look alike, sporting paler undersides and darker yellow-green heads.

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IUCN Status : Endangered
Location : Australia
Size : Body length 4in (10cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Pardalotidae -- Genus : Pardalotus -- Species : P. quadragintus

Image : JJ Harrison

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Bluethroat

Luscinia svecia (male)

Allow me to introduce you to the lovely (and aptly named) Bluethroat. These small members of the Flycatcher family have a very large range due to their migratory habits. They breed in Europe, Asia, and Alaska, but spend their winters in Africa and on the Indian subcontinent. In fact, they are one of the few birds that breed in North America but winter in Asia, and currently no one is exactly sure where the Alaskan birds specifically go to.

Only the males of the species have the namesake coloration. They have buff underparts, brownish-grey backs and wings, and vibrant blue and orange necks that are separated by black and white band. The blue to orange ratio changes depending on each birds location. For example, those who breeder further north have more orange than those who breeder further south. Females have the same black bands, brown wings, and buff undersides, but lack the colored throats.

Bluethroats live in open forests and scrublands where they hunt for insects either on the ground or while in flight. They build their nests on the ground. They lay 5-7 eggs at a time, and the chicks are helpless at birth.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Erueop, Asia, Africa
Size : Body length around 6in (15cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Muscicapidae -- Genus : Luscinia --Species : L. svecica

Image : Daniel Bastaja

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Hihi

Notiomystis cincta (male)

The Hihi, or Stitchbird, is a small, rare, honeyeater-like bird found only in New Zealand. I say "honeyeater-like" because they actually did belong to that family until recently. However, genetic testing showed that these birds actually belong to their very own, unique family. They were moved to Notiomystidae in 2007.

Hihi exhibit sexual dimorphism. The males are larger in size, and have bright black head feather and a vibrant yellow neck band. They have additional yellow coloration on the wings and shoulders. Females are greyish-brown overall. Both sexes sport thin, curved bills that help them to get at nectar.

The Hihi live in old forests where there are hollow trees. They are cavity nesters, and thus need those trees in order to reproduce. They have a monogamous breeding system, and both parents will help to care for the young.

Diseases brought my introduced species, along with introduced predators have caused these birds to decline in number. There is currently only one natural, self-sustaining population left, and that is on Little Barrier Island. There are recovery efforts to reintroduce and sustain additional groups on different islands. It is estimated that there are between 500 and 1,000 adults left.

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IUCN Status : Vulnerable
Location : New Zealand
Size : Body Length up to 7in (18cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Notiomystidae -- Genus : Notiomystis-- Species : N. cincta

Image : Internet Bird Collection

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Crested Oropendola

Psarocolius decumanus

The Crested Oropendola is an  interesting looking bird. They have shiny black feathers, except for their long yellow tail feathers. They have bright blue irises and very large, pale yellow beaks. Males also have a crest of feathers that is lifted during mating displays.

You'll find these birds living in flocks in South America, as well as on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. During the daytime these groups remain small, and the birds forage together for fruits and insects. But at night, the Oropendolas roost in much larger flocks.

These flocks have a polygamous breeding structure. There may be a few dozen females but only a handful of males. Typically there is only one dominant male who actually does all of the mating. In order to entice the females, the male will do an elaborate bowing display-- they sometimes bow so far forward on their perches that they end up upside down!

Crested Oropendolas are very vocal during the breeding season, creating a variety of calls for both mating and territorial purposes. Outside of that time of year, however, they are quite quiet.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : South America
Size : Length up to 18in (46cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Icteridae -- Genus : Psarocolius -- Species : P. decumanus

Image : Dick Daniels

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Giant Cowbird

Molothrus oryzivorus

The Giant Cowbird is indeed a large bird... at least when you compare it to other members of its genus. They can grow well over a foot long, dwarfing the 8 or so inches that the others reach.

Like it's relatives though, the giant Cowbird does practice brood parasitism. They lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species-- typically Oropendolas and Caciques. It can be rough finding a suitable nest to lay in, as their host birds tend to nest in very large group and can be quite aggressive about their territory.

There is a difference between the male and female Giant Cowbirds. The males are just a few inches longer in body size, and their feathers are more iridescent. They also sport a neck ruff that is absent in females.

Many other Cowbirds do, in fact, ride along on cows while in search of insect meals. Not this Cowbird! They are not often found on Cattle, but in some places you can see them riding on Capybaras!

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : South and Central America
Size : Length up to 14in (36cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Icteridae -- Genus : Molothrus -- Species : M. oryzivorus

Image : S. Romany

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Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis (male and female)

The Eastern Bluebird is a small little Thrush that is named after the coloration found in the males-- they have bold blue backs and orange-ish underside. The females have similarly-colored undersides, but have grey feathers up top.

You'll spot these birds all over the Eastern United States, where they live in open areas that have access to nesting sites. They require either tree cavities or nest boxes in order to reproduce, and in fact the growth of man-made nest boxes has helped the species to bounce back from low population levels in the 1960s. Nest boxes allow the Bluebirds to breed in areas where they once couldn't, and they keep the nests safe from certain predators.

When it comes to courtship, the male Eastern Bluebirds select a nest site,  bring materials to it, and do aerial movements to attract females. If a female is enticed, it is she who will actually build the nest and incubate the eggs, though both parents will help to feed the young. The young birds each insects almost exclusively, though as adults they will expand their diets to include fruits and other invertebrates.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Eastern United States
Size : Length up to 8in (20cm), Wingspan up to 13in (32cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Turdidae -- Genus : Sialia -- Species : S. sialis

Image : Gary Irwin

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Archer's Lark

Heteromirafra archeri

The Archer's Lark is a very rare bird found only in a very small range within the country of Somalia. It is estimated that there are less than 250 adults left, but they are so elusive that no one really knows for sure, and no accurate population studies have been done.

The last time it was even officially sighted was back in 1955, and no sound recordings have been made either. They are difficult to locate because they stick to covered spaces, rarely fly, and hide well in grasses.

Unfortunately, there are no real conservation measure for the Archer's Lark, because no one has been able to effectively locate and study them. Habitat loss is the cause for their decline, and they very well may go extinct, if they haven't done so already.

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IUCN Status : Critically Endangered
Location : Somalia
Size : Length up to 14cm

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Alaudidae -- Genus : Heteromirafra -- Species : H. archeri

Image : Bird Life

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Spotted Palm Thrush

Cichladusa guttata

The Spotted Palm Thrush is one of three Palm Thrush species. These birds, related to the Old World Flycatchers (rather than the True Thrushes) are found only in Africa.

Spotted Palm Thrushes are named for the brown speckles that adorn their otherwise buff-colored chests. They also sport darker brownish-red wings, and thin beaks that are used for snatching insects.

You'll find this specific Palm Thrush in Western Africa. There, they live in both forest areas as well as in grasslands and scrublands. The species is listed as being of Least Concern, and is very common throughout their range, with a currently stable population.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : West Africa
Size : Length up to 7in (17cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Muscicapidae -- Genus : Cichladusa -- Species : C. guttata

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Kōkako

Callaeas cinereus

The Kōkako is an island bird found only in New Zealand. it is, like many bird of those islands, Endangered. In fact, it belongs to a small family of Wattlebirds that contains only three known members-- the Tieke (listed as Near Threatened), and the Huia, which is already extinct.

The Kōkako comes in two different subspecies-- North Island and South Island, though it is very possible that the South Island subspecies is already extinct (there have been no official sightings in a few decades, but there have been numerous unconfirmed reports). The two differ by their location and by their wattle color, as the North birds sport blue wattles, while the South birds have orange.

Aside from their wattles, the Kōkako are relatively plain looking, with grey feathers and a black mask. They are better known for their voices than their beauty-- in the mornings breeding pairs will single lovely duets that can lost more than a half hour. Other birds will occasionally join in, creating a "bush choir."

Kōkako are featured in numerous Māori myths and legends. The most notable of these is the story where the  Kōkako helped the hero Maui in his fight with the sun. The bird filled its wattle up with water and gave it to the hero. As a reward, Maui gave the Kōkako long legs so that he could move easier on the forest floor. (Interesting note: Kōkako can fly, they are just really bad at it).

There are currently several programs in place to help sustain and rebuild the Kōkako population, including ones centered around reintroduction and pest management. Though they are endangered, the birds actually have an increasing population, which is fantastic for the species!

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IUCN Status : Endangered
Location : New Zealand
Size : Weight about 230g

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Callaeidae -- Genus : Callaeas -- Species : C. cinereus

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House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

The House Finch is a bird that once was found only in the Western United States and Mexico, but over the past few decades that have spread across the continent and can now be found on the Atlantic Coast! Estimates are that there are over a billion of them in North America, and they can form flocks that number several hundred birds.

House Finches are small little birds with brownish coloration and blunt, squared tails. The males actually change color slightly over the course of the year, becoming more vibrant when they have the best food supplies. You see, their red or yellow colors come from what they eat, so abundant food leads to brighter hues.

The bright feathers are very important come breeding time. Females pick the males with the best colors to mate with, because those males clearly known how to locate food-- a very important trait when you may have up to 6 offspring at once! Interestingly, House Finches feed their chicks an exclusively vegetarian diet. Most birds, even ones that eat plants as adults, feed their young insects and other critters to give them a good amount of protein.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : North America
Size : Length up to 5.5in (14cm), Wingspan up to 10in (25cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Fringillidae -- Genus : Haemorhous -- Species : H. mexicanus

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