H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 677 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

Panoramic View of Birds

Brown-headed Nuthatch — Click on image to see enlargement —

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ANSWER TO SUNDAY PHOTO QUIZ

Can you ID this bird?

ANSWER: Female Brown-headed Cowbird

The brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) is a small brood parasitic icterides of temperate to subtropical North America. They are permanent residents in the southern parts of their range; northern birds migrate to the southern United States and Mexico in winter, returning to their summer habitat around March or April.

The brown-headed cowbird is typical for an icterides in general shape but is distinguished by a finch-like head and beak and is smaller than most icterids. The adult male is iridescent black in color with a brown head. The adult female is slightly smaller and is dull grey with a pale throat and very fine streaking on the underparts. C-0861

Thanks to all participants to the quiz, also for your nice comments! – HJ

Tags: birds, Brown-Headed Cowbird, Brown-Headed Nuthatch, nature, photography, photos of birds

Sunday Photo

CAN YOU ID THIS BIRD?

Drop a line with your answer or a comment in the comment box below.

THANKS!

The answer to the this quiz will be published tomorrow! Good luck!

Tags: birds, nature, photography, photos of birds

Memory Lane

OCTOBER 2008

Male Eastern Bluebird – October 2008

Tags: birds, Eastern Bluebird, Memory Lane, nature, photography, photos of birds

Local Report: Northern Mockingbird

The bird featured for this post is the Northern Mockingbird. These birds have been my local residents for the past 9 years, when I moved to my Georgia home. I’m very fond of them. Next is a brief description and some interesting information about these birds.

The Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. This species has rarely been observed in Europe. The northern mockingbird is renowned for its mimicking ability, as reflected by the meaning of its scientific name, ‘many-tongued mimic.’ The northern mockingbird has gray to brown upper feathers and a paler belly. Its wings have white patches which are visible in flight.

The northern mockingbird is an omnivore. It eats both insects and fruits. It is often found in open areas and forest edges but forages in grassy land. They also extend their territory to urban areas, adapting very well to the presence of humans.

Curiously enough, the Northern Mockingbirds that frequent my backyard eat sometimes from my bird feeders, making their preference eating peanuts.