These two species (recently split) are extremely similar in appearance. No significant differences exist in size or shape, and plumage differences are subtle and mostly overlapping. Songs differ slightly but consistently, and call notes (year round) are the most different. Voice, especially call, will be the best way to distinguish them, and identifying individual birds […]
Distinguishing Pacific and Winter Wrens Read More »
The North American Checklist Committee of the AOU has published the 51st supplement to the AOU Checklist of North American Birds, which includes two major splits, some name changes (mostly from the creation of new genera), and some big changes in higher-level taxonomy. Below is a summary of the changes to English and Scientific names
New bird names in the 51st AOU Checklist supplement Read More »
Updated 19 May 2010 to add McLaughlin reference Previously I wrote about the variation in immature Ring-billed Gulls in October, using a series of photos from Cape Cod. On 18 April 2010 I devoted a little time (and a granola bar) to watching and photographing immature Ring-billed Gulls in a parking lot in Boston, MA.
Variation in immature Ring-billed Gulls – April Read More »
Be sure to sign up at 10,000 Birds for your chance to win an original David Sibley painting of Spoon-billed Sandpiper – and help bird conservation efforts at the same time. New photos of bill shape and new survey results in southeast Asia. Jeremiah Trimble has posted a fascinating photo he took in Thailand here.
Updates on Spoon-billed Sandpiper Read More »
A favorite activity among avid birders is speculating and pontificating about which species should be “split” into new species (and new checkmarks on the life list). Another way of stating the question is “which subspecies should be elevated to full species status?” I’ve always tried to emphasize the value of paying attention to subspecies even when they don’t
The next 10 North American bird splits Read More »
I’ve donated this original painting of Spoon-billed Sandpiper which is being given away over at 10000 Birds. In order to have a chance to win it all you have to do is donate $25 to become a member of their Conservation Club, and virtually every penny of the money raised will be given away to
A chance to own an original painting of Spoon-billed Sandpiper Read More »
The Sibley Guide to Birds is now available in a series of eight laminated “folding guides” to birds. They can be found in many book and nature shops for $7.95 each, or ordered directly from Steven M. Lewers + Associates. The titles are listed below, clicking any of them will take you to the Steven M.
New Folding Guides to birds Read More »
In a previous post I wrote about false faces in birds, using the example of a Downy Woodpecker to show how color patterns create the illusion that the bird is looking straight at you when, in fact, it is looking the other way. I promised a few more examples, so here they are: First, one
More false faces in birds Read More »
Phenology is the study of the timing of natural events, and I have recently begun to realize how useful it is for distinguishing subspecies of birds. In San Diego in Mar 2009 I noticed differences in behavior and molt timing that were helpful in distinguishing Belding’s and Northern Savannah Sparrows. I wrote about this again
Subspecies by phenology – Great Blue Heron Read More »
A few species of birds with false eyespots are well-known: pygmy-owls and American Kestrel come to mind. In these species of birds, spots on the back of the head produce the illusion of eyes, and create what is called deflective (or parasematic) coloration. Deflective coloration is defined as patterns which “produce the impression of a head at the
The two faces of Downy Woodpecker Read More »