IBERIAN GREEN WOODPECKER: ANOTHER NEW IBERIAN SPECIES?

Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis). On the left, head of a male viridis from central Europe.  On the right, head of a male sharpei from the Iberian peninsula. The black mask, present in the fomer, is the male morphological difference. In both cases the female does not have red in the moustache.

How many species of birds are there? Well it depends on which list you use and which criteria they use to compile the list. Among the many world lists of birds that are available, the IOC World Bird List is one of those with the most followers, being the one being kept continually up-to-date. One of the recent changes was their validation as a full species the Iberian Green Woodpecker  (Picus sharpei)- or perhaps it should just be called Iberian Woodpecker, which has traditionally be considered as a subspecies of the Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis). The scientific basis for this change are the studies of Pons et al. 2011 and Perktas et al. 2011.

The use of molecular techniques has brought about a revolution in the taxonomy (classification) of birds. Thu8s, some Iberian species have recently been elevated to full species level, as has been the case with the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti), Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus) and Iberian Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis). One of the Iberian endemics most recently accepted has been the Iberian Magpie Cyanopica  cooki). The case of the Green Woodpecker is less well known, although its taxonomic status has been subject to debate for many years, indeed there are field guides which have already treated sharpei as a separate species in Iberia (Aves de Europa de Barthel y Dougallis, 2008). However, one will need to wait to see if other lists, including the official SEO Spanish List will also take this proposal into consideration.

The main study setting out the proposed change (Pons et al., 2011) looked at the evolutionary history of the Green Woodpecker complex in the western Palaearctic.  The results provided evidence of three genetic lineages, which coincided with differences in plumage, especially head pattern, and voice.  A North African lineage(vaillantii), split about 1.6 to 2.2 million years ago, the European  (viridis) and a third Iberian form (sharpei). These two separated about 0.7 to 1.2 million years ago, during a glaciation, when they probably occupied refuges in South-Eastern Europe (Italy, the Balkans and Anatolia) and in Iberia respectively.  Following the glaciation, both forms expanded northwards and established contact in southern France, where today there is a certain gradation (the plumages of the three forms as well as intermediates can be seen in Copete, 2011). Neither the Iberian nor the North African forms have Spanish names. Both populations are highly sedentary. There are no ringing recoveries of Green Woodpeckers (viridis) in Spain, nor Iberian birds in other countries. Almost all of the controls occur at the site of ringing, with the longest displacements being a bird from Cuencarecovered at the coast in Cádiz, another from Ciudad Realon the coast in Valencia and a bird from Burgoson the Cantabrian coast  (SEO/BirdLife).

The second study (Perktas et al. 2011) has similar results as the former and furthermore suggests the presence of a fourth species in the Middle-East (Iran).

Sources:

- J.M. Pons, G. Olioso, C. Cruaud & J. Fuchs. 2011. Phylogeography of the Eurasian green woodpecker (Picus viridis). Journal of Biogeography, 38:311-325. [summary]

- U. Perktas, G. F. Barrowclough & J. G. Groth. 2011. Phylogeography and species limits in the green woodpecker complex (Aves: Picidae): multiple Pleistocene refugia and range expansion across Europe and the Near East. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 104:710-723. [summary]

- G. Olioso y J.M. Pons (2011). Variation géographique du plumage des Pics verts du Languedoc-Roussillon. Ornithos 18(2): 73-83

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AUGUST 2013. Notable sightings in Extremadura

Male Little Bustards (Tetrax tetrax) By Sergio Mayordromo

Annotated list of the most interesting records in Extremadura in August 2013. Compiled by Sergio Mayordomo. Translated by Martin Kelsey.

-       Greylag Goose: Individual first seen in July still present until 10/08 at Los Canchales (BA) (Carlos González). Five at Borbollón reservoir (CC) on 21/08 (Goyo Naharro). Origin from captivity cannot be ruled out.

-       Egyptian Goose: Four at Cubilar reservoir, Logrosán (CC), on 31/08 (César Clemente and Sergio Mayordomo).

-       Shelduck: three (an adult and two juveniles) at Valdecañas reservoir (CC) on 01/08 (C. Clemente, Javier Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).

-       Garganey: A female at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 13/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo, Javier Prieta and S. Mayordomo).

-       Red-crested Pochard: At the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) four seen on 03/08 (Juan Carlos Paniagua), one on 11/08 (Paco Bernáldez and Paco Macías), five on 20/08 (Francisco Montaño and Joaquín Vázquez) and six on 31/08 (J. C. Paniagua). At La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), a male present on 04/08, seven birds on 15/08 (J. Solana) and 8 on 17/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). A female at the Soto gravel pits, Valverde de Mérida (BA), on 05/08 (J. Solana).

-       Ferruginous Duck: A male at La Atalaya, Aldea del Cano (CC), on 17/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

-       Great Cormorant: 483 present at Valuengo reservoir (BA) on 28/08 (José Antonio Román).

  

-       Squacco Heron: At the pool at Esparragalejo (BA) between one and three present on 01/08 (Á. Sánchez -photo- and P. Bernáldez), 02/08 (P. Macías), 05/08 (J. Solana), 08/08 (C. González), 16/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and 25/08 (José Gómez Aparicio). On 01/08 8 present at the La Valluncosa pool, Mérida (BA), and 4 on River Aljucén, Mérida (BA) (Á. Sánchez). Two at the Azud de la Pesquera, Badajoz, on 04/08 (J. C. Paniagua). One at Brovales reservoir (BA) on 06/08 (Antonio Núñez, F. Montaño and Vanessa de Alba). At least 3 at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) on 10/08 (C. González). 7 present on River Guadiana in Badajoz on 29/08 (J. C. Paniagua).

-       Presumed hybrid Little x Western Reef Egret: One at Talayuela (CC) on 29/08 (Pedro Gómez).

-       White Stork: A group of 1000 birds flying over Baños de Montemayor (CC) on 04/08 (J. Prieta).

-       Glossy Ibis: 14 at the Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 02/08 (P. Macías). Regular presence at the La Albuera lagoons (BA) between 10/08 and  27/08, with a maximum of six birds (F. Montaño, Jerónimo Milán, Joaquín Vázquez,  J. A. Román, J. C. Paniagua, P. Bernáldez and P. Macías

-       Spoonbill: Postbreeding concentrations: At Los Canchales reservoir (BA) 22 seen on 05/08 (Pablo Herrador), 76 on 10/08 (C. González), 63 on 16/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo) and 83 on 31/08 (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba). 21 present at Portaje Reservoir (CC) on 08/08 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). At the La Albueralagoons (BA) more than 20 seen on 25/08 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías), 35 on 27/08 and 26 on 31/08 (J. C. Paniagua). 30 present at Valuengo Reservoir (BA) on 28/08 (J. A. Román).

-       Greater Flamingo: An adult at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) on 01/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).

-       Black Kite: Three present at Mirabel Refuse Tip (CC) on 16/08 (J. Prieta). Two at La Bazagona (CC) on 31/08 (Raúl Guzmán).

-       Lammergeier: An immature at Lobón (BA) on 19/08 (María Jesús García-Baquero)

-       Rüppell’s Vulture: An immature at the Sierra de Magacela (BA) on 21/08 (Justo Manuel García).

-       Goshawk: One over River Ibor (CC) on 04/08 (Á. Sánchez). At least two young birds at Las Mestas (CC) on 05/08 (Alberto Pacheco). 2 at Guadalupe (CC) on 15/08 (Jorge Ángel Herrera). One at the Sierra de Palomera, Alía (CC) on 31/08 (J. Á. Herrera y N. Baeza).

-       Osprey: One at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 03/08 (Lorenzo Alcántara). One at Borbollón Reservoir (CC) on 21/08 (G. Naharro). One at Portaje Reservoir (CC) on 28/08 (S. Mayordomo). One at Membrío Reservoir (CC) on 30/08 (Ian Parsons). On 31/08 one seen at Los Canchales (BA) (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba) and another at Sierra Brava (CC) (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

-       Lesser Kestrel: 397 counted at the roost at La Vera (CC) on 13/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).

-       Hobby: Three hunting dragonflies at the edge of wildfire at Las Hurdes (CC) on 12/08 (A. Pacheco).

-       Red-knobbed Coot: Continued presence of neck-collared bird first seen in July at La Albuera lagoons between 03/08 and 31/08 (F. Montaño and J. C. Paniagua).

-       Avocet: One at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 05/08 (J. Solana). One at La Albueralagoons (BA) on 23/08 (F. Montaño). One at Valuengo Reservoir (BA) on 28/08 (J. A. Román).

-       Kentish Plover: At least seven present at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) on 01/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).

-       Sanderling: One at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 08/08 (C. González) and 17/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Two at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 25/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez). Two at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 25/08 (P. Bernáldez).

-       Temminck’s Stint: At Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) two seen on 17/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo), one on 25/08 (J. Gómez Aparicio) and two on 31/08 (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba).

-       Curlew Sandpiper: Four at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 01/08 (P. Bernáldez), 02/08 (P. Macías) and 08/08 (C. González), and three on 25/08 (J. Gómez Aparicio). On 01/08 two seen at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), and six at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo). At the large lagoon at La Albuera(BA) one present on 03/08 (J. C. Paniagua), two on 10/08 (José Antonio Álvarez), four on 11/08 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías), present on 16/08 (J. Milán, P. Bernáldez and P. Macías), two on 20/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez) and five on 29/08 (P. Macías). Three at the Majadas Altas pools, Campo Lugar (CC), on 03/08 (Antonio Calvo). Five at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 04/08 (Javier Briz and Vicente Risco). One at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 25/08 (P. Bernáldez). One at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 31/08 (A. Núñez, J. Solana and V. de Alba).

-       Whimbrel: One at large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 23/08 (F. Montaño).

-       Curlew: One at large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 27/08 (J. C. Paniagua).

-       Spotted Redshank: On 01/08 two at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), and one at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo). One at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 13/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). At the large lagoon at La Albuera one seen on 28/08 (P. Bernáldez) and two on 29/08 (P. Macías). One at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 31/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo).

-       Wood Sandpiper: At Galisteo lagoon (CC) six seen on 04/08 (Eva Palacios, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo), two on 08/08 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo), 14 on 16/08 (J. Prieta), 15 on 22/08 and one on 28/08 (S. Mayordomo). At Portaje Reservoir (CC) one presento n 08/08 (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo) and 28/08 (S. Mayordomo). At least two at Esparragalejo pool (BA) on 08/08 (C. González). At Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), two seen on 10/08 (Martin Kelsey) and 10 on 31/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). One at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 10/08 (C. González). One at Charco Salado, Casatejada (CC), on 13/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo). Six at the large lagoon at La Albuera (BA) on 20/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez). Four on rice fields at Santa Amalia (BA) on 22/08 (Fernando Yuste). One at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 25/08 (P. Bernáldez).

-       Turnstone: One at Villalba de los Barros Reservoir (BA) on 03/08 (L. Alcántara).

-       Yellow-legged Gull: At least 10 at Valdecañas Reservoir (CC) on 01/08 (C. Clemente, J. Mahillo and S. Mayordomo).

-       Whiskered Tern: One at Alange Reservoir (BA) on 03/08 (L. Alcántara). Present at the large lagoon La Albuera (BA) on 03/08 (J. C. Paniagua), one on 11/08 (P. Bernáldez and P. Macías) and four (two adults and two juveniles) on 20/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez).

-       Black Tern: An adult at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 25/08 (J. Gómez Aparicio).

-       Common Tern: Three at Gabriel y Galán Reservoir (CC) during the first week of August (Jesús Montero).

-       Gull-billed Tern: One at Gabriel y Galán Reservoir (CC) during early August (Jesús Montero).

-       Cockatiel: One at Plasencia industrial estate (CC) on 03/08 (Paco Ramírez)

-       Burrowing Parrot: One at Brozas (CC) on 28/08 (Carlos Fernández -photo-).

-       Common Cuckoo: One at Honduras Pass, Cabezuela del Valle (CC), on 12/08 (Blas Molina and J. Prieta). One at La Albuera (BA) on 20/08 (F. Montaño and J. Vázquez).

-       European Nightjar: Four at Las Hurdes (CC) on 12/08 (A. Pacheco).

-       Wryneck: One at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA), on 17/08 (GIA-Extremadura). One at La Islapark, Plasencia (CC), on 25/08 (E. Palacios and S. Mayordomo). One at Piornal (CC) on 28/08 (J. Prieta).

-       Western Olivaceous Warbler: Two birds, an adult and a juvenile, trapped for ringing at Azud del Guadiana, Badajoz, on 10/08 (Ángel T. Mejías, Inmaculada Jerez, José Luis Bautista and P. Herrador).

-       Sedge Warbler: One at Valdefuentes gravel pits, Galisteo (CC), on 04/08 (E. Palacios, J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo).

FIRST POST-BREEDING PASSAGE MIGRANTS/WINTER VISITORS

-       Pintail: Three (two males in eclipise and a female) at Moheda Alta, Navalvillar de Pela (BA), on 31/08 (C. Clemente and S. Mayordomo). Six present at Los Canchales Reservoir (BA) on 03/09 (Elvira del Viejo, Jesús Solana, José Guerra and Marc Gálvez).

-       Black-necked Grebe: One seen from Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe (CC), on 18/08 (Ángel Sánchez).

-       Tree Pipit: Three at Piornal (CC) on 28/08 (J. Prieta).

-       Yellow Wagtail: On 28/08 first groups on passage at Portaje Reservoir (CC) and Galisteo lagoon (CC) (S. Mayordomo).

-       Common Redstart: Eight at Piornal (CC) on 21/08 (J. Prieta). Three at Montehermoso (CC) on 27/08 (C. Clemente).

-       Whinchat: On 28/08 one at Piornal (CC) (J. Prieta) and another at La Rocade la Sierra(BA) (J. L. Bautista). One at Galisteo (CC) on 31/08 (Ricardo Montero).

  

-       Northern Wheatear: One at Piornal (CC) on 28/08 (J. Prieta -photo-). One at Membrío (CC) on 30/08 (I.Parsons). One at Saucedilla (CC) on 01/09 (J. Briz and V. Risco). One at Monfragüe (CC) on 03/09 (Manuel García del Rey).

-       Common Whitethroat: One at River Guadalupejo, Alía (CC), on 13/08 (J. Á. Herrera and Noelia Baeza). One in the pines at Piornal (CC) on 21/08 (J. Prieta). One at Galisteo lagoon (CC) on 22/08 (S. Mayordomo).

-       Garden Warbler: One at Tornavacas Pass (CC) on 26/08 (J. Prieta). On 31/08 two seen at Pago de San Clemente (CC) (M. Kelsey), one at Azud del Ruecas, Logrosán (CC),and three trapped for ringing at River Gargáligas, Rena (BA) (GIA-Extremadura).

-       Iberian Chiffchaff: One possible at River Guadalupejo, Alía (CC), on 14/08 (J. Á. Herrera and N. Baeza). One in song at Plasencia (CC) on 15/08 (S. Mayordomo). A possible at Sierra de la Palomera, Alía (CC), on 18/08 (J. Á. Herrera). Three at Piornal (CC) on 21/08 (J. Prieta). One at Pago de San Clemente(CC) on 31/08 (M. Kelsey).

-       Willow Warbler: On 08/08 one at Portaje Reservoir (CC) (J. Prieta and S. Mayordomo) and another at Vegas de Coria (CC) (A. Pacheco). Four at Piornal (CC) on 09/08 (J. Prieta).

-       Pied Flycatcher: One at Tornavacas Pass(CC) on 08/08 (B. Molina). One at Piornal (CC) on 09/08 (J. Prieta). On 15/08 one seen at La Isla park, Plasencia (CC), (S. Mayordomo) and a male at Cornalvo (BA) (Á. Sánchez, Ángel Luis Sánchez and José Ledo).

-       Spotted Flycatcher: One atCornalvo (BA) on 15/08 (J. Ledo and Á. Sánchez). Two at Piornal (CC) on 21/08 (J. Prieta). One at Tornavacas Pass (CC/AV) on 26/08 (J. Prieta).

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parrot bird

Once you've chosen your parrot bird cage is actually the time to learn how to care for his household. First, have you "accessorized" his house while using the necessary toys? Every parrot bird needs a mirror, a swinging perch and in many cases a squeaking toy. Bare in mind to buy the non-toxic versions these toys, since a parrot bird gnaws on almost everything.

parrot bird are tropical birds. That means their bodies are manufactured for warmer climates. Their health suffers when they're confronted with cool drafts and chillier weather. Temperatures of 70 to 72 degrees usually are fine with these birds. Your parrot bird will also go through the best of health when no sudden fluctuations in temperatures occur.

While you intend to keep the cage outside of high traffic areas, be sure that it's in a location accessible to your account as well. parrot bird, while we've noted, are social creatures. If your pet doesn't have another parrot bird friend he is able to talk and interact along with, he not only would want to interact with you, but he'll have to. It's just built in to his system. If you choose to do decide to add a new parrot bird to your home, in addition to normally the one you already own, you must quarantine the newcomer for a minimum of 30 days.

Do not place the cage from the kitchen. The fumes from cooking food - especially with those people non-stick cooking pans - could possibly be hazard and even fatal on your bird.

Lining the Dog house

The bottom of your parrot bird cage must be lined with shredded papers. Some owners use newspaper, but this is dangerous on your bird. The chemicals from the newsprint are potentially damaging to him. Alternative linings to help paper are sawdust, straw or maybe sand. If you selected sand, this serves while dual purpose. It not simply covers the bottom from the cage nicely for an individual, but your parrot bird gains some minerals with this. And he can also make use of this to shape his beak.

Your parrot bird beak grows much like our fingernails do - constantly. The sand acts to be a file to keep it down to the right size. Should you additionally place the bird's dog house near a wall, any vinyl wallpaper will also help ease the cleaning process in your case.

Food and Water Trays

Fine. This sounds obvious. But I can not tell you how often times I've come home that has a new bird only to find that I've bought every thing but... yes, containers intended for his food or mineral water. So, that's exactly why I'm reminding you today.

Your new friend in fact needs three dishes for his assortment of food and water. The very first of course will be used for water. The other two serve to be a dish for his moist food and another intended for his dry food.

These should be of a variety you can easily remove and clean them.

Trays and Grates

Your parrot bird cage needs a deep, removable tray. Actually, the best situation is usually to have a grate which can be easily removed. parrot bird want to forage -it's their social time, and this grate offers a "great" alternative environment for the natural habitat.

The grate is wonderful as it allows the parrot bird poop to fall through, with out the risk of the foraging buddy actually consuming any one it or any connected with his leftover food. The bars on this grate should be about the same distance apart as those for the cage itself.

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garden birds

When it comes to feeding birds in the garden birds, there are various ways to take action and numerous food in order to feed them with. Based on the type of birds that will visit you, there is a range of different feeders available. On the other hand, if you not sure kinds of birds come to your garden birds this is a perfect and exciting opportunity to do some bird-watching and research the various kinds you see.

The wild bird food you decide on should be stored in a dry location and solely given in quantities in order to fill the bird feeder. If let out on view to get wet, mold can grow. If you scatter the actual wild bird seed above the ground, you will have other pests on the hands such as squirrels, chipmunks in addition to predatory hawks. Instead you have got to be organised in where you place the fish for the garden birds to ensure they will need to visit your garden birds.

Start the procedure by searching for a region to place your fowl feeder. The ideal place is one which is located securely on the tree. You can even obtain a self-standing feeder, but ensure you place it in a region that will allow the garden birds a clear view. This is especially needed should you have lots of cats about. The feeder should be fastened with all the manufacturer's instructions and nothing but wild garden birds seed ought to be placed in them.

Now and again, you can purchase specialized feeders like a peanut feeder. This will help you mix the wild fowl seed with unprocessed nuts to feed larger gulls. Keep in mind that will small or juvenile gulls can choke on these in in an identical way as a small youngster.

Fill the feeder having wild bird food, but usually do not overfill it. Make sure that any spills are cleansed up. If you live in a area that receives a lot of rain your bird feeder ought to be checked regularly for almost any dampness or moulding involving food. As the volume of seed decreases, remove the actual old bird seed in addition to refill the feeder.

Some examples of great bird seed to order include Chapel Premium Hen Food and Johnston in addition to Jeff Wild garden birds Food although there are various more to choose through.

Wild garden birds food doesn't need to be expensive if you apply it in moderation. Overall though it's worth the money to have garden birds singing within your garden birds.

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birding

Tobago is a birding paradise that needs to be on every "birding" destination listing. Start planning your next vacation around bird watching in Tobago. Tobago is readily available, birding can score some remarkable birds and still have a relaxing time on the actual beautiful island. It should not necessarily be ignored by birding.

You can simply relax at your villa and birding watch from the verandah or take among the numerous guided tours through the rainwater forest. Another option would be to rent an auto and cruise around the island at your own pace. The island also provides world class diving, snorkeling, sportfishing, nature trails, rivers, golfing as well as, gorgeous beaches and delicious food items. There is something for all people.

Tobago is the smaller island from the Trinidad and Tobago nation located off the east coast of Venezuela. More than 200 species have been documented with this small island which is solely 26 miles long by 6 kilometers wide. Not bad for the size.

Tobago offers great birding with species not found any place else in Central America, including specialized birding, such as the Carribbean Martin, White-fringed Antwren, and Pale-vented Pigeon.

Tobago has a wide range of birding habitat, from rocky seashore to mountainous rainforest. Elevation ranges from sea level to greater than 1, 800 feet, and a couple of small adjacent islands, Little Tobago in addition to St. Giles, which are critical nesting sites for sea wild birding.

Tobago is proud of the actual Western Hemisphere's oldest protected high, the Main Ridge Forest Book. This tropical rainforest lies down the island's central mountains, and has become protected since the British Parliament were in 1776. Half of the island's birding species are available here, the primary destination involving Tobago birders. Some of the birding welcomed in the forested area include Rufous-tailed Jacamar, White-lined Tanager, Hawaiian Kingbird, Gray Kingbird, White-winged Becard, Collared Trogan, Blue-backed Manakin in addition to Blue-crowned Motmot. Outside of the actual forest, birding can see Blue-black Grassquit, Crested Oropendola, Carib Grackle, Broad-winged Hawk, Streaked Flycatcher in addition to Smooth-billed Ani, to name a few.

In addition to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, excellent birding are available at Adventure Farm & Character Reserve, Buccoo Marsh, the ponds because of Tobago Plantations. Some birding observed at Adventure Farm are White-tailed Sabrewing, all five of Tobago's other hummingbirds so close that they be photographed, Tufous-breasted Hermit, Ruby Topaz, Black-throated Mango and White-necked Jacobin, Banaquits, Bare-eyed Thrush, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Tropical Mockingbird, Barred Antshrike, Blue-grey and Palm Tanagers.

Birding is a year round activity but neighborhood experts say that November through April is better for spotting the greatest selection.

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all about birds

Consult anyone about lovebirds, and I guarantee they may assume that to always be happy and healthy, these beautiful creatures has to be kept as a set.

This is not firmly true. What is true is that a couple lovebirds who have already bonded won't be split up, however if a lovebird have been raised by hand since he was children then they can make excellent familty pets by themselves.

Lovebirds do require a few handling and care each and every day - if you ignore them for more than a week they can actually become quite surly.

Quite a compact bird, many folk make the mistake of purchasing a smallish budgie type cage to house them in, however this is not really the obvious way to go.

all about birds, the larger the cage you can get the better - many people really could do with many toys - for example they love using ring sets, or hopping on and off a swing, they really are active.

There are nine lall about birds variety, all of which are native to continental Photography equipment, with the exception (it's from the name! ) of your Madagascar all about birds.

The other people are: Peachfaced, Masked, Fischer's, Nyasa, Redfaced, Black-Collared, Abyssinian as well as Black-Cheeked.

That is only the end of the iceberg nevertheless. In addition to the different species, consider also we now have many, many different colour mutations - as an example, there are 17 recognised colour mutations for the peachfaced variety, but when you consider the mutations having been bred together for quite a while there are thousands of different colours available these days.

The nicest natured are considered to be the Peachfaced variety with peach caps, whilst the red confronted standard and lutino varieties are louder which enables it to be more aggressive.

Insofar as diet goes, a varied mixture of vegetables, wholegrain cereal, bean mix added in order to cockatiel pellets and seed mix should do the trick. This can be supplemented with a slice of orange from time to time.

You should also complete a cuttlefish bone or calcium block available for the all about birds to munch on.

all about birds is a great companion to somebody stuck in your house or simply those buying a family pet. They generally have a really fun personality and so are both cheeky and lively. They are great fun to sit watching, however can also always be affectionate.

all about birds..

Although they have not been known for just about any great talking ability, they could certainly pick up some words. They also wish to play, and these intelligent all about birds are very quick at picking in place tricks etc "all about birds".

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THE SQUACCO HERON IN EXTREMADURA

The Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) was one of the species covered by the national heron census 2011, promoted by SEO/BirdLife (Garrido et al., 2012). The population in Extremadura totalled only 11 pairs, representing a tiny 0.5% of the total Spanish population (2,075 pairs). The most important regions were Catalonia (50%, especially the Ebro Delta), Valencia (32% at the Albufera de Valencia) and Anaadluycia (15%, Coto Doñana). The population trend in Spain is positive, with a strong increase since 1960, slowing down in the period 1990 – 2002. In Extremadura, the Squacco Heron occurred in six colonies in five localities. Most of the population was of isolated pairs within mixed colonies dominated by Cattle Egrets, the main site being the Arrocampo reservoir with four pairs. The substrate most used was marshy vegetation, although in several colonies the nests were built in trees or shrubs.

Breeding Squacco Herons is a new development in Extremadura, only established since 2000 in two localities simultaneously: the reservoirs of Arrocampo and Montijo. Breeding at Arrocampo has been regular since 2000, with annual records of between one and five pairs, with two or three being the most frequent (in 2012 there were two and in 2013 only one pair). At theMontijo reservoir, it is similar with regular nesting since 2000, although with fewer birds: one breeding pair from 2000 to 2006 and 1-3 pairs from 2007 to 2013. Information about other localities is very scarce. In the less often-watched Alqueva reservoir three nests were found in two zones in 2011, with irregular breeding in earlier and later years, owing to the fluctuating water levels (there was no breeding in 2013). At the Azud de Badajoz, there have been sightings since 1990, but with no breeding suspected for a decade afterwards. In 2011, one nest was confirmed, although others may have been present, and it was the same in 2012 and 2013. Finally, at the Orellana reservoir, information is only available from 2011 (one nest), but one has to take into account that this heronry, situated on islands, does not assemble each year, because of variations of water level and is also very difficult to survey.

To understand the regional trend, one needs to take into account that there are no previous censuses. In 2000, there had been at least five pairs in the two known colonies and in 2011, this rose to eleven pairs in six sites. The geographical expansion is evident, as in the slight population increase, but presently three of the colonies are only of irregular occupation and the figures there fluctuate greatly, possibly in relation to the situation of colonies in Andalucía.

Although traditionally Squacco Herons are considered as summer visitors in Europe, in Extremadura they are possible to find throughout the year, indeed the wintering population (of 15-25 birds) is similar or even larger than the breeding population. In winter the species is more dispersed, is not present at roosts and has rather secretive habits, so it is likely that the actual figures are even greater. In the map the presence of the species in January 2011 is shown in violet. Four of these sites are regular wintering areas, two in breeding sites (Arrocampo, Guadiana in Badajoz) and two in rice-growing areas (Vegas Altas and Alagón). The largest group in winter was nine birds on the Guadiana River in Badajozin December 2011.

At other seasons, the species can be found in wetlands throughout almost the whole region, with the largest numbers at the end of summer and start of autumn, when individuals are dispersing from other areas, probably mainly from Doñana. However, there are no records of ringed birds to substantiate this. The largest group ever recorded was 19 (Guadiana river in Badajoz, September 2012).

Sources:

- Garrido, J. R., Molina, B. y del Moral, J. C. (Eds.) 2012. Las garzas en España, población reproductora e invernante en 2010-2011 y método de censo. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid.  [download]
- Aves de Extremadura. Volúmenes 1, 2, 3 y 4. Años 1998-2008. [download]

Participants in the 2011 census: Coordinadores: Javier Prieta (Cáceres) and José María Traverso (Badajoz). Badajoz: Alfredo Mirat, Antonio García-Ortiz, Antonio Núñez Ossorio, Carmen Galán, Casimiro Corbacho, Emilio Costillo, Fernando Yuste, Jesús Morena, Jesús Solana, José Ángel Salas, José Antonio Fimia, José Elías Rodríguez Vázquez, José Gordillo, José María Traverso, Juan Antonio Barquero, Juan Carlos Paniagua, Luis Galán, María J. García-Baquero, Patricia Gordón, Toribio Álvarez and Xurxo Piñeiro. Cáceres: Agustín Morena, Carmelo Fernández Martínez, César Clemente, Emilio Costillo, Helios Dalmau, Javier Briz, Francisco Javier Caballero, Javier Mahíllo, Javier Prieta, Jerónimo Jaén, Jesús Montero, Juan Manuel Brías, Julián Panadero, Manuel García del Rey, María José Moreno, Martín Kelsey, Sergio Mayordomo and Vicente Risco

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bird watching

The art of "twitching" might appear like an odd desire, but if you really are a bird watcher twitching is a fun activity. Bird watching is becoming quite a popular action, and twitching is now in the middle of every bird fanatic -- amateur and expert alike.

Although, technically, the word "twitching" hails from United kingdom bird watching, younger American bird watchers are starting to pick up the term as well. The object behind twitching would be to mark as many bird watching your journal as possible. A person that has numerous species on the "twitch list" will probably be known in bird viewing circles as something of the bird watchingguru. In actuality, some bird watching have taken it upon themselves to generate twitching competitions, in which the person with more bird watching on their list gains a particular famed notoriety.

Twitching is popular throughout Europe than it can be within North America due to easy flight schedules as well as quicker travel routes, but this popular pastime is very becoming a reason to travel within North America at the same time. Twitchers tend to journey in packs, since almost all after the same exceptional species, and some popular spots tend to become quite crowded with twitchers during optimal bird watching months.

Though twitching may look slightly humorous to those outside the bird watching world, this sport is really quite a serious thing. So serious, in actuality, that some twitchers within the uk have developed an entirely vocabulary based upon twitching. "Twitcher's vocabulary" is surprisingly well-organized and thought out, but it is additionally entirely confusing to those not utilized to it. If you thinking about attending a twitching competition, you may want to brush up a little on your twitching language.

There are a few popular twitching competitions that happen all year round, but be prepared as some events take a substantial amount of time and money. Hundreds of twitchers show up for events such since "Big Day" (where teams must sit every day and night in order to list as much species as possible); "Big Year" (you suspected it - individuals need to track and record bird watching for example year); and "Bit Sit" (participants are anticipated to view bird watching from your 15 foot circle).

Attending your first twitching event may be both thrilling and stressful, but make sure that you've a proper journal in hand in addition to a large cup of coffee - some gatherings can last well into the evening hours. Twitchers often come largely prepared at the same time, so grab your finest binoculars; your hiking shoes; and some warm clothing - the bird watching wait for your arrival!

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types of birds

types of birds are often classified by the kind of food they eat. By way of example, "types of birds" that are carnivorous in nature are often known as types of birds or maybe raptors. Differences also exists among these types of birds with regard towards animals they feed about, however, one commonality is usually, the bigger the chook, is the bigger the actual prey it feeds about. The size of animals that these types of birds feed upon is reflected in the bird's physical appearance. Those which feed on larger animals tend to have a bigger and strong beak and nails intended for tearing their prey.

Some types of birds feed on insects. These spend most of their time on the ground pecking around for larger insects such as praying mantises and grasshoppers. National kestrels, merlins, owl and Mississippi kites are instances of such types of birds. There are some raptors that feed on aquatic animals like bass. These typically live near the coastlines. Bald eagles are an illustration of this such types of birds. Many of these types of birds even take the bass from other animals that also eat fish. Robbers!

There are some sorts of birds which feed on small mammals. Such animals as mice, shrews, gophers in addition to voles constitute food to help these types of birds. Hawks of different varieties, such as red-tailed hawks, cooper's hawks while others are among the sorts of types of birds that feed on such mammals. Other raptors that feed on such animals include barn owls, merlins, and northern harriers to cover but a few. Most of these birds catch their feed by skillfully hunting these people from above. They either perch and watch out for their prey to seem or they hover in their air seeking their prey.

Surprisingly, there are many types of birds of prey that basically feed on smaller birds as opposed to on other animals. They will pursue their prey while they may be flying, or alternatively, they can catch them on a lawn. There are other sorts of types of birds that feed on large birds like doves, other poultry, pigeons, chickens and people. Such birds of preys include peregrine falcon, goshawk while others. Some other types of birdsfeed on animals as large as rabbit, squirrels and people. There are others that feed on carrion, like vultures, who would prefer to not take chances on live prey.

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british birds

The migratory british birds could have been lucky, leaving the country whenever they did. So far the uk has suffered a amazingly temperate winter, producing immense floods countrywide to round out the second wettest year in the actual UK's recorded history. There's at least two months left in which a significant freeze is predicted, though that ought to end just in period for migration patterns to come full circle, as the actual british birds countryside is repopulated together with homecoming british birds.

Yet files has surfaced to paint a worrying picture, the one which suggests this population is usually shrinking. In 1966 there was clearly an estimated 210 million british birds nesting around the UK. As of 2012 that number stands at only 166 million. This amounts to some fall of almost 21% within fifty years, an extremely worrying development for bird lovers as well as the national ecosystem as a whole british birds.

This information comes within light of there as a higher variety of breeding species in britain than ever before. Experts claim that the major areas associated with loss are british birds coping with a reliance on farmland. Cuckoos, turtle doves and lapwings almost all display vastly reduced numbers in comparison to their levels in 1966, while further data demonstrate the number of farmland british birds nesting in britain declining by half among 1977 and 1993 by itself, likely to be to blame for a good degree on the reduced population numbers. The idea is that urban expansion and changes to farming methods has generated less of the environment competent to feed or house these kind of species.

One of essentially the most worrying developments is the shocking risk to the Sparrow. Their numbers have decreased by 20 million considering that the 1960s, falling by half in rural England as well as a drop of just over 60% inside the urban environment. The creatures are red-listed, identifying them as a species in dire need to have of conservation efforts.

There are a few theories behind the alarming cut in sparrow numbers. Their reliance on human gardens may make their undoing. Studies have shown in which consistently loud noise reduces the Sparrows' ability to hear the cries of their particular young, and infants may be starving as a result of increased noise pollution.

On the other hand, some species and varieties of british birds have appeared to thrive inside the interim. The population on the Wood Pigeon has doubled inside the years since 1970, with great spotted woodpeckers experiencing a rise of 368%. Wintering Waterbirds bending their numbers from 1970-2000, and Seabirds experienced a stable increase as well. Even with these positive numbers, their numbers are actually falling again. Both types of wild bird have experienced steadily decreasing numbers over the past twelve years, in line using the population loss across the uk in general british birds.

british birds..

These movements are worrying, though there may certainly time to reverse accomplishing this. british birds farmers are starting to actively participate in protecting the british birds that make use of the land to dwell. The UK population of Red Kites could be traced back to a single breeding female in 1977, rescued only through avid resource efficiency efforts. No matter how gloomy avian population decline may appear, there's evidence to prove almost always there is time to reverse it.

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