Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) is often the first bird to return from the winter migration. They’re welcome birds in gardens and house areas, because they hunt out insects. They’re widespread and very common in most parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa, stretching to as far east as northeastern Siberia. As many species that feed mostly
Also known as the Rock Dove, the Rock Pigeon is a bird whose species includes the domestic pigeon as well as escaped domestic pigeons known as feral pigeons. There are 12 different types of sub-species, and they are: Columba livia livia – most common pigeon species in western and southern Europe, north Africa, and western
Bateleur (Terathopius Ecaudatus) is an eagle that lives in the sub-desert areas of the African continent. The most distinctive feature of this bird is that it has a very short tail. (Ecaudatus in Latin means tail-less). Despite the short tail the bird is a very agile flier and often performs flips and other acrobatic figures.
The Kea is a species of parrot endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. The bird has obtained its name from the screeching call “kea” which is used when the bird feels endangered. In the past, it was thought that these parrots kill sheep and the government issued a reward for each bird killed.
The Night Heron is a species of bird that is widespread all around the world, except for Eastern Asia and Australia. They nest in all types of humid areas – river shores, swamps, ponds, lakes, smaller brooks and sea shores. A Night Heron patiently waiting for a fish The bird is average-sized, reaching 58-65 cm
Andean Condor is the the record holder of having the largest wing area of all birds, and is the second in terms of wing span (after Wandering Albatross). Even though the Andean Condor is not a very attractive bird, its flight has an unrepeatable fullness and elegance. These large birds live live near the Western
The Common Cuckoo returns from South Africa to Europe in April. It is said, that spring begins when the first song of the Cuckoo is heard. The bird’s name comes from its singing – coucou in French, koekoek in Dutch and kukushka in Russian all note the bird’s distinctive singing. These birds are about 33
European Starling is one of the most common city birds. Large Starling groups circling around buildings is an impressive view that can observed in most parts of the world – they’re widespread all around Europe, Western Asia, as well as North America, South Africa and Australia. These birds have adapted to living in human populated
The spectacular Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which also inhabits the Southern states of the U.S. is one of the most widely known hummingbirds. Thanks to the bright colours, many hummingbirds have been named after gems, and this is no exception – the Ruby-throated Hummingbird has been named after the colour of its neck. A drawing of the
The Long-tailed Duck spends all its life in the sea. Only in the summer will the bird fly to dry land, in order to construct a nest. Unlike other species of Northern ducks, the Long-tailed Duck nests in territories far to the North. In North America, this bird is sometimes called “old squaw” because their
Common Myna, also known as the Indian Myna is a close relative to the modern thrush, but is louder and more aggressive. This species has adapted to living in human populated regions. They inhabit territories East of Afghanistan, up to the Southeastern part of China. Small populations of this species also inhabit New Zealand, South
Vermilion Flycatchers are one of the most beautiful birds in America. Males are ornamented with a colourful plumage, which is especially beautiful during the mating period. These birds inhabit vast territories ranging from southwestern USA, through all parts of Central America to even Bolivia and Argentina. They also live in the Galapagos Islands, and that
The Princess Parrot is a rare and a very skittish bird. They inhabit only Western Australia and bushy inland territories. Many breeders have grown fond of this bird, as it’s very friendly and easily adapts to living in captivity. Even in the wild, Princess Parrots are very sociable and let humans come close. Unfortunately, many
White-tailed Tropicbird is an inhabitant of the tropical seas. This bird often flies deep into oceans, searching for food. The bird’s flight is elegant, filled with acrobatic moves. Its a pleasure to watch the Tropicbird fly in the sun, and even its Latin name Phaeton lepturus comes from a Greek myth about Phaeton, who wanted
The Sandhill Crane is a long, elegant wader. Just like other cranes, this bird is known for their spectacular mating dances. During this fascinating performance, loud calls, which sound like horn tootles, can be heard. Sandhill Cranes are also incredible fliers, as they have been observed to pass Mount McKinley, which is more than 6000
