Wildlife Fact File - Birds - Pgs. 181-190

' " CARD 181

LONG-TAILED CORMORANT

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ORDER Pelecaniformes

FAMILY . . . GENUS SPECIES Phalacrocoracidae ~ Phalacrocorax african us

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KEY FACTS

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SIZES Length: 2 ft. Tail: 5~-6 in. Weight: 1-1 ~ lb. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 3-4 years. Breeding season: Varies. Eggs: 2-6; chalky white with green or blue tinge. Incubation: 23-25 days. Fledging period: 5-7 weeks. LIFESTYLE Habit: Breeds in colonies; less social at other times. Diet: Mainly fish, but also frogs, water insects, and small birds. Call: Occasional laughs, hisses, or cackles but usually silent. lifespan: Up to 36 years. RELATED SPECIES The genus Phalacrocorax contains approximately 32 species, including the double-crested cormorant,

Range of the long-tailed cormorant. DISTRIBUTION Found mainly in freshwater habitats in Africa south of the Sahara Desert and in Madagascar. CONSERVATION Like most members of the cormorant family, the long-tailed cormorant is a common bird. Populations are both widespread and stable throughout its present range.

P. auritus.

FEATURES OF THE LONG-TAILED CORMORANT Wings: Fairly short and full of fine blood vessels that regulate the bird's body temperature. The wing feathers, unlike those of most diving birds, allow water to soak in rapidly, preventing undesirable buoyancy during a dive. The feathers then need time to dry out. Eggs: 2 to 6; chalky white with a pale blue or light green tinge. Feet: All 4 toes are fully webbed. They are the main means of propulsion while the cormorant is underwater.

Tail: Long and dark. Gives the bird its common name and helps distinguish it from other cormorants.

The long-tailed cormorant breeds on the rivers and ponds of central and southern Africa. Like many of its relatives, it perches with its wings outstretched after diving for fish. © MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

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~ BREEDING The long-tailed cormorant is sexually mature by the age of three to four years. After pairing, the couple performs a courtship ritual featuring head shaking, mutual preening, bill touching, and intertwining of necks. Breeding takes place at various times of the year within a colony. The nest is a platform of

The long-tailed cormorant is sometimes called the reed cormorant because it prefers freshwater marshland, where it can find reeds for its nest site. An excellent swimmer, this bird is well adapted to life on the water. But on land the long-tailed cormorant is not so agile. It can often be seen falling over its own feet as it makes clumsy attempts to move around.

tuaries, coastal bays, and mangrove creeks. Less sociable than other cormorants, it is frequently seen alone or in small groups. Perching on a branch over the water, it sits with its wings outstretched to dry its feathers after a dive. Stretching the wings also helps to warm the bird after a cold swim. This posture may also indicate to other cormorants a good fishing site. The roost is usually a partly

eral feet away. The female lays from two to six eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs over a period of 23 to 25 days. The chicks are born blind, featherless, and helpless, but they soon grow a covering of fluffy black down. At first the parents drop partly digested fish into a chick's mouth, but soon

twigs and vegetation that is usually built on a partly submerged tree several feet above the water. About ten inches across and

the chick pushes its bill down the adult's throat to get food.

Left: After a swim, the long-tailed

Right: Reeds growing in a freshwa-

cormorant must let its wing feathers dry before it flies.

ter river or lake make an excellent nesting platform.

Left: The plumage on most cormorant species is predominantly black, so the best way to identify a longtailed cormorant is by its size, the color of its feet and bill, and the length of its tail.

DID YOU KNOW? • The long-tailed cormorant uses its throat pouch to position fish before it swallows

nies have built offshore platforms on which the bird can

them. It also pants and flutters the pouch to help lower

• For centuries, cormorants have been used to catch fish

its body temperature.

in China and Japan. The fisherman places a ring over a tethered bird's neck to keep

• Another African species, the Cape cormorant, produces rich droppings that are used in fertilizers. Fertilizer compa-

roost and breed.

it from swallowing the fish, which he then collects.

~ FOOD &: FEEDING

~ HABITAT The long-tailed cormorant lives mainly on freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and lagoons. It is also found near the sea on es-

one to two inches deep, it may be close to another nest or sev-

submerged tree or bush, which the long-tailed cormorant may share with storks, herons, and ibises, as well as other cormorants. The bird leaves its roost just after sunrise, usually in a small group. It flies to a daytime roost before going on to feed. Although birds in the north of the range were once thought to migrate, this now appears to be unlikely. But the long-tailed cormorant does move if the weather changes. It tends to spend the dry season on a wide river. When the rains arrive, it flies to flooded ponds or lakes.

The long-tailed cormorant feeds

the feathers and force air out, so

for about a quarter of the day. It eats mostly fish, but it also feeds on frogs, water insects, crusta-

the bird can dive and sink rapidly. After rising slightly in the water, the cormorant slips smoothly beneath the surface. It swims

ceans such as freshwater shrimp, and even small birds. The long-tailed cormorant prefers to fish early in the morning and again in the evening. The bird swims low in the water. Often only its neck and head are visible above the water surface. Its plumage is not waterproof but allows water to penetrate Left: The long-tailed cormorant catches fish underwater, often at a depth of several feet.

underwater with its wings close to its sides, using its webbed feet to propel itself. The bird's extensive network of blood vessels provides plenty of oxygen, allowing it to fish underwater for long periods. The long-tailed cormorant has a hooked bill that helps it grip struggling, slippery prey. It usually brings a fish to the surface before swallowing it headfirst.

CARD 182

KEYFACTS ~

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SATIN BOWERBIRD SIZES Length: 11-13 in.

GROUP 2: BIRDS ORDER Passeriformes

Weight: 5 oz .

. . FAMILY . . . GENUS &: SPEC IES ~ Ptilonorhynchidae ~ Ptilonorhynchus violaceus

BREEDING Sexual maturity: Female, at least 2 years. Male, usually 5-7 years. Br eeding season: Varies, but usually April and May. No. of broods: 1 . Eggs: 1-3; pure white or with brown markings. Incubation: About 3 weeks. Fledging period: 18-21 days. LIFESTYLE Habit: Mostly solitary and territorial in the breeding season. Diet: Mainly fruit and berries. Also seeds and small invertebrates. Lifespan: Unknown. RELATED SPECIES There are 18 bowerbird species, all living in Australia and New Guinea .

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Range of the satin bowerbird. DISTRIBUTION Confined to rainforest and woodland in two areas along the coast of eastern Australia, from Queensland in the north to Victoria in the south. CONSERVATION The satin bowerbird is still relatively common despite some habitat destruction and persecution by fruit farmers.

FEATURES OF THE SATIN BOWERBIRD Female: Green and brown plumage with some reddish brown on the underparts. Smal ler than the male. The young of both sexes resemble the female . It may take a juvenile male a few years to acquire full adult plumage.

Male:

Feet: Large, since the bird spends much time on the ground . Hind toe is shorter than middle toe.

The satin bowerbird is a lively inhabitant of eastern Australian forests. To attract a mate, the male builds an elaborate bower and decorates it with shiny, brightly colored objects.

Bower: Built from twigs . ;iii~~~~~I ~~ ale 'decorates the entrance with

brightly colored objects,

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~ BOWER BUILDING In April or May the male satin bowerbird begins to build an elaborate display bower. He lays a foundation platform of twigs with two parallel walls that may meet in an arch overhead. He decorates the bower entrance with feathers, stones, berries, shells, and anything else that he can find, including man-made objects such as metal, glass, or even keys. Then he paints the bower's walls. For a brush, he holds a

piece of bark in his beak. For paint, he uses a mixture of berry juice and saliva. Like his plumage, the paint is usually blue, a color that apparently attracts the females. After completing the bower, the male displays outside to attract a female. While strutting around and jumping over twigs, he utters a variety of loud calls. If a female shows interest, he

left: The male satin bowerbird clears a small area of forest where he can build his bower.

Right: The bower is frequently decorated with objects that are blue, like the male's plumage.

offers her a gift and invites her into the bower to mate.

The satin bowerbird is the best-known member of a family

DID YOU KNOW?

that is closely related to the birds of paradise. Although the

• The male satin bowerbird becomes more skillful at build-

• The satin bowerbird likes the color blue so much that in cap-

male has beautiful, iridescent blue plumage, he lacks the

ing a bower over the years. A young male starts by building

ti~ity it has been known to kill small blue birds, apparently

spectacular display feathers with which his relatives attract

an inferior bower and gradually improves his style.

to decorate its bower. • The satin bowerbird can

• Coins, eyeglasses, bullets, empty cartridge cases, plus a watch and chain have all been

mimic the calls of other birds. It has even been known to imitate the sounds of a cat

females. He therefore attracts a mate by constructing an elaborate and colorful bower on the forest floor and then engaging in

a dramatic display outside the bower.

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~ FOOD &: FEEDING Although it feeds mainly on fruit and berries, the satin bowerbird supplements its diet with small invertebrates. It forages on the ground and in trees. During the winter, the birds form feeding flocks of up to 50 individuals. The flock ventures out from the cover of the forest to feed in more open areas such

as fields, orchards, and gardens. Satin bowerbirds are particularly fond of cultivated fruit, and a flock will frequently strip an orchard within a week. As a result, large numbers of birds are shot by farmers, and the species has been virtually exterminated from certain parts of its southern range.

~ BREEDING

~ HABITAT The satin bowerbird lives in the rainforests, wet eucalyptus forests, and other woodland areas of eastern Australia. Running along the coast for about 1,900 miles, this range is divided into two distinct halves. The birds

ritorial males establish their display areas at fairly even distances throughout the forest and defend them vigorously. After the breeding season, satin bowerbirds form large, nomadic feeding flocks. The

that live in the northern half of the range tend to be slightly smaller than those that inhabit the southern half. Although it is a strong flier, the satin bowerbird rarely ventures

birds are then more likely to leave the forest and feed in open woodland, scrub, or even gardens and orchards. Although the satin bowerbird is still relatively common

far from tree cover and spends much of its time on the ground. During the breeding season, the bird is mainly solitary. The ter-

within its range, its population is decreasing as humans con-

trying to attract more mates.

tinue to destroy the damp vegetation of its habitat.

before mating, while the male continues to display.

The female satin bowerbird is attracted to the male by his loud and dramatic display. But she may wait several weeks before

The female bowerbird constructs a cup-shaped nest of woven twigs in a tree or vine that may be located hundreds

finally entering his bower to mate. She shows her readiness to mate by adopting a crouching position. The female leaves the bower after mating. The male makes any necessary repairs to his bower. Then he continues to display outside of it for several weeks,

of feet from the bower. She lays up to three eggs and incubates them for approximately three weeks. Once the young birds have hatched, the female feeds them insects and berries. Without a mate to help her, the female aggressively defends her young from predators. She cares for the young until they are ready

left: The female enters the bower

to leave the nest at about three weeks old.

KEY FACTS

ALPINE SWIFT , . ORDER ~ Apodiformes

FAMILY Apodidae

GENUS & SPECIES Apus melba

SIZES Length: 8-9 in . Wingspan: 1-2 ft. Weight: 3).1 oz. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 2-3 years. Mating: End of May to June. No. of broods: 1 . Eggs: Usually 3; white. Incubation: 2).1-5 weeks. Fledging period: 6-8 weeks. LIFESTYLE Habit: Sociable; migratory. Diet: Insects and spiders caught in

Range of the alpine swift.

the air. Call: High-pitched trills. Pairs whis-

DISTRIBUTION

per quietly to each other. Lifespan: Longest on record, 26 years.

east to Afghanistan. Birds migrate to parts of Africa and India, where they may also breed.

Breeds from southern Europe and the Mediterranean region

CONSERVATION RELATED SPECIES

Nearly one-quarter of the birds die in their first or second year.

Other swifts breeding in Europe are

Populations can suffer in severe weat her, but numbers appear to be increasing at present.

the common swift, Apus apus, and the pallid swift, A. pallidus.

FEATURES OF THE ALPINE SWIFT Bi ": Very small, but large mouth opens wide to catch insects during flight.

Flight: Reveals forked tail and streamlined body with distinctive white underparts and a brown band below the throat.

Eggs: 3; white. Hatch

in 18 to 33 days. Nest: Cup-shaped , made of feathers and straw that the alpine swift gathers in flight.

Wings: Long and crescent-shaped .

The alpine swift is the largest European member of a fast-flying family of birds. It spends almost all of its time in the air-eating, drinking, and even mating in flight.

Short, sturdy bones near the body provide attachment for powerful flight muscles. Slimmer bones farther out give flexibility. © MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

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~ BREEDING The alpine swift breeds in colonies comprised of up to 1 70 pairs. It keeps the same mate and, if possible, the same nesting site for years. In spring the male returns to the breeding ground before the female. He reclaims their nest site or finds a suitable new one. The alpine swift collects straw and feathers for its nest while it

parents incubate the eggs, and

they can live without food for up to 10 days. The young open their eyes at about two weeks old, and they can crawl on or near the nest at the age of one month. Soon afterward they start to exercise their wings by flapping them, and they can fly by the time they are six to eight weeks old.

left: The eaves of buildings make

Top: The adult feeds the young in-

excellent nesting sites for the alpine swift.

sects, which it carries in a special throat pouch.

flies. It uses saliva to bind these materials into a cup, which it glues inside a hole in a rock face or under the eaves of a building. In the first year usually only two eggs are laid, but older birds are likely to lay three or four. Both

Silhouetted against a clear blue sky, the alpine swift may be mistaken for a small falcon as it wheels and dives through the air catching insects such as moths and butterflies. Like a falcon, the alpine swift has a large body, crescent-shaped wings, and forked tail. In the fall, large migrating flocks of these sociable birds can be spotted high in the skies of southern Europe.

~ HABITS The alpine swift is easy to recognize because it is the only swift in Europe that has a white underbody. The underbody can be seen when the bird is in flight. Its streamlined body and powerful wings make this bird extremely agile in the air. The alpine swift has tiny feet because it does not need to walk or perch. In fact, this bird is almost helpless on the ground.

the "off-duty" partner may sit beside its mate on the nest. The eggs hatch in two and a half to five weeks. The adults catch insects and carry them to their young in a throat pouch. Very young birds can survive without food for two or three days if insects are scarce. Later

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left: The alpine swift migrates south in the fall in flocks of about 50 birds. It conserves energy on its long journey by gliding, rarely flapping its wings at all.

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~ FOOD &: FEEDING

DID YOU KNOW? • The alpine swift does not usually breed until it is two or three years old. But year-old birds often pair up and build

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ball of birds, with the birds on the outside trying to get to the center for warmth.

a nest that they return to later when ready to breed.

• Alpine swifts seem unable to recognize their own offspring. If a young bird climbs

• In cold weather conditions, roosting alpine swifts may cling to a wall and to each other. They form a compact

into a neighbor's nest and is the same size as the other nestlings, it may be accepted and fed.

The alpine swift can cover 400 to 600 miles a day as it roams the skies, looking for flying insects. It flies so high that it can barely be seen through powerful binoculars. It is not known why this bird

contributing factors. However, the insects that the bird eats are usually found at lower levels. The alpine swift frequently holds its mouth wide open to catch insects in flight. It feeds on butterflies, moths, mayflies,

flies at such high altitudes. Temperature, air currents, time of day, and food supplies may be

dragonflies, and grasshoppers, as well as spiders drifting in the air on silken lines.

~ MIGRATION Instead of walking or perching, it uses its sharp claws to cling to cracks in the rocky mountainsides and cliffs where it lives. Alpine swifts are sociable birds that feed, breed, and migrate in flocks. At night or in bad weather, the birds roost in colonies of up to 400 individuals. Right: Chicks are born naked and helpless. They are blind until about two weeks old.

The alpine swift flies south for the winter in flocks of about 50 birds. It sustains a long migratory flight for days on end, conserving energy by gliding on air currents as much as possible and rarely flapping its wings. Alpine swifts that breed along the shores of the Mediterranean and in the Middle East usually leave in the fall and spend the winter in southern and eastern

Africa. Birds that live in northern India tend to migrate locally, moving farther south on the Indian subcontinent. By the end of February the alpine swift can be spotted moving north over North Africa. By late March or early April, the bird reaches Switzerland. In the summer the alpine swift moves within local areas to avoid low air pressure and rainfall.

KEY FACTS

SHOEBILL STORK

,,---------------------------------~~~~~~ ORDER FAMILY GENUS &: SPECIES Ciconiiformes

Ba/aenicipitidae

Ba/aeniceps rex

SIZES Length: 4 ft. Height: About 4 ft. Wingspan: Up to 6~ ft . BREEDING Breeding season: Varies, depend· ing on location. Eggs: 1-3; bluish white, covered with a chalky layer. Incubation: About 1 month. LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary. Sometimes seen in small groups of up to 6 or 7 at

Range of the shoebill stork.

good food sources. Diet: Fish, frogs, snakes, and young turtles. Call: Mainly silent but sometimes utters a shrill cackle. Also claps bill in display or threat.

DISTRIBUTION Found in the Central African Republic and southern Sudan to western Ethiopia and south through Zaire, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. Recently seen in Botswana.

RELATED SPECIES

CONSERVATION

The shoebill stork is the only mem-

The shoebill stork is fairly rare, with a population of about 1,500

ber of the family Ba/aenicipitidae.

It is threatened by human interference, especially by the building of dams and the practice of taking birds for captivity.

FEATURES OF THE SHOEBILL STORK Crest: Tuft of feathers, which is erected when bird is excited.

Eggs: 1 to 3. Incubated by both parents for about a month.

Bill: Huge, with hooked tip.

Ideal for catching slippery aquatic prey.

Plumage: Dark gray. Male and female look alike.

Nest: Large and tapers at the top. Built in beds of reeds. Shallow cup holds eggs. When the base becomes soggy, the parents add plant material throughout the nesting season.

Legs: Long for wading . The bird may stand on one leg when patiently waiting for prey.

The shoebill stork gets its name from its massive bill, which is similar in shape to a bootlike shoe. This bird is also known as the whale-headed stork or bogbird.

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~ FOOD &: FEEDING

The shoebill feeds mainly during the day among the rafts of floating plants. It lives mostly on catfish and lungfish, but it also eats frogs, snakes, and young turtles. The shoebill shows great patience when hunting. Standing motionless with its head tucked into its body, it waits for a fish to swim by. Sometimes it stalks the reed bed until it spots prey surfacing. It then thrusts its head and neck forward and lunges

with its wings outstretched to snatch the prey in its bill. Often it takes in surrounding vegetation as well. After separating the fish from the plant matter, the bird swallows the flesh and discards the remainder. Usually it swallows the prey whole, but sometimes it bites off a fish's head before swallowing the body. The shoebill always drinks immediately afterfeeding.

left: Large eyes set at the front

Right: Closer to a stork than to a heron, the shoebill is classed in its own family.

of the head give the shoebill stork binocular vision.

The shoebill stork is one of nature's strangest-looking

DID YOU KNOW?

birds. It has a huge, hooked bill that is ideally shaped

• Another name for the shoebill stork is the whale-headed stork. Part of the bird's generic name comes from that of the blue whale, since both bird and whale were thought to have similarly shaped heads. • With its huge bill, the adult

for catching and holding slippery prey, such as fish, frogs, and snakes. This unique creature also has a tufted crest of feathers on the top of its large head. Whenever the

shoebill stork becomes excited, this crest stands erect.

~ HABITS

The shoebill stork lives in the marshes of Africa south of the Sahara. The largest number of birds inhabit southern Sudan. This rare bird is sparsely distributed within its range. A solitary bird, the shoebill often stands by itself in its watery habitat for many hours. It is well adapted for its life in freshwater swamps and papyrus marshes. Its long legs and spreading toes allow it to walk easily over floating mats of vegetation. The shoebill is most active at dawn, but it also feeds during the day. With its wingspan of up to six and a half feet and its strong, soaring flight, this bird is an impressive sight in the air.

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shoebililadies water over its eggs to keep them at the correct temperature. This dowsing is continued after hatching to keep the chicks cool. • The shoebill's Arabic name, abu markub, means "father of the shoe."

~ BREEDING

The breeding season of the shoebill stork varies, depending on the bird's location. In the Sudan, breeding begins after the floodwaters have subsided. Little is known about the shoebill's courtship rituals in the wild. In captivity, the shoebill sways, stretches its neck, and then claps both parts of its bill together to make a hollow sound. The bird's large nest measures up to eight feet at the base and is made from plants in the papyrus swamps or reed beds. The female lays one to three eggs over a five-day period. With her left: Both parent shoebills feed the chick with regurgitated fish and other food.

mate often roosting beside her, she incubates the eggs at night. During the day both birds take turns incubating. The eggs hatch after about a month . The chicks are covered in grayish down. A chick's bill is not oversize, like its parent's, but the hooked tip is visible. Out of a clutch of two or three eggs, the adult shoebills usually rear only one chick. The parents regurgitate food for the chick, but it can swallow whole food by the age of one month. The chick leaves the nest at about three months old but may return later for a period of about 10 days. It cannot catch food until it is about four months old.

" CARD 185 1

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO "

G ROUP 2: BIRDS

,,~----------------------------------------~ ORDER FAMILY GENUS & SPECIES Cuculiformes

Cuculidae

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: About 1 ft. Wingspan: 15-17 in. Weight: 1-2 oz. BREEDING Sexual maturity: Probably 1 year. Breeding season: May to July. Eggs: Probably 2-5; blue-green. Incubation: 11-16 days. Fledging period: 3-4 weeks. LIFESTYLE Habit: Shy; solitary; migratory. Diet: Invertebrates and fruits. Call: Low, mournful series of calls, each with 3, 4, or 5 notes. lifespan: Unknown. RElATED SPECIES The 130 species in the family Cuculidae include the greater roadrunner, Geococcyx californian us, and the yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus.

Breeding range of the black-billed cuckoo.

Winter range.

DISTRIBUTION The black-billed cuckoo breeds in central and eastern North America. It winters in northern South America. CONSERVATION Populations of the black-billed cuckoo are relatively stable, and the bird appears to be in no immediate danger. This cuckoo is common throughout its extensive range.

FEATURES OF THE BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO Head: Brown crown . Red eye ring . Adult: White underparts are clearly visible in flight.

Plumage: Upper body, wings, and tail are gray-brown with a slight green gloss. Underparts, cheeks, and throat are dull white.

Juvenile: Distinguished from the adult by a yellow eye ring . Creamy yellow underparts.

Feet: Gray. Two toes point forward and two point backward.

The black-billed cuckoo is an unusual member of the cuckoo family. While most of its relatives leave their eggs to hatch in the nests of other birds, this cuckoo builds its own nest and raises its own young.

Tail : Long, with rounded tip. Graybrown with narrow white areas. ©MCMXCIV IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

Eggs: 2 to 5; blue-green . Laid at 2- to 3-day intervals. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

US P 6001 12069 PACKET 69

~ BREEDING Most species of cuckoo lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. However, the black-billed cuckoo builds its own nest and raises

The black-billed cuckoo has the long tail, curved bill, and slender profile typical of members of the cuckoo family. In some parts of the United States, farmers believe that this bird's cooing notes predict rain. For this reason the black-billed cuckoo is also called the rain crow.

~ HABITAT The black-billed cuckoo is one of several North American species of cuckoo. It breeds on the edges of deciduous woodlands and in groves and thickets in central and eastern North America. This cuckoo usually winters in South America, migrating as far as Peru . A shy and solitary bird, the black-billed cuckoo prefers the cover of trees to open ground. It is sometimes seen dashing

After mating, the female lays two to five large blue-green eggs at intervals of two to three days.

its own offspring. But in years when food is abundant, it may

Each adult takes turns incubating the clutch while its mate brings it food. The incubation

put some of its eggs in the nest of another black-billed cuckoo, a yellow-billed cuckoo, or, in

period lasts only 11 to 16 days. The young are born almost naked, and their eyes open after

rare cases, another species. In May the black-billed cuckoo builds a flimsy nest three to ten feet above the ground in a

two or three days. Both parents feed their offspring, even after they leave the nest. Fledging takes three to four weeks, but

low tree or bush. The nest is made of twigs and bark and lined with grass and leaves.

the young birds tend to climb out of the nest before they are

Left: The young black-billed cuckoo lacks the adult's white underparts and has a yel/ow eye ring.

Right: The juvenile black-billed cuckoo opens its mouth wide and waits to be fed by its parenrs.

able to fly.

DID YOU KNOW? • The black-billed cuckoo has been seen on rare occasions in Europe, when it strayed off

• The exact size of the blackbilled cuckoo's clutch is not known. Some experts think

its migration route. Most of these sightings were in southwestern England.

the bird may lay up to seven eggs, but some of these may belong to a second female.

~ FOOD &: FEEDING The black-billed cuckoo feeds

including worms, beetles, bugs,

on the ground and in the air. It eats a variety of invertebrates,

and grasshoppers. A major part of its diet consists of caterpillars,

Left: The black-billed cuckoo often brings its offspring insects that it has caught in flight.

especially the hairy species that live in trees. It is not clear why the black-billed cuckoo can eat these caterpillars, since most birds cannot digest their hairs. The black-billed cuckoo often hops through the undergrowth in search of insects. It may also chase flies and other prey in

over a clearing in the woods. It may also be heard calling to other black-billed cuckoos with

the air, snatching them in its bill. The bird sometimes eats soft fruit and berries, especially in winter.

a series of rhythmic, low calls. Each call consists of three, four, or five notes.

Left: White marks in the young bird's throat help to guide the parents when feeding.

~ CARD 186J

BLACKCAP

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. . . ORDER ~ Passeriformes

FAMILY Sylviidae

GENUS & SPECIES Sylvia atricapilla

KEY FACTS

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SIZES Length: 6 in. Weight: ~-% oz. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 1 year. Breeding season: Mid-April to mid-July. No. of broods: 1-2. Eggs: 4-5 per clutch. White, marbled with brown. Incubation: 10-15 days. Fledging period: 10-14 days.

Resident range of the blackcap.

LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary. Diet: Insects, soft fruit, scraps. Call: Male has melodic, warbling song. Alarm call is "tac-tac." Lifespan: Oldest recorded, 7 years. RELATED SPECIES There are 339 species of warbler worldwide. The blackcap most closely resembles the garden warbler, Sylvia borin.

Winter range.

Breeding range.

DISTRIBUTION Resident in temperate Europe and North Africa, with small numbers also in Iran. Winters primarily around the Mediterranean. However, some stay as far north as Great Britain, while others cross the Sahara to West Africa. CONSERVATION The blackcap is a common bird in woodlands and parks across its range. It is not in any danger.

FEATURES OF THE BlACKCAP Male: Gray-brown upperparts and pale gray underparts. Gray around neck and throat. Glossy black crown.

Eggs: 4 or 5; white, marbled with brown. Laid in a well-hidden nest. Often 2 clutches laid between May and June.

Beak: Short and pointed , for picking insects from the ground and plucking berries from trees.

The blackcap is a member of the Old World warbler family. Like its relatives, it has a wide variety of calls. However, it is best known for the melodic song of the male, which echoes through woodlands in spring.

Female: Plumage is similar to that of the

male, but crown is reddish brown .

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FOOD &: FEEDING The blackcap feeds mainly on insects such as flies and caterpillars, which it finds beneath bushes. It also feeds on soft fruit and berries. In winter the blackcap's normal food supplies are scarce. If it does not migrate, this bird survives on food that it finds in bird feeders. It takes scraps of fat and bread and will even eat nuts after breaking them into manageable pieces. Left: A hardy bird, the blackcap is able to survive the fairly severe winters of northern Europe.

Right: The blackcap spends much

of the day well concealed in the dense undergrowth.

At one time the blackcap was only a summer visitor to northern Europe. It spent the winter months in warmer climates, where it could find a ready supply of insects and fruit. Today, however, many people feed birds during cold weather. For this reason, the blackcap often remains in its European habitat throughout winter, surviving on bread crumbs and other scraps that it finds in bird feeders.

~ HABITAT The blackcap is found throughout temperate Europe and in North Africa. In fall most blackcaps migrate to the Mediterranean region, and some cross the Sahara into western Africa. However, these hardy birds can endure harsh weather, and an increasing number are spending the winter in northern Europe instead of'migrating. The blackcap is most frequently found in mature deciduous forests or in mixed woodland. It hides in the undergrowth, often

singing from a concealed perch and making short flights to the next patch of cover. This bird favors rhododendron bushes, which have dense foliage. However, it also makes its home in overgrown hedges, thickets, and large shrubs. The usually shy blackcap rarely leaves the undergrowth, but it can become quite bold and aggressive on occasion. At bird feeders it often dominates robins, great tits, greenfinches, and even larger birds.

DID YOU KNOW? • The blackcap is able to imitate the songs of other birds, including the blackbird, robin, song thrush, nightingale, and garden warbler. • The blackcap has many regional names, including hay bird, northern nightingale, black-headed peggy, coal hood ie, and jack straw.

II Migrating blackcaps often fly at night. Without landmarks to guide them, these birds navigate by the North Star, flying away from it when heading south. II During the harsh winter of '1978-79, more than 1,700 blackcaps visited bird feeders in Great Britain.

The blackcap can be recognized by its crown, which is glossy black in males and reddish brown in females . This bird is found in woodlands and urban gardens. It is attracted to gardens with honeysuckle and ivy, and it

I

~ BREEDING

In early spring the male blackcap chooses a nest site, singing to defend his territory. When the female arrives up to two weeks later, he engages in his courtship display. He may raise his cap feathers, droop or flap his wings, fluff out his plumage, or fan out his tail. The female may use one of several nest platforms that the male builds within his territory. Or she may choose a hidden Left: Both parents feed the chicks, mainly caterpillars.

nests in bramble patches. The song of the male blackcap can be heard early in the breeding season . The song is a loud warble with short phrases, often ending with a trill. When alarmed, both sexes utter a harsh cry.

spot and construct an open, cup-shaped nest of stems and twigs with a lining of hair and fine roots. She then uses grass stems to attach the nest to nearby plants. From May to July the female lays one or two clutches, with four or five eggs each. Both male and female incubate the eggs. The chicks leave the nest in 10 to 14 days, before they are able to fly. Their parents continue to feed them for another two weeks or more.

' " CARD 187

PARASITIC JAEGER

,,~------------------------------------------~ GENUS &: SPECIES " . ORDER . . FAMILY "1IIIIIIII

Charadriiformes

~ Stercorariidae

Stercorarius parasiticus

I

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 16-18 in. Weight: ~-1 ~ lb. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 4-5 years. Breeding season: May to July. No. of broods: 1 . Eggs: 1-3, usually 2. Green or brown with dark brown spots. Incubation: About 4 weeks. Fledging period: About 1 month. LIFESTYLE Habit: Day-active. Mainly solitary outside the breeding season. Diet: Fish, birds, eggs, insects, small mammals, and berries. Call: Warning scream when breeding. Otherwise, mainly silent. Lifespan: Up to 18 years.

Breeding range of the parasitic jaeger.

Winter range.

DISTRIBUTION The parasitic jaeger breeds in the Arctic Circle, across a range that stretches from Alaska to eastern Siberia. It winters at sea, mainly in the Southern Hemisphere.

RELATED SPECIES

CONSERVATION

The 7 species of parasitic jaeger include the great skua, Catharacta skua, and the long-tailed jaeger,

The parasitic jaeger is common in many parts of its breeding range. It is rarely disturbed by humans.

Stercorarius longicaudus.

FEATURES OF THE PARASITIC JAEGER Dark phase: All plumage is dark.

Plumage: There are 2 color phases, or variations: adult birds may be dark or light. In the light phase (shown below) upperparts are dark and underparts are light.

Long-tailed jaeger: Smaller and more graceful. Has longer tall streamers.

Pomarine jaeger: Larger and stockier. Has rounded, twisted tail streamers.

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The parasitic jaeger is a bold pirate that harasses other seabirds in breathtaking aerial chases. It forces its victims to drop their prey, which it then catches in midair.

central are elongated into fine streamerlike points. These sometimes break off, especially by the end of the breeding season.

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~------------------~--~--------------------------------------------------~ @

~ BREEDING Parasitic jaegers usually breed in a loose colony. Each pair of birds defends its own territory fiercely, keeping watch for rival jaegers and driving them off with sharp blows of the feet. Courtship displays involve ritual wing lifting and bowing on the ground plus dramatic zigzagging flights. Male and female build a simple nest together. Pressing their chests down on open ground, they move around until they Left: The parasitic jaeger is aggressive when defending its exposed nest site.

The parasitic jaeger is the most common member of the skua family. This graceful seabird is also one of the most widely traveled birds in the world. It flies great distances when it migrates, leaving its breeding grounds within the Arctic Circle to spend the winter in the southern oceans.

grating. At sea this bird spends most of its time flying low over the water. Its fast and powerful flight lets it battle strong winds. The parasitic jaeger breeds on

• The great skua may compete with the parasitic jaeger

lows flocks of migrating terns to steal their food.

can fly at about four weeks of age but are not fully independent until they are approximately two months old. Right: The young bird leaves the nest after a day or two to hide in a more protected spot.

for breeding sites. Arriving a mont h earlier, the larger great skua has already established its territory by the time the smaller parasitic jaeger gets to the breeding ground.

The parasitic jaeger can be seen from a coastal vantage point as it passes offshore in spring and fal l. This bird may be confused

w ith t he smaller long-tailed jaeger, which has longer tail streamers, or w ith the larger pomarine jaeger, which has twisted tail streamers.

~ FOOD &: FEEDING Arctic tundra, rocky islands, and coastal moorland. When it is on land it attacks any animal that invades its territory. It even attacks humans, drawing blood from the head and neck with its clawed feet. To lure intruders away from its eggs or young, the bird fakes injury, lurching about with one wing trailing as if broken.

~ MIGRATION

The parasitic jaeger leaves its breeding grounds in August and moves south, following the coast, crossing land, or traveling across the oceans. It often fol-

nest within a few days of birth but remain nearby. The young

DID YOU KNOW? • When defending its nest and young, the parasitic jaeger has attacked humans, sea eagles, Arctic foxes, and polar bears.

~ CHARACT ERISTICS For much of the year, the parasitic jaeger is a bird of the open ocean, although it rarely strays more than 30 miles from land. It frequents coastal waters in stormy weather and when mi-

create a shallow hollow. They then line the hollow with grass and lichen. Both birds incubate the eggs for about one month, and both care for the young. The chicks are covered with soft, silky, dark brown down. They leave the

Above: The par-

By midwinter the birds reach the South Atlantic. Most parasitic jaegers spend the w inter south of the equator. Young birds may spend two years in southern waters before returning to their Arctic birthplace.

asitic jaeger uses its long, hooked bill and sharply clawed feet as weapons of attack and defense.

When migrating and in winter, the parasitic jaeger obtains almost all of its food by stealing from other seabirds. It twists and turns in flight, following every movement of its victim until the harassed bird drops its catch or regurgitates its last meal in panic. Parasitic jaegers may band together in small

sea. It also scavenges for refuse thrown off ships and eats carrion (dead animal flesh) that washes up on the shore. At its breeding grounds, the parasitic jaeger feeds on prey. It hunts small birds, killing them on the ground or in midair. Oc-

groups when chasing seabirds, since working as a team aids their chances of success. However, the parasitic jaeger can catch its food. At times it takes fish, squid, and crustaceans from the surface of the

bird is well adapted for its predatory lifestyle. Its webbed feet

Left: The parasitic jaeger glides for long periods, landing on water less often than most gulls.

casionally the parasitic jaeger preys on small mammals. This

have strong, sharp claws, and its strong bill has a hooked tip for tearing flesh. The parasitic jaeger supplements its diet with eggs and insects such as butterflies and beetles. In late summer it also feeds on berries and grass seeds.

KEY FACTS

--~--~----------~--------------~--------------------~

RED CROSSBILL

SIZES Length: 6-7 in. Wingspan: 12 in . Weight: 1 ~ oz.

GROUP 2: BIRDS ORDER Passeriformes

FAMILY Fringillidae

GENUS &: SPECIES Loxia curvirosta

BREEDING Sexual maturity: 1 year. Breeding season: Varies, but usually January to July. No. of broods: Usually 1. Eggs: 3-4; greenish white with brownish purple spots. Incubation: About 2 weeks. Fledging period: 17-22 days. LIFESTYLE Habit: Sociable; usually lives in small colonies. Diet: Conifer, weed, and fruit seeds. Also small insects. Lifespan: Up to 4 years.

Range of the red crossbill.

DISTRIBUTION Found throughout coniferous woodland in North America, Europe, and Asia.

RELATED SPECIES Other members of the finch family include the goldfinches, siskins, red polls, and the evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus.

CONSERVATION The red crossbill is increasing its numbers and its range. However, the population in any location fluctuates, depending on the availability of pinecones.

FEATURES OF THE RED CROSSBILL Female: Yellowgreen plumage, with dark brown wing and tail feathers.

Bill: Strong . Curved , crossed tips enable the bi rd to extract seeds from pinecones . Tips may be crossed right over left or left

Male: Crimson plumage with yellow tint. Dark brown wing and tail feathers. Young male has duller coloring than the adult.

OTHER CROSSBILL

Scottish crossbill, Loxia scotica: Sometimes regarded as a subspecies.

Parrot crossbill, Loxia pylyopsittacus: Found in northern Europe only. Eggs: 3 or 4; greenish white with brownish purple spots. Hatch in about 2 weeks .

The red crossbill is one of the few birds that has no fixed migration route. It moves from one conifer forest to another, after exhausting the food supply in each location. 'C)

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~ FOOD &: FEEDING The red crossbill feeds almost exclusively on conifer seeds. When pinecones are scarce in one location, flocks may invade new areas in search of food. The red crossbill is uniquely adapted to taking seeds from cones. The curved tips of its bill cross, either right over left or left over right. The bird also has one claw that is stronger than the other. The stronger claw corresponds to the side of the bill that is crossed over.

When looking for food, the bird walks sideways along a branch, stopping to twist a cone off at the stem. The bird perches with one claw on the branch and the other, stronger claw holding the cone. Using its bill and strong jaw muscles, the crossbill then extracts the seeds from the cone. The red crossbill sometimes supplements its diet with fruit seeds and berries. It also uses its tongue to catch insects.

left: The plumage of the male red crossbill is more vivid and varied than that of the female.

Right: Rarely seen in the open,

Cross bills are named for their distinctive bills, which have

DID YOU KNOW?

curved, crossed tips. The red crossbill uses its crossed bill

• The red crossbill is also referred to as the shell apple and robin hawk. • Some experts consider the Scottish crossbill, Loxia scotia, to be a subspecies of the parrot crossbill. Others believe it is a separate species because it is a little bigger, has a larger

tips like a pair of tweezers to pry seeds out of pinecones. When cones are scarce, the bird may use its bill to extract seeds from apples and pluck berries from rows of hedges. A member of the finch family, the red crossbill is a sociable bird that usually lives in small colonies among conifer trees.

~ HABITAT Red crossbills are found wherever there is coniferous woodland throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. In the United States and Canada the birds are most abundant in areas of forest where pine trees outnumber spruces and firs . Red crossbills also inhabit the pine forests of the western mountains. Because these birds tend to wander, they may occasionally be found in unexpected locations, such as groves of planted pines on the southern Great Plains. During their irregular travels, populations of crossbills rarely

mingle. As a result, a number of distinct subspecies can be found in North America. The red crossbill's great dependence on conifer seeds results in highly specialized behavior. This bird only leaves a breeding area when cones are scarce. At such times it flies to new areas in search of more favorable feeding conditions. In Europe the red crossbill may travel from Scandinavia to western Europe when it needs fresh food. Right: Young red crossbills mature much more slowly than the young of other finch species.

the red crossbill favors dense growths of conifers.

bill, and is native to Scotland. • Many foresters dislike the red crossbill because it eats seeds. But the bird probably does little harm to trees. • Red crossbills may raise a brood far south of the normal breeding range if pine seeds are plentiful in the area.

~ I ~-- .~

J

BIRDWATCH

The red crossbill usually lives in pine tree groves. Although the bird often feeds quietly, the sound of breaking cones may reveal its presence. The crossbill is frequently seen in a small flock . The bird has a rapid, bounding flight.

~ BREEDING

The red crossbill's breeding season varies, depending on the availability of food . Most of the birds breed between January and July, when pine seeds are most abundant. Courtship involves a sexual chase and mutual feeding. After mating, the pair builds a nest in the fork of a tree. The nest is made of twigs and grasses and lined with hair, rabbit fur, and feathers. The female lays three or four eggs and begins incubating after the first egg is laid. This is often essential since the weather may still be cold.

Crossbills may visit gardens to use birdbaths or take nuts and seeds from feeders . The male can be heard singing high in a tree. His presence may also be revealed by the partially eaten seeds he scatters on the ground .

After hatching, the young are closely brooded--covered with a parent's wings. The chicks can fly after about three weeks, but they remain with their parents for another month. By that time their bill tips have crossed, and they can feed themselves. While in the nest, a young bird may be fed up to 85,000 seeds by its parents. But when food is scarce, the chicks often die in the nest. The young are also vulnerable when they start feeding themselves, since they are too weak to compete when food is scarce.

CARD 189

NORTHERN HOBBY G ROUP 2 : BIRDS ORDER Fa/canifarmes

FAMILY Fa/canidae

GENUS & SPECIES Fa/ca subbutea

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 12-14 in . Weight: 5-11 oz. Female much heavier than male. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 2 years. Mating season: May to June. No. of broods: 1. Eggs: 2-4; yellowish brown, heavily spotted with red . Incubation: 1 month . Fledging period: 1 month . LIFESTYLE Habit: Day-active bird of prey. Diet: Flying insects, small birds and mammals. Lifespan: Up to 11 years .

RELATED SPECIES There are 60 species in the family Fa/canidae. Other birds within th e genus Fa/co include the American kestrel, F. sparverius, and the peregrine, F. peregrinus.

Breeding range of the northern hobby.

W inter range .

DISTRIBUTION The northern hobby is a summer visitor to much of Europe, parts of North Africa, and most of northern Asia. It usua lly win ters in southern Africa and parts of Asia . CONSERVATION Numbers decreased in Europe during the last century, but the northern hobby is now protected over much of its range. Most populations are stable, and some are increasing .

FEATURES OF THE NORTHERN HOBBY Plumage: Slate gray

Fli ght: Variable slow and soaring or rapid and aerobatic. Reveals long and narrow. scythelike wings and square-cut. relatively short tail.

back and upperparts . White breast and underparts are streaked with black . Throat and cheeks are mainly white , with a black "mustache." Thighs and undertail coverts are a rusty red color. Male and female look similar, but the female is larger.

Talons: Yellow.

The northern hobby is among the smallest and most agile of the falcons. It is a summer visitor to Europe, where some populations have increased considerably in recent years.

Very strong for snatching prey and gripping it tightly du ring flight.

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Egg s: 2 to 4. Yellowish brown with many spots. Incubated for 1 month , almost entirely by the female.

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~ BREEDING

The slende" elegant northern hobby is well known for its fast and extremely aerobatic flight. It continuously soars and swoops, gracefully climbing and then diving to execute an intricate series of loops. The birds spectacular flight is often seen when it is showing off to a prospective mate or pursuing prey. A superb hunte" the northern hobby is capable of snatching small birds while in flight.

~ HABITAT

The northern hobby is found across much of Europe and Asia . It migrates south to spend the winter in warmer climates-often in tropical Africa . This bird is mainly a lowland species, but it can be found at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet in Asia . The northern hobby prefers open woodland in all parts of its range. In northern areas it seeks out parks, heaths, or farmland, where scattered clumps of trees can be found. In more tropical Right: The young northern hobby soon develops the adult 's facial markings and streaked breast.

regions the bird prefers wooded savanna or bush . It avoids dense woodlands, coastal areas, wetlands, islands, and deserts.

In spring the northern hobby engages in its courtship display, which involves dramatic aerial stunts. The male may pass food to the female in flight, or th e pair may lock talons and fall for more than 30 feet before separating. The birds may form pairs in their winter quarters, during migration, or upon arrival at the breeding grounds. They form a strong bond that lasts through the breeding season or longer. The paired birds look for an

existing nest, usually in a line of thinly planted trees. They flatten the nest with their feet and then make other alterations to suit

Left: The hooked, notched mandibles on the hobby's short bill are ideal for ripping prey.

Right: The female stays in the nest with her young, giving them food brought by the male.

their needs. The female hobby lays a clutch of two to four eggs. She does most of the incubating, but the male may take over if she leaves the nest. The young hatch after about a month, usually in late June. They fledge after approximately four weeks, and the family stays together until fall.

DID YOU KNOW? • Some nest sites have been used for more than 40 years by successive pairs of breeding northern hobbies. • The northern hobby flies so fast and skillfully that it is capable of stealing prey from a kestrel in flight. • Gamekeepers and collectors caused the British popu-

lation of northern hobbies to decline drastically during the last century. • Because it does not prey on game birds as larger falcons do, the northern hobby is not popular with falconers. • The northern hobby occasionally hunts for its prey on clear, moonlit nights.

MI

BIRDWATCH

The northern hobby may be seen in its European breeding grounds from May to September. It is most often found in open country, with scattered clumps of trees. The northern hobby is most visible in the air, usually above

~ FOOD & HUNTING

The northern hobby preys on small birds, flying insects, and, occasionally, small mammals. It hunts mainly at dusk, when birds are coming back to their roosts and flying insects are most abundant. In addition, it catches bats as they set out on their evening flights . The northern hobby uses its aerobatic talents to catch prey. It seizes a victim with its feet in a fast, controlled flight, and its exceptional speed allows it to Left: The northern hobby usually dissects small birds at a perch but may pluck them in flight.

the tree canopy. Its flight is often very fast, but it also soars and glides on scythelike outstretched wings with spread tail feath ers _The hobby has a shorter tail than the kestrel, and its red-b rown thighs distinguish it from other falcons.

catch smaller birds with ease. After catching a bird, the northern hobby usually carries it to a perch in its claws before consuming it. It transfers insects from its feet to its bill during flight and eats them in the air. Birds are the mainstay of the northern hobby's diet when it is in the northern breeding grounds . But it also eats dragonflies, grasshoppers, flying beetles, and moths. When it is in its tropical winter quarters, the northern hobby feeds on great quantities of locusts as well as flying termites.

"'CARD 190

SKYLARK

,,~------------------------------~~~~~~ FAMILY ORDER GENUS &: SPECIES Passeriformes

Alaudidae

Alauda arvensis

I

KEY FACTS ~

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SIZES Length: 7-71f2 in. Wingspan: 12-14 in . Weight: Male, 1-1 1f2 oz. Female, about 1 oz. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 1 year. Breeding season: April to July. Eggs: 3-5; cream with brown flecks . No. of broods: 2-3. Incubation period: 11 days. Fledging period: 8-11 days (flies after 3 weeks). LIFESTYLE Habit: Favors open land. Residents are solitary. Winter visitors are sociable when not breeding. Diet: Worms, spiders, insects, seeds, green parts of plants. Lifespan: 5-6 years, rarely 8. RELATED SPECIES There are about 75 species of larks. The horned lark and the introduced skylark occur in North America.

Range of the skylark.

DISTRIBUTION The skylark is a widespread native species of Eurasia and North Africa. It has been introduced into many parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, the Hawaiian Islands, and Vancouver Island in British Columbia. CONSERVATION Although there has been some habitat loss, the skylark is in little danger over its wide range in Eurasia.

FEATURES OF THE SKYLARK Plumage: Brown barred flight feathers with paler underparts. White trail ing edges on wings. Tufted cap.

Feeding: Both parents bring food to the young . To conceal the nest's location from predators, the adults land and take off some distance away from it.

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Song flight: Male soars up on the wind , rising in stages. He may fly as high as 1,000 feet.

The skylark begins to sing as soon as it wakes up at dawn. It soars almost vertically, then hovers high in the sky, all the while warbling its tuneful song.

Nest: Cbncealed in a hollow on the ground . Made of grass and roots and sometimes lined with horsehai r. © MCMXCII IMP BVIIMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

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~ FOOD & FEEDING

~ BREEDING The skylark mates in March and April. During this time the male uses song to protect his breeding territory. While soaring high in the sky, he sings with a warbling voice that warns any other males to stay away. Unlike many male birds, the male skylark does not take on brightly colored plumage in the breeding season. But he makes up for his inconspicuous plumage with a dazzling courtship display. He drums his wings to propel himself vertically upward and then hovers in the air, keeping time with his melodic song. After several minutes, he suddenly dives down with folded

grass and roots in a hollow in the ground. She lays from two to three clutches in late spring and early summer. Each clutch contains three to five eggs. While the female incubates the eggs for 11 days, the male

In summer the skylark eats caterpillars, millipedes, earthworms, and a wide range of insects. In fall and winter it eats grass and corn seeds. It also eats the green parts of various

chickweed and clover leaves. Skylarks also like some weeds, but many weeds are eliminated by modern agriculture. As a result, the birds feed more heavily on young shoots of corn and

plants, and it is very fond of

sugarbeets, damaging crops.

long been hunted for food. It is now illegal to hunt them in Great Britain but not in some other parts of Europe. Some farmers consider the skylark a pest, since large flocks

can seriously damage crops. But the skylark population has

sings. Both parents feed the down-covered nestlings. The young begin to fly when they are about three weeks old. Right: In summer the skylark eats insects and worms.

wings, singing all the while. A moment before reaching the ground, he spreads his wings and tail for a graceful landing. The female builds a nest from Left: A male skylark perches on a

fence post, ready to soar up and sing his trilling song.

Although some of its natural breeding grounds have been lost to agriculture, the skylark is still the most widespread of European birds. Its melodic song is commonly heard in open countryside-a habitat that the skylark favors. The population in the southern part of the range swells in winter, when millions of migrating skylarks arrive from colder climates.

~ HABITAT The skylark is most common in Eurasia and North Africa, its native habitats. It likes open spaces away from trees. It lives on grassy hills, pastures, moorland, sand dunes, and marshy land around river estuaries.

This bird prefers uncultivated countryside. A favorite habitat is grazing land used for flocks of sheep. But in some areas this land is now used for farming, and fewer skylarks are found there.

~I

BIRDWATCH

The skylark's song is heard during most of the year. The bird does not sing in foggy weather, however, or when molting in the summer. The male sings during nest building and incubation. The male skylark is easy to identify when he is doing his display flight because it is accompanied by a powerful, warbling song that may last five minutes, while he is just a tiny speck high in the sky. The skylark also sings on the ground. If it is disturbed, however, the bird flies into

the air, singing loudly. ~

~ SKYLARK & MAN The skylark has been the subject of many poems and songs, and its melodic voice made it a popular cage bird in the past. Considered a delicacy by some people, skylarks have

actually been reduced by the spread of farmland, which has deprived the bird of much of its habitat.

DID YOU KNOW? birds are still sleeping. That is

are records of skylarks escap-

why early risers are said to be "up with the lark."

ing the hawk's grasp and breaking into song. • Most birds have local accents, but the skylark's song is reported to be the same all over the world.

"bird flageolet."

• The phrase "larking about" comes from the days when children went into meadows before dawn to catch skylarks in nets.

• The skylark begins singing just before dawn, while other

• The skylark is a favorite prey of the sparrowhawk. Yet there

• In the past, people taught the skylark songs. One book published in 1 71 7 contained melodies that could be taught to skylarks and other birds. The tunes were played to the birds on a special flute called a

• In Great Britain, the skylark is one of the few birds that sings almost all year round.