On August 30th 2020, a steller’s sea eagle was seen at Denali National Park in Alaska. This was not the first time this species has been seen in this state, but it was unusual in the fact that this individual was seen so far inland. Afterwards, on March 10, 2021, it was then spotted at…
Category: 10000birdsproject
Species Spotlight: Kori Bustard
Kori Bustard (Ardeodis kori) This large bodied bird is native to the deserts and savannas of southern Africa. Standing at a height of about three feet and males weighing up to 40 pounds, they are the heaviest flying bird on earth. The kori bustard is a cryptically colored ground bird consisting mostly of browns and…
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Rose breasted grosbeak This large songbird is a showstopper when they show up at backyard bird feeders. The males plumage is a striking combo of red white and black. Males are identified by their black head and back, white underside and a bright red chevron patterned patch of feathers on their chest trailing down to…
Bird family: Strigidae
Owls are broken up into two different families, Strigidae (true owls) and Tytonidae ( barn owls). The family Strigidae consists of around 220 species and is found almost worldwide, on every continent except antarctica. Characterised by circular facial disks, cryptic coloring and many species possessing ear tufts. Like tytonidae they also have feathered legs, powerful…
Great Horned Owl
Found throughout all but the northernmost parts of North America and parts of South America, this large stocky owl is well recognised by many as it is one of the most common owls on the continent. Characterised by its large ear tufts, mottled brown-gray plumage and white throat patch their color can vary depending on…
International Vulture Awareness Day
The first saturday of September is international vulture awareness day! While these birds may not be everybodies favorite birds, they still fill a very important niche in the environment. They are the clean up crew! When an animal dies, scavengers like vultures will take care of the body. But the deceased animal could be carrying…
Cockatiel
This little parrot species can be found throughout most of Australia, prefering to stick to wetlands and scrubland. Even though it is much smaller than its relatives, it is still a cockatoo. Primarily gray with white wing patches, males will have brighter yellow faces with red cheeck patches and females will have dull coloring on…
Indigo Bunting
Indigo Bunting The indigo bunting is a small sparrow sized songbird foundthrough out the eastern half of North America and in winter migrates down into Central America. The males are the ones who are the brilliant blue while females are brown with faint streaking on their breasts. Their prefered habitats are overgrown fields, brushy areas…
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) A medium sized woodpecker native to the eastern half of North America. In their prefered habitat of deciduous woodlands and tree groves, they can be seen eating insects, fruits and seeds. This species is on the IUCN red list as near threatened due to losses of mature forests with nut crops…
Cedar Waxwing
The cedar waxwing is a medium sized songbird found through out almost all of North America except the the northern most parts. These little birds have a little crest, black crest and have a brown head and chest along with a yellow belly with their tail being black with a yellow or orange tail tip….