'" CARD 181 I

LONG-TAILED CORMORANT
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~
ORDER FAMILY ... GENUS & SPECIES
Phalacrocoracidae ~ Phalacrocorax african us Pelecaniformes
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.
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.
Range of the long-tailed cormorant.
DISTRIBUTION
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.
Found mainly in freshwater habitats in Africa south of the
Sahara Desert and in Madagascar.
CONSERVATION
RELATED SPECIES
The genus Phalacrocorax contains
approximately 32 species, includ-
ing the double-crested cormorant,
P. auritus.
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.
FEATURES OF THE LONG-TAILED CORMORANT
Eggs: 2 to 6; chalky white
with a pale blue or light
green tinge.
Tail: Long and dark. Gives the
bird its common name and
helps distinguish it from
other cormorants.
Wings: Fairly short and full of fine
blood vessels that regulate the bird's
body temperature. The wing feath-
ers, unlike those of most diving
birds, allow water to soak in
rapidly, preventing unde-
sirable buoyancy during
a dive. The feathers
then need time
to dry out.
MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Feet: All 4 toes
are fully webbed.
They are the main
means of propul-
sion while the
cormorant is
underwater.
0160200651 PACKET 65
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.
~ HABITAT
The long-tailed cormorant lives
mainly on freshwater lakes, riv-
ers, ponds, and lagoons. It is
also found near the sea on es-
tuaries, coastal bays, and man-
grove creeks. Less sociable than
other cormorants, it is frequent-
ly seen alone or in small groups.
Perching on a branch over the
water, it sits with its wings out-
stretched 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 cormo-
rants a good fishing site.
The roost is usually a partly
submerged tree or bush, which
the long-tailed cormorant may
share with storks, herons, and
ibises, as well as other cormo-
rants. 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.
~ BREEDING
The long-tailed cormorant is sex-
ually mature by the age of three
to four years. After pairing, the
couple performs a courtship rit-
ual featuring head shaking, mu-
tual preening, bill touching, and
intertwining of necks.
Breeding takes place at vari-
ous times of the year within a
colony. The nest is a platform of
twigs and vegetation that is usu-
ally built on a partly submerged
tree several feet above the wa-
ter. About ten inches across and
Left: After a swim, the long-tailed
cormorant must let its wing feath-
ers dry before it flies.
one to two inches deep, it may
be close to another nest or sev-
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
the chick pushes its bill down
the adult's throat to get food.
Right: Reeds growing in a freshwa-
ter river or lake make an excellent
nesting platform.
Left: The plum-
age on most
cormorant spe-
cies is predomi-
nantly black, so
the best way to
identify a long-
tailed cormor-
ant 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 posi-
tion fish before it swallows
them. It also pants and flut-
ters the pouch to help lower
its body temperature.
Another African species, the
Cape cormorant, produces
rich droppings that are used
in fertilizers. Fertilizer compa-
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The long-tailed cormorant feeds
for about a quarter of the day. It
eats mostly fish, but it also feeds
on frogs, water insects, crusta-
ceans such as freshwater shrimp,
and even small birds.
The long-tailed cormorant pre-
fers to fish early in the morning
and again in the evening. The
bird swims low in the water. Of-
ten 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.
nies have built offshore plat-
forms on which the bird can
roost and breed.
For centuries, cormorants
have been used to catch fish
in China and Japan. The fish-
erman places a ring over a
tethered bird's neck to keep
it from swallowing the fish,
which he then collects.
the feathers and force air out, so
the bird can dive and sink rapid-
ly. After rising slightly in the wa-
ter, the cormorant slips smoothly
beneath the surface. It swims
underwater with its wings close
to its sides, using its webbed
feet to propel itself. The bird's
extensive network of blood ves-
sels 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 usu-
ally brings a fish to the surface
before swallowing it headfirst.
CARD 182
SATIN BOWERBIRD
GROUP 2: BIRDS
ORDER
Passeriformes
.. FAMILY ... GENUS &: SPECIES
Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus violaceus
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.
__________________ __ __ ___
SIZES
Length: 11-13 in.
Weight: 5 oz .
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Female, at least 2
years. Male, usually 5-7 years.
Br eeding season: Varies, but usu-
ally 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 territori-
al 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.
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. Bower: Built from twigs.
'decorates the entrance with
bri ghtly colored objects,
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The satin bowerbird is the best-known member of a family
that is closely related to the birds of paradise. Although the
male has beautiful, iridescent blue plumage, he lacks the
spectacular display feathers with which his relatives attract
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.
HABITAT
The satin bowerbird lives in the
rainforests, wet eucalyptus for-
ests, 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
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
far from tree cover and spends
much of its time on the ground.
During the breeding season, the
bird is mainly solitary. The ter-
ritorial males establish their dis-
play areas at fairly even dis-
tances throughout the forest
and defend them vigorously.
After the breeding season,
satin bowerbirds form large,
nomadic feeding flocks. The
birds are then more likely to
leave the forest and feed in
open woodland, scrub, or even
gardens and orchards.
Although the satin bower-
bird is still relatively common
within its range, its population
is decreasing as humans con-
tinue to destroy the damp veg-
etation of its habitat.
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 over-
head. He decorates the bower
entrance with feathers, stones,
berries, shells, and anything
else that he can find, including
man-made objects such as met-
al, glass, or even keys.
Then he paints the bower's
walls. For a brush, he holds a
left: The male satin bowerbird clears
a small area of forest where he can
build his bower.
DID YOU KNOW?
piece of bark in his beak. For
paint, he uses a mixture of ber-
ry juice and saliva. Like his plum-
age, 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
offers her a gift and invites her
into the bower to mate.
Right: The bower is frequently dec-
orated with objects that are blue,
like the male's plumage.
The male satin bowerbird The satin bowerbird likes the
becomes more skillful at build- color blue so much that in cap-
ing a bower over the years. A it has been known to kill
young male starts by building small blue birds, apparently
an inferior bower and gradu- to decorate its bower.
ally improves his style. The satin bowerbird can
Coins, eyeglasses, bullets, mimic the calls of other birds.
empty cartridge cases, plus a It has even been known to
watch and chain have all been imitate the sounds of a cat
I fuundoutsideth_e_b_ir_ds_' _bo _w __ __ . ___ a_nd __ a_w_h_i_st_le_. __________
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

The female satin bowerbird is at-
tracted to the male by his loud
and dramatic display. But she
may wait several weeks before
finally entering his bower to
mate. She shows her readiness
to mate by adopting a crouch-
ing position.
The female leaves the bower
after mating. The male makes
any necessary repairs to his bow-
er. Then he continues to display
outside of it for several weeks,
trying to attract more mates.
left: The female enters the bower
before mating, while the male con-
tinues to display.
as fields, orchards, and gardens.
Satin bowerbirds are particu-
larly 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 exter-
minated from certain parts of
its southern range.
The female bowerbird con-
structs a cup-shaped nest of
woven twigs in a tree or vine
that may be located hundreds
of feet from the bower. She
lays up to three eggs and incu-
bates 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
to leave the nest at about three
weeks old.
ALPINE SWIFT
,. ORDER
~ Apodiformes
FAMILY
Apodidae
GENUS & SPECIES
Apus melba
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.
KEY FACTS
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.
Fl edging peri od: 6-8 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Sociable; migratory.
Diet: Insects and spiders caught in
the air.
Call: High-pitched trills. Pairs whis-
per quietly to each other.
Lifespan: Longest on record,
26 years.
RELATED SPECIES
Other swifts breeding in Europe are
the common swift, Apus apus, and
the pallid swift, A. pallidus.
Range of the alpine swift.
DISTRIBUTION
Breeds from southern Europe and the Mediterranean region
east to Afghanistan. Birds migrate to parts of Africa and India,
where they may also breed.
CONSERVATION
Nearly one-quarter of the birds die in their first or second year.
Populations can suffer in severe weat her, but numbers appear
to be increasing at present.
FEATURES OF THE ALPINE SWIFT
Flight: Reveals forked tail and
streamlined body with distinctive
white underparts and a brown band
below the throat.
Wings: Long and crescent-shaped.
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 PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Bi ": Very small, but
large mouth opens
wide to catch
insects during
flight.
Eggs: 3; white. Hatch
in 18 to 33 days.
Nest: Cup-shaped,
made of feathers and
straw that the alpine
swift gathers in flight.
0160200621 PACKET 62
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.
~ H A B I T S
The alpine swift is easy to recog-
nize because it is the only swift
in Europe that has a white under-
body. The underbody can be
seen when the bird is in flight.
Its streamlined body and pow-
erful wings make this bird ex-
tremely agile in the air.
The alpine swift has tiny feet
because it does not need to walk
or perch. In fact, this bird is al-
most helpless on the ground.
Instead of walking or perching,
it uses its sharp claws to cling to
cracks in the rocky mountain-
sides and cliffs where it lives.
Alpine swifts are sociable birds
that feed, breed, and migrate in
flocks. At night or in bad weath-
er, 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.
~ BREEDING
The alpine swift breeds in colo-
nies comprised of up to 1 70
pairs. It keeps the same mate
and, if possible, the same nest-
ing 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
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
parents incubate the eggs, and
left: The eaves of buildings make
excellent nesting sites for the al-
pine swift.
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
a nest that they return to later
when ready to breed.
In cold weather conditions,
roosting alpine swifts may
cling to a wall and to each
other. They form a compact
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
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.
Top: The adult feeds the young in-
sects, which it carries in a special
throat pouch.
ball of birds, with the birds on
the outside trying to get to
the center for warmth.
Alpine swifts seem unable
to recognize their own off-
spring. If a young bird climbs
into a neighbor's nest and
is the same size as the other
nestlings, it may be accepted
and fed.
f
f
f
f
(
f
f
f f
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.
f
f
f
f
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The alpine swift can cover 400
to 600 miles a day as it roams
the skies, looking for flying in-
sects. It flies so high that it can
barely be seen through power-
ful binoculars.
It is not known why this bird
flies at such high altitudes. Tem-
perature, air currents, time of
day, and food supplies may be
~ MIGRATION
The alpine swift flies south for
the winter in flocks of about 50
birds. It sustains a long migra-
tory flight for days on end, con-
serving 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
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,
dragonflies, and grasshoppers,
as well as spiders drifting in the
air on silken lines.
Africa. Birds that live in north-
ern India tend to migrate local-
ly, moving farther south on the
Indian subcontinent.
By the end of February the al-
pine swift can be spotted mov-
ing 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.
SHOEBILL STORK
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ORDER
Ciconiiformes
FAMILY
Ba/aenicipitidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Ba/aeniceps rex
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.
KEY FACTS
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
good food sources.
Range of the shoebill stork.
Diet: Fish, frogs, snakes, and
young turtles.
DISTRIBUTION
Call: Mainly silent but sometimes
utters a shrill cackle. Also claps bill
in display or threat.
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-
ber of the family Ba/aenicipitidae.
The shoebill stork is fairly rare, with a population of about 1,500
It is threatened by human interference, especially by the build-
ing 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.
Legs: Long for
wading. The bird
may stand on
one leg when pa-
tiently waiting
for prey.
MCMXCIV IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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.
US P 6001 12 068 PACKET 68
The shoebill stork is one of nature's strangest-looking
birds. It has a huge, hooked bill that is ideally shaped
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.

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 distrib-
uted within its range.
A solitary bird, the shoebill of-
ten 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 float-
ing 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.
FOOD &: FEEDING
The shoebill feeds mainly during
the day among the rafts of float-
ing plants. It lives mostly on cat-
fish and lungfish, but it also eats
frogs, snakes, and young turtles.
The shoebill shows great pa-
tience 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 sur-
facing. It then thrusts its head
and neck forward and lunges
left: Large eyes set at the front
of the head give the shoebill stork
binocular vision.
DID YOU KNOW?
Another name for the shoe-
bill stork is the whale-headed
I
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
with its wings outstretched to
snatch the prey in its bill. Often
it takes in surrounding vegeta-
tion as well.
After separating the fish from
the plant matter, the bird swal-
lows 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 shoe-
bill always drinks immediately
afterfeeding.
Right: Closer to a stork than to a
heron, the shoebill is classed in its
own family.
shoebililadies water over its
eggs to keep them at the cor-
rect temperature. This dows-
ing is continued after hatching
to keep the chicks cool.
The shoebill's Arabic name,
abu markub, means "father of
the shoe."

The breeding season of the shoe-
bill stork varies, depending on
the bird's location. In the Sudan,
breeding begins after the flood-
waters have subsided.
Little is known about the shoe-
bill'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 papy-
rus 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 re-
turn 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
" GROUP 2: BIRDS
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
ORDER
Cuculiformes
FAMILY
Cuculidae
GENUS & SPECIES
Coccyzus erythropthalmus
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.
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 Cu-
culidae include the greater road-
runner, Geococcyx californian us,
and the yellow-billed cuckoo,
Coccyzus americanus.
Breeding range of the
black-billed cuckoo.
DISTRIBUTION
Winter range.
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
Plumage:
Upper body,
wings, and tail
are gray-brown
with a slight
green gloss.
Underparts,
cheeks, and
throat are dull
white.
Feet: Gray. Two toes point forward
and two point backward.
Tail : Long, with rounded tip. Gray-
brown with narrow white areas.
Head: Brown crown. Red
eye ring.
Adult: White
underparts are
clearly visible
in flight.
Juvenile: Distinguished from the
adult by a yellow eye ring. Creamy
yellow underparts.
Eggs: 2 to 5; blue-green.
Laid at 2- to 3-day
intervals.
MCMXCIV IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A. US P 6001 12069 PACKET 69
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.

The black-billed cuckoo is one
of several North American spe-
cies of cuckoo. It breeds on the
edges of deciduous woodlands
and in groves and thickets in
central and eastern North Amer-
ica. 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
over a clearing in the woods. It
may also be heard calling to
other black-billed cuckoos with
a series of rhythmic, low calls.
Each call consists of three, four,
or five notes.

Most species of cuckoo lay their
eggs in the nests of other birds.
However, the black-billed cuck-
oo builds its own nest and raises
its own offspring. But in years
when food is abundant, it may
put some of its eggs in the nest
of another black-billed cuckoo,
a yellow-billed cuckoo, or, in
rare cases, another species.
In May the black-billed cuck-
oo builds a flimsy nest three to
ten feet above the ground in a
low tree or bush. The nest is
made of twigs and bark and
lined with grass and leaves.
Left: The young black-billed cuck-
oo lacks the adult's white under-
parts and has a yel/ow eye ring.
DID YOU KNOW?
The black-billed cuckoo has
been seen on rare occasions
in Europe, when it strayed off
its migration route. Most of
these sightings were in south-
western England.
After mating, the female lays
two to five large blue-green eggs
at intervals of two to three days.
Each adult takes turns incubat-
ing the clutch while its mate
brings it food. The incubation
period lasts only 11 to 16 days.
The young are born almost
naked, and their eyes open after
two or three days. Both parents
feed their offspring, even after
they leave the nest. Fledging
takes three to four weeks, but
the young birds tend to climb
out of the nest before they are
able to fly.
Right: The juvenile black-billed
cuckoo opens its mouth wide and
waits to be fed by its parenrs.
The exact size of the black-
billed cuckoo's clutch is not
known. Some experts think
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
on the ground and in the air. It
eats a variety of invertebrates,
Left: The black-billed cuckoo often
brings its offspring insects that it
has caught in flight.
including worms, beetles, bugs,
and grasshoppers. A major part
of its diet consists of caterpillars,
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
the air, snatching them in its
bill. The bird sometimes eats
soft fruit and berries, especially
in winter.
Left: White marks in the young
bird's throat help to guide the
parents when feeding.
BLACKCAP
,,'----
... ORDER
~ Passeriformes
FAMILY
Sylviidae
GENUS & SPECIES
Sylvia atricapilla
~ C A R D 186J
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.
KEY FACTS
- - - - - - - - - ~ ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
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.
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 war-
bler, Sylvia borin.
FEATURES OF THE BlACKCAP
Resident range of
the blackcap.
DISTRIBUTION
Winter range. Breeding range.
Resident in temperate Europe and North Africa, with small num-
bers 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.
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.
Female: Plumage is similar to that of the
male, but crown is reddish brown.
MCMXCVI IMP BV/IMP INC. WILDLIFE FACT FILpM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Beak: Short and pointed, for picking
insects from the ground and plucking
berries from trees.
us P 6001 12074 PACKET 74
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 through-
out temperate Europe and in
North Africa. In fall most black-
caps migrate to the Mediter-
ranean region, and some cross
the Sahara into western Africa.
However, these hardy birds can
endure harsh weather, and an
increasing number are spend-
ing the winter in northern Eu-
rope instead of'migrating.
The blackcap is most frequent-
ly 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. How-
ever, it also makes its home in
overgrown hedges, thickets,
and large shrubs.
The usually shy blackcap rare-
ly leaves the undergrowth, but
it can become quite bold and
aggressive on occasion. At bird
feeders it often dominates rob-
ins, great tits, greenfinches, and
even larger birds.
DID YOU KNOW?
The blackcap is able to im-
itate the songs of other birds,
including the blackbird, rob-
in, song thrush, nightingale,
and garden warbler.
The blackcap has many
regional names, including
hay bird, northern nightin-
gale, black-headed peggy,
coal hood ie, and jack straw.
' ~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The blackcap feeds mainly on
insects such as flies and cater-
pillars, which it finds beneath
bushes. It also feeds on soft
fruit and berries.
In winter the blackcap's nor-
mal 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 win-
ters of northern Europe.
Right: The blackcap spends much
of the day well concealed in the
dense undergrowth.
II Migrating blackcaps often
fly at night. Without land-
marks 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 feed-
ers in Great Britain.
The blackcap can be recog-
nized by its crown, which is
glossy black in males and
reddish brown in females .
This bird is found in wood-
lands and urban gardens. It
I
is attracted to gardens with
honeysuckle and ivy, and it
~ BREEDING
In early spring the male black-
cap 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 black-
cap 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 near-
by 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 an-
other two weeks or more.
'" CARD 187 I
PARASITIC JAEGER
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
". ORDER .. FAMILY
"1IIIIIIII Charadriiformes ~ Stercorariidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Stercorarius parasiticus
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.
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 breed-
ing. Otherwise, mainly silent.
Lifespan: Up to 18 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The 7 species of parasitic jaeger
include the great skua, Catharacta
skua, and the long-tailed jaeger,
Stercorarius longicaudus.
Breeding range of the
parasitic jaeger.
DISTRIBUTION
Winter range.
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.
CONSERVATION
The parasitic jaeger is common in many parts of its breeding
range. It is rarely disturbed by humans.
FEATURES OF THE PARASITIC JAEGER
central
Dark phase: All
plumage is dark.
Plumage: There are 2
color phases, or varia-
tions: adult birds may
be dark or light. In the
light phase (shown below)
upperparts are dark
and underparts
are light.
are elongated
into fine stream-
erlike points.
These sometimes -
break off, especially
by the end of the
breeding season.
Long-tailed
jaeger: Smaller
and more grace-
ful. Has longer
tall streamers.
Pomarine
jaeger: Larger
and stockier.
Has rounded,
twisted tail
streamers.
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~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ @
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.
~ CHARACTERISTICS
For much of the year, the para-
sitic 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-
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
~ 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 -
lows flocks of migrating terns to
steal their food.
Arctic tundra, rocky islands, and
coastal moorland. When it is on
land it attacks any animal that
invades its territory. It even at-
tacks 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.
By midwinter the birds reach
the South Atlantic. Most para-
sitic jaegers spend the winter
south of the equator. Young
birds may spend two years in
southern waters before return-
ing to their Arctic birthplace.
~ 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 rit-
ual wing lifting and bowing on
the ground plus dramatic zig-
zagging flights.
Male and female build a sim-
ple nest together. Pressing their
chests down on open ground,
they move around until they
Left: The parasitic jaeger is ag-
gressive when defending its ex-
posed nest site.
DID YOU KNOW?
When defending its nest and
young, the parasitic jaeger has
attacked humans, sea eagles,
Arctic foxes, and polar bears.
The great skua may com-
pete with the parasitic jaeger
Above: The par-
asitic jaeger uses
its long, hooked
bill and sharply
clawed feet as
weapons of
attack and
defense.
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
nest within a few days of birth
but remain nearby. The young
can fly at about four weeks of
age but are not fully indepen-
dent until they are approxi-
mately 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 small-
er 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
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
When migrating and in winter,
the parasitic jaeger obtains al-
most 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
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 crusta-
ceans from the surface of the
Left: The parasitic jaeger glides for
long periods, landing on water less
often than most gulls.
with t he smaller long-tailed
jaeger, which has longer tail
streamers, or with the larger
pomarine jaeger, which has
twisted t ail streamers.
sea. It also scavenges for refuse
thrown off ships and eats car-
rion (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-
casionally the parasitic jaeger
preys on small mammals. This
bird is well adapted for its pred-
atory lifestyle. Its webbed feet
have strong, sharp claws, and its
strong bill has a hooked tip for
tearing flesh.
The parasitic jaeger supple-
ments its diet with eggs and
insects such as butterflies and
beetles. In late summer it also
feeds on berries and grass seeds.
RED CROSSBILL
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Fringillidae
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Loxia curvirosta
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.
KEY FACTS
- - ~ - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
SIZES
Length: 6-7 in.
Wingspan: 12 in.
Weight: 1 ~ oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding season: Varies, but usu-
ally 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.
RELATED SPECIES
Other members of the finch family
include the goldfinches, siskins,
red polls, and the evening gros-
beak, Coccothraustes vespertinus.
Range of the red crossbill.
DISTRIBUTION
Found throughout coniferous woodland in North America, Eu-
rope, and Asia.
CONSERVATION
The red crossbill is increasing its numbers and its range. How-
ever, the population in any location fluctuates, depending on
the availability of pinecones.
FEATURES OF THE RED CROSSBILL
Female: Yellow-
green plumage,
with dark brown
wing and tail
feathers.
Bill: Strong.
Curved, crossed
tips enable the
bi rd to extract
seeds from pine-
cones. Tips may
be crossed right
over left or left
Male: Crimson plumage OTHER CROSSBILL
with yellow tint. Dark
brown wing and tail
feathers. Young male
has duller coloring than
the adult.
Scottish crossbill, Loxia
scotica: Sometimes re-
garded 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.
'C) MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200721 PACKET 72
Cross bills are named for their distinctive bills, which have
curved, crossed tips. The red crossbill uses its crossed bill
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 wherev-
er 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 depen-
dence 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 feed-
ing 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.
~ 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.
left: The plumage of the male red
crossbill is more vivid and varied
than that of the female.
DID YOU KNOW?
The red crossbill is also re-
ferred to as the shell apple
and robin hawk.
Some experts consider the
Scottish crossbill, Loxia scotia,
to be a subspecies of the par-
rot crossbill. Others believe it
is a separate species because
it is a little bigger, has a larger
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.
Right: Rarely seen in the open,
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 J
are plentiful in the area.
~ I ~ - - . ~ 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 sea-
son 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 incu-
bating 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 scat-
ters 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.
NORTHERN HOBBY
ORDER
Fa/canifarmes
FAMILY
Fa/canidae
CARD 189
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS & SPECIES
Fa/ca subbutea
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.
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 the
genus Fa/co include the American
kestrel, F. sparverius, and the pere-
grine, F. peregrinus.
Breeding range of the
northern hobby.
DISTRIBUTION
Winter range.
The northern hobby is a summer visitor to much of Europe,
parts of North Africa, and most of northern Asia. It usually 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
back and upper-
parts. White breast
and underparts are
streaked with black.
Throat and cheeks
are mainly white,
with a black "mus-
tache." Thighs and
undertail coverts are
a rusty red color.
Male and female
look similar, but the
female is larger.
Talons: Yellow.
Very strong for
snatching prey
and gripping it
tightly du ring
flight.
MCMXCVI IMP BV/IMP INC. WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Eggs: 2 to 4.
Yellowish brown
with many spots.
Incubated for 1
month, almost
entirely by the
female.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Fli ght: Variable
slow and soaring
or rapid and
aerobatic. Re-
veals long and
narrow. scythe-
like wings and
square-cut. rel-
atively short tail.
US P 6001 12 078 PACKET 78
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.
~ H A B I T A T
The northern hobby is found
across much of Europe and Asia.
It migrates south to spend the
winter in warmer climates-of-
ten in tropical Africa. Thi s 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, wet-
lands, islands, and deserts.
~ BREEDING
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 the
pair may lock talons and fall for
more than 30 feet before sepa-
rating. 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
Left: The hooked, notched mandi-
bles on the hobby's short bill are
ideal for ripping prey.
DID YOU KNOW?
Some nest sites have been
used for more than 40 years
by successive pairs of breed-
ing northern hobbies.
The northern hobby flies so
fast and skillfully that it is cap-
able of stealing prey from a
kestrel in flight.
Gamekeepers and collec-
tors caused the British popu-
existing nest, usually in a line of
thinly planted trees. They flatten
the nest with their feet and then
make other alterations to suit
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 approxi-
mately four weeks, and the fam-
ily stays together until fall.
Right: The female stays in the nest
with her young, giving them food
brought by the male.
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 occa-
sionally hunts for its prey on
clear, moonlit nights.
MI BIRDWATCH
The northern hobby may be
seen in its European breeding
grounds from May to Septem-
ber. 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 of-
ten very fast, but it also soars
and glides on scythelike out-
stretched wings with spread
tail feathers_ The hobby has a
shorter tail than the kestrel,
and its red-brown thighs dis-
tinguish it from other falcons.
catch smaller birds with ease.
After catching a bird, the north-
ern hobby usually carries it to
a perch in its claws before con-
suming 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 drag-
onflies, 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 I
SKYLARK
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Alaudidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Alauda arvensis
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.
KEY FACTS
~ SIZES
l][J 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 so-
ciable 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.
FEATURES OF THE SKYLARK
Plumage: Brown barred flight feath-
ers 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.
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
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, in-
cluding Australia, New Zealand, the Hawaiian Islands, and Van-
couver Island in British Columbia.
CONSERVATION
Although there has been some habitat loss, the skylark is in lit-
tle danger over its wide range in Eurasia.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
j
,
... , .
Song flight: Male soars up on
the wind, rising in stages. He
may fly as high as 1,000 feet.
0160200651 PACKET 65
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, moor-
land, 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 farm-
ing, and fewer skylarks are
found there.
~ BREEDING
The skylark mates in March and
April. During this time the male
uses song to protect his breed-
ing territory. While soaring high
in the sky, he sings with a war-
bling 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 plum-
age with a dazzling courtship
display. He drums his wings to
propel himself vertically upward
and then hovers in the air, keep-
ing time with his melodic song.
After several minutes, he sud-
denly dives down with folded
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.
~ 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 build-
ing and incubation.
The male skylark is easy to
identify when he is doing his
display flight because it is ac-
companied 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. ~
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
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.
~ SKYLARK & MAN
The skylark has been the sub-
ject 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
DID YOU KNOW?
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
"bird flageolet."
The skylark begins singing
just before dawn, while other
~ FOOD & FEEDING
In summer the skylark eats
caterpillars, millipedes, earth-
worms, and a wide range of
insects. In fall and winter it eats
grass and corn seeds. It also
eats the green parts of various
plants, and it is very fond of
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
birds are still sleeping. That is
why early risers are said to be
"up with the lark."
The phrase "larking about"
comes from the days when
children went into meadows
before dawn to catch skylarks
in nets.
The skylark is a favorite prey
of the sparrowhawk. Yet there
chickweed and clover leaves.
Skylarks also like some weeds,
but many weeds are eliminated
by modern agriculture. As a re-
sult, the birds feed more heavily
on young shoots of corn and
sugarbeets, damaging crops.
can seriously damage crops.
But the skylark population has
actually been reduced by the
spread of farmland, which has
deprived the bird of much of
its habitat.
are records of skylarks escap-
ing the hawk's grasp and
breaking into song.
Most birds have local ac-
cents, but the skylark's song
is reported to be the same all
over the world.
In Great Britain, the skylark
is one of the few birds that
sings almost all year round.