Author: Matt Davis

Harpy Eagle

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The Harpy Eagle(Harpia harpyja), also known as the American Harpy Eagle or Brazilian Harpy Eagle is a South American bird of prey that is classified in the order Accipitriformes and the family Accipitridae. 

Physical Characteristics

The Harpy Eagle can be identified by its large hooked bill; a divided crest on the central crown; broad, rounded wings; and a proportionately long, banded tail. An adult Harpy Eagle can be recognized by its large size, gray head and neck, big black breast band, dark upperparts, and white lower breast and belly. It takes a few years for a Harpy Eagle to fledge … Continue

Belted Kingfisher

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Female
Male

The Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) is a bird classified in the order Coraciiformes, and the family Alcedinidae.

Physical Characteristics

The Belted Kingfisher has a crest on its head. Both the male and female have a blue-gray back and chest band. The female has rust colored bands on her sides and a rust colored band across her lower breast. The Belted Kingfisher is one of the few species in which the female is more brightly colored than the male. 

Length28-35 cm(11″-1’1.8″)
Wingspan48-50 cm(1’6.9″-1’7.7″)
Weight140-170 grams(4.9-5.9 oz)

*Subspecies

The Belted Kingfisher is classified as a monotypic species.

Range

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Common Loon

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The Common Loon(Gavia immer), also known as the Great Northern Diver is a waterbird classified in the order Gaviiformes and the family Gaviidae. 

A Common Loon with its chick.

Physical Characteristics

During the breeding season an adult Common Loon’s head and bill are black, its back is spotted with black-and-white,  and their breasts are white. In the non-breeding season Common Loons are much duller in color. Juvenile specimens resemble non-breeding adults.

Length66-91 cm(2’1.9”-2’11.8”)
Wingspan1-1.3 m(3’3.4”-4’3.2”)
Bill Length6.4-10 cm(2.5”-3.9”)
Weight2.2-7.6 kg(4.9-18.8 lbs.)

*Subspecies

The Common Loon is classified as a monotypic species.

Range

The Common Loon’s breeding … Continue

Ring-Billed Gull

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The Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is a monotypic species (no subspecies) classified in the order Charadriiformes and the family Laridae. This species gets its name from the black ring around its bill. The Ring-Billed Gull can live for up to 27.5 years.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Ring-Billed Gulls have gray backs, while their chests and bellies are white. They have yellow legs and bills. There is a black ring that encircles the bill. Juvenile Ring-Billed Gulls take a few years before they fledge into their adult plumage. Adult specimens have tan streaks across their heads in the nonbreeding season.

Length 43-54
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Barred Owl

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The Barred Owl(Strix varia) is classified in the order Strigiformes, and the family Strigidae(true owls). The Barred Owl is one of the most common owls found in North America. Unlike many other species of Owl, Barred Owls are not fully nocturnal(only active at night time); Barred Owls are occasionally active during the daytime, especially early in the morning.

Physical Characteristics

The Barred Owl has large dark brown, almost black eyes. Its whole body is barred with brownish bars. A Barred Owl’s underparts are streaked with vertical brownish bars on a white background. The breast is streaked with horizontal brownish bars. There … Continue