The Comoros archipelago comprises four main islands aligned along a northwest–southeast axis at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, between Mozambique and Madagascar. Although still widely known by their French names, the islands are officially referred to by their Swahili names by the Comorian government: Grande Comore (Njazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Mayotte (Mahoré). The islands lie relatively far apart—Grande Comore is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Mayotte, 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Mohéli, and 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Anjouan—and the scarcity of good harbors makes transportation and communication challenging. The islands enjoy abundant sunshine throughout … Continue
Bluebirds Are Just the Beginning: All About Thrushes
… ContinueThis YouTube video was produced by the American Bird Conservancy.
Bluebirds are a delight to observe, with their bright sky-blues, plump little bodies, and cheerful warbling songs. Familiar and lovable, their enthusiastic embrace of nest boxes also makes for an inspiring community conservation story.
Despite their well-earned adoration, bluebirds offer only a tiny glimpse into the wonderful and diverse family to which they belong: the thrushes. There are 194 thrush species worldwide and more than 45 can be observed in the Western Hemisphere, including the familiar American Robin, the stunning Varied Thrush, and the rare and Critically Endangered Puaiohi in
Galápagos Petrel: Nimble Scavenger
… ContinueThis YouTube video was produced by the American Bird Conservancy.
The swift-flying Galápagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) is known by locals as “patapegada,” or “web-footed one.” Once lumped together with the Hawaiian Petrel into a species known as the Dark-rumped Petrel, these two seabirds were split into unique species in 2002 by the American Ornithologists Union based on differences between the two species’ vocalizations, morphology, and genetics.
With long wings and a distinctive flight pattern, the Galápagos Petrel is part of a larger group of seabirds known as “gadfly” petrels. Gadfly petrels are named for their erratic twisting and turning flight,