Tag: american bird conservancy

The Shining Sunbeam is a large, conspicuous hummingbird found at higher altitudes along both slopes of the Andes. It often perches in open areas and is fairly easy to spot. At first glance it appears to be rather plain, feathered in shades of brown and cinnamon. Its specific genus name, cupripennis, is a combination of the Latin words for “copper” and “winged,”; and the species is indeed sometimes called the Copper-Winged Hummingbird.

But seen from the back in just the right light, the Shining Sunbeam dazzles, with a lower … Continue

American Bird Conservancy is focused on addressing the continuing challenges for birds and their habitats. Our planet and our climate — and all of the communities that depend upon them — need bold action now more than ever.

In this webinar, you’ll hear from ABC experts about ongoing policy efforts to advance bird conservation. A new presidential administration and Congress presents opportunities, and challenges, to enact laws and regulations which support bird conservation. Successfully navigating these new dynamics is key to fulfilling ABC’s mission, and we are excited to … Continue

At roughly three inches long, the tiny White-bellied Woodstar is about the size of a large insect. It’s part of a group of similarly small-sized hummingbirds that includes the Chilean Woodstar and the vulnerable Esmeraldas Woodstar, a species found only in Ecuador.

This hummingbird is easily identified by its namesake white belly patch, along with large white flank patches and a white stripe behind the eye. These ID features are common to both sexes, which otherwise look dissimilar. As with other hummingbird species, the male White-bellied Woodstar is the … Continue

The Greater Roadrunner belongs to a large avian family, the Cuculidae, which includes the Yellow-billed and Mangrove Cuckoos as well as larger, more terrestrial species such as the Rufous-Vented Ground-Cuckoo of Central and South America. The Greater Roadrunner’s scientific name, which translates to “Californian earth-cuckoo,” shows its affinity with this latter group. It’s the only ground cuckoo found in North America.

This charismatic cuckoo is also called Chaparral Cock, Snake Killer, Paisano, and Medicine Bird. It’s the basis for a popular Warner Brothers cartoon character, a frequent team mascot, … Continue

The Plain Chachalaca is a member of the Cracidae family, which includes large turkey or chicken-like tropical birds such as the Blue-Billed Curassow, Great Curassow, and Baudo Guan. Like many of its relatives, the Plain Chachalaca is highly social, living in flocks of up to 15 birds. However, this wary bird can be hard to spot amid its preferred habitat of thick, thorny scrub. It’s reluctant to fly, escaping threats by running or climbing through the underbrush.

When spotted, this chicken-like bird epitomizes the name “plain,” with drab, olive-brown … Continue