Tag: american bird conservancy

The handsome male Phainopepla is clad in sleek black plumage that inspired its name, a composite of the Greek words phainos (shining) and peplos (robe). The male also has striking white wing patches that are visible as he flies. Female and juvenile Phainopeplas are a more subtle ash-gray, with white edging on their wing feathers instead of the male’s bold white patches. Both sexes have bright red eyes, small, short bills, and ragged-looking crests.

Often described as a “black cardinal with a red eye,” the Phainopepla is actually unrelated … Continue

The Florida Scrub-Jay is an uncommon member of the wide-ranging Corvid family, found only along the ancient, shrubby sand ridges and dunes which run through the central part of the U.S. state of Florida. This jay is more subtle in appearance than flashier family members such as the Blue Jay and Green Jay, with understated plumage of soft blue, silvery gray, and touches of white.

As intelligent and curious as other members of its family, the Florida Scrub-Jay is quite tame, and will readily approach people to investigate shiny … Continue

The Buff-Bellied Hummingbird is a specialty of the southern U.S. border, and birders that want to add one to their life list need to travel to South Texas or make their way further south, into Mexico, Belize, or Guatemala. This gleaming green hummingbird is larger than a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, and can be identified by its black-tipped red bill, rusty-orange tail, and eponymous buff-colored belly and undertail. It is closely related to the Vulnerable Honduran Emerald, a species endemic to that country. The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is sometimes called the Fawn-Breasted … Continue

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