Tag: american bird conservancy

The Island Scrub-Jay(Aphelocoma insularis) holds a unique title: the only island endemic bird species of mainland North America. Once part of the species known simply as Scrub Jay which was split into separate species in 1998, the Island Scrub-Jay is noticeably larger and more brightly-colored than its near relatives, including the Florida Scrub-Jay(Aphelocoma coerulescens). Fossil remains suggest that it probably diverged from its closest relative, the California Scrub-Jay(Aphelocoma californica), about 150,000 years ago.

Like other species endemic to islands, such as Darwin’s famous finches and birds of the … Continue

The Red-Faced Parrot(Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops) is a colorful conglomeration of colors, mainly green with red touches on its face, crown, and wings, yellow ear coverts, and dark blue wing and tail feathers.

Some scientists believe that this uncommon parrot and several other members of its genus, Hapalopsittaca, may actually comprise a single species. Which other Andean parrots could belong to this species?

Read on to find out more: https://abcbirds.org/bird/red-faced-parrot/

The enchanting, spiraling notes of a Veery(Catharus fuscescens)’s liquid song recall long golden twilights in summer forests, shaded streams lined with ferns and wildflowers, and quiet woodland paths. A quick glimpse of this superlative singer reveals a plain, unassuming brown and white bird, a bit smaller than a Wood Thrush(Hylocichla mustelina).

The Veery is a species of thrush belonging to a group of talented songsters that includes the Hermit Thrush(Catharus guttatus), Swainson’s Thrush(Catharus ustulatus), Gray-Cheeked Thrush(Catharus minimus), and Bicknell’s Thrush(Catharus bicknelli). Their … Continue