Tag: american bird conservancy

_{This YouTube video was produced by the American Bird Conservancy.}

The majestic Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), named for the shining feathers on the back of its head and neck, inspires awe in people around the world. Reflecting the reverence many have for this raptor, the Golden Eagle is the national symbol for five countries: Albania, Germany, Austria, Mexico, and Kazakhstan.

An important distinction between this species and the similarly-sized Bald Eagle is the Golden Eagle’s smaller head and bill, especially noticeable in flight. These two raptors are not closely related; the Golden Eagle is a “booted” eagle (meaning its legs

_{This YouTube video was produced by the American Bird Conservancy.}

The eye-catching ʻIʻiwi (Drepanis coccinea) was once one of the Hawaiian Islands’ most common forest birds. In Hawaiian mythology, the demi-god Maui particularly loved the native forest birds and painted them in bright reds and golds. Maui made the ʻIʻiwi especially colorful, with a unique call that resonated throughout the forest. Early Hawaiians considered their native birds’ red colors to be sacred and used ʻIʻiwi and other honeycreeper feathers to create elaborate cloaks, helmets, and leis. This garb became a mark of societal rank and was worn only during special

_{This YouTube video was produced by the American Bird Conservancy.}

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) weighs less than a nickel, and like all hummingbird species, including the Calliope and Rufous Hummingbirds, it is a master of flight. Beating its wings 60 to 80 times a second, this tiny sprite creates a blur of motion and a whirring, insect-like sound. At first glance, it’s easy to mistake a Ruby-throated Hummingbird for a large bee!

All hummingbirds share skeletal and muscle adaptations that allow for speedy, agile flight. They have a unique, flexible shoulder joint that allows their long, blade-like wings to