Fun with Bird Names – The Sequel

Some may remember my second contribution to Birding Is Fun that dealt with some of the odd names given to bird species. This month I bring you the sequel, where we’ll dig a little deeper into the sometimes wacky world of names given to birds, plus we'll look at the "the long and short if it." Last time we stayed in the western hemisphere, but this time we’ll also take a more global perspective – odd names are to be found around the planet.

Hairy Woodpecker

Let’s start with a couple of widespread North American woodpeckers – Downy and Hairy. They seem like odd names for a bird, especially for the Hairy Woodpecker, since birds don’t have hair. First described from specimens (dead ones), their names describe the white strip of feathers on their backs: short and very soft on a Downy, long and kind of shaggy on the Hairy. Probably not something you’d notice through your binoculars, but there you go.

Anhinga

Another I've often wondered about was Anhinga . . . which turns to be based upon the name given to this species by the Tupi, a native people of Brazil. The original word loosely translates to “devil-bird” but is sometimes translated as “snake-bird.” A lot of creativity went into the scientific name, Anhinga anhinga.

House Wren

Speaking of scientific names, how about the Troglodytidae? These are the wrens and, except for the Eurasian Wren, all are found in the New World. From the Greek, the name means “cave dweller” and likely comes from the fact that most members of the family nest, roost, and frequently forage in cavities or crevices, though these may be in trees or cliffs. Of the 20 different genera in the family, one is named Troglodytes and, in North America, includes House Wren, Eastern Winter Wren, and Pacific Wren; several more in this genus occur in Central and South America. A couple of notes: 1.) The Eurasian, Eastern Winter, and Pacific were formerly considered one species, Winter Wren; 2.) There are other birds in the world that are called wrens, but genetically do not fit into this family.

Sora

Another exercise I tackled this time around was longest and shortest common names. That turned out to be something of a challenge since there are names that include characters other than just letters. For example, the shortest name using only letters has just two and is member of the Hawaiian honeycreeper family that hasn’t been declared officially extinct, though the last confirmed sighting was in 1989, ‘Ō’ū (Psittirostra psittacea). If we count the apostrophes, then it’s four characters, so the shortest names I could find using only letters would have three: Emu (Australia), Kea, and Tui (both New Zealand). In North America the shortest have four letters: Sora and Ruff (from Hawaii we also have Nene).

American Three-toed Woodpecker

For the longest names hyphens really into play and the longest I could find was an Asian Old World Warbler  (that occasionally shows up in Alaska) Middendorff'sGrasshopper-Warbler (with 32 characters not counting spaces). If we don’t count the hyphen we end up with a tie between the Middendorff’s and the Magellanic Flightless Steamer Duck (also known by the much shorter Fuegian Steamer Duck name) at 31 characters. There could be a dispute from some because of Prigogine's Double-collared Sunbird from Africa (33), but this one is usually considered to be a subspecies of Greater Double-collared Sunbird. For North America breeding birds there appears to be a tie between American Three-toed Woodpecker and Northern Beardless-tyrannulet at 28 characters including hyphens. If you should find others with shorter or longer names, please leave a comment and, of course, we may find longer common names if we look at languages other than English (or Hawaiian).

And, finally, to wrap up the name game, a short selection of odd names – a list that would certainly include the aforementioned Magellanic Flightless Steamer Duck. Obviously named for their vocalizations, we have the Northern, Southern, and Horned Screamers, South American birds that look like they’d be related to chickens but are actually related to ducks, geese, and swans. Then we have Noisy Friarbird of New Guinea and eastern Australia – guess they vocalize a lot, too, eh? In New Zealand there is a small bird called Rifleman that gets its name because the plumage is similar in color and pattern to the uniform worn by a New Zealand colonial military regiment. Last, but not least, one of the strangest names of all has to be South America’s Firewood-gatherer. It’s gathering up all those sticks to build a rather elaborate nest, but there are no field reports of those nests including a fireplace or wood burning stove . . .

Location, Location, Location

It's that time of year here in Florida when I have the fortunate opportunity to observe 3 of my favorite species of raptors during their active nesting period. If you've ever caught an episode of House Hunters on HGTV, you'll see that most people have a "top" list of things they desire in a future residence. Location always seems to be one of those! As I watch these different species each year, it's fascinating to learn about what tops the list when choosing a nesting sight. Some of location choices make perfect sense, while a few others are a little more perplexing! Its also interesting to look at the similarities and differences that exist between the species, as well as within them when it comes nesting locations and behaviors.

Bald Eagle nest

It's almost impossible not be impressed each and every time I see a Bald Eagle's nest. Most Bald Eagle nests are built in the protective branches of a one of the tallest living Pine Trees in their habitat area. Most Eagle nests also have a body of water close by so the Eagles have easy access to sources of food. Bald Eagles tend to choose a quiet location, away from human activity and disturbance as they are known to be particularly sensitive to disruption during their nesting season. There are three local Bald Eagle nests that located off the beaten path that I observe from time to time such as the one above.

A few weeks ago, I came across this Eagle's nest build on the exposed top branches of a Pine standing in a cattle pasture near a well traveled road. The Eagle's mate was standing watch just on the other side of the road. This pair has a great aerial view of their surrounding area.

I spend the greatest amount of time observing nesting Ospreys. These birds have many nesting traits and techniques similar to Eagles.  Thanks to close proximity of the Indian River lagoon, there are several dozen active nests near my home and work. Access to fresh food is definitely at the top of the "desired" list for Ospreys. Since Ospreys' diets solely consist of fish, all Osprey nests can be found near a body of water.

Like Bald Eagles, Ospreys mate for life and generally reuse the same nest each year. I've read Osprey's nests are considered "daintier" than Eagles, but I've seen some pretty hefty Osprey nests. Both species add new sticks and branches to their nests each year, increasing the size and weight. Because these nests can weigh several hundred pounds to nearly a ton, both species' nests have the potential of damaging the  supporting tree, especially if it is a dead tree. The above nest had been a familiar sight on my street for nearly 10 years. A few months ago however, the supporting tree gave way. Just this week, I saw an Osprey standing upon the remaining branch. I can only wonder was it was thinking.

Over the past three years,  a pair of Ospreys have taken to constructing a nest in a tree in front of my house. This has offered me the opportunity to develop a great admiration for the amount of hard work that goes into the construction of one of their humble stick abodes

This was their collection after just 5 days of gathering moss, sticks, and branches (in January, 2010). Nearly every third piece of material they brought fell to the ground.

This was there collection after just 2 weeks.

This was their hard work a few days later. I've read that Eagles will abandon a new site if the first few sticks don't stay in place. That definitely has not been the case for  this pair of Ospreys. They quickly restarted building, but it didn't amount to anything that year. In 2011, I observed a small pile of new sticks, but it didn't seem like the Ospreys made a strong attempt to build.

In 2012, it was time to get serious! The Ospreys showed up with some new floor plans and got to work. The above nest was what they constructed in a little over a month. I observed the Ospreys in the nest together for a period of time, but no chicks.

Hello 2013! The Ospreys are back in their nest this year. They've spruced things up and I'm hoping they have some chicks this year.

Just this week they added a wonderful finishing touch to their nest, a large piece of plastic (in case it rains, I guess).

Not all Osprey choose a natural setting for a nest. This species differs from Bald Eagles in that it tends to "branch" out from nesting in just trees. The Ospreys in this area can be found comfortably family building on a variety of structures. Artificial nesting platforms are readily available here. The vacancy rates tend to be good and there is generally no cost to the Ospreys.

Some choose channel markers and other signs posted in the river for a true water front experience.

Now on to the more perplexing species of the trio. It's well know that Great Horned Owls usually do not build their own nests. Instead, they will "borrow" the nest of another species. In this area, it is common to see a few Osprey nests each year with some ear tufts protruding from the brim; a tell-tale sign that a  hooter heist has taken place.

Over the past few years, a few Great horned Owl pairs have drawn quite a bit of attention due to their   choice of non-ordinary nest location. A few years a ago, a pair designated a planter, less than four feet off the ground, outside of the busy, local government building as their nest. This attracted quite a crowd of spectators, but luckily their one owlet survived and successfully fledged.

This year there are two Owlets being raised in an Oak Tree, about 7 feet off the ground, just steps from a very busy entrance at a local community college. Thankfully the college has roped off the area to give the growing owls some space.

The owlets are growing fast!

Last month, I was making one my regular trips to the large chain home improvement store when I happened to spot this owl on a pallet of garden soil on the top rack of the outside gardening area. I wondered if this was its "nest". For the following 3 weeks, I observed this owl in this location and assume it was nesting. I haven't seen the owl in the past few weeks, so I'm guessing it did not have success and moved along.

 These usually elusive owls seem to choose highly public locations!

Review: Epic Journeys

I just viewed the captivating 35 minute documentary film Epic Journey by Migration Productions. This is an independent film by James Grady and Shawn Carey. A two minute preview is available above. The film was very very well done. The footage and the interviews were excellent as they inform the public about the importance of migratory stop-over points for the Red Knot, the Piping Plover, and the Semipalmated Sandpiper. The video of the birds is perfectly timed to many of the comments being spoken, almost as if choreographed. I like that the film-makers understand the difficult challenge of satisfying beach-goers while protecting the birds in a critical situation. It really is a life or death moment for these birds. This film will go a long way in helping people understand this. This magical portrayal of these amazing birds will inspire people to care. There are opportunities for birders to share and purchase this important film. Please visit the website to learn more.

Birds on a Mission

Lark Sparrow 

In Santa Cruz County of southeast Arizona lies a hidden gem of birding and history. It is called Tumacacori National Historic Park and it is one of my very favorite places to visit and to bird. The mission itself dates back to the 1600's. The birds have been here even longer than that! For me, birding is really fun when I can combine the birding with the beauty of such an historic place!

The old Spanish Mission makes for wonderful photographic opportunities.

Say's Phoebe

The birds also find it a pleasant place to perch!

Lark Sparrows

In the courtyard a fountain flows out through shallow channels when sparrows gather to drink.

Sparrows on the fountain

I saw Chipping sparrows, Lark sparrows, and White-crowned sparrows all drinking from the fountain.

Orange-crowned Warbler

And in a brushy corner an Orange-crowned Warbler picked among the winter-killed flowers.

San Cayetano Mountains

The Tumacacori Mission is surrounded by mountains with the San Cayetano's off to the southeast...

Santa Rita Mountains behind Mission

...and the more famous Santa Rita Mountains where Madera Canyon is located off to the Northeast. 

Tumacacori Mountains with front facade of  the Tumacacori Mission

Across the street from the Mission are the Tumacacori Mountains for which the Mission is named.

Golden Eagle

Because of this proximity to so many mountains it is possible to see Golden Eagles here. While this is not the best photo you can clearly see the feathered head and yellow feet and the characteristic overall brownish plumage of this large raptor. This was my first sighting of a Golden Eagle in Santa Cruz County. I was not expecting it so it was a pleasant surprise. These serendipitous moments are what also makes birding so much fun for me!

Red-naped Sapsucker in shade of mesquite tree

I went to the Mission on two separate dates this past January in my pursuit of a Big January Count. The first day was on January 6th when we took my son and his wife here to sight-see, and while they were sight seeing, I was birding! I saw my first and only Red-naped sapsucker here and I saw it on both visits in the picnic area behind the courtyard. The bird was very shy and I was unable to get a photo on my first visit. when I returned on January 13th it was clinging to the shady side of an old mesquite tree in the same area. So, I sat down quietly at one of the picnic tables to get this shot. Not the best, but still, I was on a birding mission to prove I saw it!

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Back beyond the mission there is a bit of a mesquite bosque. It is back here that I spotted a blue-gray gnatcatcher. Again, this was the only place I saw one in the whole month and I saw it here both times!

Rufous-winged Sparrow

And in the grassy hedgerows beyond I found a small flock of Rufous-winged sparrows! Notice the rufous crown and the double whisker marks below the bill, a field mark for positive identification and more reliable than the "rufous wings" for which the bird is named! However, if you look closely at the photo you can actually see the hint of rusty color on the bird's upper wing.

Northern Cardinal

Back in this same mesquite bosque I also found one of several Northern Cardinals. I've been told that our Northern Cardinals here have longer tails and crests than northern cardinals is other parts of the country, especially the Northeast. So, if you find yourself in Santa Cruz County come stop by the mission for some history and some birds. I am sure you will have fun!

You can see more photos of the Mission or read about my Big January on my other blogs. Just click on the links below:

• Kathie's Birds
• Sycamore Canyon: Tumacacori Mission
• Kathie's Poet Tree
• Big January 2013
• Tumacacori National Historic Park

Birds up close and personal, and European Magpie passing mirror test

For crows living in flocks fosters complex behaviors

Just when I was learning to read I found a book in our attic which promised to teach me the language of birds. It was torn in half though, and the half with the answers was missing. So to my great disappointment the language of birds remained a mystery.

That same desire underlies much of today's research about birds. Will we ever know how birds are seeing their world, how they interpret what goes on around them, or what they are thinking? Are they even conscious?

The sixteenth century French philosopher Descartes claimed that animals are automatons, that is, pure machines without consciousness. Many researchers still adhere to the view that animals are biological entities subject to inborn unalterable instincts, but as animal owners and caretakers have known all along this is not true for their pets, not true for farm animals, nor is it true for laboratory animals. On closer acquaintance we know that within the limits of their abilities they are all individuals, have different personalities, are bold, shy, curious, anxious, happy, moody, playful, sociable, gregarious or withdrawn... just like human beings.

The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds by Julie Zickefoose

If looking at the cover painting of Julie Zickefoose's The Bluebird Effect you think it's a picture book, you are mistaken. Yes, the author is an accomplished artist; she illustrates her book with exquisite  paintings and drawings, but her look at birds goes much deeper. In her work and writing she combines a human's lively empathy and warmth, a scientist's cool eye and a child's curiosity and wonder. She takes on the arduous work of a bird rehabilitator in rearing abandoned nestlings or injured birds. She takes on the impossible task, for example, of raising the chicks of  chimney swifts, blind and naked, only a few days old, dislodged perhaps by a chimney sweep. She gives them a home in a rattan basket where they can cling to the wall, the closest approximation to the inside of a chimney, keeping the area well heated to 8o degrees, blows on them to imitate the wing beat of the arriving parent,  nudging them to gape to be fed every 20 min, and keeping them hydrated with an electrolyte solution by eye dropper.

 She gives them names but they are not pets; she releases them back into the wild as soon as they indicate they are ready. The greatest reward for her is when one of her former charges recognizes her and, peeling away from its wild companions, lands on her shoulder.

Northern Cardinal fledgling

She is a terrific writer. This book would enchant and entertain any bird lover. It would be a great gift for budding birdwatchers and perhaps foster in them a passion for birding.

Gifts of the Crow: How Perception, Emotion, and Thought Allow Smart Birds to Behave Like Humans by John Marzluff and Tony Angell

Corvids, of which crows are a member, are exceptionally smart. According to the author they have much in common with us: language, delinquency, insight, frolic, passion encompassing wrath and grief, risk-taking and awareness. He devotes a chapter to illustrate each property with fascinating observations and stories. For example when caching food, crows are very aware of which particular bird is watching them. They may only pretend to cache and, when no one is looking, move  the cache to another place, but they only do so if they themselves have been thieves. Another example: observing a small flock of geese being tossed pieces of bread, crows quickly covered up each piece with a maple leaf, making it invisible to the geese, and saving it for themselves. This particular ability to know what another individual, even another species, is thinking is shared only by our closest primate  relatives. It's a complex cognitive property called possessing a theory of mind. They share with humans the ability to lie and deceive, to misdirect and prevaricate. They are the opposite of simple-minded. 

Pen and ink drawing by Tony Angell

Crows may come to the rescue of an injured flock member, or alternatively they may show aggression and rage, ending up killing disabled bird with their beaks. The author has various theories about what in the crow's brain could trigger such behavior, which chemicals or what neural events may be playing a role. Regrettably much of the book is taken up by these detailed discussions of the underlying mechanisms and pathways. 

Corvids appear to think a lot like us, but have arrived at this ability over different pathways, that is, by convergent evolution.  I found such discussions interesting only to the extent that I learned that bird brains have a very different architecture from mammalian brains.  Perhaps the authors felt the need to buttress their anecdotal observations with a scientific foundation. Most readers will probably find this arrangement distracting. I skipped a lot of it. 

But still, it was fascinating to read about their complex behaviors demonstrating calculation, aforethought, planning for the future, playing tricks, and even showing gratitude in giving token gifts to humans who have treated them kindly.

So, when glancing at a crow it's tantalizing to think that there's an intelligent being looking back at you. We always wonder how animals can be so much like us. Maybe we should turn it around and wonder how much we are like animals, or how little separates us from animals. We are smart, we can figure things out but, like our avian relatives, it's our emotions, much more so than intellect and reason, that make us who we are.

American Crow on picnic table

Darwin in The Descent of Man wrote:

"The difference in mind between man and the higher animals, great as it is, is certainly one of degree and not of kind. We have seen that the senses and intuitions, the various emotions and faculties, such as love, memory, attention, curiosity, imitation, reason, etc., of which man boasts, may be found in an incipient, or even sometimes in a well-developed condition, in the lower animals."

There's an interesting PBS Nature Video "A Murder of Crows" (about 40 min) on the author's research on crow's facial recognition, and how they pass on any bad experiences to flock members and offspring.

The European Magpie is believed to be one of the most intelligent of all animals

The mirror test is the ability to recognize oneself in the mirror. A mark is attached to an area invisible to the animal's eye, but clearly visible in a mirror catching the animal's attention. Until now only three species have demonstrated this self-awareness: apes, Asian elephants, and bottlenose dolphins.  In 2008 the first non- mammalian species was added to this list: the European Magpie (Helmut Prior, Goethe University, Germany)

Magpie in mirror test (newscientistvideo approx 60 sec)

The deeper we dive into animal intelligence, the more complex it becomes.  We have finally gotten beyond looking at  animals as mere biological mechanisms.   We test them and are astonished to find that they can count, determine the difference between classes of objects, are able to predict another bird's mind, detect faking and misdirection. These abilities are as useful in their world as in ours; so it's not that surprising that they resemble us in many ways.

The AlexStudies: Cognitive and Communicative Abilities of Grey Parrots – by Irene Pepperberg

If you want to get an inside view of what it takes to unlock a bird's intellectual powers you should read Irene Pepperberg's book "The Alex Studies" which describes the experiments designed to explore an African Grey parrot's ability to grasp  such abstract concepts as color, shape and material. The author acquired him at age 1 and kept him in her lab until his premature death. During his life he followed a grueling schedule of lessons lasting of  8 to 12 hours a day.  A Grey parrot's life expectancy is about 60 yrs. So his sudden death at age 30 came as great shock. An autopsy failed to reveal clues as to the cause. After reading this book though I wondered whether he died perhaps of boredom? of  loneliness? lack of companionship, lack of physical closeness and emotional attachment to other members of his species? ------But maybe not. Read on:

Alex &Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process -- by Irene Pepperberg

In this book the author recounts Alex's life from a personal perspective as she struggles to find appropriate lab space and grant money. She also struggles to have her research recognized. That in part determines her relationship to the bird: an emotional attachment to the subject of her study would rob it of its credibility.

She usually had a number of assistants working with Alex. He learned quickly how to manipulate them for extra treats. In fact he played the boss in the lab, often strutting around like a little Napoleon, giving orders to all and sundry.  He liked to play tricks such as shouting out wrong answers to a younger parrot who was being trained nearby, or wolf-whistle at male students walking through the lobby. He grew close to one assistant in particular, calling him by his name and running up his arm to perform the Grey's mating dance. But when the assistant had to be away for three months, Alex felt abandoned and never forgave him. Upon his return he never spoke to him again.

Fleshed out by countless observations and anecdotes Alex becomes a fully rounded character. His achievements and personal quirks are celebrated in newspaper stories and at fundraising events. He gains such world-wide renown that when he dies letters of condolences from fans around the world flood into the lab. Along with such luminaries as Ingmar Bergman, Luciano Pavarotti, and Lady Bird Johnson, he even merits an obituary in the Economist. 

Meet Alex in person: Nova Science Now video ( ~ 12 min long)

- Hilke Breder