 |
| INDIGO BUNTING: - In summer plumage, the male is our only all blue bird (female is brown). - Territorial flight is moth-like fluttering while singing. - Males usually only feed fledglings if there is a second brood, and while the female is tending the first nest. Otherwise the male's main function is defending the nest, not caring for the young. - On winter grounds, in Belize, often called “riceys” because they are frequently found near rice fields. - Due to forest edge preference, numbers have actually increased since country’s early settlement. Indigos continue to expand in both population and breeding range. - Males often have more than one mate at a time. - “Bunting” is derived from Scot word “buntlin” meaning plump shape; like the baby in the rhyme “Bye, Baby Bunting”. (FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE) |
| HOUSE WREN: - Native American name meaning “making big noise for its size”. Also known in past legends as “king of the birds” due to old legend of how the wren won a contest with an eagle on who could fly highest. The wren won by flying on the back of the eagle. - Cavity nester; the male arrives on territory first and proceeds to build up to 7 different nests (usually only concentrates on 2-3 seriously). The female will then look over the nests and pick one, showing her preference by lining the nest. - Extremely aggressive; the male will claim all nesting cavities in territory, including those of any bird smaller than a woodpecker. Pierces eggs and kills nestlings of any competitor. - Male may mate with more than one female at a time and help tend more than one nest. - Wrens have been known to nest in flower pots, old boots, car radiators, tin cans, old hats, empty cow skulls and even pockets of pants left too long on clothesline. - Shy, but curious and hyperactive. (CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION) |
| LEAST TERN: - Our smallest Tern. - Endangered in some areas due to nesting site disturbances from beach-goers. Nesting done on beaches & sand bars in shallow scrapes. Often found nesting in vicinity of Piping Plovers. - During courtship the male, with fish in his bill, flies upward with the female following. They then both glide slowly down to the ground where the male then feeds the female. - In hot weather, parents will fly and dip their bellies into the water, going back to the nest to cool off the eggs by either flushing them with water spray or sitting on them with cool feathers. - Will dive at an intruder (including humans) to defend nest. - Past millinery trade depleted populations - Originally known as “sea swallows”. (CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION) |
| PURPLE MARTIN: - One of the first birds to become “backyard” birds. Native Americans would attract Purple Martins with gourds as nests due to the birds’ aggressive nature; Purple Martins will chase crows and hawks away from nesting areas (and, therefore, crops as well). - Colonial nesters; up to 350 pairs at one site is not uncommon. Fledglings often group together and are fed by all the parents in the colony. - Most P. Martins east of the Rocky Mountains depend almost exclusively on man-made nesting structures. - One of the earliest migratory species to return each year, Purple Martins are often subject to large die-offs due to bad weather. - P. Martins feed, bathe and drink on the wing and are our biggest swallow. - The English word “martin” comes from the French name “Mars”, the Roman god of war. (CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION) |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |