The New Zealand Bird Watching Society (NZ BWS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of New Zealand’s native birdlife. Founded in 1967, the society currently has over 3000 members spread across 20 branches nationwide. History The roots of the NZ BWS can be traced back to the late 1950s when a group of Wellington-based ornithologists began informally surveying local bird populations. In 1967, this group officially formed the society, elected a committee, and began publishing a quarterly journal titled ‘Birds New Zealand’. The society’s inaugural meeting on July 7, 1967 was attended by 248 people, demonstrating…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Horses with a spotted coat pattern are often referred to as either “calico” or “pinto”, depending on the breed. The term “calico” is most commonly used to describe American Paint Horses, which have large patches of white and another color. “Pinto” more often refers to a light horse breed like an American Pinto or Pony of the Americas with white spotting. However, there is some overlap between the terms and they are sometimes used interchangeably. The spotting patterns and genetics in horses are complex, which leads to the varied terminology. Ultimately, “calico” and “pinto” are descriptive terms for the colorful…
Herons are beautiful and common birds that frequent wetlands and shorelines. They have slender, elegant bodies and long legs that allow them to wade and feed in shallow water. The most common North American herons have a mix of grays, whites, and blues in their plumage. But do herons ever turn pink? The short answer is no, herons do not naturally turn pink. Their feather colors are produced by pigments called melanins, not by pigments that could create a pink hue. Let’s explore this topic in more detail. What colors can heron feathers be? There are about 64 recognized species…
Mountain bluebirds are a beautiful species of thrush found throughout western North America. Their brilliant blue plumage makes them a favorite among birdwatchers. But do these birds make it as far east as North Carolina? The range of the mountain bluebird extends from Alaska down through western Canada to the western United States. They are found in mountainous areas west of the Great Plains. So they are not naturally found in the eastern part of the country. That said, there have been a few sightings of mountain bluebirds in North Carolina over the years. These are likely birds that have…
Birds can be rendered unconscious from blunt force trauma Birds, like all vertebrates, can be knocked unconscious when subjected to a significant blunt force trauma to the head. Just like humans and other mammals, birds have a brain encased within a bony skull. A strong blow or impact to the head can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, potentially resulting in trauma to the brain tissue that disrupts normal neurological function and leads to a loss of consciousness. However, there are some important differences between avian and mammalian anatomy that affect how birds experience head trauma. Thinner,…
Puffins are seabirds that belong to the auk family. With their colorful beaks and unique appearance, they are one of the most recognizable seabirds in the world. Puffins nest in colonies on cliffs and rocky islands, usually only coming onshore during the breeding season. Their breeding grounds are typically found in northern latitudes like Iceland, Norway, Alaska, and parts of Canada. So do puffins nest and live in Wales, the small country on the west coast of Great Britain? Quick Answer Yes, there are puffins that live and breed in certain parts of Wales, mainly on offshore islands along the…
The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a common and widespread blackbird found in North and Central America. Known for the bright red and yellow shoulder patches on the males, these medium-sized songbirds are a familiar sight in marshes, wetlands, and agricultural areas across much of the continent. Red-winged blackbirds have an average lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild, but the maximum recorded lifespan for the species is over 15 years. So what is the oldest known red-winged blackbird? Identifying record ages for wild bird species is challenging, but with banding and sampling efforts by ornithologists over the years we…
Introduction to Sharp-shinned Hawks The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a small hawk of the genus Accipiter. They are found in most of North America. They are widespread and fairly common, but also secretive and easy to overlook. Sharp-shinned Hawks prey on small birds, and their presence can have an effect on local bird populations. They are an important part of many ecosystems. Understanding how common they are can help us appreciate their role. Population and Distribution The Sharp-shinned Hawk has a large range across North America. Their breeding range covers most of Canada and Alaska, down through the western…
Yes, birds do need calcium to lay eggs. Calcium is an essential mineral for birds to produce strong eggshells. Here’s a quick overview of the role of calcium for egg laying birds: Why Birds Need Calcium Calcium is the main structural component of eggshells. Over 90% of an eggshell is made up of calcium carbonate crystals. Without sufficient calcium, a bird simply cannot create a complete, intact eggshell around the developing embryo and yolk. Female birds mobilize calcium from their bones into the bloodstream and transfer it to the egg just before it is laid. The egg then takes massive…
Hummingbirds hold a special meaning in Mexican culture and folklore. Their diminutive size and amazing speed have made them symbols of agility, energy, joy, and playfulness. Hummingbirds are also associated with love, hope, good luck, and the souls of warriors or ancestors in Mexican traditions. Hummingbirds in Aztec mythology In Aztec mythology, hummingbirds were seen as embodiments of spiritual warriors. The Aztec god Huitzilopochtli, the deity of war and the sun, was often depicted as a hummingbird or accompanied by hummingbirds. It was believed that fallen Aztec warriors would return to earth as hummingbirds. The Aztecs also viewed the hummingbird’s…