Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Found in Arctic tundra; in winter, usually frequents coastal bays, marshes, and estuaries (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeding range extends form Southampton Island in Hudson Bay north to Greenland and west along the Arctic coast and islands of northern Canada to Western Alaska. Winters on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States, south to Baja California, Mexico, and Florida; also along the coastline of British Columbia and southeastern Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Small size; black on head, neck, and upper breast. Note small, white patch on side of neck. Depending on subspecies, belly color may be pale gray or mostly black in color.
Nest Habits: Breeds in loose colonies; nest is placed on the ground and is a depression lined with down feathers, grasses, leaves, and other materials.
Eggs: 1-8, usually 3-5; 73 millimeter; dull white in color.
Incubation: Incubation lasts approximately 22-26 days, by female. Young are able to fly when they are approximately 40-50 days old; both sexes care for the young.
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Found in a variety of habitats, ranging from tundra to pasturelands, and flooded agricultural fields to wooded swamps; almost always near water.
Distribution: Breeding range extends from the Arctic coast of Alaska east to northern Canada and western Greenland; and south to an approximate line extending from central California east to Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, and Virginia. Widespread in winter, at which time it can be found in southern Alaska, southern Canada, and throughout many of the lower 48 states; and even into northern Mexico. In the U.S., there are many feral populations of Canada Geese, even in areas that are outside the normal breeding range (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Black neck, gray body plumage, and white chin patch that extends up onto side of face.
Nest Habits: Breeds on the ground, usually near water. Nest consists of a depression lined with grasses, mosses, and small sticks. Also readily accepts artificial nest platforms.
Eggs: 2-12, usually 4-7; 74-90 millimeter; white.
Incubation: Incubation lasts approximately 25-30 days, by female. Young are able to fly when they are approximately 40-73 days old; both sexes care for the young.
Ross' Goose (Chen rossii)
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Tundra and other open areas, usually near bodies of fresh water or brackish marshes. Often forages in pasturelands, cultivated fields, and flooded farmlands.
Distribution: Breeds in northern Mackenzie and northwestern Keewatin, east to Southampton Island and the west coast of Hudson Bay south to James Bay. Wintering range primarily consists of the interior valleys of California; can also be found in southern New Mexico, northern Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma east to Missouri and southwestern Louisiana. In migration, may also be found in other mid-Western states (e.g., Iowa and Illinois), Kentucky, and Tennessee (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Similar to the Snow Goose, but noticeably smaller in size, with a shorter neck, and a smaller, stubbier bill that lacks a 'grinning patch'. In adults, base of bill is often covered with bluish warty protuberances. Immatures are similar to immature Snow Geese, but are usually paler in color (and, of course, smaller in size).
Nest Habits: Breeds on the ground, in colonies. Nest consists of a depression or scrape that is lined with grasses, mosses, lichens, and twigs or roots.
Eggs: 1-6, usually 3-5; 74 millimeter; white.
Incubation: Incubation lasts approximately 21-24 days, by female. Young are able to fly when they are approximately 40-45 days old; both sexes care for the young.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2008
Is an African Grey Right for You?
If you want a parrot that can talk, you may want to consider the African grey. This extremely intelligent parrot species is the best talker in the parrot family. Of course, this doesn't mean that every African grey will talk, but most of them do learn to speak quite fluently.
While African greys are often excellent talkers, this doesn't mean they are the right pet for everyone that wants a talking bird. These birds have a tendency to become shy and standoffish if they aren't handled frequently. Greys that are handled often still are rarely as cuddly and affectionate as other parrot species. If you want a bird that loves to snuggle with you, you may want to avoid this species.
Another thing to consider before you shop for an African grey is whether any family members have allergies or asthma. African greys have more dander than most other bird species. People who aren't bothered by allergies to parakeets or conures may find that they can't tolerate an African grey.
While they have many of the same care requirements as other bird species, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you are caring for African greys. These birds can grow up to become cage bound and fearful if they aren't exposed to different people and situations at a young age.
Even worse, because of their high intelligence, if these birds feel neglected or lack stimulation, they will often start plucking out their chest, shoulder and tail feathers. This means that you should be sure to give your bird plenty of toys and you should be prepared to interact with him for at least an hour a day. Toys that involve some sort of problem solving element, such as knots to undo or mazes to solve are a good choice.
All African greys need a roomy cage. Even if your bird will be spending time on a play gym or T stand each day, he will need room to play and explore while he is in his cage. The ideal cage is two feet (60 cm) deep by three feet (91 cm) wide and four feet (121 cm) tall, which gives him enough space to flap his wings, climb around and hang upside down.
Of course, a bigger cage is always better. Be sure any cage you choose has strong bars that are spaced between 3/4 of an inch (1,91 cm) and an inch (2,54 cm) apart. Also, make sure that any decorative scrollwork is nowhere near the inside of your bird's cage, as more than one African grey has injured himself by catching a leg band on the scrollwork.
If you decide that an African grey is the right bird for you, then you will need to decide whether you want a Timneh grey or a Congo grey. The Timneh is smaller and usually talks less readily than the Congo. In addition, the Timneh is not as colorful, since he lacks the bright red tail of the Congo. However, the Timneh is often much cheaper.
If you want a bird that is intelligent enough to hold an actual conversation, but doesn't always care to cuddle, then the African grey may just be the perfect choice for you.
While African greys are often excellent talkers, this doesn't mean they are the right pet for everyone that wants a talking bird. These birds have a tendency to become shy and standoffish if they aren't handled frequently. Greys that are handled often still are rarely as cuddly and affectionate as other parrot species. If you want a bird that loves to snuggle with you, you may want to avoid this species.
Another thing to consider before you shop for an African grey is whether any family members have allergies or asthma. African greys have more dander than most other bird species. People who aren't bothered by allergies to parakeets or conures may find that they can't tolerate an African grey.
While they have many of the same care requirements as other bird species, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you are caring for African greys. These birds can grow up to become cage bound and fearful if they aren't exposed to different people and situations at a young age.
Even worse, because of their high intelligence, if these birds feel neglected or lack stimulation, they will often start plucking out their chest, shoulder and tail feathers. This means that you should be sure to give your bird plenty of toys and you should be prepared to interact with him for at least an hour a day. Toys that involve some sort of problem solving element, such as knots to undo or mazes to solve are a good choice.
All African greys need a roomy cage. Even if your bird will be spending time on a play gym or T stand each day, he will need room to play and explore while he is in his cage. The ideal cage is two feet (60 cm) deep by three feet (91 cm) wide and four feet (121 cm) tall, which gives him enough space to flap his wings, climb around and hang upside down.
Of course, a bigger cage is always better. Be sure any cage you choose has strong bars that are spaced between 3/4 of an inch (1,91 cm) and an inch (2,54 cm) apart. Also, make sure that any decorative scrollwork is nowhere near the inside of your bird's cage, as more than one African grey has injured himself by catching a leg band on the scrollwork.
If you decide that an African grey is the right bird for you, then you will need to decide whether you want a Timneh grey or a Congo grey. The Timneh is smaller and usually talks less readily than the Congo. In addition, the Timneh is not as colorful, since he lacks the bright red tail of the Congo. However, the Timneh is often much cheaper.
If you want a bird that is intelligent enough to hold an actual conversation, but doesn't always care to cuddle, then the African grey may just be the perfect choice for you.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2008
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Tundra and other open areas, usually near bodies of fresh water or salt-water marshes. Often forages in pasturelands, cultivated fields, and flooded farmlands.
Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern Alaska east along the Arctic coast and islands to northwestern Greenland and Baffin Island, and south to Hudson Bay. Winters in the west from coastal British Columbia south to California, Baja California, southwestern Arizona, and Mexico; in the mid-West from Nebraska, Iowa and the Great Lakes south to the Gulf Coast; and in the east along the Atlantic coast from New York south to Florida (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Black primary feathers. Two color phases: a blue phase and a white phase. In adult birds, note the thick, black 'grinning patch' that separates the upper and lower mandibles; compare with Ross' Goose. Adults have pink bills whereas the bills of immatures are darker.
Nest Habits: Breeds on the ground, in colonies; nest is a depression lined with mosses, grasses, and down feathers.
Eggs: 1-8, usually 3-5; 80 millimeter; white in color.
Incubation: Incubation lasts approximately 23-25 days, by female. Young are able to fly when they are approximately 45-49 days old; both sexes care for the young.
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Open areas, arctic tundra, usually near water; in winter and migration, also frequents pastures and flooded agricultural fields.
Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska eastward across northern Yukon, Mackenzie, and Keewatin to western Greenland. Winter range in the west extends from southern British Columbia south to Baja California; in the mid-west, from Texas and Louisiana north to Oklahoma and Kansas; and in the eastern U.S. from the Great Lakes region south to Mississippi and Florida (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Key field marks include the black speckling on the belly, the pink bill bordered with white at the base, and the orange legs and feet.
Nest Habits: Breeds in loose colonies on open tundra.
Eggs: 1-7, usually 5-6; 79 millimeter; buffy-white or cream-colored.
Incubation: The female incubates the eggs; both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 23-25 days and the young are capable of flight when they are about 45 days old.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2008
Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus)
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Found in tundra habitats; also on open lakes and ponds or in shallowly flooded agricultural fields.
Distribution: Breeds in the Arctic tundra from western Alaska east to Baffin Island; and from there south to Churchill and the Hudson Bay area of Quebec. Winters along the Pacific Coast inland to Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, and south to southern Texas, New Mexico, and extreme northern Mexico; also in the Great Lakes region, and along the Atlantic Coast from Maryland to North Carolina (A.O.U. 1998). Migrants and small numbers of wintering birds may be found at many inland locations in the mid-West.
Field Marks: Black on bill does not extend to encompass eye; many adults have yellow spot on bill in front of eye. Immatures are dusky gray.
Nest Habits: Builds a nest of dried grasses or sedges on the ground.
Eggs: 2-7. Usually 4-5; 107 millimeter; creamy-white in color.
Incubation: Females incubate the eggs; both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 35-40 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 60-70 days old.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2008
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Found in freshwater lakes, marshes, and rivers with slow-moving waters with emergent vegetation; occasionally in brackish waters (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska south to northern British Columbia, southwestern Mackenzie, northwestern Alberta, western and central Montana, and southern Saskatchewan (local breeder within this range); formerly bred as far south as the mid-Western United States. Wintering range extends from southern Alaska south to California; also in Arizona, New Mexico, and east to Colorado and Minnesota (A.O.U. 1998). The Trumpeter Swan has been introduced and established in many additional locations.
Field Marks: Black bill with no yellow spot (as in Tundra Swan). Black at base of bill extends to encompass the eye (compare closely with Tundra Swan).
Nest Habits: Nest built of aquatic vegetation, is often placed on muskrat houses or beaver lodges; also may be placed along shoreline.
Eggs: 2-13, usually 4-6; 111 millimeter; creamy-white in color.
Incubation: Females incubate the eggs; both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 33-37 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 91-119 days old.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2008
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Open lakes, ponds, and marshes, in freshwater habitats. In winter, may also be found in brackish habitats.
Distribution: An Old World species, introduced into the U.S., where breeding has been documented in southwestern British Columbia, southern Saskatchewan, Montana, the Great Lakes region, New York, New England, and additional locations south of this range (A.O.U. 1998). Some records may be the result of birds that have escaped from captivity.
Field Marks: Black knob on orange bill and the S-shaped neck are good field marks for adult birds. On the water, wings are often carried higher than in other North American swans. Dusky gray juvenile plumage begins to turn white by mid-winter.
Nest Habits: Breeds on the ground near water, where it builds its nest from cattails, reeds, and other aquatic vegetation.
Eggs: 4-8, sometimes as many as 10; 113 millimeter; gray or blue-green in color.
Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 36 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 115-155 days old.
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008
Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Shallow marshes, lagoons, or flooded fields, in both freshwater and brackish habitats (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeding range extends from South America, Central America, and Mexico north to southeastern California, central and eastern Texas, southwestern Louisiana, and more locally in central and southern Florida. Northernmost individuals withdraw to the Gulf coast and Florida locales during the winter (A.O.U. 1998). Vagrants have appeared at many locations further north.
Field Marks: Long neck. Orange-brown body color; back is darker with orange-brown feather edges. Note the white rump (compare with Black-bellied Whistling-Duck).
Nest Habits: Nest, of grasses and/or sedges, is usually placed in dense thicket of vegetation (e.g., cattails) at the edge of a marsh or pond.
Eggs: 6-16, usually 12-13, sometimes more; 53 millimeter; buff-white in color.
Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young; incubation lasts approximately 24-26 days and young are capable of flight when they are about 55-63 days old.
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