View allAll Photos Tagged Avian-Creature
This was taken at the International Center for Birds of Prey in Newent, Gloucestershire UK. A dedicated bird of prey centre, it has the largest and most successful breeding collection of Falconiformes and Strigiformes (diurnal or day flying birds of prey and owls) and is most respected in the ornithological and scientific world of raptors. Its long-term conservation work is second to no other raptor centre worldwide. A great day out if you like to get close up and personal to avian creatures.
Scarlet ibis
Eudocimus ruber
Rode ibis
The scarlet ibis is a bird that lives in tropical South-America and islands of the Caribbean.
It is a sociable and gregarious bird, and very communally-minded regarding the search for food and the protection of the young. They live in flocks of thirty or more. Members stay close, and mating pairs arrange their nests in close proximity to other pairs in the same tree.
For protection, flocks often congregate in large colonies of several thousand individuals.They also regularly share time among other avian creatures, gaining additional safety through numbers: storks, spoonbills, egrets, herons and ducks are all common companions during feedings and flights.
As I continued my walk, a non-avian creature approached me, intently searching the ground: short-beaked echidna.
(Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Still recovering from a difficult tooth extraction yesterday so didn't venture far on today's dogwalk but was treated to a close encounter with this Treecreeper.
I'm slightly annoyed by the out of focus diagonal twig, but at least it wasn't infront of the bird.
Hi everyone! This is my take on the temporarily non-canon hawk-like Rahi, the powerful Kahu. Memorably featured in the MNOG, the Kahu was also introduced as the alternate build of the original Nui-Jaga set, though notably the MNOG Kahu featured several color variations from the physical set. I took inspiration from both sources, though more heavily focused on the aspects from the MNOG, such as the yellow talons and beak, translucent green highlights on the wings, and more heavily featured black color scheme. A few years ago, I got a bulk amount of diamond hinge pieces for something like $0.50, and haven’t been sure how to use them. Well, I finally found a use for them in giving this Kahu a feathered look. I was also slightly inspired by how the Native Americans would depict avian creatures, especially the mythical Thunderbird.
Kongu of course features here, as the brave Le-Matoran and leader of the Gukko Bird Force skillfully rode his Kahu into battle during the 2001 story. This design has gear-operated wings, allowing for more posing and strong stability. I used a lot of classic purple, which works very well with the black and various grey shades featured in the model. Hope you like it!
Explore: 7-6-09 (Page 25) Thank you my dear Flickr friends.
This is a shot of Headwaters Preserve, which is located in Geauga County, Ohio. The park draws its name from being the headwaters of the Cuyahoga River. This is a major fight path and nesting ground for bald eagles, osprey, heron and many other wonderful avian creatures. We saw one bald eagle nesting during our visit.
Please view in large size to see the lily pads and other details in this photograph..
When you look at this photograph, it makes you believe "wild places" still exist in the world. I think that is wonderful. Let's keep it that way.
I love the singular look these hunters have when they're out and about, the fish/frogs/unfortunates have no chance!
Taken at Forest Farm
Algarve Portugal April'2022
[order] Passeriformes | [family] Sylviidae | [latin] Sylvia melanocephala | [UK] Sardinian Warbler | [FR] Fauvette mélanocéphale | [DE] Samtkopfgrasmücke | [ES] Curruca cabecinegra | [IT] Occhiocotto | [NL] Kleine Zwartkop
spanwidth min.: 15 cm
spanwidth max.: 18 cm
size min.: 13 cm
size max.: 14 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 12 days
incubation max.: 15 days
fledging min.: 12 days
fledging max.: 13 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 3
eggs max.: 5
Physical characteristics
Rather small to medium-sezed, slim warbler, with spiky bill, short wings, long tail, and alert angry expression due to frequently steep forehead and red eye and bare ring set in dark pace. Male black on head and dusky elsewhere above, offpwhite with dusky-washed flank below. Female dusky-brown above, dirty brown and white below. Both sexes have dark tail with white edges and corners. Sexes disimilan, little seasonal variation.
Habitat
Breeds in Mediterranean zone. Mainly in dry coastal regions and on islands, generally at low elevations. Equally at home in crowns of close-growing trees, tall undergrowth or maquis away from trees, low shrubs and garigue, or even in herb layer or on ground, not excluding bare rocks and clifftops. Indifferent to nearness of dwellings and human activities.
Other details
Sylvia melanocephala is a widespread breeder in southern Europe, which constitutes >50% of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is very large (>3,100,000 pairs), and increased between 1970-1990. Populations were stable or increased across most of its range during 1990-2000, although the trend of the sizeable Spanish population was unknown—but there was no evidence to suggest that the species's status deteriorated significantly.
Feeding
Chiefly insects, but also fruit in autumn and winter. In south of breeding range, fruit predominates in diet for much of the year. Feeds mainly in low scrub but also on ground and in canopy. Spends less time on ground than Marmora's Warbler but much more than and other warbler.
Breeding
Breeds mid March to late April in South-West Europe, mid February to mid July in Malta, Late April to mid June in Greece, and early April to early June in North-West Africa. Nest site located in low scrub, tall grasses, brambles, etc, up tp 1,8 m above ground. Nest is a compact cup of grass leaves and stems, plant stalks, vegetable down, and cobwebs, lined with finer grasses and some rootlers, usually with distinct thicker rim. 3-5 eggs are laid, incubation 12-15 days, by both sexes, but female sitting on average twice as long as male during day.
Migration
Varies from partially migratory to sedentary in different parts of range. In west of range, winter quarters include most of breeding range, extending south in Africa to c. 17°N. In east of range, breeding grounds furthest north (Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and northern Turkey) apparently entirely vacated. Autumn movements span late August to December. Spring migration mostly late February or early March to April.
Please view in large size to see the bird's finer details and also to read an explanation why the Steelers beat the Cardinals in the Super Bowl.
About this Photo: Female Cardinal. Photo taken of this beauty on one of our back feeders. The objective was to wait and get a picture of a bird with a seed in its mouth. I waited and took about 20 shots and finally this pretty lady obliged.
Check out her friend in the photo below.
Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) One Of Three Birds
End Of West Pier Howth, Co.Dublin Ireland
26th/Dec/2017
[order] Passeriformes | [family] Emberizidae | [latin] Plectrophenax nivalis | [UK] Snow Bunting | [FR] Bruant des neiges | [DE] Schneeammer | [ES] Escribano Nival | [IT] Zigolo delle nevi | [NL] Sneeuwgors
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 30 cm
spanwidth max.: 33 cm
size min.: 14 cm
size max.: 16 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 12 days
incubation max.: 13 days
fledging min.: 12 days
fledging max.: 13 days
broods 2
eggs min.: 3
eggs max.: 7
Physical characteristics
Snow Buntings are unmistakable medium sized sparrows, with white underparts and striking black-and-white wings. The slightly larger males are entirely black and white in breeding plumage with a white head and nape. The back and rump are black; the rump is mottled with white. Wings are mostly white with the primary feathers forming large black wingtips, and there is a black spot at the wrist. The tail is black with black-tipped white outer tail feathers. The bill and feet are black.
The summer female looks much like the male, except that the black areas of the body are duller and grayish brown rather than pure black and streaked with white, and the crown and ear coverts are buffy with black streaks. The white of the wings is reduced to a patch on the inner wing.
In winter, both male and female Snow Buntings resemble the breeding female. White areas are washed with pale brown, especially about the crown, sides of the head, and breast. The black feathers of the back are edged with brown and the bill becomes yellowish orange. As with breeding plumage, males show much more white in the wings. The rusty brown feather edges of the winter plumage gradually wear away to reveal the breeding plumage.
Across their range, flocks can reach the thousands and are often in the hundreds, although in Washington, flocks are usually much smaller. These flocks move around a lot from place to place, so their winter distribution can be spotty and ever changing. As they move through a field, birds at the back of the flock fly over the rest of the group to move to the front, making it appear that the flock is rolling. Ground-foragers, Snow Buntings are found in flocks outside of the breeding season
Habitat
Breeding habitat is barren tundra with rock piles, boulder fields, and other rocky outcroppings that are used as nesting sites. In winter, Snow Buntings inhabit a variety of open lands, including short-grass prairie, farmland, beaches, and roadsides.
Other details
Plectrophenax nivalis is a widespread breeder in northernmost Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is large (>680,000 pairs), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although there were declines in Sweden and Finland during 1990-2000, key populations in Greenland and Norway were stable, and the species probably remained stable overall.
Feeding
Seeds are part of the Snow Bunting's diet year round, but especially in winter. During summer, they eat more insects and spiders, and the young are fed almost entirely an invertebrate diet. Birds in coastal areas may also eat tiny crustaceans.
Breeding
The preferred nest site of Snow Buntings is a crevice or cavity among exposed rocks or boulders on the tundra. Competition for sites is intense, and males-especially older, more experienced males-arrive three to six weeks ahead of females to claim suitable territories. They defend these territories and attract mates with finchlike warbled songs heard only on the breeding range. Nests built of moss and grass and lined with feathers and fur are hidden deep within rock piles or under boulders to avoid discovery by predators. Males feed nest-bound incubating females so that the eggs may be kept constantly warm in these cool shaded nest sites. The young are fed a diet of insects and arachnids.
She incubates 3 to 9 eggs for 10 to 16 days. Rock crevices in this harsh environment can be cold places, and the male feeds the female while she is on the nest so she doesn't often need to leave the nest during incubation. Both parents help feed the young, which leave the nest at 10 to 17 days. The parents continue to feed the young for 8 to 12 days after they leave the nest, although the young start catching some of their own food within 3 to 5 days. Snow Buntings typically only raise one brood a year.
Snow Buntings breed throughout the tundra regions in the northern hemisphere. They range across northern Russia and Scandinavia, and in North America, across the Canadian high Arctic from the coastal lowlands of Greenland to Alaska and as far south as the southern limits of permafrost, and in the alpine tundra of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In mid to late September flocks begin to migrate south, arriving in the northern parts of the winter range about the third week of October and the southern areas about a month later.
Migration
Partially migratory to migratory, many birds wintering far south of circumpolar breeding range; northernmost areas are vacated. In Europe, winters mostly in coastal areas and on inland plains. Numbers vary greatly from year to year, and also fluctuate over long periods. Present in Iceland all year, by far the commonest wintering passerine.
Autumn movement prolonged, September-December, with most passage records October-November. Spring movement northward begins early or mid-February. Leaves southern France February-March; latest record 28 February in Rumania, and rare by March in Hungary. Passage peaks end of February to early or mid-March in Denmark, north-east Germany, and Poland. Reaches southern Norway mid- or late March to April, and northern Norway at beginning of May. In north-east Scotland, spring departure rapid; most birds leave in March, a few still present in 1st half of April; males depart c. 9 days before females on average.
Snow Buntings migrate in small, loose flocks. Males arrive on their Arctic breeding grounds in early April. Females follow in May, and both leave in the fall, arriving in and passing through Washington in mid-October. They winter throughout the open country of the northern United States and temperate Canada.
This was taken at the International Center for Birds of Prey in Newent, Gloucestershire UK. A dedicated bird of prey centre, it has the largest and most successful breeding collection of Falconiformes and Strigiformes (diurnal or day flying birds of prey and owls) and is most respected in the ornithological and scientific world of raptors. Its long-term conservation work is second to no other raptor centre worldwide. A great day out if you like to get close up and personal to avian creatures, but beware - some of them fly at over 80mph and so you need fast autofocus and be prepared to duck!
This scene depicts two figures engaged in a ritual-like dance in a barren landscape at dawn. Celebratory in nature, the painting focuses on the exuberant coordinated gestures of a naked masked female figure and a horned avian creature with a beak, feathers and human legs. Speaking of the source of her inspiration, Rutherford said: “I allow images to rise like dreams from the subconscious.”
"Eastern Towhee - Autumn Whirl" by Patti Deters. This painterly autumn scene highlights an Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) perched among colorful fall leaves being blown around by the wind. These backyard songbirds are known for its “drink-your-tea!” call that kids often love to imitate. Once called the “Rufous-sided Towhee,” it was reclassified in the 1990s after ornithologists split the species into Eastern and Spotted Towhees. Famous for scratching through leaf litter like tiny feathered turkeys, towhees play an important role in forests by aerating soil and spreading seeds. Their bold mix of black, white, and pumpkin-orange plumage makes them a fitting sight in fall foliage. The artistic scene feels like the opening frame of a forest fable where even the smallest of avian creatures can carry the biggest stories. Thank you for viewing this picture. If you like outdoor nature photography artworks, you can purchase or just enjoy looking at more birds, animals, and other wildlife images at patti-deters.pixels.com/featured/eastern-towhee-autumn-wh....
This was taken at the International Center for Birds of Prey in Newent, Gloucestershire UK. A dedicated bird of prey centre, it has the largest and most successful breeding collection of Falconiformes and Strigiformes (diurnal or day flying birds of prey and owls) and is most respected in the ornithological and scientific world of raptors. Its long-term conservation work is second to no other raptor centre worldwide. A great day out if you like to get close up and personal to avian creatures, but beware - some of them fly at over 80mph and so you need fast autofocus and be prepared to duck!
order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Aythya fuligula | [UK] Tufted Duck | [FR] Fuligule morillon | [DE] Reiherente | [ES] Porrón Moñudo | [IT] Moretta eurasiatica | [NL] Kuifeend
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 65 cm
spanwidth max.: 72 cm
size min.: 40 cm
size max.: 47 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 23 days
incubation max.: 28 days
fledging min.: 45 days
fledging max.: 50 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 8
eggs max.: 15
Physical characteristics
Male tufted ducks closely resemble their counterparts in ring-necked ducks. The principle difference is the tuft of feathers that fall behind the head. In addition, the sides are white rather than gray, the bill lacks a white margin at the base, and in flight a white stripe at the back of the inner wing is displayed. The female tufted duck is similar in appearance to female scaup, but is black-brown with a smaller patch of white at the base of the bill. At the back of the head, there is a small protuberance of feathers, which is much smaller than the males.
Habitat
Their breeding habitat is close to marshes and lakes with plenty of vegetation to conceal the nest. They are also found on coastal lagoons, the seashore, and sheltered ponds.
Other details
This duck has a wide distribution in northern Eurasia, from Iceland to Kamchatka and between 45°N and 70°N. European populations winter southwards to North Africa, and only a small number of individuals reach sub-Saharan Africa. The birds of the south-west of the distribution area seem to be sedentary however. In the European Union the main wintering grounds are centred on the Baltic Sea, the Netherlands and the lakes of Central Europe. The population of north-western Europe is totalling 1000000 individuals. The population of Central Europe, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean is estimated at 600000 individuals. Both populations have undergone a definite increase during the last decades
Feeding
Tufted ducks dive to feed on roots, seeds, and buds of aquatic plants and clams, snails, aquatic insects, and sometimes amphibians and small fishes. They also skim flies and duckweeds on the water surface.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 2,700,000-4,100,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Tufted ducks breed across Eurasia from Iceland and the British Isles east across Russia and Siberia to the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Commander Islands. There are no breeding records of tufted ducks in North America. Female tufted ducks nest on islands in lakes or on sloped banks of small wetlands in reeds, tufts of grass, or under bushes close to water and lay an average of 9 eggs.
Migration
Partially migratory; winters Central and NE Europe (where chiefly sedentary), Mediterranean basin, N and sub-Saharan Africa, SW USSR, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, SE Asia (to Philippines) and Japan. Occasionally in Alaska and North America (mainly W Coast)
Please view in large size to see the bird's details.
About this Photo: Junco. Taken in our back woods. I wanted a shot of some birds in the trees because they look more natural than sitting at a feeder. These little guys grab a seed and fly back to a perch in a nearby tree. After a while, you learn their routine.
"Great Bald Eagle Landing" by Patti Deters. An impressive American Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) has her great wings outstretched to provide stability as she lands on the top of a fence post in an open field. These raptors can have wingspans up to 7.5 feet across which add to the apparent size and fierceness of this predator. Eagles can be found in all of the USA and are the National Bird of the United States of America. When ordering, a transparent PNG image is also available to allow you to choose any custom color background. Thank you for viewing this picture. If you like outdoor nature photography, you can purchase or just enjoy looking at more birds, animals, and other wildlife images at patti-deters.pixels.com/featured/great-bald-eagle-landing....
This insect and fruit eating avian creature was on alert for termites that were flying everywhere, as were the Yellow-rumped warbler's and Western Bluebirds.
"Sleeping Swan - Almost Morning" by Patti Deters. A lovely white Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) floats on the St. Croix River whiles she sleeps with her head and neck wrapped around and tucked into her feathers. The day is starting to lighten, but the overall lighting remails silvery and muted. This was photographed during winter months at Fort Snelling State Park, Minnesota, USA where swans gather near open water all season long. Thank you for viewing this picture. If you like outdoor nature photography, you can purchase or just enjoy looking at more birds, animals, and other wildlife images at patti-deters.pixels.com/featured/sleeping-swan-almost-mor....
Red-bellied Woodpecker-(Melanerpes carolinus) female, Western Pennsylvania, USA.
COPYRIGHT: © Janet M Heintz
My Nature Photography Website: jheintzphotography.zenfolio.com/
View my Blog at: jheintzphotography.zenfolio.com/blog
All Rights Reserved
Caught this shot of a red-winged blackbird during an Easter hike through the North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks (Mayfield Village, Ohio).
14-05-2019 New Jersey USA
[order] Charadriiformes | [family] Scolopacidae | [latin] Actitis macularius | [UK] Spotted Sandpiper | [FR] Chevalier grivelé | [DE] Drosseluferläufer | [ES] Andarríos maculado | [IT] Piro piro macchiato | [NL] Amerikaanse Oeverloper
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 37 cm
spanwidth max.: 40 cm
size min.: 18 cm
size max.: 20 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 20 days
incubation max.: 24 days
fledging min.: 17 days
fledging max.: 18 days
broods 3
eggs min.: 3
eggs max.: 5
The Spotted Sandpiper is a medium-sized shorebird with a bill slightly shorter than its head and a body that tapers to a longish tail. They have a rounded breast and usually appear as though they are leaning forward.
Colour Pattern
In breeding season Spotted Sandpipers have bold dark spots on their bright white breast and an orange bill. The back is dark brown. In winter, a Spotted Sandpiper's breast is not spotted; it's plain white, while the back is grayish brown and the bill is pale yellow. In flight, Spotted Sandpipers have a thin white stripe along the wing.
Behaviour
Spotted Sandpipers are often solitary and walk with a distinctive teeter, bobbing their tails up and down constantly. When foraging they walk quickly, crouching low, occasionally darting toward prey, all the while bobbing the tail. In flight, Spotted Sandpipers have quick, snappy wingbeats interspersed with glides, keeping their wings below horizontal. Listen for a few high whistled notes as they take off from the shoreline.
Habitat
Look for Spotted Sandpipers nearly anywhere near water—along streambanks, rivers, ponds, lakes, and beaches, particularly on rocky shores. This species is one of the most widespread breeding shorebirds in the United States and is commonly seen near freshwater, even in otherwise arid or forested regions.
The dapper Spotted Sandpiper makes a great ambassador for the notoriously difficult-to-identify shorebirds. They occur all across North America, they are distinctive in both looks and actions, and they're handsome. They also have intriguing social lives in which females take the lead and males raise the young. With their richly spotted breeding plumage, teetering gait, stuttering wingbeats, and showy courtship dances, this bird is among the most notable and memorable shorebirds in North America.
You may think a big grey bird hiding in green reeds would be easy to spot, nope!
Taken at Forest Farm, it eventually wandered to within a few metres of the hide. Incredible to see them so close
The unmistakable lines of the Mute Swan, a bird that has been streamlined through thousands of years of evolution to take on its elegant shape.
Though their looks can be deceiving and they have a tendency for violence if their young are threatened, this beautiful and proud creature is still a staple of British culture; the perfect addition to any river or canal scene.
Join me on an enchanting journey to the picturesque salt flats of Figueira da Foz, Portugal, where nature's beauty unfolds before our eyes. In this captivating post, I unveil the delightful world of the Kentish Plover, a charming bird species known for its graceful presence and captivating behaviors.
Amidst the vast expanse of shimmering salt pans, these dainty avian creatures gracefully roam, showcasing their unique traits and survival skills. With my camera in hand, I was privileged to witness their endearing courtship rituals and nurturing moments, as they harmoniously coexist in this pristine coastal ecosystem.
Their plumage glistens in the golden hour light, creating stunning reflections amidst the saltwater pools.
As an avid bird enthusiast, I invite you to marvel at the Kentish Plover's agility as they forage for food and listen to the sweet melodies of their calls, echoing across the tranquil landscape. These captivating moments on the salt flats are a reminder of the importance of preserving these delicate habitats for future generations.
Let this photographic odyssey ignite your curiosity and love for the marvels of wildlife. Join me in celebrating the Kentish Plover's presence on Portugal's salt flats, and let's embrace the beauty of our natural world together. #KentishPlover #FigueiradaFoz #BirdWatching #NaturePhotography #WildlifeConservation"