“Cute Avians: Adorable Birds You’ve Never Seen Part-2”
Birds come in all shapes and sizes, and each species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors. In this article, I’ll introduce you to four birds that you may not have heard of before: the Mountain Bluebird, the Goldcrest, the Long-Wattled Umbrella Bird, and the Bee Hummingbird.
Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)
The Mountain Bluebird is a small thrush that is native to North America. It is a migratory species and can be found in open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and mountain meadows. The male Mountain Bluebird is a stunning sight to behold, with a bright blue back and wings, and a rust-colored breast. The female is a bit more subdued, with a gray-blue back and pale breasts.
One of the most interesting things about the Mountain Bluebird is its nesting habits. Instead of building nests in trees or bushes, these birds often use abandoned woodpecker holes or nest boxes provided by humans. They will also occasionally build nests on ledges or in crevices. The female Mountain Bluebird lays a clutch of 3–7 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents help feed the chicks, and the young birds fledge (leave the nest) at around three weeks old.
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
The Goldcrest is a tiny songbird that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the kinglet family, which also includes the similar-looking Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The Goldcrest is easily recognized by its bright yellow crown stripe, which gives it its name. The rest of its body is a dull greenish-brown, with a white breast and a thin, pointed bill.
Despite its small size (it is the smallest bird in Europe), the Goldcrest has a very high metabolism and needs to eat constantly to fuel its body. It feeds on insects and spiders, which it catches by flitting through bushes and low vegetation. The Goldcrest is also a vocal bird, with a distinctive and complex song that includes a variety of high-pitched, trilled notes.
Long-Wattled Umbrella Bird (Cephalopterus penduliger)
The Long-Wattled Umbrella Bird is a large and striking bird that is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It gets its name from the long, wattle-like protuberances on the sides of its head, which are used in courtship displays. The male Umbrella Bird is particularly showy, with a glossy black body and a bright orange-red wattle that can be as long as 8 inches. The female is a bit more subdued, with a brown body and a shorter, less colorful wattle.
The Umbrella Bird is a very vocal bird, with a variety of complex calls and songs. It is also a skilled mimic and has been known to imitate the calls of other bird species, as well as the sounds of frogs and other animals. In addition to its vocalizations, the Umbrella Bird also has an elaborate courtship display, in which it spreads its wings and raises its wattle to attract a mate.
Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae)
The Bee Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world, weighing in at just over half an ounce and measuring a mere 6.1 inches in length. Despite its tiny size, the Bee Hummingbird is a fierce and energetic little bird, with a wingspan of just over 4 inches. It is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and urban areas.
The Bee Hummingbird is named after its small size, which is similar to that of a bumblebee. It is a brightly colored bird, with a metallic green back and a vibrant red throat. The male has a distinctive gorget (throat patch) that flashes iridescent colors in the sunlight. The female is a bit more subdued, with a green back and pale, speckled breasts.
One of the most interesting things about the Bee Hummingbird is its high metabolism and energy needs. To fuel its tiny body, it needs to eat constantly, consuming up to half its body weight in nectar each day. It feeds by hovering in front of flowers and using its long, slender bill to extract nectar. The Bee Hummingbird is also a skilled pollinator and helps to spread pollen between flowers as it feeds.
In addition to their unique characteristics and behaviors, these four birds are also important indicators of the health of their ecosystems. The Mountain Bluebird and Goldcrest are both indicators of grassland and forest health, respectively, while the Long-Wattled Umbrella Bird and Bee Hummingbird are important pollinators in the tropical forests where they live. By learning about and protecting these and other birds, we can help to ensure the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.
