GREAT HORNED OWL

ORDER
Strigiformes
FAMILY
Strigidoe
GENUS &: SPECIES
Bubo virginionus
The great horned owl, also known as the night tiger,
is a nighttime predator. It is found in a variety of habitats
throughout North and South America.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 18-25 in.
Weight: 5 - 6 ~ lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Unknown.
Breeding season: Spring and
early summer.
No. of broods: Usually 1.
Eggs: 1-5, white.
Incubation: 26-35 days.
Fledging period: 9-10 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary, except during
breeding season.
Diet: Rodents and other small
mammals, birds, invertebrates,
fish, and reptiles.
Calls: Booming hoots, barks,
screams, and growls.
RELATED SPECIES
The great horned owl is closely
related to the eagle owl, Bubo
bubo, of North Africa, Europe,
and Asia.
Range of the great horned owl.
DISTRIBUTION
Lives in forests, deserts, prairies, farmland, and low mountain
areas throughout most of North and South America. Some-
times found in suburban areas and city parks.
CONSERVATION
The great horned owl appears to be in no danger, probably
because it can adapt to a wide variety of habitats. But it may
lose its prey as a result of habitat destruction.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
FEATURES OF THE GREAT HORNED OWL
Eggs: Pure white and
almost round.
Clutches vary from 1
to 5 eggs, but usually
2 or 3 are laid.
Prey: The owl's powerful legs have
sharp, curved talons for grasping
and killing its prey, which can
be as large as a rabbit.
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Body: An upright body with short
tail, large head, and thick
plumage, which gives it
a rounded, neckless
silhouette.
0160200411 PACKET 41
The great horned owl gets its name
from the distinctive horn-shaped tufts of feathers
at either side of its head. Its skill
as a night hunter and its ability to thrive
in a variety of conditions have enabled
this bird to adapt successfully to
a wide range of habitats.
~ H A B I T S
The great horned owl is found
in a variety of habitats, occa-
sionally living and breeding
close to people. Plumage and
size vary among owls living in
different areas. There are now
1 7 known subspecies.
The larger owls live at high
altitudes and latitudes, while
the smallest are from tropi-
cal lowland forests or deserts.
Great horned owls from desert
areas and snowy regions have
pale plumage. Those that live
in humid places have the dark-
est plumage.
The great horned owl is
ideally adapted to its life as a
night hunter. With its large
eyes and sensitive retinas it can
see in very dim light, and it has
a wide field of vision because it
can turn its head 180 degrees
(half a circle).
The owl also has acute hear-
ing. The flat disks of radiating
feathers surrounding its eyes
are believed to help gather
and concentrate sound waves.
Another adaptation useful for
hunting prey is the sound-
deadening filaments at the tips
of the owl's flight feathers,
which permit noiseless flight.
~ FOOD & HUNTI NG
The great horned owl hunts
at night, swooping down to
snatch up prey with its sharp,
hooked claws. The owl's
wings and feathers are de-
signed to make no sound
during flight.
The owl hunts wherever
suitable prey is available. It
eats mainly rodents and birds,
but it also takes other mam-
mals, invertebrates, fish, frogs,
and lizards.
Like other owls, the great
Left: Focusing on the perch as it
approaches, the owl thrusts its
feet forward to land.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are believed to be
several undiscovered owl
species. A new species is
recorded about once every
10 years.
The great horned owl has
appeared in legends and
folktales for centuries. One
widespread superstition is
horned owl swallows all but
the largest prey whole and
headfirst. The owl's strong
digestive juices break down
the prey, and all the nutrients
are extracted. The indiges-
tible parts-bones, fur, and
feathers-are regurgitated as
pellets about one inch long.
These pellets are a valuable
source of information for nat-
uralists, who dissect them to
learn more about the owl's
feeding habits.
Right: The owl swallows small
prey whole, regurgitating the
indigestible fur and bones.
that an owl's hoot warns of
death or misfortune.
Although the great horned
owl preys on ducks and oth-
er game birds, at the same
time it may help to protect
them by hunting rats and
skunks, which kill large
numbers of these birds.
Courtship takes place at night
and is often noisy. Breeding is
timed so that the eggs hatch
when plenty of prey is avail-
able to feed the young. In
favorable conditions, the
female may have more than
one brood in a year.
The great horned owl uses a
variety of nesting sites. It may
take over a vacant twig-and-
stick nest of another species
or it may use a cavity in a tree
or between rocks. Sometimes
Left: Young owls, or owlets, are
covered in fluffy down that
darkens as they grow.
the great horned owl nests in
a farm building or other man-
made structure, or in a shal-
low hole in the ground.
The female lays one to five
white eggs (usually two or
three) over several days. She
incubates the eggs alone, and
they begin to hatch at dif-
ferent times after 26 to 35
days. The young (called owl-
ets) that hatch first have the
best chance of surviving. The
owlets can leave the nest after
about six weeks but do not
fly well until they are nine or
ten weeks old.
CANADA GOOSE
.... ORDER
~ Anseriformes
FAMILY
Anatidae
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS &; SPECIES
Branta canadensis
The Canada goose may be a dwarf or a giant. Some of its races
are not much bigger than a mallard, while others are
twice that size. But all have a black and white face.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: Varies between
subspecies from 2-3\1 ft .
Wingspan: 4-6 ft.
Weight: 6-9 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2-4 years.
Breeding season: Spring.
Broods: 1.
Eggs: 5 or 6. White or cream.
Incubation: About 4 weeks.
Fledging period: 6-7 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Sociable. Pairs for life.
Diet: All parts of grasses, crops,
and aquatic plants.
Lifespan: Oldest banded bird,
23 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The closest relatives of the
Canada goose are the barnacle
goose, Branta /eucopsis, and the
brant, B. bernie/a.
Range of the Canada goose.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in Canada and the United States south to Mexico.
Introduced into the British Isles, Scandinavia, Germany, the
Netherlands, and New Zealand.
CONSERVATION
The Canada goose benefits from the provision of artificial
feeding sites and refuges from shooting. The population is
expanding in parts of Europe.
FEATURES OF THE CANADA GOOSE
Plumage: Gray-brown body feathers with white
underparts. Head and neck black with white "chin
strap." Male and female alike. Markings similar for
Neck: Long and
flexible, for graz-
ing at ground
level. Stretched
Eggs: White or
cream, 5 or 6
in a clutch.
Incubated by
the female,
they hatch after
approximately
a month.
all races.
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The traditional home of the Canada goose
is in the wilds of North America, but it is a
highly adaptable bird. It readily changes its habits
to benefit from new sources of food on farmland
or refuges. It even flourishes within city limits,
where flocks of feeding birds have
become a common sight.

The Canada goose is native
to North America, where it
breeds in temperate zones up
to the Arctic Circle. There are
10 to 12 distinct races, which
vary greatly in size.
Most are migratory, flying as
far south as Mexico after they
breed. Some migration routes
have changed in recent de-
cades. The Canada goose is
quick to exploit new wildfowl
refuges and feeding sites and
will alter its route to take in
these stopovers.
The Canada goose is soci-
able. It feeds in groups and
roosts in flocks of up to sever-
al hundred on open water.
Family bonds are strong within
the flocks, but there is hostility
between geese before the
breeding season, when new
pairs are formed and territories
established. Breeding usually
takes place close to water. In
winter many birds take shelter
in fields and coastal plains that
are within easy reach of water.
The Canada goose has been
introduced into New Zealand,
Great Britain, Scandinavia, and
Germany. It has adapted easily
to man-made bodies of water,
and many birds have spread
to live on reservoirs. Most of
these wild populations are
nonmigratory, but those that
breed in Sweden travel each
fall to Germany. -
FOOD &: FEEDING
The Canada goose feeds
almost entirely on plants. It
walks across marshes, grass-
land, and fields and lowers its
long neck to graze. It also
grazes in water by upending
to pluck aquatic plants from
under the surface.
The bird's diet includes
stems, leaves, roots, tubers,
Left: The Canada goose can be
found on or near wate" where it
feeds, bathes, and rests.
DID YOU KNOW?
Large flocks of Canada
geese have damaged reser-
voirs by compacting soil on
the banks and depositing
huge quantities of droppings.
Canada geese are among
the most faithful of all birds.
Some pairs have stayed to-
gether for more than 20
fruit, and seeds. In North
America some of its common
food plants are wigeon grass,
eel grass, bulrush, sedge, and
pondweed. The Canada goose
also raids cultivated land and
may damage crops. European
birds feed mainly on grasses,
aquatic plants, clover, grains,
beans, and kale.
Right: Goslings quickly learn to
find food, but they stay with their
parents for almost a year.
I
years. The record is 42 years.
In breeding season, rival
males sometimes fight,
grasping bills and striking
each other with their wings.
During mating, the fe-
male's body may be com-
pletely submerged under
the water.
BIRDWATCH
In t he southern United
States, the Canada goose
is a familiar winter visitor.
Farther north, where it is a
migrant, wedge-shaped
flocks of flying geese are a
harbinger of both spring
and fal l. But in recent dec-

The Canada goose mates for
life. A young adult starts to
look for a mate when it is a
year old, but stable pairs usu-
ally do not form until the sec-
ond year. A male displays to a
female with elaborate move-
ments of his neck and by noisi-
ly chasing other geese. If the
female is unpaired and inter-
ested, she eventually joins his
displays, and they form a pair
and mate.
In North America nesting
usually takes place in an open,
remote site that is close to wa-
ter. European birds often nest
Left: Paired for life, the male and
female both tend their newly
hatched young.
ades the Canada goose has
established itself as a year-
round resident in densely
populated areas-even in
city parks.
Geese pai r for life and are
always found together, even
outside the nesti ng season.
under bushes and trees in a
site closer to human habita-
tion, such as an island on a
lake. Each pair establishes a
territory around its nest and
defends it from other pairs
until the young leave.
The nest is a low pile of
leaves, grass, and twigs. The
same pair repairs and uses it
year after year. The female
carries out most of the nest
building, lining the structure
with her own loose down
feathers. She alone incubates
the five or six eggs for about
four weeks, but both parents
care for the young after they
hatch. The chicks rapidly learn
to find food for themselves.
RUBV-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD
~ ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
ORDER
Apodiformes
FAMILY
Trochilidae
GENUS &; SPECIES
Chrysolampis mosquitus
The ruby-topaz hummingbird belongs to a family of tiny birds
known for their brightly colored feathers
and unique hovering flight.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 3 in.
Wingspan: About 5 in.
Weight: About )..{ o oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Mating: Takes place in the air.
Eggs: 1 or 2.
Incubation: By the female for
about 2-3 weeks.
Fledging: Chicks leave the nest
after 3 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary except when
breeding. Will defend territory
vigorously.
Diet: Nectar, insects, and spiders.
RELATED SPECIES
There are approximately 320
species of hummingbird.
Range of the rUby-topaz hummingbird.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in forests, scrub, and savannas of Brazil, Colombia,
Venezuela, northeast Bolivia, and the Gulanas.
CONSERVATION
Hummingbirds are killed for their skin and their habitats are
being destroyed. As a result, hummingbirds are becoming
increasingly rare.
HOW THE RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD FEEDS
Flight: Hovers
in brief bursts.
Figure-eight
wing move-
ment helps
keep body still .
- - ----
Flower: Supplies nectar and also dusts the
hummingbird with pollen. The bird unintentionally
scatters the pollen throughout its territory,
increasing the abundance of its food-source flower.
length for cer-
tain flowers.
Beaks of other
species fit
other flowers,
lessening the
competition for
food sources.
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The ruby-topaz hummingbird
is found in the forests, scrub, and savannas
of South America. The brilliant plumage of the male
may be seen only as a blur as the bird hovers
before a flower for a sip of nectar.
The ruby-topaz hummingbird
spends almost its entire day in
flight. The hummingbird
hovers from flower to flower
looking for the energy-rich
nectar it needs to survive.
By rotating its wings in its
shoulder sockets in a complex
figure-eight movement, the
hummingbird is able to hover,
dart quickly from flower to
flower, and even fly backward.
The muscles that control this
specialized wing action
account for one-third of the
bird's weight.
The ruby-topaz humming-
bird is solitary except during
the breeding season. It de-
fends its territory fiercely, even
from much larger birds. It has
been known to stab at the
eyes of hawks or similar pre-
dators with its long beak.
~ BREEDING
Because of the high speed at
which hummingbirds fly
among the plants of their
habitat, close observation of
their mating habits has been
difficult. But modern high-
speed photography has made
recent studies possible.
The ruby-topaz male usually
mates with more than one
female. The male flies in arcs
singing to the females, and
mating takes place in the air.
The tiny bowl-shaped nest is
made of moss, lichen, and
spiderwebs, and is placed in
the fork of a twig. Two eggs
are laid and hatched two to
three weeks later.
The hummingbird chicks
grow quickly on a diet of nec-
tar fed to them by the female.
They are ready to leave the
nest at about three weeks old.
Right: The hummingbird's tiny
nest is made of moss, lichen, and
spiderwebs.
Left: The ruby-topaz gets its name
from the jewel-like plumage of its
crown and breast.
DID YOU KNOW?
The ruby-topaz's wings
beat at nearly 100 beats
per second. By contrast,
most other hummingbirds
average 50 to 70 beats per
second.
The glossy sheen of a
hummingbird's plumage
results from highly refrac-
tive granules within the
surface of the feathers.
To survive through the
night without feeding,
hummingbirds slow their
metabolic rate and go into
a kind of hibernation.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The ruby-topaz h.umming-
bird feeds on flower nectar
and insects. It must feed
constantly to replace the
energy it uses in hovering. Its
metabolism is so fast that it
burns energy very quickly.
Even when it rests, the ruby-
topaz uses up energy 25
times faster than a bird the
size of a duck.
To sip nectar, the bird hov-
ers in front of a flower and
uses its pointed bill as both a
probe and a drinking straw.
It usually catches insects
while flying at high speeds so
that the prey is forced into its
mouth. The ruby-topaz also
eats small spiders, which it
takes from the web or off
of the flowers from which it
gets nectar.
Above: The female ruby-topaz
has duller plumage than the
male, which may help hide her
while she sits on the nest.
CATTLE EGRET
ORDER
Ciconiiformes
FAMILY
Ardeidae
GROUP 2: BIRDS
". GENUS &: SPECIES
~ Bubulcus ibis
The cattle egret is a small white heron that usually spends its day
in the company of cattle. It feeds on insects that are stirred up by
the grazing animals as they move across pastures.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: About 1 ~ ft.
Wingspan: About 3 ft.
Weight: 10-14 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2 years.
Breeding season: April to mid-
August.
Eggs: 3-4.
Incubation: 22-26 days.
Fledging: 30 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Sociable. Roosts in large
numbers when not breeding.
Diet: Insects, frogs, lizards, birds,
and small mammals.
Range of the cattle egret.
DISTRIBUTION
Lifespan: Oldest banded bird: 1 3
years, 6 months.
RELATED SPECIES
The family Ardeidae contains 61
species in 17 genera, including
the American bittern, Botaurus
lentiginosus.
Found mainly in central and southern Africa, southern Asia, and
the southern tip of Europe. Recently its range has extended to
South America, Central America, and parts of North America.
Introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and the Hawaiian islands.
CONSERVATION
The cattle egret has greatly extended its range in the last
hundred years and does not seem to be threatened.
FEATURES OF THE CATTLE EGRET
Nonbreeding plumage: Creamy
white. Male has long throat
feathers. Female has purer
Eggs: Four or five. White
tinged with pale green or blue.
A second clutch is laid if the
first fails.
white coloring. Young
are grayer.
Breeding plumage: Pinkish
yellow or rich orange-
yellow feathers on crown
and breast. Bill darkens
Nest: Male gathers reeds, branches,
twigs, and grass, which the female
uses to build the nest.
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The cattle egret differs from other species of heron
in behavior and appearance. Unlike other herons,
it does not need to live on or near water. Instead,
it is found in open fields, where it follows cattle or
other grazing animals in order to find food. With
its short, hunched neck and ungainly walk, the
cattle egret is one of the less graceful small herons.
~ H A B I T S
The cattle egret prefers warm
lowland areas, and it spends
most of the day in pastures
and open fields. Unlike most
herons, it is not restricted to
wetlands, but it sometimes
settles on the banks of rivers,
ponds, and lakes. The cattle
egret tolerates humans and
can often be seen in parks.
This sociable bird lives in
small flocks of up to 20 indi-
viduals. Each morning the flock
takes to the air in search of a
herd of domestic or wild ani-
mals. The flock follows the
herd all day, dispersing to feed
but coming together again in
the late afternoon. The flock
then flies back to the roost,
stopping at a watering place
along the way.
The roost is usually located
in large trees near a good
water supply. Cattle egrets
often roost with other water
birds in huge colonies that
contain thousands of birds.
~ BREEDING
The male cattle egret is usually
quiet, but he becomes aggres-
sive and noisy in the mating
season. After he chooses a site
in the breeding colony, the
male struts about, hunching
his neck, spreading his wings,
and swaying from side to side.
Up to 10 females watch this
display from a nearby perch.
They eventually respond by
stretching their necks out and
posturing at the male. Then
they fly down to alight on the
male's back. He drives them
off until one female finally sub-
Left: The plumage and bill of
both sexes become more vividly
colored in the breeding season.
DID YOU KNOW?
In large nesting colonies,
up to 100 pairs of cattle
egrets may nest in a single
tree, with six to eight nests
perched on each branch.
The number of birds at a
cattle egret's roosting site can
range from as few as 20 to as
many as 10,000.
dues him. The two birds preen
elaborately and then mate.
After mating, the pair builds
a nest in a bush, a low tree, or
a bed of reeds. Both sexes take
turns incubating the eggs.
Both parents care for their
chicks, feeding them by re-
gurgitating food into their
mouths. As the chicks grow,
the adults place food in the
nest. After about 20 days, the
chicks leave the nest to perch
nearby. They are fledged at 30
days but not fully independent
for another 1 5 days.
Right: The parents take turns
guarding their offspring in the
first days of life.
The egret is an enthusiastic
nest builder. Both sexes con-
tinue to build their nest dur-
ing incubation and even after
the eggs have hatched.
If an adult catches a chick
trespassing on its nest site, it
will attack and may even kill
the youngster.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The cattle egret starts the day
with its flock, looking for a
herd of cattle or other graz-
ing animals to follow. As the
cattle move, they disturb
insects and other animals
underfoot. The egret walks
cautiously between the legs
of the cattle, stabbing at the
exposed insects with its long,
pointed bill. It may hop onto
Left: Although its main food is
insects, the cattle egret also eats
larger prey such as frogs.
Left: The
African water
buffalo is not
disturbed by
the presence of
a cattle egret.
The bird can
spot insects on
the ground
from its van-
tage point on
the grazing
animal's back.
an animal's back to get a
better view of its prey.
Insects, especially grasshop-
pers, form the main part of
the cattle egret's diet. It also
eats spiders, lizards, frogs,
and snakes. Sometimes it
preys on small mammals or
birds and their young. It is
a myth that the egret feeds,
mainly on ticks found on the
skin of cattle. Ticks make up
only a small proportion of the
cattle egret's diet.
"' CARD 115 ]
BUDGERIGAR
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
"W ORDER
~ Psittaciformes
... FAMILY
~ Psittacidae
"W GENUS &: SPECIES
~ Melopsittacus undulatus
The budgerigar is a nomadic bird that gathers with other birds
wherever there is plenty of food and water. It will then settle
down and breed, moving on when supplies run out.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 7-8 in.
Weight: 1 ~ - 2 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 5 months.
Breeding season: August to
January in the south; June to
September in the north.
No. of broods: Variable.
Eggs: 4-6, white, rounded.
Incubation: 17-20 days.
Fledging period: 1 month.
LIFESTYLE
Call: Warble and soft screech.
Soft chatter when feeding.
Habit: Nomadic; social in large
flocks.
Diet: Seeds of grasses and fleshy
plants.
lifespan: 3-4 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The parrot family includes cock-
atoos, lovebirds, and lorikeets.
Range of the budgerigar.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in the Australian interior (away from coast), but in
times of drought it can be found in coastal areas of Australia.
Absent from Tasmania. Introduced successfully in Florida.
CONSERVATION
The budgerigar probably has the largest population of all
Australia's parrot family, particularly when food is abundant
and rainfall is high.
FEATURES OF THE BUDGERIGAR
Flight: Blackish blue tail feathers are
exposed in flight. Bird has long, spread-
ing primaries (wingtip feathers).
Water: The budgerigar breeds during
rainy periods. It can conserve moisture,
surviving on seeds for up to 5 months
without drinking.
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Eggs: 4 to 6
white, rounded
eggs are laid
and incubated
for 17 to 20 days.
Female: Off-
white coloring
above bill.
/
/
,
/,Ij/
I : ~
Male: Blue col-
oring above bill .
Similar to female
in plumage and
size. Both sexes
are mainly green
in the wild.
0160200451 PACKET 45
The caged parakeet, or "budgie, " is a familiar pet
with a striking variety of colors. But in the wild, the
budgerigar's plumage is usually green, providing
excellent camouflage among the trees in the interior
of Australia. The wild budgerigar is a social bird
that breeds in large colonies and may flock in huge
numbers, migrating north and south across Australia.
~ H A B I T S
The budgerigar is a social bird
that lives in small groups in the
wild. These groups gather to
feed or to migrate. Flocks num-
bering thousands of budgeri-
gars can be large enough to
block out the sun. Large flocks
fly swiftly, twisting and turning.
Smaller groups move more
slowly and directly.
When it is resting, the bud-
gerigar is well camouflaged in
its roosting tree. Just before sun-
rise it starts to move around in
the tree, calling to the others in
its group in a soft, murmuring
chatter or warble. Soon after
sunrise the birds leave the trees
as a group, flying off to drink
and forage.
When the day becomes very
hot, the budgerigar retires to
the shade of a tree, preferably
close to water. Motionless, si-
lent, and well camouflaged, it
remains there until the temper-
ature goes down.
Right: The budgerigar forms a
close bond with its mate and
often pairs for life.
~ FOOD & FEEDI NG
The budgerigar migrates from
northern to southern Australia
and back again, following the
rainy seasons when plants in
arid areas come to life. It may
frequent the coastal areas of
Australia if there is a drought
in the interior.
In early morning or in the
evening large flocks of budger-
igars search the grasslands for
food. Seeds of herbaceous, or
fleshy, plants and grasses are
the most popular food. The
budgerigar removes the outer
covering of the seed and swal -
left: The budgerigar can fly
swiftly in short bursts, flapping
its wings vigorously.
lows the inner part whole or
broken. It often climbs the tall
stalks of tussock grasses to take
seeds from the head.
Well adapted to life in dry
areas, the budgerigar can go
for up to five months without
drinking. It obtains enough
moisture from seeds to stay
healthy. The budgerigar also
reduces water loss through its
skin and can produce a more
concentrated urine. But despite
this system of conserving water,
thousands of budgerigars die in
times of drought.
Right: With their hooked claws,
the budgerigar's feet are suitable
for perching.
DID YOU KNOW?
During a heat wave in 1932
millions of budgerigars mi-
grated north in a flock that
was so huge it took four hours
to fly past a particular spot.
The budgerigar seems able
to forecast the weather, often
arriving in an area before wet
weather comes. The bird may
~ BREEDING
The budgerigar breeds in large
colonies, pairing for long peri-
ods, probably for life. In north-
ern Australia it breeds at the
end of summer when the rainy
season begins. The sight of
rain or increased humidity
seems to be a stimulus for the
budgerigar to mate. By the
time the young hatch, the
grasses are producing seeds.
In late spring or early sum-
mer, flocks of budgerigars trav-
el south, and there they breed
again. If conditions are good, a
sense weather changes by
recognizing rain clouds and
detecting changes in baro-
metric pressure.
A hen budgerigar often
feeds her youngest, smallest
chick first, ensuring that the
whole brood survives, not just
the larger chicks.
pair may have several broods.
The female chooses a nest site
in a hollow in an old or dead
tree. She lays four to six white
eggs, usually on alternate days,
which she incubates while the
male collects food for her.
The eggs hatch after 1 7 to
20 days, often every other
day. At first the young are fed
regurgitated food that is high
in protein, similar to mammals'
milk. They then go on to eat
partly digested seeds. After
about a month they can fly.
CARRION CROW
,. ORDER
Passeriformes
,. FAMILY
Corvidae
GROUP 2: BI RDS
GENUS &; SPECIES
Corvus carone
The carrion crow is a familiar sight in Europe and Asia. With its
wingtips splayed, this solitary black bird flies over open
landscapes searching for food-both alive and dead.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 1 ft.
Weight: About 20 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2 years.
Breeding season: Spring.
Eggs: 2-7. Greenish, with darker
markings.
Incubation: weeks.
Fledging period: About 1 month.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Usually found alone or in
pairs. Territorial.
Diet: Wide range of plants and
animals; some carrion and refuse.
lifespan: Up to 10 years in the
wild. Longer in captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
The 40 species of the genus Cor-
vus include the common raven,
C. corax; the American crow, C.
brachyrhynchos; and the fish
crow, C. ossifragus.
Range of the carrion crow.
DISTRIBUTION
The carrion crow, Corvus corone corone, and the hooded
crow, Corvus corone cornix; are found throughout Europe
and Asia, and there are some hybrids.
CONSERVATION
Although in some regions it is under attack by gamekeep-
ers and farmers, the carrion crow remains a common and
widespread bird.

OF THE CARRION CROW

Nest robbing: The carrion crow is
adept at carrying off the young
and eggs of other birds. It often
waits until a parent bird leaves its
nest and then snatches its prey.
THE HOODED CROW
The hooded crow has a gray back
and underparts. It may cross-
breed with the carrion crow.
Feet: Strong
and flexible. They
hold food while
the crow tears it
with its bill.
MCMXCI IMP BVIIMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Eggs: 2 to 7 in
yearly clutch.
Slight greenish
tinge with darker
markings. Hatch
in 2);2 weeks.
Flight: Slow wing-
beats, with tips of
wings spread.
Commonly seen
flying over open
landscapes.
0160200441 PACKET 44
The carrion crow is known for its adaptability
and intelligence. Commonly found in open country,
this bird thrives on farmland and has even settled
in the heart of cities. Its name is misleading, for the
carrion crow does not rely on dead flesh for food.
It has a varied diet and is quick to exploit any new
source of food that becomes available.
~ H A B I T S
Even though it uses trees and
shrubs for nesting and roost-
ing, the carrion crow is a bird
of open spaces such as hills,
moors, semideserts, seashores,
farmland, and pastures. It can
also be found in city gardens
and parks.
The carrion crow ranges over
most of Europe and Asia, but
there are two subspecies in
Europe with separate ranges.
The carrion crow lives mainly
in the west, while the hooded
crow occurs in northern and
eastern Europe. Hybrids occur
where these two ranges over-
lap. Other subspecies inhabit
India, Japan, the Middle East,
and Asia. Each subspecies has
similar habits, but some north-
ern hooded crows are unusual
because they migrate south for
the winter.
Both European subspecies
are unsociable birds and are
usually seen alone or in pairs.
Established pairs maintain a
territory through the year,
where they rest, feed, and
breed. In winter some pairs fly
each evening to communal
roosts in the area, sometimes
sharing the site with other
crow species. Loose, roaming
groups of carrion crows are
usually immature and non-
breeding adults. They are
chased away if they trespass
on the space of territorial pairs.
~ BREEDI NG
Pairs of carrion crows usually
nest in a large tree, or they
may use shrubs, cliff ledges,
empty buildings, or electrical
towers. Both sexes build the
nest using sticks, bark, twigs,
grass, and earth, with hair and
other soft materials as lining.
The female incubates the
eggs and broods the young
Left: A solitary bird, the carrion
crow lives in both rural and
urban habitats.
I DID YOU KNOW?
Crows are very intelligent.
Some carrion crows know
that when people are near,
the eggs of other birds will be
left unprotected. Others drop
mussels onto hard surfaces to
crack the shells open.
In cold regions the hooded
crow uses its feet to pull up
while the male finds food for
them. Later, both parents for-
age for food, which they carry
in their throat pouches. Large
items are carried in the bill and
then torn up at the nest for the
young. The chicks are fed for a
month after fledging, and they
remain in or near the parents'
territory until the next spring.
Right: The carrion crow gives
a harsh call to a territorial
neighbor.
fishing lines set in holes in the
ice. Either the catch or the
bait is the reward.
The carrion crow mobs
birds of prey in flight to drive
them away from their nests.
Territorial neighbors regu-
larly keep in touch by calling
and answering back.
~ I BIRDWATCH
Farmers are on the lookout
for t he carri on crow because
it eats grain. But, on the pos-
itive side, it eats soi l-dwell ing
grubs and other insects that
are harmful to agriculture.
In places where the carri on
crow is not under attack, it
~ FOOD & FEEDING
The carrion crow can find
food in most places, and it
takes advantage of new feed-
ing opportunities. With its
heavy bill, it can bite off veg-
etable matter, kill small crea-
tures, and tear flesh off dead
animals. Common foods in-
clude grain, fruit, insects,
worms, frogs, lizards, eggs,
chicks, stranded fish, and
small rodents.
The carrion crow feeds pri-
marily on the ground, strid-
ing along on its strong feet
and probing into the grass or
digging into crevices. It flips
Left: The carrion crow sometimes
steals the eggs of other birds to
feed on.
has become quite tame. In
some European citi es, bread
crumbs have become an im-
portant source of food. The
crow can al so be seen al ong
the sides of roads, watching
for insects that have been
killed by passing cars.
over stones with its bill and
tears bark from wood to find
the creatures underneath. In
some places flocks of carrion
crows rummage through gar-
bage dumps and pick food
out of gutters.
The carrion crow uses its
beak and feet with great dex-
terity. It can hold a large arti-
cle in its bill and rub it against
a branch or the ground to
break it apart. Or the crow
can hold food down with its
feet and dismember it with its
bill. Sometimes it dips food in
water to soften .it or to make
it less sticky. In times of plenty
the bird may hide food and
retrieve it later.
"'CARD 117
EAGLE OWL
' ( - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ORDER
Strigiformes
FAMILY
Strigidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Bubo bubo
The eagle owl is a giant among the birds of the night, dwarfing
other owls in Europe and Asia. A powerful predator, it swoops
on all kinds of creatures, even animals its own size.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 2 - 2 ~ ft.
Wingspan: 5-6 ft.
Weight: 5-7 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2-3 years.
Breeding season: Varies, but
usually February to May.
Eggs: 2-4.
Fledging period: 5 ~ - 8 ~ weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Nonmigratory, territorial.
Diet: Mammals, birds, reptiles,
amphibians, fishes, crabs, insects,
and spiders.
lifespan: Oldest recorded,
21 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 11 related species
of the genus Bubo, including
the great horned owl, Bubo
virginianus, of North and South
America.
Range of the eagle owl.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in northern Africa, southern and central Europe, and
Scandinavia, east to Siberia, Korea, and China.
CONSERVATION
The eagle owl is becoming rare in many parts of its range.
This is mainly due to shooting, nest robbing, pesticide
poisoning, collisions with power lines and vehicles, and
harassment from other birds.
THE EAGLE OWL AND ITS NEST
Ear tufts: These
tufts of feathers
are used in
displays and
have nothing to
do with hearing.
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Eyes: The owl has
a limited field of
vision. To
compensate, it is
able to rotate its
head 360 degrees.
Young: Downy gray
plumage camouflages
the young. Unable to
stand for 16 days, the
birds leave the nest site
after 6 to 10 weeks and
fly 2 weeks later.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
The eagle owl stands 12 to 16
inches taller than the barn owl.
0160200431 PACKET 43
The eagle owl is an extremely adept hunter,
capable of snatching animals as large as a fox.
This bird is found in a variety of habitats,
from rocky deserts to temperate woodland.
But the eagle owl requires a secluded nest site,
and there are fewer and fewer places where
such a big bird can find sanctuary today.
~ CHARACTERISTICS
One of the largest owls, the
eagle owl is found throughout
Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
It can live in almost any habi-
tat, but it prefers areas with
plenty of prey and many hid-
ing places.
Most of the time the eagle
owl leads a solitary life. The
male and female stay in the
same territory all year but
usually hunt alone and roost
separately. The owl fiercely de-
fends its territory, which may
cover 6 to 30 square miles.
Like most owls, the eagle owl
is active at night, when it does
its hunting. During the day it
roosts in a tree, under a bush,
or on a sheltered rock ledge.
While resting, it is often tor-
mented by crows and other
birds that try to drive the pred-
ator off. When the owl flies
during the day, it is usually be-
cause it has been disturbed by
these birds.
Right: The eagle owl observes
prey from a safe distance before
swooping down.
An unpaired male eagle owl
calls to females to attract their
attention. He may start before
sunset and call for more than
an hour. Once eagle owls have
paired, they establish a bond
that lasts for life.
The birds use few materials
for their nests, which they
build in the shelter of a rock
crevice or under an overhang.
In forests they nest among tree
roots or under fallen trunks.
Eggs are often laid when there
is still snow on the ground.
The female carries out the five-
left: The chicks are fed by their
parents for two and a half
months after hatching.
week incubation alone, but the
male brings her food. After
hatching, he feeds her and the
young while she broods them
(covers them with her wings)
for four or five weeks.
The young open their eyes
after six days and can stand
upright after 16 days. They
soon develop mottled, downy
plumage that cC\mouflages
them on the ground. At six to
ten weeks they leave the nest,
and they begin to fly about
two weeks later. Both parents
feed them for another month.
Right: Like many of its relatives,
the eagle owl preys chiefly on
mice and rats.
DID YOU KNOW?
The eagle owl preys on
other predatory birds, like
hawks and other owls. It
may even kill more powerful
birds, like snowy owls.
An eagle owl was once
seen carrying a full-grown
red fox in its talons.
The eagle owl is known to
~ FOOD &: HUNTING
The eagle owl's diet is one of
the most varied of all preda-
tory birds. In part this is be-
cause it is powerful enough
to subdue large prey. But it is
also because the eagle owl is
an adaptable hunter, able to
change its appetite and hunt-
ing methods as new food be-
comes available.
Across its range, it has been
known to prey on 110 spe-
cies of mammals and at least
140 species of birds. It also
eats small prey like snakes,
fly out and seize shot birds
before they hit the ground.
If an eagle owl cannot eat
all of its prey at once, it
may bury the kill and fini sh
eating it the next day.
Nesting eagle owls have
been seen at elevations as
high as 15,000 feet.
frogs, fish, mice, and insects.
The eagle owl prefers to
hunt in open terrain, but it
sometimes hunts in forests. It
catches most prey by waiting
on a rock or tree, watching
for signs of movement, and
then swooping down on its
victim. The eagle owl may
also make short flights to look
for prey among nesting colo-
nies on rocks, in trees, and on
marshes. Prey weighing up to
seven pounds has been found
in the nests of eagle owls.
GREYLAG GOOSE
". ORDER
~ Anseriformes
". FAMILY
~ Anotidoe
""CARD 118 I
GROUP 2: BIRDS
". GENUS &: SPECIES
~ Anser onser
The greylag is a big, powerful bird that is the wild ancestor
of the domestic goose. It flies great distances to reach
its winter refuges in Europe and parts of Asia.
/
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 2 ~ - 3 ft. Male larger than
female.
Wingspan: 5-6 ft.
Weight: About 8 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2-3 years.
Breeding season: April to May.
No. of broods: 1.
Eggs: 4-6, creamy white.
Incubation: 4 weeks.
Fledging period: About 8 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Gregarious, migratory,
active mainly by day.
Diet: Grass, crops, waterweed,
seeds, and berries.
Lifespan: Typically 4-5 years.
RELATED SPECIES
Close relatives of the greylag
goose include the white-fronted
goose, Anser olbifrons, and the
snow goose, Chen coerulescens.
Skeins: Greylag geese f ~ y in V-
haped or straight-l ine formations
known as skeins. The leader of the
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Range of the greylag goose.
DISTRIBUTION
One of the most widespread of all geese, the greylag breeds
in Iceland, Scotland, Scandinavia, eastern Europe, and across
Asia to eastern Siberia.
CONSERVATION
Although intensive farming has displaced the greylag goose
from many of its former breeding grounds in Europe, it re-
mains numerous.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200451 PACKET 45
The greylag goose is the largest of the gray geese
that fly south each year to the fields and meadows
of Europe and Asia. Since it often forages in large
flocks and feeds on crops and grain, it is
not usually welcomed by farmers.
~ H A B I T S
Greylag geese spend spring
and summer in their breed-
ing grounds in Scandinavia,
eastern Europe, and central
Asia. In fall the geese migrate
south. Flying in long, ragged
skeins (flocks), often in a V
formation, they converge on
the coasts of western and
southern Europe. They settle
on grasslands near rivers and
estuaries, where their clam-
orous honking can be heard
from far away.
The greylag goose prefers
to feed during the day, taking
off at dawn in small parties to
search for food. At dusk the
greylag returns to roost on
tidal mud banks, although it
may go inland. In populated
areas it is more wary, forag-
ing by moonlight and retreat-
ing at dawn to the shore.
~ BREEDING
In spring greylag flocks break
into breeding pairs as the
geese return to their nesting
grounds. The greylag mates
for life, but the pair frequent-
ly becomes separated during
winter. At the nesting sites
they renew their bond in a
noisy and elaborate ritual of
posturing with straight necks
and upturned bills.
The pair builds a large nest
among thick heather or rushes
DID YOU KNOW?
Nervous and constantly
alert, greylag geese are very
difficult to approach. This
wariness has been inherited
by domestic geese, which
make excellent "watchdogs."
near water. The female in-
cubates the eggs while her
mate stands guard nearby.
The down-covered goslings
are born in May and leave
the nest within a few hours
of hatching. But the family
group remains together until
the following spring. In fall
the family flies south to the
wintering grounds. In this
way the young birds learn the
migration routes by example.
Left: The
greylag's
serrated bill is
adapted for
shearing the
vegetation it
eats.
Right: At the
nest site both
parents guard
the chicks and
are alert to
any danger.
On hatching, greylag
goslings latch on to the first
animal they see and accept it
as a parent. Normally this is
their true parent, but they
readily accept humans.
Top left:
The greylag's
heavy orange
bill sets it
apart from
other gray
geese.
Left: Toward
the end of the
day, the grey-
lag may fly
inland to
spend the
evening on
a placid lake.
The greylag goose is larg-
er and sturdier than other
gray geese and has pal er
plumage, a heavy neck, and
a large orange bill . Skei ns of
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The greylag goose feeds main-
lyon grass, which is ground
up in its gizzard. Because it
lacks the complex digestive
system of herbivorous (plant-
eating) mammals, the greylag
has to eat a vast amount of
grass to get enough nutrients.
It may spend most of the day
feeding and is very selective,
choosing only the youngest
and most succulent grass tips.
graylags flying overhead
make a deep, sonorous
fl ight call t hat resembles
the call of the bird's descen-
dant, the domestic goose.
The greylag goose supple-
ments its diet with flowers, fruit,
and seeds. Flocks of greylags
often invade farm fields to pick
up wheat and barley grains
left after harvesting. Greylag
geese may also feed on grow-
ing crops, neatly snipping off
young shoots with their heavy
bills, which have saw-toothed
edges. This behavior brings
them into conflict with farmers.
"' CARD 119 1
EURASIAN GOLDEN PLOVER
, , - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~
ORDER
Charadriiformes
FAMilY
Charadriidae
~ GENUS &: SPECIES
~ Pluvialis apricaria
The Eurasian golden plover is a black- and gold-speckled wading
bird that spends most of its time on the ground. It winters
in western Europe and northern Africa.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
length: 10-12 in.
Wingspan: 2 - 2 ~ ft.
Weight: 6-9 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding season: May to August,
but varies according to location.
No. of broods: 1, but will replace
broods lost to predators.
Eggs: Usually 3-4.
Incubation: 1 month.
Fledging period: 1 month.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Flocking bird.
Diet: Insects, larvae, and worms.
Also plant material.
RELATED SPECIES
The American golden plover, Plu-
vialis dominica, is closely related
to the European species. It looks
similar but is smaller.
Range of the Eurasian golden plover.
DISTRIBUTION
Breeds in Iceland, Great Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, parts of
Europe, and the Soviet Union.
CONSERVATION
Throughout its range, the population of the Eurasian golden
plover has been seriously affected by changes in land use-
particularly the planting of large commercial pine forests. The
northern populations are stable.
FEATURES OF THE EURASIAN GOLDEN PLOVER
Female: Both
sexes are alike
except that the
female has
fewer black
markings on her
underparts.
Plumage: Black face and underparts
with black- and gold-speckled upper-
parts. In the winter the black under- --------,e
parts fade and turn white with faint
gold speckles.
/
/
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200451 PACKET 45
The Eurasian golden plover usually leaves its
breeding ground in fall to migrate to warmer areas,
where it mixes with the local bird population.
In Great Britain and western Europe, however,
most golden plovers do not migrate-they remain
in the same location year round.
DID YOU KNOW?
Although the Eurasian
golden plover is a wading
bird, it seldom wades.
Disputes often occur
when the plover's range
overlaps the lapwing's,
but the plover never wins.
Humans may barely
hear plovers' contact calls.
The plover's enemies in-
clude foxes, crows, and
gulls. The plover may fake
a broken wing to distract
a predator from the nest.
Parents may divide the
brood to care for the chicks.

The Eurasian golden plover
spends much of its time on
the ground and prefers a flat,
open habitat with sparse veg-
etation and tree cover, so it
can run quickly if threatened.
It favors moors, heaths, and
peatland during the breeding
season. In winter it is often
found on burned fields, open
farmland, and flooded land.
Near the coast it prefers open
land away from the shore.
Right: While his mate incubates
the eggs, the male stands guard
to watch for intruders.

Before breeding season starts, .
the Eurasian golden plover
molts into its bright breeding
plumage. It usually chooses its
mate just before arriving at the
breeding grounds. Once they
pair, the bond lasts a lifetime.
At the breeding site the male
defends his territory vigorously,
often dueling with a rival bird.
Having claimed a territory, the
male digs a number of shallow
areas in the ground. The fe-
male then chooses one, while
participating with the male in a
series of courtship displays that
left: The Eurasian golden plover
has a beautiful-sounding liquid,
piping call.
ends in mating. The nest is then
enlarged and lined, and about
three weeks later the female
lays three or four eggs in it over
a period of several days. Both
parents incubate the eggs. The
male may incubate during the
day with the female taking over
at night, orthey may share du-
ties at regular intervals.
The eggs hatch after 27 or
28 days, and the hatchlings
are well developed. Soon after
birth both parents lead the
chicks to a nearby feeding
ground and stand guard while
they eat. The chicks fledge fully
at about a month and are able
to breed the next year.
FOOD &: FEEDING
In the breeding season the
parent birds feed outside the
nest site while the chicks feed
closer to the nest. The off-duty
parent may feed by day or

The migratory habits of the
Eurasian golden plover vary.
In Great Britain only a few mi-
grate. Those that do begin in
July, after the breeding season,
and travel to southern France
and Portugal, returning again
the following spring. Plovers
that remain in Great Britain
winter on low ground near
their breeding areas.
Populations that breed in Ice-
land leave in October to winter
mainly in Ireland. Their return
trip starts in mid-April. Most
birds move southwest to win-
ter in the warmer maritime cli-
mate of western Europe.
Before migrating, the plover
Above: The eggs are laid in a
shallow nest in the ground, but
they are well camouflaged by
their speckles.
left: A hatching chick has the
same distinctive gold-speckled
coloring as an adult.
night. Insects and larvae are
the main food, but worms
form much of the winter diet
in many areas. The plover also
eats slugs and pecks at grass.
molts into its winter plumage,
but birds traveling long dis-
tances may molt only partially.
The birds form flocks of 50 to
5,000, but some birds travel
alone or in pairs.
Below: In winter the plover's
feathers lose their golden sheen.
COMMON MOORHEN
, -------------
ORDER
Gruiformes
FAMILY
Rallidae
"' CARD 120 I
The common moorhen, with its eye-catching red beak, is a familiar
sight around fresh water. This greedy eater and fast breeder is
found on every continent except Australia.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 14 in.
Wingspan: 20-22 in.
Weight: 7-1 2 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding season: April to August.
No. of broods: 2 or 3.
Eggs: 6-10.
Incubation: 3 weeks.
Fledging period: 6-7 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Sociable, except during
breeding season.
Diet: Plants, berries, insects, and
other small animals.
lifespan: Rarely over 3 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 2 other species of
Gallinula: the lesser moorhen, G.
angulata, of Africa and the dusky
moorhen, G. tenebrosa, of the
East Indies and Australia.
Range of the common moorhen.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in North, Central, and South America, the West
Indies, Eurasia, Africa, and Indonesia east to Celebes.
Northern birds migrate south for the winter.
CONSERVATION
The common moorhen eats almost anything and is a fast
breeder, so it is not in any danger.
FEATURES OF THE COMMON MOORHEN
I.
Plumage: Black feathers tinged with
dark brown. White flash under tail
and stripe on sides. Both sexes alike.
Feet: Large fore
and hind claws
aid movement
over marshy or
muddy ground.
They give the
bird a distinc-
tive, high-
stepping gait.
MCMXCI IMP BV/I MP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Eggs: Yellowish, speckled with red-
brown. Six to 10 in a clutch.
l
Incubated by both patfents for
about 3 weeks.
Nest: Built among reeds
beside a pond or lake. Foundation
V7
'de of reeds and other marsh
. lants and topped with more
vegetation. May include flowers.
L j h sexes do the construction.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200441 PACKET 44
The common moorhen is usually found by ponds
and marshes. Although it is shy, this bird has become
used to human company and can be seen in parks
and other public places that have bodies of water.
With its distinctive high-stepping walk, as well as
its bobbing movement when swimming, the
common moorhen is easy to recognize.
~ HABITS
Outside the breeding season,
common moorhens gather in
flocks of 15 to 30 birds. There
is a "pecking order" within a
flock. Birds with the largest red
shields on their beaks domi-
nate. Usually the leaders are
older males.
When disturbed on land, the
moorhen runs to water. Young-
er birds dive and swim under-
water to safety. But older birds
lose the ability to dive.
In North America the com-
mon moorhen usually leaves
the Northeast in the fall and
spends the winter no farther
north than the Carolinas. Birds
in the West tend to stay in the
same place all year.
~ FOOD Est FEEDING
The common moorhen feeds
mainly on duckweed, rushes,
and the fruit of water lilies.
But it will eat almost anything
that is available. On land the
moorhen eats fallen black-
berries, elderberries, and yew
berries. It even climbs along
thin branches to pick fruit. It
Left: The larger the red shield on
the moorhen's beak, the more
dominant the bird is.
DID YOU KNOW?
The common moorhen gets
its name from moor, an old
English word for a swamp.
A common moorhen was
seen walking underwater on
the gravel bed of a river.
In five days a moorhen that
was banded in eastern Ger-
also eats seeds and grains.
About a quarter of the com-
mon moorhen's diet is insects
and invertebrates such as lar-
vae, worms, slugs, and snails.
It will also take the young or
eggs of other bird species. A
varied diet is one key to the
moorhen's success.
Right: Although it prefers water
weeds, the moorhen will eat
almost anything.
many flew 950 miles to Spain.
One adult m o o r h ~ n drove
off a stoat that was swimming
toward its chicks.
Some moorhens in eastern
Europe cross the Mediterra-
nean Sea and Sahara Desert
to winter in equatorial Africa.
Above: The
chick can swim
soon after
hatching.
Left: The
moorhen's nest
is woven from
reeds and
other plants.
80th sexes
take turns at
incubation.
The common moorhen can
be seen on f resh water, es-
pecially where marsh plants
are common. The bird is easy
to ident ify, with its dark body,
white si de stripe, and bright
red bil l. It swims with a jerk-
~ BREEDING
The common moorhen be-
comes very aggressive in the
breeding season. When anoth-
er bird comes too close, the
moorhen extends its neck to
present its red frontal shield. It
fluffs up its plumage and raises
its wings slightly. Then it cocks
its tail and swims in circles,
showing its undertail patch.
If the enemy fails to retreat,
the moorhen makes running
attacks across the water, beat-
ing its wings and legs.
A pair of breeding birds first
constructs several platforms
among the reeds. They choose
the most suitable of these as a
nest site. Both birds build the
nest, making a foundation of
reeds and other plants. They
lay more plants on top, then
ing head movement. Some-
times it walks on land looki ng
for insects and berri es.
The black chicks swi m with
t heir parents in summer. Each
has a bare pink patch on top
of its head.
add flowers or bits of paper.
The birds may pull down irises
to make a canopy.
A clutch of six to ten eggs
is usually laid in April. Both
parents share the three-week
incubation. The black chick
has bare pink patches on its
crown. Its bill is red but soon
fades to dull yellow. By the
time the chick matures, its bill
is red again.
The newborn chick is un-
steady on its legs, and it is
carried to the water in its
parent's bill. It swims almost
immediately and can feed
itself within three weeks. After
seven weeks it is able to fly.
But it stays with its parents for
the summer, helping to raise
one or two more broods.