NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

""'------
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Mimidae
GENUS & SPECIES
Mimus polyglottos
""" CARD IOIl
The northern mockingbird is named for its ability to mimic,
or mock, other birds' songs. It is even able to imitate
mechanical sounds and human voices.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: Head to tip of tail,
9-11 in.
Tail length: About 5 in.
BREEDING
Breeding season: Beginning to
end of summer.
No. of broods: 2-3 in a season.
Eggs: 3-6, blue-green speckled
with brown.
Incubation: 12 days.
Fledging period: 2 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary except during
breeding season.
Diet: Insects and fruit.
Call: Bubbling song; also mimics
other birds, voices, and sounds.
RELATED SPECIES
About 30 related species,
including the blue mockingbird,
Melanotis caerulescens, of Mexico
and the Galapagos mockingbird,
Nesomimus trifasciatus.
Range of the northern mockingbird.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in the United States, Mexico, and the West Indies.
CONSERVATION
The northern mockingbird's numbers are probably in-
creasing in all areas. Any persecution by fruit farmers has
little effect on the bird's total population. It has been
introduced to Hawaii.
FEATURES OF THE NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Plumage: Both
sexes are dark
gray above and
whitish below,
with long tail
feathers.
MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Chicks: Fed by
both parents.
Fledge in about
2 weeks.
Nest: Built from
twigs about 3 feet
above ground.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Threat display: The bird cocks
its tail, calls out shrilly, and fans
out its tail feathers. It may do
this along the boundary of its
territory or at the approach of a
predator. It sometimes swoops
and attacks predators that come
near a nest full of young.
0160200401 PACKET 40
The northern mockingbird belongs to a family
of over 30 species that includes catbirds, thrashers,
and tremblers. All the species are known
in the Americas, but it is the northern mockingbird
that is renowned for its bubbling song and
its ability to mimic.

Once confined to scrubland
and canyons, the northern
mockingbird is now seen more
often in gardens and parks.
These places provide every-
1010 YOU KNOW?
I The northern mockingbird
is the state bird of Arkansas,
Florida, Mississippi, Texas,
and Tennessee.
The bird's scientific name,
Mimus polyglottos, means
"many-tongued mimic."
Other bird mimics include
the European starling, the
thing the bird needs-grass
for feeding, tall perches the
male can sing from, and dense
shrubs and trees for nesting
and roosting.
European marsh warbler, and
some Iyrebirds and parrots.
The Galapagos mocking-
bird evolved in total isolation.
It has longer legs and a flatter
bill than other mockingbirds.
Northern mockingbirds
were brought to Bermuda in
1893 but soon died out.

SPECIAL ADAPTATION
The northern mockingbird's In addition to using its
song is a series of notes and own song, the mockingbird
syllables that are constantly mimics the sounds of other
changed or repeated. Some- birds. When a mimicked
times the bird sings a favor- song is recorded and played
ite tune repeatedly and then back, it sounds identical to
discards it altogether. the original bird' s song.
BREEDING
The northern mockingbird's
breeding season begins in
early summer. The same pair
of birds may breed for several
years. They have a rapid court-
ship that involves flashing the
white on their wings as well as
aerial displays.
After mating, the pair finds
a nest site, usually in a dense
bush about three feet above
the ground. The nest is made
of small twigs and lined with
grass and tiny shoots. Both
Left: The mockingbird prefers a
habitat of dense trees, as well as
pasture or scrubland.
FOOD &: FEEDING
The northern mockingbird
has a varied diet. It searches
the ground for insects such as
grasshoppers and beetles. It
also eats snails, spiders, and
small reptiles. It seems to stir
up insects in the grass by
flicking its tail to one side or
by flapping its wings.
Fruit is a large part of the
bird's diet, and it eats many
kinds of wild berries. It also
likes cultivated fruit such as
grapes. For this reason, it has
been persecuted.
Right: Nesting takes place in
summer, when the female in-
cubates up to six eggs at a time.
birds take part in nest build-
ing. They complete the nest in
three to four days. The female
then lays three to six eggs in
the nest. She does most of the
incubation, but male takes
over while she eats.
The eggs hatch after 12
days, and the chicks are fed by
both parents for two weeks.
Because the entire breeding
process takes only a month,
the pair can raise more than
one brood in a season.
DEFENSE
The northern mockingbird
sings to defend its territory.
Unlike many other birds, it de-
fends its territory year-round,
not just in the breeding sea-
son. Outside the breeding
season, a bird will defend its
territory even from its mate.
The bird displays a threat-
ening posture when it faces an
enemy. Cocking its tail, it gives
a shrill warning before fanning
its tail. It will swoop on cats,
dogs, or other intruders.
Below: From perches like this the
male sings his "mocking" songs.
MARTIAL EAGLE
ORDER
Falconiformes
FAMILY
Accipitridae
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Polemaetus bellicosus
The martial eagle is Africa's largest eagle.
It spots its prey while soaring high in the sky, then swoops down
to kill and carry off its victim in its powerful claws.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 2-3 ft. Female larger than
male.
Weight: Male, 11 lb. Female, 1 3 lb.
Wingspan: Over 8 ft.
BREEDING
Breeding season: September to
July, depending on location.
Clutch size: 1 large egg.
Incubation: 6 ~ weeks.
Fledging period: 14 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Pairs for life.
Diet: Varied; mostly game birds
and small mammals.
Lifespan: Up to 50 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The closest relative is the crowned
eagle, Stephanoaetus coronatus.
Others include Bonelli ' s eagle,
Hieraeetus fasciatus, and the long-
crested eagle, Lophoaetus occipitalis.
Female: Larger, - - -----.
more powerful
than the male,
with more spots
on its underside
and a larger
wingspan.
Chick: Born with
thick down that
is replaced with
juvenile feathers
after a few
weeks.
MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
DISTRIBUTION
Found in most of Africa, except in forested areas and the
Sahara Desert.
CONSERVATION
Although the martial eagle is not an endangered species, its
numbers are being reduced by increasing settlement of its
range and by humans who see it as a threat to livestock.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
.;
Nest: Large and
untidy; as much
as 6 ~ feet
Egg: A single
beige-and-
brown speck-
led egg is laid.
Weighs up to
6 ~ ounces.
0160200381 PACKET 38
The martial eagle is a large bird with
dark gray plumage. Despite its size and strength,
this eagle is very timid and avoids contact
with humans as much as possible.
~ H A B I T A T
DID YOU KNOW?
The martial eagle is found in
The martial eagle can
woodlands near large, open
spot prey more than a
clearings. Its preferred habi-
tat is the open savanna and
mile away.
A pair of martial eagles
semidesert regions of south-
has a range of 50 to 120
ern and eastern Africa south
square miles and is sepa-
of the Sahara.
It soars in the air for hours
rated from other pairs by
about 20 to 25 miles.
at a time, tirelessly searching
These distances make the
the ground for prey from
martial eagle one of the
heights that make it almost
most thinly distributed
invisible to the human eye.
birds in the world.
Sometimes it stops to hover
A martial eagle egg is
over an area where potential
large. It weighs about six
prey is present.
and a half ounces.
~ FOOD &: HUNTING
The martial eagle hunts a
variety of animals. It prefers
game birds but also hunts
young impalas, jackals, snakes,
lizards, and smaller mammals
such as the meerkat.
With the increase in farms
and the introduction of do-
mestic animals to its range,
the martial eagle has added
lambs, young goats, and
chickens to its diet.
The martial eagle searches
for prey by soaring high up
and scanning the ground
below. At other times it flies
low and level. Once it spots
its prey, the eagle swoops
down quickly, holding its
wings high over its back to
increase its speed. After kill-
ing its prey, the eagle carries
it off in its strong talons.
~ BREEDING
The martial eagle nests high
in the fork of a tree or on the
top of flat-crowned trees. The
nest is built from sticks gath-
ered by the female and some-
times the male. Nest building
takes several weeks. The fin-
ished nest can measure up to
six and a half feet wide and
three and a half feet deep.
Left: A young martial eaglet.
Below: An adult regurgitates
meat to feed its hungry chick.
Above far
right: A
martial eagle
watches over
its untidy
nest.
Above right:
After killing a
gazelle, the
eagle raises
its wings
menacingly
to scare
off other
gazelles.
Right: In
flight, the
eagle con-
serves energy
by soaring on
air currents.
Once the nest has been built,
the mates often return to it
year after year.
Breeding takes place from
September in the northern
part of the range to July in the
southern regions. The female
lays a single egg, which she in-
cubates for a month and a half.
After the chick has hatched,
the male provides the food.
Later, as the chick grows and
needs more food, both par-
ents share the task of finding
food and feeding it. At three
months, the young eagle, or
eaglet, attempts its first flight,
but it may remain close to
the nest for as long as three
months after leaving it.
BIRD OF PARADISE
,,'--------
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Paradisaeidae
... GENERA
~ Various
'" CARD 103 1
The birds of paradise found in New Cuinea and the surrounding
areas are extremely showy. Their brilliant plumage and
flamboyant displays are unequaled in the bird world.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 6 in.-4 ft., including tail
feathers .
Wingspan: 3-10 in.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Female, 2-3
years. Male, up to 7 years.
Breeding season: Variable.
Eggs: 1-2, rarely 3. Pale with
colored spots and blotches.
Incubation period: 17-21 days.
Fledging period: 17-30 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Mostly solitary outside the
breeding season. Some have a
single mate, but most males have
several mates.
Range of birds of paradise.
DISTRIBUTION
Diet: Fruit, leaves, buds, flowers,
invertebrates, small vertebrates.
Found in New Guinea, the Moluccas, the Aru Islands, Cape
York Peninsula, and the east coast of Australia.
CONSERVATION
RELATED SPECIES
There are 43 bird of paradise
species, all grouped in the same
family. Of these species, 37 can
be found in New Guinea.
Birds of paradise were once hunted for their plumage. This
was made illegal in 1924 following a dramatic drop in num-
bers. Today, loss of habitat is a major threat to many species,
particularly those with restricted ranges.
SOME BIRDS OF PARADISE AND THEIR DISP
Superb bird of paradise,
Lophorina superba: Lives in
the mountain forests of
New Guinea. Mainly black -_.
feathers, but in display the
ale shows a throat $hield of
metallic blue-green feathers.
ng of Saxony bird of paradise,
Pteridophora a/berti: Found in
Papuan highlands. Male has
crest feathers.
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Raggiana bird of
paradise, Paradisaea
raggiana: Found in
New Guinea. Often d i s p l a ~ s In
trees at edges of villages. 'Male has
dazzling plumage for courtship, with
mixed coloring of maroon, yellow,
and green.
0160200411 PACKET 41
Male birds of paradise vary greatly from
species to species, displaying an amazing variety
of colors as well as crests, fans, plumes, and
tail streamers. The birds also differ widely in size
and in the shape of their bills. But despite their
differences, they are all closely related, forming
a distinct family of magnificent perching birds.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
Birds of paradise find most of
their food in trees. The vari-
ous species have different
diets, as the different shapes
of their bills show. Many
species, such as the greater
bird of paradise, have short,
stout beaks that are suitable
for eating fruit, buds, leaves,
and flowers as well as insects
and other small animals. Oth-
er species, such as the brown
sicklebill, are equipped with
long, thin curved bills that are
good for pulling insects and
their larvae out from under
bark and moss.
Right: Only six inches long, the
king bird of paradise is the
smallest in this family of birds.
~ CHARACTERISTICS
Birds of paradise originated in
New Guinea, and there are 37
different species on this large
tropical island. Six species have
spread to the Moluccas, the
Aru Islands, and the east coast
of Australia. Most of the birds
live in the rainforests of New
Guinea, and many live only in
the highlands. Others inhabit
the savanna (grassland) on
the south of the island or live
in the mangroves that fringe
the coast.
Birds of paradise are similar
in shape to crows or starlings.
The smallest, the king bird of
paradise, is only six inches
long. The largest species are
18 inches long with tails that
Left: The male raggiana bird of
paradise often displays near
vii/ages in New Guinea.
DID YOU KNOW?
The ribbon-tailed bird of
paradise that is found in Cen-
tral New Guinea was not dis-
covered until 1939. Its two
long tail feathers can be up
to three feet long.
Several species utter strange
calls. The king of Saxony bird
of paradise sounds like the
may extend another 24 inches.
Birds of paradise have rounded
wings, and their feet are strong
for perching on branches.
Plumage varies widely within
this family of birds. In certain
species the male and female
are alike with plain feathers.
But in most other species the
female is brownish for camou-
flage on the nest, while the
male has multicolored feathers
that are' often iridescent, and
crests, fans, or tail ribbons.
This vivid plumage is intend-
ed to attract the females, and
competition between males
has resulted in the evolution
of even more colorful forms.
As various groups of birds
became separated from one
another, they evolved to form
distinct species.
crackle of radio static, and the
magnificent riflebird lives up
to its name with a call that
sounds like a passing bullet.
Males may not breed until
they are seven years old. But
they watch the courtship
rituals of their elders, learning
and waiting for their time.
Right: The
drab brown
colors of the
female mag-
nificent bird
of paradise
camouflage
heron the
nest.
~ BREEDING
Breeding behavior varies with
the different species. The
males of colorful species mate
with many females. To attract
a mate the male performs
elaborate displays. Some males
compete at communal display
grounds called leks.
Male groups of 15 to 20
greater birds of paradise
Left: The male
magnificent
bird of par-
adise has
outstanding
multicolored
plumage. In
display, he
often removes
leaves from
surroundings
so that light
falls on his
iridescent
feathers and
shows him off
to best effect.
gather in the treetops at dawn,
fluffing up their yellow and
white plumes. Each male bows
down and curves his wings
high in a complex dance ritual.
The male blue bird of paradise
hangs upside down from a
branch, fans out his feathers
and tail ribbons, and then
bobs up and down.
After breeding, the colorful
males take no part in nest
building or incubation. The
drably colored males of certain
species find a single mate, and
both sexes share in nesting
and caring for the young.
Nests are usually built in trees
or inside hollow tree trunks.
Left: The male emperor bird of
paradise puts on spectacular
courtship displays.
BLACKBIRD
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Turdidae
GROUP 2: BIRDS
GENUS & SPECIES
Turdus merula
The blackbird is a familiar sight in the gardens and countryside
of Europe. It is known for its melodious song, which can be heard
at dawn and dusk for much of the year.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: lOin.
Weight: 3-4 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1-2 years.
Breeding season: February until
early fall.
No. of broods: 3, sometimes 4.
Eggs: 3-9, usually 4-5.
Incubation: 11 -1 7 days.
Fledging period: 14-19 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Territorial in mating
season. Flocks for migration and
winter roosting.
Call: Melodic song from February
to August. Shrill alarm call.
Diet: Worms, insects, soft fruit,
and winter berries.
RELATED SPECIES
The genus Turdus has 62 species,
including the American robin,
Turdus migratorius.
FEATURES OF THE BLACKBIRD
Female: Dark brown plumage with
speckled underparts, chest, and throat.
Builds nest each year at start of
breeding season.
Range of the blackbird.
DISTRIBUTION
Found throughout Europe, except in the extreme north,
and in Asia. Introduced in Australia and New Zealand. Birds
from colder areas of Europe migrate to northern Africa for
the winter.
CONSERVATION
The blackbird has adapted well to life close to humans. The
only threat to it would be a series of harsh winters.
Male: Distinctive all-black plumage,
yellow bill, yellow ring around eye.
I
three broods raised
each year. Chicks
hatch blind and
naked. Fed by both
parents. Fly after
about 2 weeks.
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The male blackbird is easily identified by
his glossy black plumage, yellow bill, and
yellow-ringed eyes. By comparison the female looks
quite drab. Her feathers are dark brown on top,
paler underneath the body, and speckled
on the chest and throat.

The blackbird originally inhab-
ited the woodlands of Europe
and Asia. About 200 years ago
it began to frequent parks and
gardens, and during the last
80 years it has moved into the
larger towns and cities. Today,
untroubled by the presence of
humans, the blackbird is a fa-
miliar sight throughout most
of Europe.
Right: Despite
its woodland
origins, the
blackbird is
now tame. It
can be seen all
over Europe,
sunning itself
in gardens
and parks.
The blackbird's tuneful song
as well as the male's striking
appearance make it a popular
garden bird. It sings for much
of the year, from early Febru-
ary until late July or early Au-
gust. The song is made up
of several rich, mellow notes
strung together in phrases. It
can be heard at both dawn
and dusk.
FOOD &: FEEDING
Worms are the blackbird's fa-
vorite food and an important
source of liquid. But during
hot, dry weather worms bur-
row deep in the soil and are
hard to find. The blackbird
then seeks other moisture-rich
food, including insects and
soft fruit in summer and ripe
berries in winter.
The blackbird feeds mainly
on the ground. It makes quick,
Left: Unlike the female, the male
blackbird has plumage that lives
up to its name.
DID YOU KNOW?
The female blackbird and the
song thrush both have speck-
led chests and throats. This
resemblance has led to mis-
taken reports of blackbirds
mating with song thrushes.
Migrating blackbirds carried
astray by the wind have been
hopping runs across lawns and
other grassy areas searching
for worms. First the bird stands
with its head cocked to one
side. Then it darts forward
and slowly pulls its prey from
the ground with its bill. Some
blackbirds have become so
tame that they will stand close
to a person who is digging and
snatch worms as the earth is
turned over.
Right: Berries are an important
source of liquid when earthworms
are scarce.
seen across the Atlantic in
Greenland and Canada.
One blackbird pair is on
record as having fledged 1 7
chicks from four broods.
The blackbird's main ene-
mies are cats, crows, sparrow
hawks, and magpies.
The blackbird is found in the
gardens and parks of Europe
and Asia. As it alights on a
perch, it displays its typical
posture-wings down and
tail cocked up.
The blackbird likes to si ng

The male blackbird is extreme-
ly territorial in mating season,
which begins in February. A
mature bird will reclaim its old
territory and often pairs with
the same female each year.
The female builds a bowl-
shaped nest of grass, leaves,
and mud, often in a bush, a
hedge, or low in a tree. When
the nest is finished, she dis-
plays to the male, running in
front of him with her bill up
and tail erect. He responds to
her high-pitched calls by puff-
ing out his feathers and fan-
ning his tail.
Left: Like the female, the young
blackbird looks somewhat like
the song thrush.
hi gh above the ground, as it
perches on a roof or at the
top of a tall tree.
A fasci nating sight is the
struggle between bird and
worm as the bird tugs its
prey from the ground.
After mating, the female lays
four to five eggs, which she
alone incubates. The chicks
hatch blind and naked after
11 to 1 7 days. They are fed by
both parents and grow quickly.
The chicks leave the nest in
about two weeks, but they
cannot fly properly for a few
days after fledging. To protect
the young birds on the ground,
the adults drive off predators
with shrill calls.
There are usually three or
four broods each year. Chicks
from the second brood are the
most likely to survive; those
from late broods are rarely old
enough at the beginning of
winter to survive the cold.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER
ORDER
Posseriformes
FAMILY
Tyrannidoe
GENUS &: SPECIES
Pyrocepho/us rubin us
The vermilion flycatcher is a favorite of birdwatchers from the
Southwest to South America. The male displays his brilliant red
plumage to its fullest during his courtship flights.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 5-7 in.
Wing length: About 3 in.
BREEDING
Breeding season: Varies
according to region. March to
June in U.S. Southwest.
No. of broods: 1-3.
Eggs: 2-4, usually 3. White, with
brown blotches.
Incubation: 12 days.
Fledging period: 15 days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Perches conspicuously.
Has a distinctive song.
Diet: Insects, mostly taken in
flight.
RELATED SPECIES
There are about 370 species of
tyrant flycatcher, divided into 1 3
subfamilies, all found in North and
South America.
FEATURES OF THE
VERMILION FLYCATCHER
Male: Bright
red and dark
brown plum-
age.
Female: Dark gray top. Creamy
white throat and underparts.
Peach-colored belly and under-
tail feathers.
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Range of the vermilion flycatcher.
----=======
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread from southwestern United States through
Mexico, Central America, and northern South America to
Bolivia and Argentina. Also found on the Galapagos Islands.
CONSERVATION
The vermilion flycatcher remains abundant in suitable
habitats.
Nest: Made of short twigs woven
with finer twigs, grasses, dead
leaves, and spiders' webs. Spiders'
webs are also used to bind the nest
to branches. The interior is lined
with plant down, feathers, hair, and
other fine material.
Eggs: The clutch usually consists of
3 eggs marked with dark blotches.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200371 PACKET 37
The vermilion flycatcher belongs
to the large family of tyrant flycatchers.
The male's vivid red coloring distinguishes
him from most other tyrant flycatchers.
The female is much less colorful than the male.
~ HABITS
The vermilion flycatcher can
be found in tropical and sub-
tropical regions of the Amer-
icas. It lives at the edges of
woodland, in open fields, and
in semiarid scrub.
Birds in the northern areas
vary in their seasonal move-
ments. In Arizona some move
into the wetter valleys for the
winter. Others spend only the
summer in Arizona and then
migrate to Mexico, the Gulf
coast, or southern California.
The male vermilion flycatch-
er's distinctive song is heard
during his courtship display.
He starts from a low perch and
flutters upward in a spiral, with
his crest erect, his breast feath-
ers puffed out, his tail spread,
and his wings vibrating rapidly.
All the time the flycatcher is
singing. At a height of about
65 feet, he turns and flutters
slowly down.
DID YOU KNOW?
The male vermilion fly-
catcher tends to lose his
vivid coloring in captivity.
His head and breast become
a spotty red and white.
In the United States, the
adult vermilion flycatcher
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The vermilion flycatche r eats
a variety of small insects such
as beetles, grasshoppers, and
flies. Near beehives, it may
also prey on honeybees.
This bird catches its prey in
a typical flycatcher manner.
It sits upright on its perch. As
soon as it spots a flying in-
Left: During breeding season, a
male starts to sing from his perch
before flying upward.
molts, or sheds, all its plum-
age after the breeding
season. It also partially sheds
its plumage in early spring.
The male vermilion fly-
catcher is noted for its soft,
tinkling courtship song.
sect, it darts out to snatch its
victim. After returning to its
perch, the bird swallows the
insect. To eat a large insect,
it holds the insect down with
one foot and pecks off small
pieces. The flycatcher may
also snatch beetles and grass-
hoppers on the ground.
Right: The female vermilion fly-
catcher lacks the male's bright
red coloring.
The breeding season is sig-
naled by the male vermilion
flycatcher's courtship song
and flight . After he attracts
and mates with a female,
the pair starts to build a nest
in the fork of a horizontal
branch. This nest is general-
ly 10 to 25 feet above the
ground and is often located
near water.
The female usually lays
three eggs, two to three
times a year. She does the
incubating, but the male
stays nearby and fends off
intruders. The young first fly
about two weeks after hatch-
ing but take a year to develop
their full adult plumage.
Left: The vermilion flycatcher is
abundant in suitable habitats.
LOVEBIRD
ORDER
Psittaciformes
FAMILY
Psittacidae
GENUS
Agapornis
GROUP 2: BIRDS
Known for their affectionate habits, lovebirds are
appropriately named for the way pairs perch together,
nuzzling and preening one another.
___ FACTS
SIZES
Length: 5-7 in.
Wing length: 3-4 in.
Weight: y' -2 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: In captivity,
1-2 years.
Breeding season: Varies depend-
ing on region, but usually follows
the rainy season.
Eggs: 3-8, rounded.
Incubation: 22-25 days.
Fledging period: 5-7 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Most species live in flocks
and form strong pair bonds.
Diet: Seeds, fruit, leaf buds,
flowers, and insects.
Call: Sharp, metallic, often high-
pitched.
RELATED SPECIES
The 9 species of lovebird form
1 genus within the large parrot
family Psittacidae.
Range of lovebirds.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in western and central Africa east to Ethiopia, Tan-
zania, and Kenya; southwestern Africa; parts of Zambia,
Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar.
CONSERVATION
Trapping for the caged-bird trade has heavily reduced the
numbers of some species. Any trade now is either strictly
controlled or illegal.
SPECIES OF LOVEBIRD
1. Red-faced lovebird: Short-tailed
and stocky like all lovebirds. Hooked
3. Madagascar lovebird:
bill is large in comparison with its
body. Green plumage with red face.
2. Black-collared lovebird: Mainly
green feathers with black collar on
the nape. Gray bill.
MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Bluish gray head and
throat. Yellow breast
4. Fischer's lovebird: Mainly green
with bright orange head and throat.
Black primary wing feathers.
0160200421 PACKET 42
These colorful little parrots from tropical Africa
and Madagascar are sociable birds that live
in small flocks. Although the various species
of lovebird have separate home ranges, they do not
compete for nesting sites or food when distribution
overlaps. Instead, the different species are able
to coexist quite happily.

Lovebirds are best known
for the intense bonds they
develop with their mates.
Pairs often perch together
and rarely separate even
when they are in flocks. They
reinforce the pair bond by
preening and stroking each
other with their bills.
All the species of lovebird
live in tropical Africa and
Madagascar in habitats as
varied as lowland rainforest,
highland forest, savanna
woodland, and dry rocky
country. Some species have
adapted well to cultivated
areas and are found in fields,
gardens, and even city parks.
Lovebirds generally live in
small flocks of up to 20 birds.
In special conditions, such as
when crops are ripening in a
field, flocks of several hun-
dred birds may occur.
A lovebird usually stays in
its home range, leaving its
roost after dawn to search
for food nearby. If one of a
pair goes to feed, its mate
will follow. Its swift, twisting
flight allows it to dart easily
among branches and foliage.
Lovebirds return to roost
shortly before the sun sets.
Some lovebirds are quiet
and wary of humans. But
most lovebirds are sociable
and noisy with sharp, high-
pitched calls.
FOOD &: FEEDING
Diet varies among different
species, but at some point
most lovebirds eat seeds, fruit,
berries, leaf buds, flowers, in-
sects, and larvae. They can
crack open hard seeds easily
with their large, wide bills.
Each species has its own
method of foraging. Some
find food on the ground, while
Left: Different species of lovebird
live in parts of tropical Africa
and Madagascar.
-
I DID YOU KNOW?
The red-faced lovebird
hangs upside down from
grasses and cereals to reach
the seeds. It often sleeps
hanging upside down when
in captivity.
Some lovebirds carry
nesting material in their
plumage. Using the muscles
others pick food from trees.
Most species have separate
habitats, but lovebirds do not
compete for food when ranges
overlap. The red-faced and
black-collared lovebirds live
together in parts of Africa, but
each finds food in different
ways. The red-faced lovebird
searches the ground for grass
seeds, while the black-collared
species eats figs, seeds, and
insects in the treetops.
that erect her feathers, the
female grips bark and pieces
of vegetation to her body.
This lets her carry loads that
are bigger than those she
could carry in her bill.
Different species of love-
bird often crossbreed when
they are in captivity.

Although some species are soli-
tary, most lovebirds live in
colonies. The female selects a
site and builds the nest. Often
larger and stronger than her
mate, she takes more responsi-
bility for defending the nest.
A lovebird's nest can be in a
tree hole, a hollow branch, the
space between the base of a
palm leaf and its trunk, or a
crevice in a cliff or a building.
The nest site and the method
of construction vary with the
species and its habitat. Certain
species dig holes in termite
nests. Others take over part of
Left: Like other types of parrot,
Fischer's lovebird has strong
claws for perching.
Above:
Lovebirds form
strong pair
bonds, staying
together even
when in flocks.
Left: The dif-
ferent species
of lovebird do
not compete
for food when
their ranges
overlap.
communal weaverbird nests.
The red-faced lovebird makes
a flat pad of small twigs and
grass, while the peach-faced
lovebird builds a deep cup.
Masked and black-cheeked
lovebirds create bulky, domed
structures out of long stalks and
strips of bark. There is little com-
petition for nest sites between
species whose ranges overlap,
and several nests can often be
found in the same tree.
The female incubates the
eggs. When they hatch, she
covers the chicks with her
wings for protection-a
process called brooding. Both
male and female gather food
for the young.
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
"
ORDER
Charadiiformes
FAMILY
Laridae
GENUS & SPECIES
Rissa tridactyla
CARD 107
GROUP 2: BIRDS
The black-legged kittiwake is the most oceanic of all gulls.
It may travel hundreds of miles from its wintering ground in the
middle of the ocean to its summer home on a cliffside.
KEY FACTS
-----....~ - -
SIZES
Length: 16-18 in.
Wingspan: 3-4 ft.
Weight: 12-18 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3 years, but
may not breed until 4-5 years.
Breeding season: Mainly end of
May to June.
No. of broods: 1 per year.
Eggs: Usually 2 but can be 3.
Cream or buff with dark spots.
Incubation: 25-30 days.
Fledging period: About 6 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Social. Breeds on cliffs.
Diet: Fish, marine invertebrates,
insects, and worms.
Call: Loud, insistent "kittiwake."
Lifespan: Oldest known, 21 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The smaller red-legged kittiwake,
Rissa brevirostris, nests in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian islands.
Breeding range of the black-legged kittiwake.
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread in the North Atlantic and North Pacific, breed-
ing around the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the coasts of New-
foundland, Greenland, and the British Isles. Also breeds
around the Bering Sea.
CONSERVATION
Since the kittiwake was given legal protection at the
beginning of the century, its population has increased.
FEATURES OF THE BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
Plumage: In
flight, markings
of the young are
easy to see.
They have a
black collar and
tail tip and black
bars on the
wings.
~
( : ~ ...
Adult: Loses most of its dark
markings after 2 years, but
wing tips remain black. Both
male and female are white and
gray in color. In winter the
white plumage on the head
and neck turns gray.
Nest: Built on a cliff ledge. Made
of plant matter and mud that dries
to form a sturdy base. Lined with
soft grass.
of
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200411 PACKET 41
This small gull is named for its distinctive call.
Cries of "kittiwake" fill the air as pairs of birds nod
and bow in courtship on narrow cliff ledges.
Now legally protected, the black-legged kittiwake
is becoming a common sight on rocky shores
in the North Atlantic and North Pacific.

Unlike most other gulls, the
black-legged kittiwake spends
the winter almost entirely at
sea. In summer this very social
bird flocks in large numbers
on the shore. Some kittiwakes
travel inland for short distances
up river estuaries. Kittiwakes
also bathe in lakes that are not
far from the coast.
Because it spends so much
time at sea or perching on a
cliff ledge, the kittiwake walks
very little. It has much shorter
legs than most gulls and lacks
the usual hind claw. In fact, in
many countries the kittiwake
is known as the "three-toed
gull." This is how it got its sci-
entific name, tridactyla.
Today, kittiwakes have begun
to nest on seaside buildings,
using windowsills in place of
cliff ledges.

The black-legged kittiwake
usually returns to the breed-
ing colony where it hatched
or to one nearby. Birds begin
to arrive in early January in
the southern range. Farther
north they usually do not
return before March.
Black-legged kittiwakes
build new nests each year.
Hundreds of birds can be
seen flying back and forth
from nesting sites on cliffs
to grassy and muddy areas
where they collect materials.
The bird mixes algae with
excrement to make a nest
base that is well glued to the
rock ledge. It tramples plant
debris and mud into this
base. Then it uses grass to
Left: The loud "kittiwake" call is
accompanied by a low clucking.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the 19th century kitti-
wakes were slaughtered for
their feathers, which were
used in women's hats.
The kittiwake travels great
distances. Birds banded in
England have been found in
Newfoundland and Labrador.
form a cup-shaped nest on
top of the base.
Parent birds defend their
nest at all times. They take
turns incubating the eggs,
which hatch in 25 to 30 days.
Both parents feed the down-
covered pale gray chicks.
With little room to move
in the nest, the young bird
cannot test its wings until it
takes its first flight. This does
not occur until the wings are
well developed, at about six
weeks of age. The youngster
then takes off without help
from its parents and is able to
fly well. It may return once or
twice to be fed by a parent
before heading out to sea
and feeding itself.
Right: A typical nesting site is a
high, steep cliff ledge.
In Denmark a kittiwake
colony has nested for years
among sand dunes. Even
more remarkably, a number
of birds in northern Great
Britain moved 10 miles up-
river to breed on buildings
in Newcastle and Gateshead.
I
Many kittiwakes winter off
the Atlantic coast of the
United States. They can be
identified by their buoyant
flight, yellow bills, and black
wing tips. They are often
seen diving for food.
Kittiwakes breed on cliffs
along the Gulf of St. Law-
rence and in Newfoundland.
White splashes of bird drop-
pings reveal their colonies,
where they greet intruders
with cries of "kittiwake."
------
FOOD & FEEDING
The black-legged kittiwake
prefers to feed on fish, espe-
cially sand eels. But when fish
are scarce, it will eat insects,
crustaceans, animal plankton,
and worms.
The kittiwake has several
ways of catching fish. While
flying, it drops down to pluck
Left: Each year the kittiwake flies
great distances to return to its
breeding ground.
fish from the ocean surface.
While swimming, it ducks its
head underwater or makes a
shallow dive. Other seabirds
often try to steal its catch.
Outside the breeding season,
the kittiwake remains at sea. It
can often be seen near a fish-
ing fleet. Ignoring the offal
(waste) popular with other
gulls, it searches for plankton
churned up by the boats.
WOODPIGEON
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
... ORDER
'11IIIIIIII Columbiformes
FAMILY
Columbidae
GENUS &- SPECIES
Columba palumbus
The cooing of a woodpigeon is a well-known sound in Europe.
This woodland bird has become more and more common as
its natural predators have been killed off by humans.
KEY FACTS
SIZE
Length: About 16 in.
Wingspan: About 30 in .
Weight: 1-1 Y. lb.
BREEDING
,l Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Breeding season: All year but
usually April to October.
Eggs: Usually 2, white.
Incubation period: 15-1 7 days.
Fledging period: 30-35 days.
LIFESTYLE
Call: Coo.
Habit: Lives and roosts in large
flocks out of breeding season.
Diet: Varied. Flowers, seeds,
herbs, grasses, grains, nuts,
berries, and occasionally
caterpillars and earthworms.
RELATED SPECIES
The feral pigeon and its wild ances-
tor the rock dove are among the
woodpigeon's closest relatives.
Range of the wood pigeon.
01 STRI BUTION
Found throughout Europe and eastward to northern India.
Also found in mountain forests of northwest Africa.
CONSERVATION
The wood pigeon is the most abundant wild pigeon in Great
Britain. It may even out number the feral pigeon. Although
many have been killed by farmers, who consider the bird a
pest, the woodpigeon is not in any danger.
FEATURES OF THE WOODPIGEON
Adult: Both sexes look alike. The head,
neck, and tail are gray. The breast is a
purplish gray, and there is a green,
purple, and white patch on the
neck. The back and wings
are grayish brown.
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM
Flight: The distinctive white
patches on the wings can be
seen in flight.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Nest: Built from
small twigs, thin
roots, and dead
plant and grass
stems. The
squabs (chicks)
stay in the nest
for over a
0160200391 PACKET 39
The woodpigeon is the largest species of dove
or pigeon found in Europe. It is now common
in some European cities and suburbs. But it is
even more widespread in the open countryside,
where it feasts on farmers' crops.

Outside the breeding season
the wood pigeon spends most
of its time in a flock and uses a
communal roost at night. The
male also uses this roost while
the female incubates the eggs.
In the country the wood pi-
geon prefers to roost in small
woods, preferably close to
farmland. This bird eats large
DID YOU KNOW?
In spite of its size and
shape the wood pigeon is
surprisingly agile. It can cling
upside-down to a branch to
reach fruit or nuts.
A male wood pigeon is very
fussy about the quality of
building materials for the
quantities of cereal crops and
greens, so farmers consider it
a major pest.
Closer to the cities and sub-
urbs, the wood pigeon is not
viewed with the same mistrust
and has become fairly tame.
In London, for example, it can
be found in wooded parks
and large suburban gardens.
nest. He picks each piece up
and tests it in his bill before
accepting or rejecting it.
On the Orkney Islands, off
Scotland's coast, there are
no trees. Woodpigeons nest
on the ground, usually in the
shelter of a rock.

During the breeding season
the male wood pigeon attracts
the female with loud cooing
calls and dramatic displays in
the air. Before a pair actually
mate, they carefully preen
each other's plumage and
entwine their bills.
The birds find a nesting site
in a tree or shrub. The female
settles in the chosen spot, and
her mate brings twigs and
stems to weave together a
Left: The woodpigeon can be
identified by the white patch on
its neck.
BIRDWATCH
Woodpigeons have a dis-
tinctive call and are not
difficult to locate. If dis-
turbed, a pigeon ri ses from
a tree with a great flurry.
nest. Often they build on top
of an abandoned nest.
The female lays two white
eggs, and both birds incubate
them. Soon after hatching,
the young, or squabs, feed on
vitamin-rich pigeon's milk. The
squab pushes its head into the
adult's throat and drinks up
the milky substance. After sev-
eral days the squab begins to
eat more solid food . By six to
eight weeks, it is independent.
Right: In the spring male wood-
pigeons woo potential mates with
their soft cooing sound.
Many Europeans put out
bread for pigeons in winter.
At first the birds may hesi-
tate over this food. But they
soon adjust to it.
The large birds of prey are the
woodpigeon's main enemy.
Recently, the woodpigeon has
benefited as birds of prey have
been killed off by people.
In some places the wood-
pigeon is prey to martens or
FOOD & FEEDING
The wood pigeon eats a variety
of foods, including flowers,
leaves, seeds, acorns, grasses,
grains, and berries. It also
sometimes eats caterpillars,
small snails, and earthworms.
Wood pigeons that live close
Left: Careful preening of its
feathers is part of the wood-
pigeon's daily ritual.
other tree-climbing mammals.
In Great Britain the bird is also
caught by foxes and badgers.
Farmers often consider the
wood pigeon a pest, and they
shoot many wood pigeons
every year.
to people may eat bread and
other scraps.
The wood pigeon may eat
specific crops. It often eats clo-
ver in winter and feeds on
newly sown grain and wild
mustard in spring. In summer
large flocks can destroy fields
of ripe grain. Toward the east,
the bird also eats wild figs.
The wood pigeon eats either
on the ground or in a tree. It
usually drinks after eating. The
bird dips its bill into a puddle
or pond and sucks up the
water. It then lifts its head
momentarily before taking a
few shorter drinks.
Left: The woodpigeon takes long
and short drinks, sucking water
up through its beak.
CARD 109
DOUBLE-WATTLED CASSOWARY
ORDER
Casuariiformes
FAMILY
Casuariidae
... GENUS &: SPECIES
~ Casuarius cosuarius
GROUP 2: BIRDS
The double-wattled cassowary is a large, flightless bird that is also
known as the southern or Australian cassowary. This bird is so
wary of humans that little is known about its life in the wild.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Height: Up to 5Y.; ft. Female
larger than male .
Weight: 1 30 lb. Female heavier
than male.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Not known.
Breeding season: Winter.
No. of broods: 1 .
Eggs: 4-8, pale to dark green.
Incubation period: About 30
days.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary.
Diet: Fallen fruit, seeds, berries,
insects, and small vertebrates.
Call: Hoarse, harsh croaking.
Lifespan: Not known.
RELATED SPECIES
Related to the dwarf, or small,
cassowary, Casuarius bennetti,
and to the one-wattled
cassowary, C. unappendiculatus.
Range of the double-wattled cassowary.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in rainforests in New Guinea, Cape York peninsula in
northeastern Queensland, the Aru Islands, and Ceram.
CONSERVATION
The double-wattled cassowary was once common across its
range, particularly in New Guinea. But its numbers have
been drastically reduced by hunting and by the depletion of
its rainforest habitat.
FEATURES OF THE DOUBLE-WATTLED CASSOWARY
Chicks: Brown, black, and
white striped p ~ u m a g e
provides camouflage for
the first few w 01 life.
Plumage: Adult has coarse, bristly feathers with long tufts
that give the effect of a double feather. Juvenile has brown
.Eggs: Four to eight plumage until its fourth year, when it turns glossy black.
large, green eggs
per clutch.
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The unusual-looking double-wattled cassowary has
a large bony crest, or casque, on top of its head.
The cassowary probably uses the casque to turn over
loose soil or sand when it searches for food. On its long
neck there are bare patches of bright red and blue skin
and long, fleshy flaps called wattles.
~ H A B I T S
Although it is the largest land
creature in New Guinea, the
timid double-wattled casso-
wary is rarely seen by humans.
Solitary by nature, it comes
into contact with other casso-
waries only during the mating
season. When two cassowaries
meet at any other time, they
usually fight until the weaker
bird is wounded and driven
away. This behavior has led
naturalists to believe that the
cassowary is very territorial.
When in danger the casso-
wary runs away on its powerful
legs, with its head down and
thrust forward. The horny
casque probably protects the
head from thorny branches.
The cassowary is known to
be very aggressive. It attacks
by leaping at its adversary feet
first and slashing with its sharp
claws. Each foot has three toes:
the outer and middle toes
have sharp claws and the inner
toe has a long spike that acts
as a weapon.
The cassowary's call has been
described as a hoarse, harsh
croaking.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The double-wattled cassowary
spends much of the day hid-
den in the rainforest. It comes
out in the early morning and
late afternoon to forage for
food. Its diet consists mainly of
fruit, supplemented by seeds
and berries. It also eats some
species of fungi, invertebrates,
and small vertebrates.
Since the cassowary cannot
fly to reach the fruit high in the
trees, it must find fallen fruit.
Captive birds have been seen
turning over soil with their
casques when searching for
Left: The skin of the cassowary's
long, featherless neck is vivid red
and blue.
DID YOU KNOW?
The cassowary is related to
the emu, kiwi, ostrich, and
rhea, other flightless birds
known collectively as ratites.
Cassowaries have been
traded throughout Southeast
Asia for about 500 years.
The cassowary escapes
food. This behavior probably
occurs in the wild when birds
forage for food in deep leaf
litter on the forest floor.
The cassowary needs a
habitat with a diverse range
of fruit-bearing trees that can
provide it with food all year
round. Because many forests
in the bird's range are now
used for timber production,
the variety of tree species is
diminishing. As a result it is
becoming more difficult for
the cassowary to survive in
these forests.
Right: A tropical rainforest, with
its diverse species of trees, is the
ideal habitat for the cassowary.
from predators not only by
running away, but also by
swimming across rivers and
small lakes.
Studies of the double-
wattled cassowary show that
it eats the fruit of more than
75 species of trees.
The double-wattled cassowary
mates in winter, when there is
plenty of food. The male
courts the female by making
loud booming calls.
After mating, the female lays
four to eight green eggs in a
nest on the forest floor. Then
she leaves, playing no further
role in the process. Some
naturalists believe the female
mates several times during the
breeding season, laying a few
Left: The male cassowary incu-
bates the eggs and cares for the
hatched chicks.
Left: The
cassowary
probably uses
its casque, or
bony crest, for
turning soil
when search-
ing for food.
The female's
casque is
larger than
the male's.
batches of eggs, one in each
territory. Others think she
mates only once each season.
The male incubates the eggs,
which hatch about 30 days
after laying. He cares for the
chicks and protects them from
predators until they can take
care of themselves.
The chicks are striped brown,
black, and white when first
hatched, but they gradually
change to a dull brown.
During the bird's fourth year
its plumage becomes glossy
and black.
COMMON RAVEN
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Corvidae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Corvus corax

The common raven is the largest member of the crow family.
This bird may appear to move slowly on the ground, but it
can perform sophisticated displays in the air.
KEY FACTS
-----311.... --
SIZES
Length: Over 2 ft.
Weight: 11.; lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3 years.
Breeding season: February
to March.
No. of broods: 1 .
Eggs: 4 to 6 pale blue or green
eggs, speckled gray or brown.
Incubation: About 3 weeks.
Fledging period: 5-6 weeks.
LIFESTYLE
Call: Deep, far-reaching croak.
Habit: Sociable year-round.
Diet: Mainly carrion. Also small
mammals, frogs, lizards, insects.
Lifespan: Up to 12 years in the
wild. Much longer in captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
Closely related to other members
of the crow family, including the
carrion crow and rook.
Range of the common raven.
----==============
DISTRIBUTION
Found mainly in remote areas of the Northern Hemisphere,
including North America south to Nicaragua, Europe, North
Africa, and parts of Asia.
CONSERVATION
Although legal protection for the common raven has in-
creased its numbers in recent years, there are huge areas
within its range where it is no longer found.
FEATURES OF THE COMMON RAVEN
Bill: Large, heavy,
and powerful.
Throat feathers:
Shaggy and
pointed.
Chicks: Fed by both parents. Leave
nest after about 6 weeks. Juvenile
plumage is dark brown and dull.
Nest: Large
collection of
sticks, packed
together with
mud and moss.
Lined with
Eggs: 4 to 6. Pale blue or green with
gray or brown speckles. Incubated
for 3 weeks by female.
Plumage: Glossy black
with blue, purple, and
green highlights.
For centuries, people have attempted to kill off
the common raven. In the past many people believed
that this all-black bird was an evil omen
with strange powers, perhaps because it would feed
on corpses hanging from the gallows.
Today, the raven stays away from people
and is found mainly in uninhabited areas.
~ HABITS
Originally, the common raven
was found throughout Europe,
and was a frequent sight in
many cities. During the seven-
teenth century, however,
people came to believe that
the raven had supernatural
powers, and they tried to get
rid of it. The raven then moved
to more remote areas.
Today, the common raven is
a protected species that lives
on mountains, moors, and
rocky coasts. But it is still
sometimes hunted illegally.
The male does not mature
sexually until his third year.
Large flocks of up to 200
young fly and roost together
until they are ready to breed.
The mature raven defends its
chosen territory aggressively.
The raven is agile in the air,
so other birds are unlikely to
harm it in flight. But it moves
slowly on the ground, so it
may have to leave dead flesh
to larger birds of prey.
~ BREEDING
In the common raven's court-
ship display, both the male
and the female soar and dive
through the air. The two ra-
vens then perch together and
preen each other.
The common raven mates in
February or early March. Most
pairs stay in the same territory
all year and use the same nest
site each year. The couple
gathers branches and large
twigs to build a broad plat-
form with a cup-shaped nest
on a rocky crag or ledge. The
nest itself is made of sticks
left: The common raven raises its
throat feathers when it calls.
DID YOU KNO\I\I?
The common raven and
other crows may be the
most intelligent birds.
Parent ravens adjust their
nest's lining depending on
outside temperatures. They
make the nest warmer or
cooler for their young.
The phrase "an unkind-
packed together with mud
and moss. It is lined with
sheep's wool and soft grass.
The female lays a clutch of
between four and six eggs.
She incubates the eggs herself
and is fed by the male. The
eggs hatch about three weeks
later, and both parents feed
the chicks for about six weeks.
The adults roost away from
the nest soon after the chicks
have hatched, visiting them
only to bring food. The young
are able to fly at five to six
weeks of age.
Right: The raven is the largest
crow and the largest songbird.
ness of ravens" comes from
the old belief that ravens
neglected their chicks.
It is said that if all the
ravens living in the Tower
of London flew away, the
realm would fall. The ra-
vens' wings are clipped to
keep them from escaping.
BIRDWATCH
The common raven' s usual
habitats incl ude sea cliffs, re-
mote wooded valleys, and
mountains. It can be con-
fused with the carrion crow
because of its simil ar shape
and black color. But the
~ FOOD & FEEDING
The common raven's main
food is carrion (flesh from dead
animals), particularly sheep.
Several ravens collect around
a large carcass and pick the
bones completely clean. Dur-
ing spring lambing season
young ravens gather to feed
on the placenta (afterbirth) left
by ewes (female sheep).
The raven may hoard food in
left: The raven feeds mainly
on carrion, but also eats small
mammals and insects.
common raven is larger, with
a heavier, more powerful bil l
and shaggy throat feathers.
In fli ght the raven is di sti n-
guis hed by its wedge-shaped
tail, a large head, and fi nger-
like feathers at its wingtips.
the winter, but there is usually
a plentiful supply of food dur-
ing the lambing season. The
raven breeds in late February,
so its eggs will hatch in spring.
Young ravens have a protein-
rich diet of stillborn lambs,
nestlings, and carrion from
rabbits, faxes, and deer.
The raven will eat almost
anything when carrion is not
available, including small
mammals, birds, frogs, liz-
ards, and insects.