Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion aleuticus) Science Article 2 abstract A record in the May, 1920, number of THE CONDOR (page 111) of the probable breedingof the Aleutian Tern near Yakutat appears to rest on ‘sight’ identification only, andthe actions of Mr. Walker’s birds were so different from the usual habits of this speciesthat 1 am forced […]
Category: Charadriiformes
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)
[order] CHARADRIIFORMES | [family] Laridae | [latin] Rynchops niger | [UK] Black Skimmer | [FR] Bec-en-ciseaux noir | [DE] Amerikanischer Scherenschnabel | [ES] Rayador Americano | [NL] Amerikaanse Schaarbek Subspecies Monotypic species Genus The skimmers, all three species belonging to the genus Rynchops, are obviously closely related to the terns. Thet are easily separated from […]
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans)
[order] CHARADRIIFORMES | [family] Laridae | [latin] Larus cachinnans | [UK] Yellow-legged Gull | [FR] | [DE] Gelbfussmove | [ES] | [NL] Geelpootmeeuw Subspecies Monotypic species Genus Gulls are a large group of about 50 species with represenatatives all over the globe and occupy a great diversity of habitats: sea coasts, lakes, rivers, cities and […]
Brown-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus)
[order] CHARADRIIFORMES | [family] Laridae | [latin] Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus | [UK] Brown-headed Gull | [FR] Mouette du Tibet | [DE] Braunkopfmowe | [ES] Gaviota Centroasiatica | [NL] Subspecies Monotypic species Physical charateristics The bird is about 42 cm in length and both the sexes are alike. The under parts are pale grey. The legs and […]
Ellis Sandpiper (Prosobonia ellisi)
The story Whether there was one extinct species of sandpiper occupying the Pacific islands of Tahiti and Moorea or whether there were, in fact, two remains something of an enigma. The naturalists who actually saw the birds in life and handled fresh specimens were convinced that there was only one, but more recent commentators have […]
Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis)
The story The Great Auk is one of the true stars of extinction. Its story rises and falls like a Greek tragedy. This was a creature that had evolved perfectly to take advantage of a particular ecological niche but its very adaptation rendered it totally incapable of withstanding the depredations of man. It is probably […]
White-winged Sandpiper (Prosobonia leucoptera)
The story Whether there was one extinct species of sandpiper occupying the Pacific islands of Tahiti and Moorea or whether there were, in fact, two remains something of an enigma. The naturalists who actually saw the birds in life and handled fresh specimens were convinced that there was only one, but more recent commentators have […]
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
[order] CHARADRIIFORMES | [family] Scolopacidae | [latin] Calidris alpina | [UK] Dunlin | [FR] Becasseau variable | [DE] Alpen-Strandlaufer | [ES] Correlimos Comun | [NL] Bonte Strandloper Subspecies Genus Species subspecies Breeding Range Breeding Range 2 Non Breeding Range Calidris alpina NA, EU n s NA, AF, s EU Calidris alpina actites Sakhalin I. (off […]
Least Auklet (aethia pusilla)
[order] CHARADRIIFORMES | [family] Alcidae | [latin] aethia pusilla | [UK] Least Auklet | [FR] Starique minuscule | [DE] Zwergalk | [ES] Mergulo Minimo | [NL] Dwergalk Subspecies Monotypic species Physical charateristics The tiniest auk; chubby, neckless. Black above, white below. In summer, a wide dark band across the upper breast. The tiny size and […]
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
[order] CHARADRIIFORMES | [family] Scolopacidae | [latin] Tringa stagnatilis | [UK] Marsh Sandpiper | [FR] Chevalier stagnatile | [DE] Teich-Wasserlaufer | [ES] Archibebe Fino | [NL] Poelruiter Subspecies Monotypic species Physical charateristics Straightish, needle like bill, small body and long legs. Looks like small, fine T. nrbulstis. Wings dark, rump and back white, face pale, […]