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Pink Finches I Have Known

10,000 Birds

For some reason the Fringillidae, as the finch family is called if you want to be highfalutin, frequently tend toward pink. It took a trip to Kazakhstan to see more pink finches. Though both birds are actually mostly brown the pink on the wings and their sheer awesomeness qualify them for inclusion in the pink finch family.

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Caspian Gull: The continental gull

10,000 Birds

The world is still turning, the blog didn’t crash, no anonymous threats against my family on social media … I guess my small series on gulls may continue with part 2 of 3, which will focus on the Herring Gull ‘s second side-kick: Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans. This is lake Bukhtarma in far eastern Kazakhstan.

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The Bee-eaters of Africa

10,000 Birds

The wonderful family Meropidae contains 27 dazzling species, of which Africa is endowed with no less than 20 species, the balance occurring across Asia and with one as far afield as Australia. They are usually found in small family groups perched atop bushes or short trees, from whence they sally out to catch their prey.

Africa 266
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The Hidden Qualities of House Sparrows

10,000 Birds

To us on the traditional side of the Atlantic, they’ll always belong to the family Iznogoudae , the birds who want to become warblers instead of the warblers. A male probable member of the indicus group (foreground) and a male domesticus House Sparrow in western Kazakhstan. And do they ever try so hard.

Sparrows 246
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Polygynandry and avian swingers

10,000 Birds

Nice. ((** all names have been changed to protect identities and have been substituted with (almost) randomly chosen substitutes suitable for a family of Alpine Accentors.)) small families putting less pressure on the adult members of the family). In this case, they would be exhibiting polyandry.

2011 232
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What is Mexico’s National Bird?

10,000 Birds

In fact, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology , “The Golden Eagle is the most common official national animal in the world – it’s the emblem of Albania, Germany, Austria, Mexico, and Kazakhstan.” Crested Caracaras, though they often associate with vultures, are actually part of the falcon family.

Albania 103
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Conserving the Future: Bold Bird Ideas

10,000 Birds

Duck Stamp) for wildlife observers (81 votes, 12 comments) Create a photography permit allowing regulated off-trail access to refuges (80 votes, 15 comments) Christmas Bird Count for Kids – A half day free family event with partners @ all USFG visitor centers (46 votes, 5 comments) Establish partnership(s) with national birding conservation orgs.

2011 140