Today we proudly introduce the Birdorable Eurasian Jay!

The Eurasian Jay, known simply as Jay by English-speakers in its range, is a species of corvid that lives across much of Europe and parts of Asia and northern Africa.

Eurasian Jay DSC_3334_1 by luc.viatour

These colorful relatives of crows and ravens are known for their ability to mimic the calls of other bird species, including predators like Tawny Owls and Eurasian Buzzards. They use this ability to taunt and intimidate potential predators, along with mobbing behavior, to drive them away.

Tomorrow's bird is a colorful number from Down Under. Can you guess what it will be?

Today the Birdorable Eastern Towhee makes its debut!

Eastern Towhees are bulky, boldly-plumaged sparrows. They live across eastern North America; birds that breed in the north are migratory. They are ground feeders, scratching at the earth with their feet to reveal seeds or insects to eat.

Eastern Towhee by Kelly Colgan Azar

Male towhees have a varied repertoire of songs and calls. One familiar song sounds like the phrase "Drink Your Tea!" The following recording includes this phrase, and a few others.

Tomorrow's bird is a common continental corvid. Can you guess what it will be?

Today the beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk joins Birdorable!

With their distinctive markings, persistent call, and widespread range, the Red-shouldered Hawk is one of North America's most recognizable birds of prey. They are the most common buteo we see around here at Birdorable HQ (in central Florida). Both photos below were taken by us, very close to our home. It was a lot of fun to watch the baby Red-shouldered Hawks grow up at our nearby nature park!

Parent Red-shouldered Hawk by Powered by Birds

Baby Red-shouldered Hawks by Powered by Birds

Tomorrow's bird is a species of sparrow with bold markings. Can you guess what it will be?

Lucky Bonanza bird #13 is the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher!

There are twelve species of gnatcatcher in the world. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher occurs the furthest north of all, and is the only species that migrates (at least part of the population does so).

Gnatcatcher by Kelly Colgan Azar

These small birds are known for their extremely active nature. They spend much of their time foraging for food high up in trees, constantly on the move. They can be identified by their sweet buzzy call, given frequently while they feed.

Tomorrow's bird is a common and very vocal North American species of raptor. Can you guess what it will be?

Our 390th species is also our 70th parrot: the Orange-winged Parrot!

The Orange-winged Parrot is a fairly large species of parrot that lives in parts of South America. They feed on fruits, seeds, berries, and nuts. They like to hang out in small groups, usually pairs, during the daytime. At night, however, they become party animals! They gather in large roosts for sleeping; these roosts may contain several hundred birds.

Orange-winged Amazon (Amazona amazonica) by Papooga

Because of their beauty, Orange-winged Amazons they are popular birds in the pet trade. They have a very wide range in the wild, and though populations are decreasing, they are not in danger of extinction at this time. They may live up to 30 years in captivity.

Tomorrow's bird is known as BGGN to bird banders. Can you guess what it will be?

Today another warbler joins the Birdorable family. Check out our brand new Magnolia Warbler!

Magnolia Warblers breed in dense forests of southeastern Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. They winter down in the Caribbean and parts of Central America. They are found across the eastern United States during migration. It was during this time of year that the Magnolia Warbler got its name.

[Magnolia Warbler] 8G7D5078 by bmajoros

The species was first described for science in 1810 by ornithologist Alexander Wilson, who discovered an individual in a magnolia tree in Mississippi during migration. The bird found in the magnolia tree became the Magnolia Warbler. Word may not have spread to John James Audubon, however, as the species was included in his "Birds of America" as the Black & Yellow Warbler. In the painting, incidentally, the bird is perched in a Raspberry bush. If Wilson had found the bird in similar circumstances, would we call this bird the Raspberry Warbler?

Tomorrow's bird is sometimes known as Loro Gauro. Can you guess what it will be?

Today we proudly reveal the latest new bird in our Birdorable Bonanza 2012: the Victoria Crowned Pigeon.

The Victoria Crowned Pigeon is the world's largest species of pigeon. They are easily recognized by their unique and beautiful wispy crests of head feathers. These big beauties were named in honor of the longest reigning British monarch (so far) - Queen Victoria.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon by Tambako the Jaguar

They live in Papua New Guinea, where they prefer a woodland-type habitat. Victoria Crowned Pigeons mate for life, and usually raise just one chick per year. Like many other pigeon species, they breed easily in captivity, and are commonly found in zoos and aviary exhibits.

Tomorrow's bird is just a little thing, named after a flower. Can you guess what it will be?

Today's new addition to Birdorable is the stocky and beautiful Eurasian Bullfinch.

Eurasian Bullfinches are stocky songbirds with gorgeous rosy-red, grey, black, and white plumage. While flashy in color, these beauties are rather shy, visiting feeding stations only if there is enough cover for a quick escape. They also travel in small groups, unlike some other, more gregarious, species of finch.

Bullfinch by chapmankj75

We're offering this new cute Birdorable bird in a few different designs. The male Bullfinch sits alone, or a small mixed flock of Bullfinches takes flight. Finally, we offer a boldly colored Eurasian Bullfinch embroidery pattern on shirts and bags.

Tomorrow's bird is a "royal" giant. Can you guess what it will be?

Today's Bonanza bird is the Palm-nut Vulture, also known as the Vulturine Fish Eagle.

Vultures are sometimes known as nature's garbage collectors, because they mostly feed on carrion - dead animals. The Palm-nut Vulture is the exception to the rule, feeding mainly on the fruits of Raphia and Elaeis palm trees. Their method of feeding can be quite unusual, too. They hang upside-down, holding onto the fruit with their feet and using their beaks to pull off pieces to eat.

Buitre palmero - Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) by ferran pestaña

The Palm-nut Vulture is rather common within its range. This species is fortunately not threatened, unlike many other vulture species.

Tomorrow's bird is an Old World finch with a bovine name. Can you guess what it will be?

Today we reveal Bonanza Bird #7: The Red-fan Parrot, also known as the Hawk-headed Parrot.

The Red-fan Parrot is a beautiful species that lives in South America. They are named for the unusual fan of feathers found around the nape. The bird can control the position of these feathers, raising or lowering them depending on their mood.

Red-fan Parrot by Ryan Somma

The ruff feathers of this species are particularly beautiful. We have created a few unique designs featuring a cute cartoon illustration of the feathers, including a heart shape made of feathers and a circular design where the bird is outlined by feathers.

Tomorrow's bird lives in Africa and has an unusual diet compared to other birds in its family. Can you guess what it will be?