The 198th bird in our Birdorable Bonanza is this cute little Northern Pintail. This dabbling duck has a widespread range in the Northern Hemisphere. It breeds across northern areas of North America, Europe and Asia and in winter migrates as far south as Hawaii, Central America, sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Its global population is estimated at 6.1 to 7.7 million birds. Have you ever seen a Pintail?

Photo by Frank Shufelt (Source: Flickr)

Until the 31st of July we'll be adding a new bird every day as part of our Birdorable Bonanza until we reach the 200th at the end of this month. Here's a preview of tomorrow's bird:

The Common Eider is the first new species that we're adding to Birdorable in 2009. It is a beautiful bird with some striking features. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. You can find this cutie on the northern coasts of Europe and North America.

Did you know that this bird was involved in one of the first ever bird protection laws? The colony of eiders living on the Farne Islands in Northumberland in England has been protected since the year 676, when Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, patron saint of Northumberland, chose the bird as the county's emblem bird. Eider ducks are still called Cuddy Ducks in modern Northumbrian dialects, "Cuddy" being the familiar form of "Cuthbert".

In the world of waterfowl, the Ruddy Duck might not grab headlines like some of its more flamboyant cousins, but this little duck has a charm all its own that deserves a closer look. Known for its striking blue bill (in males during the breeding season) and compact, buoyant body, the Ruddy Duck is a pocket-sized powerhouse with some fascinating behaviors and characteristics that make it a delightful subject for birdwatchers and bird lovers alike.

Native to North and South America, Ruddy Ducks are small, stout freshwater ducks that belong to the genus Oxyura, which is known for its stiff-tailed ducks. Measuring about 14-17 inches in length, they have a distinctive appearance with a chunky body, large head, and a stiff tail that they often hold cocked up. The males are particularly eye-catching during the breeding season with their bright blue bills, rich chestnut bodies, and a bold black head. Females and non-breeding males are more subdued in color, with gray-brown plumage and a darker bill, but they share the same cheeky attitude and spunky demeanor as their more colorful counterparts.

One of the most endearing aspects of the Ruddy Duck is its courtship display. Males perform a bubbly display to attract females, where they beat their bills against their chest, creating a series of comical, popping sounds accompanied by a spray of water droplets:

Ruddy Ducks are also known for their incredible diving abilities. They feed by diving underwater to forage for food, munching on a diet that mainly consists of aquatic invertebrates, plant seeds, and roots. Their strong legs are set far back on their bodies, making them excellent swimmers but somewhat awkward on land. Watching a Ruddy Duck bob like a cork before suddenly disappearing under the water's surface is a treat for any nature observer.

Breeding season brings another interesting aspect of Ruddy Duck behavior: nest building. Females construct nests in dense marsh vegetation, using plant material to form a floating platform anchored to surrounding plants. They add a roof of vegetation for camouflage, creating a cozy and hidden retreat for their eggs. The dedication of Ruddy Ducks to their nesting sites is a testament to the importance of conserving wetland habitats, which are crucial for the survival of these and many other bird species.

Migration patterns of Ruddy Ducks vary, with some populations migrating long distances between breeding grounds in the northern parts of North America and wintering areas in the southern United States and Central America. Others are more stationary, living in the same region year-round. Despite their widespread range and adaptability, Ruddy Ducks face challenges from habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are vital to ensuring that these charismatic birds continue to thrive in their natural habitats. Supporting wetland conservation initiatives and being mindful of our impact on natural ecosystems can help protect Ruddy Ducks and countless other species that depend on these environments.

Ah, the timeless joy of "Duck Duck Goose" – a game that many of us remember fondly from our early childhood days. This simple yet exhilarating game, where children sit in a circle and one "it" player walks around tapping heads and declaring "duck" until finally selecting a "goose" to chase them back to their spot, has been a staple of playgrounds and preschools for generations. Today we unveil a delightful new design that brings together the Redhead, Mallard, and Canada Goose, each rendered in the adorable and distinctive Birdorable style. This charming design is not only a nod to the beloved game but also a celebration of the diversity and beauty of bird life, making it perfect for birders, duck aficionados, goose enthusiasts, and birdwatchers alike.

This unique design is a wonderful gift idea for anyone who has a soft spot for ducks and geese or who appreciates the beauty of birds. It's a fun way to celebrate birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of avian charm. Moreover, it's a fantastic conversation starter and a stylish way to express one's love for the feathered friends that grace our ponds, lakes, and skies.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Birdorable "Duck Duck Goose" design also offers an opportunity to spark interest in ornithology among the younger generation. By blending the playful elements of a well-loved game with the educational value of bird recognition, it encourages children and teens to learn more about the birds around them, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for nature.

In a world where digital distractions are all too common, this design reminds us of the simple pleasures that can be found in the great outdoors, whether it's playing a game of "Duck Duck Goose," or observing the graceful flight of a goose overhead. It celebrates the joy of being present in the moment and reconnecting with the natural world—a message that resonates deeply in today's fast-paced society.

So, whether you're a seasoned birder or someone who cherishes the memories of childhood games, the Birdorable "Duck Duck Goose" design is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. It's a tribute to the playful spirit that lives within us all and the beautiful birds that inspire curiosity, joy, and a sense of adventure.

Redheads versus Mallards – it's the playful debate that bird enthusiasts might chuckle over while enjoying a day out in the field. In our latest Birdorable design, we're tipping our hats to the Redhead, a species whose understated elegance often goes unnoticed next to its more famous cousin, the Mallard. It's all in good fun, of course, because every birder knows the value of each feathered friend that graces our waterways.

Redheads are commonly found in the wetlands of western North America. With their rich chestnut-red heads and striking black chests, they bring a splash of color to the ponds, bays, and lakes they frequent. These ducks are divers, using their strong legs to propel them underwater in search of food, which makes them quite fascinating to observe.

While they might be seen in small, intimate groups during much of the year, the winter months tell a different story. It's during this time that the Redheads truly show their social side, gathering in massive, awe-inspiring flocks that can number in the tens of thousands. These gatherings are not just a spectacle for birdwatchers; they represent an important phase in the ducks' life cycle, providing safety in numbers and better opportunities for finding food during the leaner months.

The migratory patterns of the Redhead are equally impressive. As the cold sets in, they travel to overwinter in milder climates, including the southern and northeastern United States, areas around the Great Lakes, northern Mexico, and even as far as the Caribbean. 

So, let's give a round of applause to the Redhead, a bird that may not always grab the headlines but certainly deserves a moment in the spotlight. With Birdorable, you can wear your Redhead pride for all to see, and who knows? You might just sway a few Mallard fans in the process.

The Mallard, perhaps the most recognized and widespread of ducks, has a unique feeding style known as dabbling. These ducks tip forward into the water, tails up, to forage for food along the muddy bottoms of ponds and lakes. And now, Birdorable captures this endearing behavior with a playful twist, featuring a pair of Mallards in the midst of a good dabble, with their fluffy butts sticking up out of the water!

This design is as educational as it is cute, showcasing the natural behavior of Mallards in a way that's easy to understand and appreciate. Dabbling is a common sight wherever these ducks are found, from urban park ponds to secluded country streams. It's a behavior that's synonymous with the species, and now it's immortalized in the unmistakable Birdorable style.

Whether you're a dedicated birder, a casual visitor at your local park, or someone who can't resist the allure of a quirky and cute animal motif, this design is a perfect fit. The image of those Mallard butts, tails skyward, as they search for their next meal, is one that brings a touch of humor and joy to the day. Birdorable's rendition is sure to be a conversation starter and a hit among all who appreciate the lighter side of nature.

So, whether you're looking for a new hat to shield your eyes on a sunny day out birdwatching, a gift for a duck-loving friend, or just want to add a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe, the Birdorable dabbling Mallards are a perfect choice. It's a little slice of avian life that you can carry with you, a reminder of the joys of birdwatching, and a testament to the charm that birds bring into our lives. Too cute, indeed!