Black-legged Kittiwake

Birdorable Black-legged Kittiwake

This week we've added another cute bird to Birdorable: the Black-legged Kittiwake. The above photo of cliffs in Ireland shows an adult Kittiwake on the left and a juvenile on the right. Juvenile individuals have black markings on the wings, neck and head. There are actually two races of Black-legged Kittiwake: one in the North Atlantic ocean and another in the North Pacific ocean.

The first one, which is common throughout Europe and the east coast of North America, has only three normal toes. Hence its latin name Rissa tridactyla, which means "three-toed". Its hind toe is reduced to a tiny bump. Kittiwakes spend most of their lives out at sea and come ashore only to breed. They actually seldom walk, so its legs are much shorter than those of other gulls. And who needs a hind toe if you hardly ever walk, right?

(#222) Black-Legged Kittiwake
Photo by tinyfishy

We often saw Black-legged Kittiwakes on the North Sea coast when we lived in the Netherlands and I always thought they were particularly cute. Here's a juvenile that we saw flying around at IJmuiden, a coastal town west of Amsterdam:

Black-legged Kittiwake
IJmuiden 030 (18-Nov).jpg
Photos by Amy Evenstad

Kittiwakes breed in large colonies on rocky cliffs and is very noisy on the breeding ground, as is evident from the video below. They are capable of utilizing the sheerest of vertical cliffs as their nesting site.

The Birdorable Kittiwake is available on t-shirts and other apparel. This is our totally cute version of the Black-legged Kittiwake!

A Fragrance of Murres

Birdorable Common Guillemot

We've added another cutie to Birdorable, the Common Murre, also known as the Common Guillemot. These sea birds can be found in low-Arctic waters in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, all over the northern hemisphere. They spend most of their lives out at sea and only come to land to breed on rocky cliffs or islands, where they get together in huge groups, which are called a 'bazaar', or a 'fragrance' of murres. Check out this incredible photo of thousands of murres at Point Reyes National Seashore, approximately 30 miles north of San Francisco.

Guillemot 1
Common Guillemot

From their nest site they fly as far as 125 miles to look for food for their chicks. They are excellent divers. Using their wings for propulsion they can dive as deep as 600 feet to forage for food. Check out this neat video of Guillemots diving underwater at Farne Islands, off the coast of Northumberland in England.


Video of diving guillemots at the Farne Islands

The Birdorable Murre is available on t-shirts and other apparel in two different designs:

The Birdorable Common Eider

Birdorable Common Eider

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".

Meet the Birdorable European Shag: A Diving Marvel of the Coasts

Birdorable European Shag and Herring Gull

Birdorable European Shag (right) enjoying the scenery alongside a Herring Gull (left)

We're thrilled to introduce the latest feathered friend to join the Birdorable family - the European Shag! This charming seabird might not be as famous as some of its avian counterparts, but it certainly holds a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by the rich birdlife of European coasts and islands.

The European Shag, scientifically known as Phalacrocorax aristotelis, is a member of the cormorant family. It is easily recognizable by its glossy green-black plumage, which beautifully contrasts with the surrounding sea and rocks where it's often found perching. Adding to its distinctive look is a slender, hooked bill and bright green eyes, which seem to sparkle like emeralds against its dark feathers.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the European Shag is its habitat and lifestyle. These birds are true coastal dwellers, rarely straying far from the rugged cliffs and choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, from the chilly shores of Iceland all the way down to the warmer regions of North Africa. They are expert divers, plunging into the sea with remarkable grace to catch their fishy prey. Watching a European Shag dive is a sight to behold; they leap from their perches and disappear into the water, often emerging far from where they dove in.

Photo of European Shag

European SHag by Francesco Veronesi (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED)

Breeding season brings out the most striking features of the European Shag, as they don a crest on their head and their neck feathers take on a more intricate pattern. Their nests, constructed from seaweed and twigs, are usually perched on cliff faces or rocky outcrops, where they lay their eggs in the safety of steep, inaccessible spots.

Despite their beauty and fascinating behavior, European Shags face several challenges. Like many seabirds, they are affected by pollution, overfishing, and climate change, which can impact their food sources and nesting sites. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that these birds can continue to thrive in their natural habitats.

For birdwatchers and nature lovers, the European Shag represents an exciting sighting. Whether you're exploring the coasts of the British Isles, where they are particularly common, or spotting them from the shores of the Mediterranean, observing these birds in their natural environment is a memorable experience. Their somewhat elusive nature and preference for remote areas make each sighting all the more special.

At Birdorable, we're delighted to feature the European Shag among our collection of cute cartoon birds. We hope to inspire a love and appreciation for not just this species, but for all the amazing birds that share our planet. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher, a passionate conservationist, or simply someone who loves learning about the incredible wildlife around us, we hope you love our European Shag. Next time you're near the coast, keep an eye out for this elegant seabird—you might just be lucky enough to spot one!

Cute European Shag Gifts

From Grey to Pink: The Life and Times of the Greater Flamingo

Birdorable Greater Flamingo

The Greater Flamingo, now the 153rd bird featured on Birdorable, is not just another pretty face in the bird kingdom. This species, with its iconic pink hue and elegant stature, spans across Africa, southern Europe, and southern Asia, offering a splash of color and uniqueness wherever it's found. Greater Flamingos are social birds, often seen in large flocks that can number in the thousands, wading through shallow waters in search of food. Their feeding technique is as fascinating as their appearance; these birds stir the mud with their feet and then, in a head-down position, suction up a mix of mud and water to filter out their meal using their distinctive large beaks.

What truly sets the Greater Flamingo apart, aside from its sociable nature and feeding habits, is its vibrant pink coloring. This striking shade is not an inherent trait but rather a result of their diet, which is rich in carotenoid pigments found in algae, crustaceans, and, notably, pink shrimps. These pigments are absorbed by the flamingos, giving them their famous pink color. It's an interesting fact that in captivity, without a diet supplemented with these natural pigments, flamingos will gradually lose their pink coloration, becoming paler. This dietary influence on their coloration is a remarkable aspect of their biology, illustrating the direct impact of nutrition on the appearance of animals.

Greater Flamingo diet graphic

From birth, Greater Flamingo chicks are a stark contrast to their adult counterparts. They emerge from their eggs with white and gray feathers and a straight bill, far from the pink plumes and curved beak they will eventually grow into. It takes about two years for them to develop their pink feathers and fully curved beaks, a transformation that is nothing short of magical. Watching a flamingo chick grow into its iconic adult form is a journey through one of nature's most fascinating maturation processes.

Greater Flamingo photo from Camargue, France

Greater Flamingo in the Camargue, France by A S (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

Greater Flamingos are not just a wonder of nature in terms of their appearance and lifecycle. They are also among the bird species with a notably long lifespan. In the wild, these birds can live up to 30 years, a respectable age for any wild animal. The record for the oldest known Greater Flamingo was held by an individual known as "Greater," also referred to as Flamingo One or Flamingo 1, who resided at the Adelaide Zoo in Australia. Greater passed away on January 30, 2014, and was estimated to be between 83 and 95 years old at the time of death, having arrived at the zoo as a full-grown adult from either Cairo or Hamburg in one of the last four importations of greater flamingos to the zoo between 1919 and 1933. Here is a video of Greater from 2008:

Cute Greater Flamingo Gifts

From their group feeding rituals in shallow waters to the incredible transformation from grey and white chicks to stunning pink adults, Greater Flamingos embody the marvels of the avian world. Their story is a blend of natural beauty, ecological adaptation, and the sheer wonder of biological development, making the Greater Flamingo a bird worth celebrating and conserving for future generations to marvel at.

Greater Flamingoes on their nests

Greater Flamingoes on their nests by Susan Robinson (public domain)

Introducing the Snowy Plover: Birdorable's Latest Feathered Friend

Cute Birdorable Snowy Plovers

If you've ever strolled along a beach in North America or a coastal mudflat, there's a chance you've been in the presence of one of the shore's most charming inhabitants without even realizing it. The Snowy Plover, a small and often overlooked bird, has recently flapped its way into the Birdorable family, and we couldn't be more thrilled to introduce you to this adorable avian.

The Snowy Plover is a small wader in the plover family that frequents sandy beaches and saline lake shores in parts of the Americas. With their pale brown to gray upperparts and white underparts, these birds blend seamlessly into their sandy habitats, a perfect camouflage against predators. What makes the Snowy Plover particularly endearing is its size; weighing just about 50 grams (roughly the weight of a deck of cards) and measuring around 6 to 7 inches in length, they are the epitome of cuteness.

Despite their unassuming appearance, Snowy Plovers are fascinating creatures. They exhibit remarkable nesting behaviors, laying their eggs in simple scrapes in the ground. These nests are often nothing more than slight depressions in the sand, lined with shells and debris, making them incredibly hard to spot. The camouflage is so effective that the nests and chicks are often invisible until you're almost stepping on them!

Snowy Plovers are also known for their dedication to their young. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs, and once hatched, the chicks are precocial, meaning they're up and running around just hours after emerging. However, they still rely on their parents to keep them warm and protect them from the elements and predators.

Snowy Plover and Chicks

Snowy Plover and Chicks by Channel City Camera Club (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

But life isn't all sunny skies and sandy beaches for the Snowy Plover. These birds face significant challenges, primarily due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and predation. Their nesting sites are often at risk from beach development, recreational activities, and the encroachment of invasive plant species, which can dramatically alter their natural habitats. Conservation efforts are underway in many areas to protect these delicate habitats and the birds that rely on them. Measures such as restricting access to nesting areas during breeding season, habitat restoration, and predator management are essential to ensure the survival of Snowy Plovers in the wild.

By adopting the Snowy Plover into our flock, we hope to raise awareness and inspire a love and respect for these and other threatened species. Whether you're a birdwatcher, a conservationist, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, the Snowy Plover is a bird worth knowing and protecting.

So the next time you're walking along a beach, keep an eye out for these tiny beachcombers scuttling along the shoreline. And remember, the presence of Snowy Plovers and other shorebirds is a sign of a healthy, functioning ecosystem. By protecting them, we're not only saving a cute and fascinating species but also preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our coastal environments for future generations to enjoy.

Snowy Plover by Channel City Camera Club (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

Cute Snowy Plover Gifts

Welcome the Birdorable White Stork: An Iconic Bird of the Old World

Birdorable White Storks on roof top nest

The White Stork is a majestic bird that's not only a symbol of luck and fidelity in many cultures but also a fascinating species that captivates bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. With its striking white plumage, contrasting black wing feathers, and long red legs and beak, the White Stork is an amazing sight, whether it's seen gliding gracefully over open fields or standing tall among the wetlands.

Found across Europe, parts of Asia, and Africa, these birds are known for their impressive migratory journeys. White Storks will travel thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in Europe and their wintering areas in Africa, showcasing incredible endurance and navigational skills. These migrations are not only awe-inspiring but also critical for their survival, allowing them to exploit different ecosystems throughout the year.

White Stork migration map

🟩 = Breeding range; 🟦 = Winter range; 🟥 = Migration routes

One of the most endearing aspects of the White Stork is its nesting behavior. They are known for returning to the same nest year after year, with some nests being used for generations and becoming massive structures that can weigh up to several hundred kilograms. These nests are often located on rooftops, chimneys, or specially constructed platforms, making them a common and beloved sight in many European villages and towns. The storks' fidelity to their nesting sites and their partners, with whom they often reunite each breeding season, add a touch of romance to their image.

White Storks feed on a variety of prey, including insects, fish, amphibians, and small mammals, which they hunt in meadows, wetlands, and fields. Their presence in a region is often considered a sign of a healthy ecosystem, as they play a crucial role in controlling pest populations and cleaning up after other animals.

Despite their widespread appeal and significance, White Storks face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and collisions with power lines. Conservation efforts, including the creation of artificial nesting platforms and the safeguarding of wetlands, have been implemented in various regions to help protect these birds. These initiatives have had positive impacts, leading to stable or increasing populations in many areas where the storks breed and winter.

The White Stork's ability to adapt to human environments, coupled with concerted conservation efforts, offers hope for this species' future. Their successful coexistence with humans is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to protect and cherish their natural heritage.

Photo of White Storks on a nest

White Storks on a nest by Oleg Dubyna (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED)

Cute White Stork Gifts

What kind of bird is that? Barn Swallow!

Cute Birdorable Barn Swallows

Birdwatching has become a delightful pastime for many, bringing joy and a sense of connection to nature. Among the many feathered friends we encounter, one particularly charming and widespread species stands out: the Barn Swallow. This nimble bird, known for its graceful flight and acrobatic skills in catching flying insects, is a marvel of the avian world. 

The Barn Swallow's cosmopolitan presence stretches from the landscapes of Europe and the vast expanses of Asia, to the rich biodiversity of Africa and across the diverse Americas. This bird has adapted to a variety of habitats, making it a familiar sight in both rural and increasingly, urban areas. What's fascinating is how it's intertwined with human structures; it builds its cup-shaped nests predominantly in man-made structures like barns, stables, and under bridges, showcasing a remarkable coexistence with humans.

Apart from their fascinating behaviors and cultural significance, Barn Swallows are visually striking. They are characterized by their iridescent blue back, orange-red throat, and a long, deeply forked tail that makes them easily distinguishable from other birds. Watching a Barn Swallow dart and dive through the air is a mesmerizing sight, a testament to the agility and beauty inherent in the natural world.

Photo of a Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow by marneejill (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED)

Their presence almost everywhere in the world speaks volumes about their adaptability and the role they play in ecosystems. As insectivores, Barn Swallows perform a crucial function by controlling insect populations, benefiting agriculture and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Their global journey also brings them into the sphere of migration studies, with scientists tracking their movements to understand patterns that have implications for climate change research and conservation efforts.

For those who share their homes and surroundings with Barn Swallows, there's an opportunity to observe these birds up close. Their nesting behavior, especially in accessible structures, offers a unique insight into their world. Observing how they meticulously build their nests, care for their young, and interact with their environment provides invaluable lessons in resilience, community, and the interdependence of species.

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher, a casual observer, or someone fascinated by the seamless integration of wildlife into our daily lives, the Barn Swallow offers endless opportunities for discovery and delight. The next time you see a swift, graceful bird darting through the sky or skimming the surface of a water body, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable Barn Swallow. 

The title of this article is actually a quote from a movie in which James Stewart goes out birdwatching and every time he asks his companion "What kind of bird is that?", the answer is always "Barn Swallow!". Do you know what movie I'm talking about? 

Photo of Barn Swallows being fed

Barn Swallows being feed by Becky Matsubara (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

From Europe to Everywhere: The House Sparrow's Remarkable Expansion

Birdorable House Sparrows in Brooklyn, New York

House Sparrows in Brooklyn, New York

Welcome to the world of the House Sparrow, the latest adorable addition to the Birdorable family! This small but mighty bird holds the title of the most widely distributed wild bird on Earth, and its journey alongside humans is a fascinating tale of adaptability and survival. Originally native to Europe and much of Asia, the House Sparrow has made itself at home across the globe, from the bustling streets of New York to the distant shores of New Zealand and Australia.

The introduction of the House Sparrow to the Americas did not happen by natural migration; rather, it was a direct result of human intervention. In the mid-19th century, European settlers, nostalgic for the sights and sounds of home, decided to introduce the House Sparrow to North America. The first successful introduction occurred in Brooklyn, New York, in 1851, where several pairs were released with the hope that they would control insect pests. By the end of the 19th century, they had spread as far as the Rocky Mountains, evidence of their remarkable ability to thrive in new environments. But what exactly propelled their rapid expansion across North America?

The answer lies in the urban lifestyle of the time. The 19th century saw cities teeming with horses, the primary mode of transportation, which in turn meant an abundance of spilled grain on the streets. For the opportunistic House Sparrow, this was a banquet laid out in their honor. These adaptable birds quickly learned to exploit this new food source, aiding their proliferation across the continent. 

Birdorable House Sparrows in Sydney, Australia

House Sparrows in Sydney, Australia

After its introduction to North America in the mid-19th century, the House Sparrow's journey didn't stop there. These birds have an uncanny ability to thrive in urban and rural areas alike, making the most of the opportunities provided by human alterations to the landscape. This adaptability has facilitated their spread to other regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and various islands around the globe. 

In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, House Sparrows have thrived by exploiting grain stores and feeding on the scraps of human settlements. Their presence in these areas is often seen as an indicator of human impact on natural environments, as they typically flourish in areas where traditional bird species might struggle due to habitat loss and changes in land use.

But the House Sparrow's adaptability isn't just about exploiting food sources. These birds have a an exceptional capacity to live in close quarters with humans, thriving in urban areas where other species might struggle. From the eaves of houses to the nooks of buildings, House Sparrows make their nests, always staying close to the hustle and bustle of human activity. Their cheerful chirping and social nature have made them a familiar and often beloved presence in cities and towns around the world.

House Sparrows photo

House Sparrows by hedera.baltica (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED)

What about Europe, the birthplace of the House Sparrow? Despite being native to this region, House Sparrows in Europe have faced significant challenges in recent decades, leading to a notable decline in their populations in many areas. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including urbanization, loss of traditional nesting sites due to modern building renovations, reduced insect food sources for chicks due to increased pesticide use, and competition for nesting spaces. Urbanization, in particular, has led to the loss of green spaces and gardens where sparrows once thrived, feeding on insects and seeds. In some cities, conservation efforts are underway to halt their decline, focusing on creating sparrow-friendly environments by preserving green spaces, planting native vegetation, and installing nest boxes to compensate for the loss of natural nesting sites. 

It's intriguing that while House Sparrows flourish in human-altered landscapes outside of Europe, their populations face challenges within their native European habitats, highlighting the complex interplay between wildlife, humans, and changing environments.

Do you have House Sparrows visiting your yard or nearby areas? How do they adapt to the environment where you live? Share your observations and experiences with these feathered voyagers and join us in appreciating the global journey of the House Sparrow.

Cute House Sparrow Gifts

Broad-winged Hawks Migrating on Solar Power: The Beauty of Kettles in the Sky

Photo of Broad-winged Hawks kettle

Broad-winged Hawks kettle by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

The Broad-winged Hawk, a modest-sized bird of prey, offers one of nature's most spectacular aerial displays as it traverses the skies from the eastern parts of the United States and Canada to the warmer climes of Mexico and Southern Brazil. This remarkable journey spans over 4,000 miles, with these hawks covering an average of 70 miles each day. But it's not just the distance that makes their migration noteworthy; it's the way they travel, especially when they form into large groups known as 'kettles,' that captures the imagination.

During migration, Broad-winged Hawks utilize thermals, which are columns of warm air, to gain altitude without expending much energy in flapping their wings. By stretching out their wings and riding these natural elevators, they can glide for large distances, harnessing the power of the sun to propel their journey. This efficient mode of travel not only showcases the hawks' adaptation to their environment but also highlights the interconnectedness of all natural elements.

Imagine looking up to see thousands of hawks, circling tightly in a thermal updraft, their bodies silhouetted against the sky, moving as one. This vision is so striking that it evokes the image of something boiling in a cauldron, which is how the term 'kettle' came to be, according to nature photographer M. Timothy O'Keefe. The comparison to a bubbling cauldron perfectly captures the dynamic, swirling mass of birds as they ascend on the warm air currents.

Broad-winged Hawk

Witnessing a kettle of Broad-winged Hawks is an unforgettable experience, offering a unique insight into the wonders of avian migration. These gatherings occur most notably during the spring and fall migrations, when the hawks are on the move to and from their breeding grounds. For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, observing a kettle is a highlight of the season, a moment where one can truly appreciate the marvels of bird migration and the natural instincts that guide these creatures across continents.

Have you ever had the chance to witness a kettle of hawks in the sky? It's an experience that connects us more deeply to the natural world, offering a glimpse into the incredible journeys that birds undertake each year. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of nature, the sight of Broad-winged Hawks soaring together is a powerful reminder of the wonders that fly above us.

Cute Broad-winged Hawk Gifts