The Green Kingfisher is one of three kingfishers found in the United States, but at 7.5 inches long it is much smaller than the Belted and Ringed Kingfisher. It is also very rare in this country and can only be found in the south of Texas. It lives throughout Central and South America as far south as central Argentina. Unlike the other two kingfishers, Green Kingfishers also fly low over the water's surface and can be found perching on low branches. The Green Kingfisher was first described in 1788 by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin (pictures right), who gave it the latin name Chloroceryle americana. Here's a picture of a female Green Kingfisher, which lacks the broad chestnut breast band that males have, like the one on the mangrove in the picture above.

Photo by Lip Kee

Unfortunately I have never seen a Green Kingfisher. Have you?

The Belted Kingfisher is one of three new kingfishers that we've added to Birdorable. This cutie can be found across North America, Central America and South America as far south as Argentina. I love Kingfishers, and we saw many Belted Kingfishers on our vacation in Florida. We were staying in Key Largo and every time we drove Route 1 back to the mainland we saw dozens of these guys sitting on the telephone wires looking down at the water. When they spot a fish that they like, they'll dive into the water head first to grab it. Did you know that many Kingfishers, including this one, nests underground? A pair will dig a tunnel as long as 8 feet in river banks. The tunnel slopes upward to keep water from entering the nest. Human activity has actually expanded their breeding range; road building and the digging of gravel pits has created new banks where kingfishers can nest.

Photo by Rick Leche

Photo by Rick Leche

Males and females both have shaggy crests and are colored blue and white. Females have rufous across the upper belly. This is our totally cute Birdorable version of the Belted Kingfisher!

Razorbills typically live for 13 years, but one particular Razorbill that was ringed in 1967 was still spotted in the United Kingdom last year, over 41 years later! The same bird has been returning to the same cliff since hippies were wearing flowers in their hair and the Beatles were singing "All You Need Is Love". The old Razorbill was reported by the British Trust for Ornithology last year, along with 11 other record-breaking long-living birds, including a 31-year-old Curlew and a Black-headed Gull that has been flying around parks in Central London for 27 years.

Razorbill on the Farne Islands, UK, by ankehuber

The Razorbill is a beautiful striking bird. It is the 159th Birdorable bird and the answer to this week's spot the Birdorable. Unfortunately we have never seen a Razorbill. Have you?

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?

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:

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!

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.

Photo by Keith Marshall

Photo by akphotograph.com

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.

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

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".

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.

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!

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.

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 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.