Our Birdorable Hummingbird Week 2024 continues today with a new species added to our flock: it's the Violet Sabrewing!

The Violet Sabrewing is one of the largest and most stunning hummingbirds in the Americas. This vibrant bird is a spectacle with its iridescent plumage and dynamic behavior. Found primarily in the tropical regions of Central America, the Violet Sabrewing captures the fascination of bird enthusiasts with its striking appearance and unique characteristics. 

One of the most distinctive feature of the Violet Sabrewing is its vivid plumage. Adult males are particularly striking with their deep violet-blue feathers covering most of their bodies. They have a distinctive white spot behind their eyes and a curved bill that is adapted to feed on nectar. Females are slightly less colorful, with green upperparts and a mix of violet and white on their underparts. This sexual dimorphism is typical in many hummingbird species and plays a significant role in their mating rituals.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Violet Sabrewing is its size. This bird is big -- for a hummingbird! It is one of the largest species of hummingbirds, measuring up to 5.9 inches (nearly 15cm) in length. Even at this size, they're still hummers, and these hummingbirds are incredibly agile and can perform impressive aerial maneuvers. Their powerful wings allow them to hover in place while feeding and even fly backward, showcasing their remarkable flight capabilities.

The diet of the Violet Sabrewing is primarily composed of nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They have a preference for flowers with long corollas, which match their long, curved bills. In addition to nectar, they also consume small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins, especially during the breeding season. This diet helps sustain their high energy levels and supports that active hummingbird lifestyle!

Violet Sabrewings are typically found in humid tropical forests, often at elevations ranging from 1,600 - 6,600 feet (500 to 2,000 meters). They prefer habitats with abundant flowering plants, naturally, which provide a consistent food source for these nectar-lovers. These hummingbirds are also known to visit gardens and feeders, where they can be observed up close, much to the delight of bird watchers.

The conservation status of the Violet Sabrewing is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), though the population is thought to be decreasing. Habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment poses a significant threat to their population, which is currently large and widely distributed. 

The Violet Sabrewing hummingbird joins our avian family and becomes our 798th Birdorable bird! Tune in tomorrow as we wrap up Hummingbird Week (and reveal one more new hummer!).

For this Hummingbird Week, we're introducing a fabulous new species of hummingbird to the Birdorable family: the Red-billed Streamertail!

The Red-billed Streamertail is one of the most dazzling and delightful birds you can find in Jamaica. This bird is not only a sight to behold but also holds a special place in Jamaican culture and folklore. It's importance to the country is seen in the fact that it's the official national bird of Jamaica.

The Red-billed Streamertail is a member of the hummingbird family, known for its spectacularly long tail feathers and vibrant colors. The males of the species are especially eye-catching with their brilliant emerald-green plumage and long, ribbon-like tail feathers that can be up to 10 inches long. These streamers flutter gracefully behind them as they fly.

Female Red-billed Streamertails are less flamboyant but equally adorable. They lack the long tail feathers and have more subdued green plumage with white underparts. Despite their differences, both males and females share the characteristic red bill that gives the species its name.

This beautiful bird is endemic to Jamaica, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its preferred habitats are tropical rainforests, gardens, and plantations where it can find ample food sources. The Red-billed Streamertail feeds primarily on nectar, using its long bill to reach deep into flowers. In addition to nectar, it also consumes small insects and spiders, providing a well-rounded diet that supports its high-energy lifestyle.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Red-billed Streamertail is its courtship display. Males perform an aerial dance to attract females, flying in broad arcs and loops, and even hovering, all while showing off their long tail streamers. This display is not only a visual spectacle but also produces a distinctive whirring sound, adding an auditory element to the performance.

In Jamaican culture, the Red-billed Streamertail is more than just a beautiful bird; it is a national symbol and a subject of many legends and stories. Locally known as the Doctor Bird, this hummingbird is celebrated in folklore as a mystical creature with healing powers. Some tales even suggest that seeing a Doctor Bird brings good luck.

The conservation status of the Red-billed Streamertail is currently stable, thanks in part to its adaptability and the relatively intact habitats in Jamaica. However, habitat destruction and climate change pose potential threats to its population. Conservation efforts and awareness are essential to ensure that this stunning bird continues to thrive in its natural environment.

Birdwatchers visiting Jamaica are often eager to catch a glimpse of the Red-billed Streamertail, and it's no wonder why. Watching a male in full display is like witnessing a living jewel in motion. Their rapid wing beats and dazzling colors make them a highlight for any birding expedition.

The Red-billed Streamertail is a remarkable bird with its radiant plumage, extraordinary tail feathers, and captivating courtship displays. Its importance in Jamaican culture and folklore further enhances its charm. Ensuring the conservation of this endemic species allows future generations to continue to marvel at one of nature's most exquisite avian wonders. We welcome this amazing little flying jewel to our Birdorable family!

Two of our newest birds here at Birdorable are the Brown Tanager and Brown-flanked Tanager. The two different species may seem similar at first glance due to their names, but they have distinct characteristics, ranges, habits, and habitats. Let's dive into the details of these two fascinating birds.

The Brown Tanager

The Brown Tanager (Orchesticus abeillei) is a small bird endemic to Brazil where it is found in the highlands of the southeast.  It prefers the dense, humid forests of the Atlantic Forest biome, often at elevations between 900 and 2,000 meters. This bird's plumage is predominantly brown, as its name suggests, but it can have subtle variations in shade. The Brown Tanager is relatively elusive, making it a treat for birdwatchers who manage to spot it.

The diet of the Brown Tanager consists mainly of insects; fruits are an occasional treat. Brown Tanagers are often seen foraging alone or in pairs, though they may join mixed-species feeding flocks during certain times of the year.

The Brown Tanager is the only species in its genus, Orchesticus. 

The Brown-flanked Tanager

The Brown-flanked Tanager (Thlypopsis pectoralis) is also an endemic species, this one found only in Peru.  This bird favors montane forests, typically between 2,500 and 3,200 meters in elevation. The Brown-flanked Tanager is easily recognizable by its distinctive rufous-orange head and breast on an otherwise drab grey-brown body.

The Brown-flanked Tanager's diet is comprised mostly of prey items including insects, moths, and caterpillars. One interesting aspect of the Brown-flanked Tanager's behavior is its participation in mixed-species flocks. These flocks, common in Andean forests, consist of various bird species that move together while foraging. This behavior helps reduce the risk of predation and increases foraging efficiency.

The Brown-flanked Tanager is a member of the genus Thlypopsis, a group of 8 tanager species with a widespread range across parts of South America.

A Tale of Two Tanagers

For bird enthusiasts, observing these two species offers a chance to appreciate the diversity of tanagers and the unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their respective environments. Whether it's the quiet beauty of the Brown Tanager in Brazil's highland forests or the active presence of the Brown-flanked Tanager in the Andean montane forests of Peru, each bird brings its own charm to the avian world. We proudly welcome these tropical avian friends to our big Birdorable family!

The Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina), with its iridescent plumage that shimmers in hues of green and violet under the sunlight, is a stunning sight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. This bird is not only admired for its stunning appearance but also for its remarkable traits and behaviors that make it a fascinating subject of study.

Native to the western regions of North America, the Violet-green Swallow has captivated many with its agile flight and aerial acrobatics as it hunts for insects in the sky. These birds are consummate fliers, capable of executing swift turns and dives to capture their prey, which includes flies, beetles, and other airborne insects. Their diet plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, showcasing the importance of these and other swallows in maintaining ecological balance.

Preferring the cavities of trees in open woodlands and forests, Violet-green Swallows often utilize holes created by woodpeckers or natural crevices to lay their eggs. They have also adapted to nesting in special boxes and other man-made structures, reflecting their ability to thrive in diverse environments. Inside these nests, lined with feathers and soft materials, females lay between four to six white eggs per clutch.

The Violet-green Swallow is currently not facing significant threats and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like all wildlife, they are not immune to the challenges of habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. Efforts to conserve their natural habitats and ensure a healthy environment are essential for the continued survival and prosperity of these swallows.

Despite their vibrant colors, Violet-green Swallows can be elusive, often blending into the vastness of the sky until their iridescent feathers catch the light just right, revealing their true beauty. This elusive nature adds to the allure of spotting them during their migratory journeys or while they perform their aerial feats above meadows, forests, and bodies of water.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) is a modestly plumaged bird, often overlooked due to its subtle brown coloring and less flashy appearance compared to other swallows. However, what it lacks in vibrant colors, it makes up for with its intriguing characteristics and behaviors. This bird is named for the tiny hooks or serrations along the edge of its primary wing feathers, a feature unique among swallows, believed to help in catching insects mid-flight.

One of the most fascinating facts about the Northern Rough-winged Swallow is its adaptability in nesting locations. Unlike many birds that are specific about their habitat, this species can nest in a variety of settings, including sandy banks, gravel pits, or even man-made structures like drainage pipes and culverts. This adaptability showcases their resilience and resourcefulness in finding safe places to raise their young.

Conservation concerns for the Northern Rough-winged Swallow are relatively low compared to other bird species. They are currently not listed as threatened or endangered, thanks largely to their adaptability to various habitats, including those altered by humans. Nonetheless, they are not immune to broader environmental threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and the broader impacts of climate change, which could affect their food sources and nesting sites in the future.

Every spring, a small but mighty signal marks the transition from winter to spring in San Juan Capistrano, California. We're not looking for a blooming flower, or feeling for a warm breeze -- we're awaiting the celebrated return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano. This event, celebrated annually on March 19th, is a local tradition that has captured the imagination and hearts of people around the world. It's a celebration of nature, history, and community, deeply rooted in the traditions of the past and eagerly anticipated each year.

So as our Swallow Week continues here on the Birdorable Blog, we're proud to introduce a new species to the family: the Cliff Swallow! These are the celebrated swallows of San Juan Capistrano, whose return each year is commemorated by the local community.

The story of the Cliff Swallows' return begins with their remarkable migratory pattern. These small birds, known for their agility in the air and their distinctive fork-tailed silhouette, travel approximately 6,000 miles from Goya, Argentina, to San Juan Capistrano each spring. Their journey is a wonder of nature, and shows the magic of the instinctual drive that guides animal migration. The swallows use the old Mission San Juan Capistrano as their nesting place, where they build their mud nests under the eaves and archways of the historic buildings.

Why are these birds celebrated? The tradition dates back to the 1920s when Father St. John O’Sullivan, the pastor of the Mission, noticed the shopkeeper in town knocking down the swallow's mud nests. Moved by the plight of the birds, he welcomed them at the Mission, offering a safe haven for their nests. This act of kindness sparked a lasting relationship between the swallows and the Mission, marking the beginning of an annual celebration that would grow to attract attention far beyond the local community.

The return of the swallows is celebrated today on St. Joseph’s Day, annually on March 19th, a day filled with festivities, cultural performances, and community engagement. The event includes the ringing of the historic Mission bells, live music, including Mariachi bands, Native American storytelling, Flamenco dance performances, and more, all designed to honor both the Cliff Swallows' return, and the cultural heritage of the area. The celebration is a blend of history, culture, and nature, showcasing the community's connection to its environment and its past.

The swallows' return during springtime is symbolic of renewal and rebirth, themes deeply ingrained in the human psyche and celebrated in cultures around the world. For the people of San Juan Capistrano and visitors from around the globe, the swallows' return and their celebration is a seasonal reminder of the resilience of nature and the beauty of life's cyclical patterns.

The return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano is more than just an ornithological event; it's a celebration deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the community, symbolizing hope, the renewal of spring, and the enduring bond between humans and the natural world. As we celebrate the swallows' return each year, we are reminded of the beauty of nature, the richness of tradition, and the importance of community in our lives.

Today we're introducing a new member to our Birdorable family in honor of Swallow Week: it's our Birdorable Bank Swallow.

The Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) is a small, agile bird with a distinctive brown back, white underparts, and a unique band across its chest. This bird, the smallest swallow in North America, holds a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts for its remarkable characteristics and behaviors. Let's dive into some interesting facts about the Bank Swallow, its longevity, conservation status, diet, habitat, and nesting habits.

Bank Swallows are highly sociable during their breeding season. They nest in large colonies that can include hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individual nests. 

These birds are expert flyers, catching insects mid-air with their mouths. Their flight is fast, with quick wing beats and sudden turns and dives.  Despite their small size, like most swallow species they are long-distance migrants, wintering in South America and breeding across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Bank Swallow populations have been declining in several areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and challenges due to climate change. They are particularly vulnerable because they rely on undisturbed riverbanks and sandy cliffs for nesting. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but the declines in some regions have raised conservation concerns.

Bank Swallows feed almost exclusively on flying insects, including flies, mosquitoes, mayflies, and beetles. They catch their prey in flight, using their acrobatic flying skills to maneuver and capture insects. This diet makes them valuable for controlling insect populations, including agricultural pests and disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The Bank Swallow's name comes from its unique nesting habits; it lives and breeds primarily in sandy banks along rivers, lakes, and quarries. These habitats provide the vertical surfaces necessary for the birds to excavate their nesting tunnels. Across their Old World range, Bank Swallows are known as Collared Sand Martins.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Bank Swallow's life is its nesting behavior. They dig tunnels in vertical sand or dirt banks, often forming large colonies with many nests close together. They use their specially adapted small conical bills, feet, and wings to dig out their burrows. Each tunnel, typically 2-3 feet deep, ends in a nesting chamber where the female lays 4-5 white eggs.

Both parents share in feeding the chicks, which fledge about three weeks after hatching. The communal aspect of their nesting sites provides some protection against predators, although the nests are still vulnerable to disturbances and predation.

The Bank Swallow is a remarkable bird with fascinating behaviors, from its long-distance migrations to its unique nesting habits. Despite facing challenges from habitat loss and other threats, conservation efforts aim to ensure that these agile flyers continue to grace our skies and riversides for generations to come.