feather Archives - Page 11 of 30

Spiked

The blue crane, also known as the Stanley crane and the paradise crane, is the national bird of South Africa. The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. While it remains common in parts of its historic range, and approx. 26 000 individuals remain, it began a sudden population decline from around 1980 and is now classified as vulnerable. The primary causes of the sudden decline of the blue crane are human population growth, the conversion of grasslands into commercial tree plantations, and poisoning: deliberate (to protect crops) or accidental (baits intended for other species, and as a side-effect of crop dusting). The South African government has stepped up legal protection for the blue crane. Other conservation measures are focusing on research, habitat management, education, and recruiting the help of private landowners.

7 December 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Drenched

The African darter, sometimes called the snakebird, is a water bird of sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. It often swims with only the neck above water, hence the common name snakebird. Unlike many other waterbirds, the feathers of the African darter do not contain any oil and are therefore not waterproof. Because of this, the bird is less positively buoyant and its diving capabilities are enhanced. After diving for fish, the feathers can become waterlogged. In order to be able to fly and maintain heat insulation, it needs to dry its feathers. Thus the African darter is often seen sitting along the waterside spreading its wings and drying its feathers in the wind and the sun along with cormorants which may share its habitat.

5 December 2018Travel, Wildlife

Proud

One explanation for why females favour long tails in male long-tailed widowbirds is that the expanded tail enlarges the lateral surface area of the male by 2–3 times, making him much more visible from far distances over open grassland. However, this is most likely not the whole explanation, especially considering that prior to mating, females spend a great deal of time comparing males and, thus, do not rely on sighting them from a distance. As of this time, the exact function of epaulette in male long-tailed widowbirds is unknown. However, its use does resemble that of the red-winged blackbird, being displayed during courtship and threat displays. Thus, the two most conspicuous ornaments of the male birds in the two species may be favoured by different forms of sexual selection: the tail of the long-tailed widowbird by female choice and the brightly coloured epaulettes of the long-tailed widowbird and red-winged blackbird by male contest competition.

27 November 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife