The Everglades

A Field GuideBerkshire Country Day School

2013

Berkshire Country Day School in preparation for their trip to the Florida Everglades.

Students learned about the ecology of the Everglades in Mrs. Benner’s science class and

created their pages in Mrs. Tumenas’ computer class. They spent a week in the Everglades

after completing their projects.

A Collaborative Project by the 8th grade class at

The Everglades Field Guide 2013

Pages Authors

Anhinga ………………........... Jack GibsonBarred Owl………………….... Elizabeth HindsBlack Crowned Night Heron... Asa MervisBlack Vulture……………........ Sam SecklerBrown Pelican……………...... Meg BeavenBurrowing Owl...................... Sophie UsowCrested Caracara.................... Viggo BlomquistCommon Moorhen................ Donovan LallyDouble-crested Cormorant...... Alec GoffinGreat Blue Heron................... Andrea VelezGreat Egret............................ Ruth KingGreen Heron……………........ Neeka DaemiIndigo Bunting....................... Henry DolanLittle Blue Heron…………..... Hanna Yurfest

Pages Authors

Osprey………………….......... Will Harris- BraunPainted Bunting..................... Molly WeinsteinPied Bill Grebe....................... Teddy MichaelsPurple Gallinule…………....... Jackson RichRed Shouldered Hawk............ Jesse KramerRoseate Spoonbill…………..... Kendall PollartSnail Kite............................... John McNultySnowy Egret........................... Emily YeagerSwallow-Tailed Kite………..... Cooper ParkerTricolored Heron.................... Cameron SweenerWhite Ibis.............................. Emme HauckWood Stork………………........ Jesse CassutoYellow Crowned Night Heron.. Zephyr Maliki

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)

Reproduction: The anhinga mates for life, and pair bonds using a series of displays from their gular sac. The male begins building a nest before the mating season happens. It chooses a fork in a tree and puts sticks and green material to make a nest. the anhinga’s droppings build on its nest and makes it white. The anhinga nests in colonies of hundreds of water birds. They breed in summer. The female can lay up to five blue green eggs. The baby anhingas start to fledge after they have been out of their eggs for about fourteen weeks.

Feeding: The anhinga spears its fish with its beak. The force from the blow is sometimes so much that the anhinga has to go to shore and rub the fish off with a rock.

CharacteristicsSize: Usually around 30 inches in length.Weight: Usually 47 inches.Wingspan: Up to 40.2 inches.Description of male: A large black, brown bird. with blue covered eyes. on its back it has silver feathers that spackle its back. Both the male and the female have turkey like tail feathers that fan out in the water.Description of Female: It is the same as the male, but has a brown head.Juvenile: The juvenile Anhinga looks like an adult anhinga, but it is much lighter. its neck is grey white, and its body is light brown

Habitat: Anhingas typically live in swamps or ponds. They like thick vegetated areas, and trees that can hold their nests in florida and south america.

Similar Birds: The anhinga is similar to the double crested cormorant in its behavior, size, and color. However there are two key differences. The beak of the cormorant is hooked, while the anhinga’s beak is one spike. The tails are also different, the anhinga’s tail is much thicker than the cormorants. Nicknames: Water turkey, devil bird, snake birdFun Facts: For a bird that swims in the water the anhinga actually has a very little amount of water proof parts.

HABITATThe barred owl lives in eastern United States and southern Canada with small isolated populations in Mexico. They prefer mixed forests near water.

NICKNAMESThe barred owl is often mistaken for a Great Horned Owl or a Grey Owl. They don’t migrate and like dense, mature forests. Their Latin is Strix varia and have a variety of nicknames such as, Eight Hooter, Wood Owl, Rain Owl and the Hoot Owl.

NESTINGBarred owls nest in tree cavities, sometimes re-using nests of other owls. They lay their eggs from early January to mid April. A group of owl eggs are called a clutch. There are usually 2 to 4 eggs per clutch and the owls fledge after 4 to 5 weeks.

BARRED OWL

FEEDINGBarred owls will eat any small animals, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, rabbits, other small birds and reptiles. They are sight feeders and hunt by sitting at an elevated perch while

Barred owls have a brown back and barred breast. Their flat disk shaped faces and dark brown eyes are prominent features. They are around 16.9-19.7 in length and have a 39-43.3 wingspan.

Black Crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

The Black Crowned Night Heron commonly roosts in trees and scavenges for food during the night. Its natural habitat and hunting grounds is near rivers and marshes. The Black Crowned Night Heron lives on every continent aside from Antarctica. Black Crowned Night Herons nest in colonies.

The Black Crowned Night Heron is a medium sized heron, usually averaging 22.8-26 inches (58-66cm) tall, (much smaller than many of its heron cousins, with a chunky build.) It weighs 25.6–35.8 oz (727–1014 g) and has a wingspan of 45.3–46.5 inches (115–118 cm) as an adult for both sexes. As an adult it has a black topped head (or crown), and the rest of its body is white with slightly light gray wings. The male and female look the same. The juvenile is mostly brown speckled with white spots. The Black Crowned Night Heron makes a low-toned, “qwok!” sound that can be loud. This sound is often made while flying. The Black Crowned Night Heron is a mostly nocturnal bird, flying at night and hunting then as well, with its very keen, almost night-vision eyesight thanks to its large red eyes.

Identifying Characteristics

Black Crowned Night Herons nest on every continent except Antarctica, making it one of very few worldwide birds.

Black Crowned Night Herons do not appear to distinguishbetween their own young, and others, and will often take care of young in other nests.

Fun Facts

There are not many animals the black crowned night heron is mistaken for, besides possibly the yellow crowned night heron, which is very similar, except it is larger and less stout. As juveniles they can be mistaken for the Yellow Crowned Night Heron and American Bittern.

Birds Mistaken For

Habitat

Black Crowned Night Herons nest in trees and usually nest in colonies. The mating begins with the males displaying for the females by rocking from foot to foot, stretching, bowing, hissing, and clapping their bills. When a the pair of birds bond they spend a good amount of time of time preening their mates, rubbing their bills across their partners, backs, necks, and heads. The pair build their nest, of flimsy sticks, reeds, and twigs in trees or bushes. Nests tend to be below the tree’s canopy for shade and the nests are usually 16 to 33 feet (5 to 10 meters) off the ground. The female bird lays eggs that are pale blue and a size of or 2 x 1.5 inches. They usually lay 3 to 5 eggs in a nest. Both birds incubate for a time period of 24-26 days and the young are fed through regurgitation.

Reproduction

The Black Crowned Night Heron uses a stalking feeding method, snatching up its food with its beak not skewering it. It eats small fish, small amphibians, reptiles, and some rodents.

Feeding Method

Juvenile

The Black Crowned Night Heron does not have any Nicknames aside from being sometimes called the Night Heron, mostly in the Eurasia area.

Nicknames

Black Vulture

The Black Vulture has many unique and identifying characteristics. The black vulture has a gray bald head with a black body. The Black Vulture has blunt talons which are not sharp but very strong and a long hooked beak. The Black Vulture has a squared tail and a wingspan between 4.5 and 5 feet long. Under each wing the bird has a white patch. The Black Vulture is about 23 to 27 inches long and weighs about 3.5 to 6 pounds as an adult. The Black Vulture female looks identical to the Black Vulture male. In flight The Black Vulture flies with several short wing beats then glides through the air. It has a v shaped wing angle in flight. The Black Vulture, both male and female, live to about an age of 25 and a half years old. The Black Vulture urinates on itself to keep itself cool in a hot environment and to rid itself of disease.

The nicknames of the Black Vulture include the Carrion Crow and sometimes the Black Vulture is called the Black Buzzard. This is incorrect because the Black Buzzard is actually a broad winged hawk. The Black Vulture’s genus species is the Coragyps atratus. The Black Vulture is commonly mistaken for a Turkey Vulture, however, it is also mistaken for a Bald Eagle and a Golden Eagle.

The Black Vulture has no nest, however, at night a group of Black Vultures gather in a tree in a gathering called a Roost. The Black Vulture lives in the southern United States of America and throughout Central and South America. It lives in warm open lands with some thinly wooded areas.

The Black Vulture mates for life. Eggs are laid from January to July. The Black vulture nests on the ground, in tree stumps, or in bare ground and lay two eggs. The eggs are incubated by both parents for 38 to 40 days. The baby birds gain the proper muscles to fly or fledge 3 months after hatching. The baby birds stay with the parents for a couple of years to they fly off and lead a life of their own.

The Black Vulture most commonly feeds on carrion. Carrion is rotting or decaying flesh of a dead animal. They locate carrion by vision and smell. They can only smell carrion however, that is 12 to 24 hours old. The Black Vulture feeds on Carrion in large numbers. The Black Vulture helps the well being of the Ever-glades by eating carrion before it rots and causes harm to the air or other animals. Due to their strong stomach acids the Black Vulture’s fecal matter is free of bacteria and viruses. When the Black Vulture is threatened it vomits a harmful acid like substance on its predator.

Brown Pelican (Pelicanus occidentalis)

Feeding Methods & Habits:The Brown Pelican dives into the water up to thirty feet deep from fifty feet up in the air. Once it has caught the fish, it points it’s bill downwards to drain the water out. Occasionally when the bird is throwing fish into the air, a greedy gull will steal the fish from the pelican. A majority of the Brown Pelican’s diet is fish but in the breeding season it will eat anchovies and sometimes prawns.

Identifying Feautures:-84’ Wingspan-45”-54” long-Large Pouched Bill-White Head-Greyish Brown Plumage-Flocking Bird-Mainly an East Coast bird, West Coast bird is generally smaller-Flaps and glides alternatively when flying

Reproduction:As a breeding display the female squats on the ground as the male bird circles slowly, then the female takes off towards the water and the male follows. During the December-August breeding season the pouch under the birds bill turns a bright red. Pelicans are monogamous breeders. There have been no studies to say that pelicans mate for life, pairs have formed bonds but they do not last for more than a few years.

Habitat:The Brown Pelican has a range from Ecuador to Florida and California. It can be found on both United States coasts, East and West. It is only found in salt water and it is very rare that they go inland.

Nesting & Young: The nest is built from sticks, lined with green plants and is a saucer shape. The nests hold 2-3 eggs. The eggs are white and are incubated for 28-30 days. Both male and female birds incubate the eggs. Juveniles are brown all over except for their belly, which is an off-white color.

Mistaken For:The Brown Pelican can be mistaken for the Peruvian Pelican at a glance. The Peruvian Pelican has a more gray body and it’s throat is a blue color.

Fun Facts:-The Pelican’s throat can hold three gallons of water.-The Brown Pelican can fly thirty miles per hour.-Pelicans incubate their eggs using the warmth from their feet.-The pesticide DDT weakened the sheel of pelican eggs and the parent pelicans often cracked eggs. This greatly slimmed down the number of pelicans in the U.S.-Pelicans are badly affected by oil spills, such as the one in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fully grown Brown Pelican

Brown Pelican collecting sticks for a nest

Brown Pelican in flight

Burrowing OwlsAthene cunicularia

Burrowing Owls only are 21.6 - 21.28 cm. in length. They are very little and have a wingspan of 50 cm. to 61 cm. and weigh 170.1- 214 grams. The burrowing owls have long legs and are active during the daytime. They have a spotted back. They are beige colored.

The young of Burrowing Owls have a brown head, back and wings. They have a white belly. Female Burrowing Owls are darker then the males. But it is very hard to tell the difference between the young, male and female.

The Female and The Young

Characteristics

Burrowing Owls live in burrows which are found in dry fields with no trees. The burrows are usually a few meters long and are covered with manure on the inside. The burrows are made by the burrowing owls. They mainly live in South America and Florida as well as the western part of the US. Burrowing Owls eat small frogs, lizards and small rodents. They hunt by catching food with their feet or hopping, running, walking and flying from a perch.

Habitat and Food

Burrowing Owls have many nick names such as Long Legged Owl, Billy Owl and many others. Burrow-ing Owls can be mistaken for a Short Eared Owl but they are bigger and have an orange chest. The Genus species name is Athene cunicularia which means burrower or miner. Female Burrowing Owls lay 6-11 eggs and take about 28-32 days to hatch. Bur-rowing Owls breed when they are 10 months old.

Names, Reproduction, and Similar Birds

The Crested Caracara

Characteristics- Crested Carcaras are part of the Falcon family, although it is often mistaken for eagles. Its young are born with their dark feathered cap on their head. The Caracara have a total length of 23 inches on average. They also have a wingspan of 49 inches on average. They are easily identified by their orange face and black cap. They are also identified by their white neck feathers.

Polyborus plancus

Habitat- Caracaras have strong legs, which enables them to run well. This is why when looking for food they often fly low to the ground, or simply just walk in search of food. They live in the open lowland countryside. They also live in some forests and marshes. Caracaras can be found in the southwestern US, Florida, Central America, and South America.

Reproduction- Caracaras have big stick nests in trees or on the ground. Females lay a clutch of eggs, which usually consists of two to three eggs. They then have to be sat on for about 28 to 32 days. Once the chicks are born, they have to wait about 3 months before they are able to fly by themselves. Caracaras are born with their black feathers on their head.

Food- The Carcara usually eats dead animals, hence the meaning of its name.

Although, the Caracara will also eat small mammals, reptiles, turtles, fish, crabs, eggs,

insects, worms, and small baby birds.

Fun Facts- Its nicknames are the Caracara eagle, the king buzzard, the Mexican buzzard, and the Mexican eagle. The

Caracara is a national symbol of Mexico, and its name in Spanish means carrion eater.Permanent Resident

Common MoorhenGallinule Chloropus

Habitat: They live near bodies of water such as freshwater marshes, streams and ponds. It lives all over the world except for polar areas and tropical rainforests.

They have feet like chickens because it gives them traction in the sand. When they walk they lift their legs and that is why they are some times called the Chicken-foot Coot, they also peck at the ground.

Identification: The bird has a small body, dark grey feathers, and reddish beak. It has a two foot wingspan, it is 12 to 15 inches long, and weighs about 14 ounces. The male is larger, and it makes a series of high pitched noises starting fast and ending up slow.

Juvenile Characteristics: “brownish-gray with drab ma-roon bill and no frontal shield.”

Mating: The male fans its tail to get the female’s attention to mate, it also offers the female weeds from the water. When mating they make a loud chuckling noise, and they do not mate for life. They make nests with dead plants and grass which are usually over water in bushes. About 10 eggs are laid and it takes about 20 days until the eggs hatch. Both the male and female incubate the eggs.

Nickname: Some of its nick names are Blue Rail, Chicken-foot Coot, Red-billed Mud Hen, Florida gallinule, swamp chicken

Eating: They are omnivorous, and their Latin name is Gallinule Chloropus.

Unique Characteristcs: are that when they are swimming they bob their head back and forth, to help them swim. They are endangered species.

Birds They are Mistaken for: The American Coot bird, and the Purple Gallinule The Coot swims differently and it has a white beak apposed to a red beak.

Double Crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

HabitatThe double crested cormorant can be found all over North America from Alaska to Mexico. In the summer it lives in the north. When it gets cold, the cormorant flies south for the winter. It lives year round in Florida and the Caribbean. In the Everglades, they are found on the coasts and and also found near water.

Identifying Characteristics •Large waterbird with a weight of 1.2-2.5 kg and a wingspan of 114-123 cm.

•Stocky bird with a medium sized tail.

•Adults are black while the juvenile are brown or gray.

•Has orange hooked beak, webbed feet, teal eyes, and has orange skin on its face.

•Males and females do not have sexual dimorphism.

ReproductionThe double crested cormorant breeds around different bodies of water (lakes, rivers, coastlines). It builds its nests mostly out of sticks. These nests sit on top of tall trees or on islands. The cormorant lays about 3-4 eggs. These eggs are blueish-white. When these eggs hatch, the babies will only be with their parents for about ten weeks. They will be fed by both the mother and the father.

Fun FactsThis cormorant has many nicknames. Some include the sea cow, the white crested cormorant, the water buzzard, and the Taunton Turkey. This bird can be mistaken for the anhinga. The main difference between the two is the beak shape. The anhinga has a pointed beak while the cormorant has a hooked beak. The anhinga also has longer tails than the cormorant. The most interesting fact about the cormorant is its crests. These crests grow during mating season, They could be either white or black. This is the reason why it is called the double crested cormorant.

FoodThe double crested cormorant mainly eats fish. To catch the fish, it dives into the water and uses it beak to jab at the fish like a spear. It can also eat crayfish and insects.

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias

Characteristicstall, long-legged (3.2 to 4.5 feet) and wide wingspan (5.5 to 6.6 feet)female weights bet. 4-6 lbs; male weighs bet.6-8 lbs.twisting, “S” shaped neck, and thick, sharp billwide black stripe over eyeschest & wings look shaggygrey body with brown and black mark-ingsfrom a distance, seem to be blue-gray in colorbaby egrets have a dark head and no plumes

• habitatThe Great Blue Heron lives in both saltwater and freshwater tid-al flats, along coastlines, and seen in marshes, near rivers, or close to ponds or streams.They can also be found also found feeding in grasslands, found throughout the United States, Mexico and most of Canada. The Great Blue Heron lives in New England during the end of March and migrates to the south United States from mid July to late September

• reproduction Great Blue Heron nest in colonies called “heronries”, sometimes a few pairs, sometimes by the hundreds. They will nests in tall trees, usually high up but some-times hidden in lower shrubsnests are made of twigs, pine needles and bark. Fe-males lay three to seven eggs which hatch in 25-29 days. Both male and female incubate eggs and protect the young.

• food / feeding method The Great Blue Heron is a carnivores, and sight hunters . Their diet includes fish, reptiles, amphib-ians, invertebrates, small mammals, other birds. They stalks prey by standing or walking slowly watching for food. Once they trap their prey they swallows it whole. They will search the water for their prey in rivers, streams, marshes.

• nicknames/ birds mistaken for Great Blue HeronThe Great Blue Heron can be mistaken for the Crane or Sandhill Crane. The Great Blue Heron has a few nicknames like the, Grandfather,long John,Poor Joe, Big Cranky.

The Great Egret

Food & Feeding MethodThe Great Egret eats mostly fish, and some crustaceans. As well as frogs, salamanders, snakes, mice and aquatic insects. The Great Egret hunts by sight. They catch their prey by standing still or slowly walking until prey comes within range. They then kill their prey with a sharp blow of their beak and swallow it whole.Their hunting is done mainly in wetlands, sometimes in open fields.

HabitatThe Great Egret lives in both saltwater and freshwater. As well as wetlands, ponds, streams, and tidal flats. The Great Egret can be found in all continents except Antarctica. The Great Egret lives on the East coast, Virginia through Florida permanently. It lives on both of Mexico’s coasts and down through Central America all year round.

Identifying CharacteristicsDimensions Length: 35-41” (89-104 cm); Wingspan: 4’ 7” (1.4 m)White in color, tall and lean, long black legsS-curved necks and yellow spear- like billMale and the female look the same

Reproduction Great Egrets nest during mid-June to July, high up in trees to isolate themselves from predators. Their nests are located near water sources in groups called “colonies”. They usually lay 3 – 4 eggs. Breeding adults show thin, wispy nuptial plumes on their body. Great Egrets mate for life. The babies usually kill the weakest kin.

Conservation Status In the early 1900s hunters plume hunters killed 95 percent of population for the feather industry.The Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918 allowed the bird population to recover,but the birds are still vulnerable due to the loss of wetlands and disruption of nesting habits. The Great Egret was classified as a “species of concern” in Florida because of changes in natural watercourses. They are also susceptible to high mercury levels within the Florida Everglades.

Bird mistaken for the Great EgretThe Great Egret is often mistaken for the Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, and the Wood Stork.

Unique CharacteristicsOne of the Great Egrets unique characteristics are its breeding plumage. During the breeding season the Great Egrets develop white plumes, that drape down over their back. They use these feathers to draw attention to themselves.

Ardea alba

Green Heron

CharacteristicsThe adult Green Heron is 17 inches in length. The male is known to be a little bit bigger than the female. The female also has lighter and duller coloring than the male. The Green Heron has a black cap on its head. Its neck is brown with white strips from under its neck to its belly. The Green Heron has yellow feet that turn orange during its breeding season. The young Green Herons are browner, and have bluish-gray backs.

Habitat and Breeding The Green Heron lives year round in Florida, in freshwater wetlands, such as ponds. It breeds from the Pacific states of the U.S. and extreme southern Canada south to Central Panama, also in the West Indies and island off the north coast of Venezuela. The Green Heron breeds from late March to late July.

Feeding The Green Heron mainly eats small fish. It also eats insects, frogs, and grasshoppers. The Green Heron is a sight feeder. It will wait at the edge of the water until it sees its prey and with a quick movement it will snatch its prey. The Green Heron is also one of the few birds to bait its prey, by dropping something in the water to attract its prey closer.

Butorides virescens

ReproductionThe male will only mate once per season, and both the male and female will take care of their 2-6 eggs. The adult birds will take care of their young for 30-35 days of their life.

Nicknames -Green-backed Heron -Chalk line-Fly-up-the-creek-Squawk, Skeow, and Skow, which come from the sound it makes when it is scared and flies away.

Birds it can be mistaken forThe Green Heron can be mistaken for the least bittern, and when it’s flying over head it can also be mistaken for a crow.

Its white strips

Black cap

Brown neck

Yellow feet

Its orange feet during breeding season

Indigo BuntingPasserina cyanea

The Blue Canarie

CharacteristicsThe Indigo bunting is distinced from other bird because of its bright blue color. The male has that bright blue color, but the female is light brown. The female is often mistaken for other kinds of birds. The Indigo Bunting is very similar to the blue gros-beak. The appearance of the Indigo bunting is short and stocky with a short, dark, tail. Due to the male’s vibrant colors, the male is much easier to spot. The little bird is 5 inches with a wingspan to 8 inches. The Indigo Bunting is a half to three quar-ters of a ounce. They are very small. The immature looks like a male who has not yet bred.

Habitat And FeedingThe Indigo Bunting lives from South Florida all the way down to South America. They also live west near Texas. The venture up north for the hot summer.They like to live in weedy areas and on sharp cliffs and brushy hedges. They eat small insects, seeds and small berries.

BreedingThe Indigo Bunting sexually matures at one year old. They breed in the fall.The Indigo Bunting is not always with the same partner. They breed in brushy areas and they lay up to 4 eggs. The Indigo migrates at night. The male is not sold blue until its second breeding season.

Fun factsThe brownheaded cowbird lays its eggs in the Indigo’s nets.

little blue heron

Habitat Little Blue Herons are found in the southeastern United States, sometimes found in coastal NJ or along the Atlantic coast.

Identifying characteristics Unlike most herons the little blue does not have fancy feathers during breeding season. They have grey bills with a dot of black on the end. Adult herons are blue but, the young are white. Little blues are about 2 feet tall and have a wingspan of 40 inches. There is no difference between male and female. They do not mate for life but they do mate in colonies. They weigh about 10.4-14.5 oz.

Nicknames The little blue herons nickname is calico crane because of how the birds feathers change from white to blue.

Egretta caerulea Reproduction Young little blues are pure white and within the first year change to blue. They do not mate for life. Both parents build the nest. It is made out of sticks and weeds. Both parents sit on eggs for about 3 weeks till they hatch. Their life span is up to seven years. They do not nest in colonies. They lay 3-5 eggs. They take about 35 days to fledge.

Food Little blues eats mostly fish, they catch them by being still then quickly snapping the fish up with their beaks. They are touch

feeders.

Mistaken For All though they do not look alike the little blue can be mistaken for the snowy egret because they mingle together. They are also mistaken for the Tricolor. But, the Tricolors have white bellies.

Unique Characteristic The little blue heron is the only heron that the adults are remarkably different colors from the young. They have maroon heads and necks.

The Painted Bunting

Food/Feeding Methods The Painted Buntings often feed from bird feeders, they also forage on the ground for seeds. Sometimes they eat insects also. If they go into the air to get food they bring it back down to the ground to it, instead of eating it in the sky.

Identifying CharacteristicsThe male is blue, green, and yellow, with a red stomach. The female and all babies are bright green, with a pale eye ring. All of them have thick bills, and adult Painted Buntings can measure 12-14 cm in length. They can weigh up to 13-19 grams.

HabitatDuring winter they go to dense, weedy places, they mi-grate seasonally, spending winters in Cuba, theBahamas, Mexico and Central

ReproductionThe Painted Bunting breeds in coastal Southeast and south central U.S. Males sit in the open and sing songs for females. They breed in grassy ar-eas, or woodland edges. They breed from April through August. They nest hidden in low vegetation and lay four eggs at a time. The eggs are a gray and white color. They incubate for 12-14 days then fledge after eight or nine days. Pairs can lay two-four broods each year.

Birds Mistaken ForIndigo BuntingLazulf BuntingLesser GoldfishVaried Bunting

Fun FactsWhen migrating they form flocks with other seed-eating birds. Males are also aggressive, they sometimes fight and could kill each other. Their French name, nonpareil, means without equal. The oldest Painted Bunting recorded was 11years and 10 months old. A group of painted Buntings is known as a mural.

NickName- Rainbow BuntingLatin Name- Passerina ciris

Male

Female

Pied-Billed GrebePodilymbus podiceps

DietPied-Billed Grebes eat plants and small animals. Grebes dive underwater to obtain their food, but once they have their food they resurface to eat as seen in the photo above. Sometimes Grebes have their young on their back while they dive.

ReproductionPied-Billed Grebes may lay up to two sets of eggs a year. The incubation period is around 23 days, but when the baby (below) is born, it may leave to explore within a day (accompanied by their parents). Grebes take care of their young very carefully; they feed their young by diving under the water with them on their back.

Identifying CharacteristicsPied-Billed Grebes are short-necked small birds. They are brown birds with brown beaks/white beaks, but during mating season they acquire a lighter shade of feathers on their necks and a black stripe on their bill hence their name. Full grown Grebes are 31-38 cm long with a wingspan of 42-64 cm. Juvenile Grebes are smaller with back and white stripes on their cheeks.

HabitatGrebes are found all over the Americas, but while it is summer (breeding season), they prefer to be in Canada near open water locations. For the rest of the year, Grebes nest in waters that are shallow with a constant water level. Grebe’s nests float on top of water.

Nick Names•”Hell Diver” due to its feeding habits.•”Dabchick” due to the appearance of its neck as a juvenile.

Birds with a Similar Appearance

•The Least Grebe due to the similar neck color.

Fun FactWhen born, Pied-Billed Grebes have a hole in their stomach called a pyloric pocket. While the Grebes are still young, they eat their own feathers to fill this hole.

Purple GallinulePorphyrio martinicus

Characteristic properties:The Purple Gallinule is one of the easiest birds to spot in the Everglades. With its vivid beak and bright body its hard to get it confused with any other bird. There are no differences between the male and female. They are 26 to 37 cm tall, and weigh from 141 to 305 g. They both have a wingspan of 50 to 61 cm which makes it easy for them to glide. The adults have a red beak with a bright yellow tip. In between their brown eyes is an indigo forehead plate. Their head and breast are a deep blue, and their backs are greenish brown. The adult Purple Gallinules have long stick-like bright yellow legs with long toes for walking on floating pads. The juveniles however are tan with a green back, yellow legs and a rounded bill. Because their bills are rounded they are mistaken for ducks when they wade on the water and they are also mistaken for adult black rails and the common moorhen.

Habitat and diet:The purple gallinule habitat consists of freshwater marshes with a lot of floating vegetation. They are found in the everglades, up the east coast of the U.S. in South America, and even in Africa. Although it is a marsh bird and not a graceful flier it has been spotted in Europe and Africa.The purple gallinule is a ground forager, and its diet consists mainly of seeds, flowers, fruits, grains, insects, snails, frogs, fish, and even the young of other birds.

Reproduction:Almost all purple gallinules mate with a different bird every season. However there are a few who mate for life. They make floating nests on the water and each bird lays 5 to 10 eggs a season. The newborn chicks are a black, and turn into a light brown before they reach adulthood and become colorful.

Nicknames:One of the nicknames of the purple gallinule is the marsh chicken. It is called this because its feeding method, pecking the ground. It has also been called the rainbow chicken for the same reason and because of its colorful feathers.

Adult purple gallinule searching for food

Adult purple gallinule walking on floating vegetation

Juvenile purple gallinule

Adult purple gallinule starting flight

The Red-Shouldered Hawk

The hawk lives in the south-eastern region of the United States and also on the coast of California. They live in woodlands near open water, clearings and rivers.

Habitat

The hawk’s most identifying characteristic is a reddish patch that defines its name. They have broad wings, and their large eyes are set forward to let the hawk have more depth-perception when looking forward. They have a dark brown back. The females are bigger than the males, and the young hawks have a creamy underbelly instead of a reddish one. Adult Red-Shouldered Hawks have a brown head, and reddish belly with dark brown streaks. Since the people that see the bird usually see the belly of the bird, it was called the Red-Shouldered Hawk.- Female Red-Shouldered Hawks average 700 g and 48 to 61 cm in length, but the males average 550 g and 43 to 58 cm in length. - Adults have a wingspan of 92 to 107 cm.

Identifying Characteristics

The Juveniles (below right) are sometimes mistaken for Broad-Winged Hawks (below left).

The nickname for the Red-Shouldered Hawk, the “hen hawk” came about because they were eating and catching the hen on poultry farms. The Latin name for the Red-Shouldered Hawk is Buteo lineatus.

The Red-Shouldered Hawk is sexually active at about two years old. The female lays 2-5 eggs that are incubated for 33 days. The birds fledge 45 days after incubation. The hawks breed once a year between April and July. They sometimes do mate for life but usually they change yearly. They use the same nest from year to year if they stay together. When the chicks hatch the same system carries on until the chicks begin to leave the nest which occurs after 6 weeks. They breed using the monogamous method, which means they keep the same partner for breeding season.

The hawk hunts for food by looking from a treetop or flying over the land, and then grabs it by leaping on it from the air. The Red-Shouldered Hawk has very keen eyesight and can spot prey from a distance. The talons of the Red-Shouldered Hawk are sharp and long to snatch prey and hold it while it struggles. The diet of Red-Shouldered Hawks consists primarily of small mammals, the largest of these being rabbits and squirrels. The males bring this food back to the nest while the females guard the chicks and nest. The males bring the food back and then he feeds the female and regurgitates his food into the chicks mouth.

Food Feeding Method

Nickname/Latin name

ReproductionAnimals Mistaken For

Roseate Spoonbill

The roseate spoonbill tends to live in swampy and very wet areas in Mexico, Texas to louisiana and Florida. The spoonbill lives in bays, estuaries, beaches, marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes.

Some of the nicknames that the roseate spoonbill has are flame bird, pink chicken, and banjo bird because of the shape of the beak. There are also latin names for the bird two genus are Platalea or Ajaia.

The roseate spoonbill generally nests in shrubs or mangroves and the female and male do nest together in colonies. They lay 2 to 5 eggs that have brown markings. The eggs are generally incubated for three weeks. Once the babies hatch the parents do feed them. Spoonbill babies are white with feathered heads and the bills are pink and yellow. The baby spoonbill fledge about when they are three months old.

Nicknames and Latin names

Habitat and Location

The roseate spoonbill has many identifying characteristics for example it is in the name the spoonbill has a spoonbill beak. It is also normally a magenta or pinkish color. The babies are smaller and white instead of pink. The spoonbill has long legs and a long neck as well. The entire length of the spoonbill is normally 28-32 inches and its weight is 2.6-4 pounds. The wingspan is 50 inches. Even though the spoonbill has a long list of characteristics it is still mistaken for the flamingo .

The feeding method that the Roseate Spoonbill uses is the touch feeder method. The spoonbill swings its head and when it feels a fish it scoops it up with its beak like a spoon hence the name Roseate Spoonbill. The Spoonbill eats a couple of different things like small fish amphibians aquatic invertebrates and some plants.

Feeding Methods

Charateristics

Reproduction

pink wings

spoonbill beak

long neck

Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis

Habitat: Snail Kites are found in tropical and subtropical swamps and marshes, a few of the Caribbean Islands, Central America, and South America. It leaves central Argentina to migrate north for the winter. The Snail Kite nests in a tree and lives in marshy areas in Southern Florida for the most part. Snail Kites like shallow and freshwater marshes, wetland vegetation, and scattered trees or shrubs.

Feeding Methods and Food: The snail kite gets its meal by flying low over a pond or wetland until it finds an apple snail. Holding it with its foot, it will break the snail open using its sharp, strong hook bill. They are a sight predator. The Snail Kite most commonly enjoys the apple snails it also eats small reptiles, mammals, or crustaceans They will also eat freshwater crabs, turtles, and small rodents if snails are not available.ReproductionThe male builds a nest of sticks and twigs in a bush or tree, usually over water. Both parents help to watch care fore the eggs. After hatching both parents will tend to the young for the first several weeks, although one parent then usually departs, leaving the remaining parent to finish tending to the young.The female lays 2 - 4 eggs that are incubated by both parents for 26 - 28 days. The young kites fledge at 6 - 7 weeks old. Snail Kites may have more than 1 set of eggs in a season and become sexually mature in less than a year. These birds do not mate for life.

Unique CharacteristicsThe plumage of the Snail Kite shows sexual dimorphism/ color differences in between the male and female. The male is solidly blue-black and the female is streaked brown with white on her face.

Identifying Characteristics : The Snail Kite has a body length of 16 - 18 inches, almost a 4-foot wingspan, and weighs 12 - 14 ounces. The snail kite is a Medium-sized hawk with a narrow, down-curve bill that is very strong so it can retrieve the snails. Its wings are broad and it has a square-shaped, short tail. The male is commonly dark grey with lighter grey on the underside of its wings and white coloring at the base of the tail. The female is medium brown and striped.The juvenile looks like the female except that it is darker on its upper chest. At about 3-4 years, if male, it will become darker; if female, it will look like the mature female.

Other species that Snail Kite could be mistaken for:The Hook Billed Kite The Northern Harrier which is more slender than the snail kite. The Crested Caracara which has a white chest and white patches in the wings instead of light grey. Fun FactsThe female Snail Kite may desert the male and leave him to finish raising the nestlings, while she searches for a new mate to raise a second clutch of eggs.

Nick Name: Everglade Kite or the French name: Milan des marais Black Kite, Hook-billed Kite, and Snail Hawk.

Snowy EgretEgretta thula

Fun Facts:Due to the breathtaking color of its feet, the Snowy Egret’s nickname is the bird with the golden slippers. A member of the Ciconiiformes, the Snowy Egret was hunted for its white, soft feathers for many years. Under the protection of the vast habitat in the Everglades, they are making a quick recovery.

Habitat:This water loving bird lives mainly in marshes, swamps, ponds, mudflats, and shorelines. The Snowy Egret breeds all throughout the United States, but primarily on the eastern coast. The birds who live in the Everglades and South America are primarily non-migratory, but those who live in the United States, Central and South America, the West Indies and Bermuda migrate twice a year. In early March they migrate north for the summer and spring, and they depart to warmer areas in September, including the Everglades region.

Reproduction:Snowy Egrets nest in a colony consisting of other egrets as well as herons. Males attract females with their loud call, and the birds mate in a tumbling flight. The male will pick the nesting site, up to thirty feet in the trees, and the females will build the nest out of woven twigs and small sticks. The female will lay three to six pale green-blue eggs, and both birds will sit on the next. After about twenty-four days the chicks will hatch and after two weeks the young Snowy Egrets will fledge the nest. The juvenile birds look very similar to the adult with a slightly paler bill and a green or yellow line running down its back. The bird will live twelve to fourteen years.

Feeding Method:This sight feeder uses its feet to stir up the water and to find its prey. It will also run gracefully over the water searching for fish, crustaceans, snakes, snails, worms, lizards, and other insects to eat.

Identifying Characteristics:This small white bird can often be confused other members of the Ciconiiformes such as cranes, storks, herons, and Cattle Egrets. The Snowy Egret can be identified by its bright yellow feet and jet black beak and legs. When mating, these birds acquire elegant white plumes of feathers on the back of their neck, head, and back. As well as the reddish hue between their eyes and beak. The male is slightly larger than the female, but the average size is between 56cm and 66cm with a wingspan of about 100cm.

Bright Yellow Feet

Black Beak

Wings

Mating Plumes

Black Legs

SWALLOW TAILED KITE

HabitatSwallow tailed Kites are found in the southeast U.S., central America, and the tropical parts of South Africa. The Swallow tailed Kite likes to live in pine trees with some type of wetland near them.

Identifying CharacteristicsThe Swallow tailed Kite is identifiable by its white plumage under its wings, black wings, white head, and long, forked tail. Its body ranges from 19 inches long to 29 inches long, however its wingspan is a good 4 feet. The Swallow tailed Kite weighs in around 13 to 17 ounces.

Elanoides forficatus

Food Feeding MethodThe Swallow tailed Kite flies around the tops of trees and swoops down, catching anything from insects to lizards. The interesting thing is that all of this is done in the air. As they fly through the air, they usually don’t flap their wings but constantly swivel their forked tails, allowing navigation.

Unique CharacteristicsThe unique characteristics on a Swallow tailed Kite, is its tail, which isforked deeply down the middle.

ReproductionThe Swallow tailed Kite makes its nest high up in a tree. They will mate in the months March, April, and May. The mother lays 1-3 eggs which will hatch after 28 to 31 days. The interesting thing about the Swallow tailed kite is that both the mother and the father incubate the eggs in turn. The babies look like their parents, but do not yet have their feathers for flight. They usualy fledge after five and a half to seven weeks.

NicknamesThe nicknames for this bird are, Fork tailed Kite, Swallow tailed Hawk, and Scissor tailed Kite. All of these are referring to its long forked tail. The reason all of these nicknames are about the tail is that it is so distinct and that it is used for flight and makes this bird unique in the animal kingdom.

Tricolor Heron Egrettatricolor

Habitat

TheTricolorheronlivesinwetlands.ItalsolivesinBajaCalifornia,Florida,Caribbean,CentralAmerica,EastCoast,andtheGulfofMexico.Theyalsoliveinmangroves,andinbothsaltandfreshwatermarshes.

Identifying Characteristics

Thetricoloris24to28inchesandhasawingspanof37inches;itsweightis14to15oz.Theadulthasathinbill,whitechest,bluegraybackandneck.Theyounghasaredderbackandneckthantheadult.

Nicknames

OncetheLouisianaHeronitwasrenamedtheTricoloredHeronbecauseitwasfoundinotherplacesingreaternumbersthaninLouisiana.

FoodFeeding methods

sightfeedersmall fish and insects

Animals mistaken for

Someanimalsthatitismistakenforarethelittleblueheronandthegreatblueheron.

Reproduction

Thenestisbuiltbybothmaleandfemale,thenestisonreedsonthewateranditisanchoredorintreeincoloniesofmixedbirds.Bothmaleandfemalefeedandincubate3to4bluegreeneggs,forabout22daysuntiltheyhatch.

Identifying Characteristics:

Adult•Body all white•Long red legs•Curved red bill•Tips of sings black•Two feet tall•Wingspan is about three feet23-27”

Juvenile•dark overall•become pale after first year•the face, bill, and legs change from dark to orange to red in adulthood

White IbisEudocimus albus

Nicknames:The Gardener’s Friend.

Reproduction:They are socal breeders.They start to nest their third year. around 2-5 eggs in nest mate forlife.

Feeding method: The White Ibis is a wading bird. It is a touch feeder.They eat insects, frogs, and fish. They feed in large flocks.

Fun fact:Most common bird in Florida.

Birds mistaken for:The immature can be mistaken for a Glossy Ibis.The immature can be mistaken for a Limpkin.

Habitat: Wood Storks are wetland birds. The Florida Wood Stork is found in coastal areas as well as mangroves and swamps. They can also be found in streams. The wood storks live in swamps in the everglades, though they do live as far south as Argentina.

Food Feeding Method: Wood Storks are tactile feeders. This means that they use touch, not sight to find food. The Wood Stork is also a wading bird, which means that it catches most of its prey in the water.

Wood Stork Myceteria americana

Identifying Characteristics: The Wood Stork’s wings are 40-44 inches long, and have a 5ft. to 5.5ft. wingspan. They weigh 5-8 pounds, and stand 35-45 inches tall. It has a grey or sometimes black head and neck, a white body, and black edged wings and tail. The bill is black, but the juvenile’s bill is yellow. Unlike many birds, male and female wood storks look alike.

Reproduction: Wood Stork nests are about 48 inches in diameter and are usually built in a Mangrove or Cypress tree. Wood Storks are birds that nest in colonies. They use moss and twigs to build the nest most of the time. Usually, the male brings back the materials, and the female builds. There are typically 1-5 eggs in a clutch, though three is the common number. The breeding season for a wood stork is commonly from early November to December followed by the incubation period. This period lasts approximately 28 to 32 days. Both the male and the female sit on the three eggs, and the baby Wood Storks weigh about 2 ounces.

Juveniles: The Juvenile Wood Stork is in most respects the same as the adult. One of the few difference is the bill, which is yellow.

Nicknames: Flinthead, Spanish Buzzard, Gourdhead, and Ironhead.

Birds Mistaken For:The Wood Stork is commonly mistaken for the Ibis or the Crane.

Fun Facts:The Wood Stork has the ability to propel itself 6,000 ft. in the air. It also has the ability to fly 50 miles in search of food. Wood Storks can also close their mouths in approximately 25 milliseconds!

yellow crowned night heron

Habitat:The habitat of the Yellow Crowned night heron is warm coastal climates and also winter climates. This bird mostly lives on coasts along America and south America but can also go inland. This bird can also live in thick wooded swamps and mangroves.

Description:The Yellow Crowned Night Heron can grow to a heights between 1.5 feet to 2 feet. An average adult has a wingspan of 3 feet and 8 inches. One of the most noticeable characteristics is its large red eye. They also have a yellow crown, hence the name Yellow Crowned Night Heron. They have a white stripe under the eye. Their body plumes are black, white, and grey. Their legs are orange, and they have a black beak. The juveniles have brown plumage, no yellow crown, a big red eye, yellow legs and a black beak. They are a couple inches smaller. The male and females are very similar. Some birds they are mistaken for are the Black Crowned Night Heron and the juvenile American Bittern.

Full Grown

Juvenile

Reproduction:The Yellow Crowned Night Heron lays 3-5 eggs in its nest. They have one brood per year. The male and female both help build the nest. It takes 11 days to build the nest. The nests are 4 feet across and 60 feet above the ground. Their incubation period is 25 days. They reuse their nests for several years. When the chicks hatch they cannot open their eyes until the next day. They often live alone or in small colonies.

(Nyctanassa violacea)

Feeding:The Yellow Crowned Night Heron stalks and snatches its prey and eats it whole, the bird often eats crustaceans and small animals and birds. This bird is a nocturnal hunter. They are also sight feeders.

Image Credits:Anhinga.............................Anhinga range maphttp://s3.amazonaws.com/birdfellow-production/con-tent/range_maps/000/000/190/original/Anhinga.png

Anhinga with Fishhttp://phillanoue.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/anhinga-w-fish-sunday-morning-ng-01.jpgapproved by photographer phil lanoue

Drying wingshttp://www.artbabych.com/HiRes/2012/feb%202012/an-hinga.jpg

Female Anhinga

Name: Coragyps- atratusURL: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Coragyps-atratus-002.jpgPhotographer: mdfCC: By, SA

Brown Pelican..................1. Brown Pelican-Photographer: Gary M. StolzLicensing Information: public domainUrl:http://www.public-domain-image.com/fauna-ani-mals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-do-main-images-pictures/pelican-birds-pictures/brown-peli-can.jpg.html

2. Brown Pelican Flies-Photographer: U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceLicensing Information: public domainLink: http://www.public-domain-image.com/fauna-ani-mals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-do-main-images-pictures/pelican-birds-pictures/brown-peli-can-flies.jpg.html

3. Brown Pelican Chick-Photographer: John Turner, Licensing Information: public domainLink: http://www.public-domain-image.com/fauna-ani-mals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-do-main-images-pictures/pelican-birds-pictures/brown-peli-can-chick.jpg.html

4. Brown Pelican Snares a Stick for Nest Building-Photographer: Tom MacKenzieLicensing Information: public domainLink: http://www.public-domain-image.com/fauna-ani-mals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-do-main-images-pictures/pelican-birds-pictures/brown-peli-can-snares-a-stick-for-nest-building.jpg.html

5. Brown Pelican Bird Perches on Refuge Sign: Photographer: John and Karen HollingsworthLicensing Information: public domainURL:http://www.public-domain-image.com/fauna-ani-mals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-do-main-images-pictures/pelican-birds-pictures/brown-peli-can-bird-perches-on-refuge-sign.jpg.html

6. Range Map:http://sdakotabirds.com/species/maps/brown_pelican_map.htm

Barred Owl........................Image name: Barred Owl , Bench Row Road, Vernon, British ColumbiaUrl: http://www.naturespicsonline.com/photos/20151?q=barred+owlPhotographer: Alan D. WilsonLicense Info: CC: By, SA

Image name: Barred Owl , Bench Row Road, Vernon, British ColumbiaUrl: http://www.naturespicsonline.com/photos/20145?q=barred+owlPhotographer: Alan D. WilsonLicense info: CC: By, SA

Image name: Barred-Owl 9052.jpgUrl: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barred-Owl_9052.jpgPhotographer: AlannyiriLicense info: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Image name: Barred-owl-chick-53.jpgUrl: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barred-owl-chick-53.jpgPhotographer: William H. MajorosLicense info: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Black Crowned Night Heron...............................Black-crowned Night-Heronhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/danirizarry/4347966200/sizes/o/Dan IrizarryCC: By NC, SA

Black-crowned Night-Heronhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/danirizarry/4347202789/sizes/o/ Dan IrizarryCC: By NC, SA

Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)http://www.flickr.com/photos/34323709@N07/3896823768/sizes/o/ Larry MeadeCC: By NC, SA

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/7277383422/sizes/o/Mike BairdCC: By

Range Maphttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/nyct_nyct_AllAm_map.gif

Black Vulture................Name: Corayps atratus- Mayakka River State Florida USA flyingURL:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Coragyps_atratus_-Myakka_River_State_Park%2C_Florida%2C_USA_-flying-8.jpgPhotographer: Gregory MoineCC: By, SA

Name: Black VultureURL: http://www.dmcphoto.com/BlackVulture_H.htmlPhotographer:Ken ThomasLicence: Public Domain

Burrowing Owl...............Image Name:My little friend in Cape CoralPhotographer:Michael SkeltonURL:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mskelton51/5513180385/Licensing:By Permission of Photographer

Image Name:Big Eyes!Photographer: Michael SkeltonURL:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mskelton51/6284666577/in/set-72157607900337509/Licensing:By Permission of Photographer

Image Name:Adult Burrowing Owl lifting offPhotographer: Mia McPherson’sURL:http://www.onthewingphotography.com/wings/2012/07/14/adult-burrowing-owl-lift-off/Licensing: All Rights Reserved

Image Name: Three Burrowing Owl juvenilesPhotographer:Mia McPherson’sURL:http://www.onthewingphotography.com/wings/2010/08/16/burrowing-owl-juveniles/Licensing: All Rights Reserved

Image Name: Burrowing Owl (Male)Photographer: Elaine R. WilsonURL: http://www.naturespicsonline.com/photos/15196?q=Burrowing+OwlLicensing:CC: By, SA

Image Name:Range MapURL: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/id

Caracara.............................Image name-caracara headurl- http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Caracara_head.jpgphotographer-Keven LawCC: By, SA

Image name- Crested CaracaraUrl- http://www.flickr.com/photos/shellgame/6945139901/in/set-72157604291011143photographer- Bryan Samuel “shell game”license info- allowed by photographer

Range MapURL: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl/lifehistory

Green Heron.....................image name-Butorides virescens green backed heron bird above water.url-http://www.public-domain-image.com/pub-lic-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-images-pictures/heron-bird/green-herons/butorides-virescens-green-backed-heron-bird-above-water.jpgphotographer-karney leelicense information- public domain

image name-five young green herons standing on a branch url-http://www.public-domain-image.com/pub-lic-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-images-pictures/heron-bird/green-herons/five-young-green-herons-standing-on-a-branch.jpgphotographer-Lowe Roylicense information- public domain

image name-Green Heronurl-http://www.flickr.com/photos/shell-game/1345947977/sizes/l/in/set-72157604291579593/photographer-Bryan Samuellicense-permission by photographer

image name-Portrait-Green Heron url-http://www.flickr.com/photos/rick_leche/2423701252/sizes/l/in/photostream/photographer-Rick Lechelicense- Attribution-no derivative works

image name-Green Heron url-http://www.flickr.com/photos/texasea-gle/5824720686/sizes/o/in/photostream/photographer-TexasEagle (no real name)license- Attribution

Map of Great Blue Heron North American distributionMap maker: Terry Sohl (Data from Nature Serve)URL: http://sdakotabirds.com/species/maps/great_blue_heron_map.htmLicense Information: Public Domain

Photo: Great heron flies off with its catchURL:http://www.public-domain-image.com/fauna-ani-mals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-do-main-images-pictures/heron-bird/great-herons/great-blue-heron-bird-ardea-herodias-flies-off-with-its-catch.jpg.htmlLicense Information:Public Domain

Great Egret........................Photo: Egret flying Photographer: MikebairdURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike-baird/665308577/CC: By

Photo: Head shotPhotographer: UnknownImage name: close up of head and upper neck of Great Egret casmerodius albus royalty free stock URL: http://www.public-domain-image.com/pub-lic-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-images-pictures/egret-bird-pic-tures/great-egret/close-up-of-head-and-upper-neck-of-great-egret-casmerodius-albus.jpg

Photo: 2 baby EgretsImage Name: Rebel YellPhotographer: Roger SmithURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/roger-smith/3599033994/sizes/l/License Information: Creative Commons:By, SA

Egret Distribution MapMap maker: created by Terry Sohl; data from Nauture-ServeURL: http://sdakotabirds.com/species/great_egret_info.htm

image name- Crested caracaraUrl-http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crested_Caracaras.jpgphotographer- HuzzarCC: By, SA

Url- http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crested_Caracara_2.jpgphotographer- Manjith kainickaraCC: By, SA

Image name- region maphttp://www.birdphotos.com/infonaturamaps/caracara_cheriway.gif

Common Moorhen..........Name: Teichralle (Gallinula chloropus) 04Url: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Teichral-le_(Gallinula_chloropus)_04.jpgPhotographer: Huhu UetLicense: GNU Free Documentation License

Name: Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) in a Nelumbo nucifera (Indian Lotus) pond W IMG 8779Url:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_Moorhen_(Gallinula_chloropus)_in_a_Nelumbo_nu-cifera_(Indian_Lotus)_pond_W_IMG_8779.jpgPhotographer: J.M.GargLicense: GNU Free Documentation License

Name: Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) by RWDUrl: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_Moorhen_(Gallinula_chloropus)_by_RWD.jpgPhotographer: Dick DanielsLicense: CC Attribution-share Alike 3.0 Unported

Name: Flickr - don macauley - Moorhen and ChickUrl:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_-_don_macauley_-_Moorhen_and_Chick.jpgPhotographer: Donald MacauleyLicense:CC Attribution-share Alike 2.0 Generic

Name: Gallinula chloropus JungvogelUrl: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gallinula_chloropus_Jungvogel.JPGPhotographer: 4028mdk09

License: CC Attribution-share Alike 3.0 Unported

Url for Range Map: http://sdakotabirds.com/species/maps/common_moorhen_map.htm

Double Crested Cormorant.........................Name Double-crested Cormorant, Floridaurl http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgovoni/4532122379/By Dave Govoni (Va bene!)by nc sa

Name Ianisawesome 2by Ian PriceBy permission of photographer

Name Double crested cormorant bird castle rock shuma-gin islandsUrl:http://www.public-domain-image.com/pub-lic-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-images-pictures/cormorants-birds-pictures/double-crested-cormorant-bird-castle-rock-shumagin-islands.jpgby Steve Hillebrandpublic domain

Name Double-crested Cormorants (Norristown/Schuylkill River)Url http://www.flickr.com/photos/stinkenrobot-er/7754493126/in/photostream/by stinkenroboterCC: by nc

Name Double-crested Cormorant — MapUrl http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/birds/images/cormo-rant_Migration_map.gif

Great Blue Heron.............Photo: Great Blue Heron medium close up looks leftImage Name: Portrait of a Great Blue HeronURL: http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-2235316444Photographer: Terry FooteLicense Information: CC: By- SA

Photo:URL:http://www.public-domain-image.com/pub-lic-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-images-pictures/egret-bird-pic-tures/great-egret/close-up-of-head-and-upper-neck-of-great-egret-casmerodius-albus.jpgLicense information: Public Domain

http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/graphic/Indigo-Bunting-cb1298581948.jpgMap of Indigo Bunting

Little Blue Heron.............name- little blue heronurl- http://www.flickr.com/photos/shell-game/5358021899/photo by- shell gameinfo- permisson from photographer

name- little blue heronurl- http://www.flickr.com/photos/shell-game/3891345814/photo by- shell gameinfo- permisson from photographer

name- little blue heronurl- http://www.flickr.com/photos/shell-game/3231764373/photo by- shell gameinfo- permisson from photographer

name- little blue heron url- http://www.flickr.com/photos/shell-game/6888177667/photo by- shell gameinfo- permisson from photographer

Picture 5 (range map)URL- http://allaboutbirds.org/guide/Little_Blue_Heron/id

Osprey................................

Range Map:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Wiki-Pandion_haliaetus.pngAttribution (GNU Public License)

Two young osprey birds in nest pandion haliaetushttp://www.public-domain-image.com/pub-lic-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-images-pictures/osprey-pictures/two-young-osprey-birds-in-nest-pandion-haliaetus.jpgU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceLabeled for commercial reuse (public domain)

Osprey Aerobaticshttp://images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-4242238669-original.jpgAllan BaxterAttribution, non commercial

Trisha’s Ospreyhttp://images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-5037663250-original.jpgDave 2xAttribution, no derivative works

Osprey with fish dinnerhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/271484045/sizes/o/in/photostream/mikebairdAttribution

Indigo Bunting.................http://birdsinphotos.com/images/9155-indigo-bunting-female.jpgSteve Baranoff Permission of PhotographerFemale indigo bunting

File:Passerina cyaneaAAP086CA.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Passerina_cyaneaAAP086CA.jpgPublic Domain

Blue Beautyhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/ick9s/4626840233/M. H. Stevens Free to use or share

http://birdsbybaranoff.com/images/07sb3863%20indigo%20bunting.jpgSteve baranoffPermission of PhotographerMale indigo bunting http://birdsbybaranoff.com/images/07sb3863%20indigo%20bunting.jpgSteve Baranoff Permission of PhotographerMale before bred

http://birdsbybaranoff.com/images/07sb3863%20indigo%20bunting.jpgSteve Baranoff Permission of Photographer

http://birdsbybaranoff.com/images/07sb4179%20%20indigo%20bunting.jpgSteve Baranoff Permission of Photographer

http://birdsbybaranoff.com/images/07sb3942%20indigo%20bunting.jpgSteve Baranoff Permission of Photographer

Painted Buntinghttp://www.pbase.com/dadas115/image/112391024/originalGreg LavatyUsed by Permission

Painted Buntinghttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/pass_ciri_AllAm_map.gifCornell Map of OrnothologyNature Serve

Painted Bunting...............Painted bunting bird on a branch close up photo passe-rina ciris public domain image picture http://www.public-domain-image.com/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-im-ages-pictures/painted-bunting-bird-on-a-branch-close-up-photo-passerina-ciris.jpg.htmlBurton Robert, Public Domain

Painted Buntinghttp://www.flickr.com/photos/pancamo/5672774210/Dan PancamoCC: By, SA

Painted Bunting, femalehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/dermoid-home/5539666794/Carol FoilAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs

Painted Buntinghttp://www.pbase.com/dadas115/image/60048141Greg LavatyUsed by Permission

Painted Buntinghttp://www.pbase.com/dadas115/image/45357054Greg LavatyUsed by Permission

map url-http://ninnescahlife.wichita.edu/sites/default/files/private/images/green%20heron%20distribution.jpgby-Terry sohl

Pied billed Grebe.............Grebe image citationName-Pied-Billed Grebe Range Maphttp://sdakotabirds.com/species/maps/pied_billed_grebe_map_big.jpgPhotographer- Terry Sohl

Name-Pied-billed grebehttp://digitalmedia.fws.gov/FullRes/natdiglib/01191.jpgPhotographer- Menke DavePublic Domain

Name-Pied-billed Grebehttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Pied-billed_Grebe_0561.jpgPhotographer- DoriFree to share, remix, attribution, share alike

Name-Pied billed Grebe eats a fringehead blenny in Morro Bay, Cahttp://s3.amazonaws.com/estock/fspid7/414000/fringe-head-blenny-fish-414020-o.jpgPhotographer-Mike BairdAttribution

Name- pied-billed-grebe_7http://s3.amazonaws.com/estock_dev/fspid10/68/10/32/bird-pied-billed-681032-o.jpgPhotographer-Mike BairdAttribution

Purple Gallinule..............Purple Gallinule walking on lilies Photographer Ian PriceUsed by permission

Snail Kite...........................Range maphttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/rost_soci_AllAm_map.gifmap by cornell lab of ornithology range map data by Nature serve

Photohttp://www.flickr.com/photos/dariosanch-es/4794624945/sizes/n/BY SADario Sanches

Snail Kitehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/danirizarry/5141466180/Dan Irizarryby nc sa

Snail Kitehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/danirizarry/5140867549/Dan Irizarryby nc sa

Roseate Spoonbill............image name:Roseate SpoonbillURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34323709@N07/6809470365/Photographer:Larry Meade’sCC:by, nc, sa

Image Name:roseat URL:http://www.flickr.com/photos/shell-game/6977018857/Photographer:shell gameCC: Used by permission

Image Name:Roseate SpoonbillURL:http://www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nash-ville/8070121279/Photographer:aka brentCC: Attribution, noncommercial

Image Name:Roseate SpoonbillURL:http://www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nash-ville/8070116111/in/photostream/Photographer:aka brentCC:Attribution, noncommercial

Image Name:Species of special concernURL:http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrea_pau-line/3523917012/in/photostream/Photographer:Andrea WestmorelandCC:Share alike, attribution

Image Name:spoonbillURL:http://www.flickr.com/photos/tengen/4326134571/Photographer:ShanthsCC:Share alike, attribution

Image Name:location mapURL:http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Roseate_Spoonbill/id

Red Shouldered Hawk...Ian Price photo 2Photographer Ian PriceUsed by permission

Juvenile red shouldered hawk perches on a branch buteo lineatusPhotographer Menke David, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceshttp://www.public-domain-image.com/pub-lic-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-images-pictures/hawks-falcons-birds-pictures/juvenile-red-shouldered-hawk-perches-on-a-branch-buteo-lineatus.jpgPublic domain

Red shouldered hawk range map http://www.allabout-birds.org/guide/Red-shouldered_Hawk/lifehistory

Red-shouldered HawkPhotographer Amy Evenstadhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/magnificentfrigate-bird/6114436756/License CC: By, NC, SA

Broad-winged hawk #2Photographer is leppyonehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/leppyone/3218506225/License CC: By

Snowy Egret......................Image Name: Snowy egret close up bird egretta thulaURL:http://www.public-domain-image.com/full-image/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/birds-public-domain-images-pictures/egret-bird-pictures/snowy-egret/snowy-egret-close-up-bird-egretta-thula.jpg-copyright-friendly-picture.htmlPhotographer: U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceLicense Information: Public Domain

Image name: With this twig...URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/opus-bloo/5759379018/Photographer: Britta HeiseLicense Information: CC, Attribution

Image name: Snowy Egret ChicksURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprai-rie/6104428412/Photographer: USFWS Mountain PrairieLicense Information: CC, Attribution

Image name: South Louisiana -8922URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/msmccarthyphotog-raphy/5894423438/

Swallow-tailed Kite........Picture Name: Swallow-tailed Kite | Panama | La Mesa | 2012-06-03at08-19-09Photographer Name: HarmonyonPlanetEarthLicensing: CC AttributionUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barrigo-ni/8143007866

Picture Name: Swallow-tailed Kite | Panama | La Mesa | 2012-06-03at08-19-05Photographer Name: HarmonyonPlanetEarthLicensing: CC AttributionUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barrigo-ni/8142977029

Picture Name: Swallow-tailed Kite | Panama | La Mesa | 2012-06-03at08-19-42Photographer Name: HarmonyonPlanetEarthLicensing: CC AttributionUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barrigo-ni/8142977669

Picture Name: Swallow-tailed Kite | Panama | La Mesa | 2012-06-03at08-19-42Photographer Name: HarmonyonPlanetEarthLicensing: CC AttributionUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barrigo-ni/8142977419

Picture Name: Scooter the Swallow-tailed KitePhotographer Name: Powered By BirdsLicensing: CC Attribution,NonCommercial, Share AlikeUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/magnificentfrigate-bird/6163580813

Purple Gallinule..............Purple Gallinule walking on lilies Photographer Ian PriceUsed by permission

Purple Gallinule on tree roots Photographer Ian PriceUsed by permission

Range Map of Purple Gallinules http://www.allabout-birds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/porp_mart_AllAm_map.gif

Baby Purple Gallinule Photographger: Shell GameUsed by permission http://www.flickr.com/photos/shellgame/2691930631

Red-shouldered HawkPhotographer is Tom Cliftonhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/tclifton/3332666338/License CC: By, NC, Sa

File:Red-shouldered-hawk 1.jpgPhotographer is Mike Bairdhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red-shoul-dered-hawk_1.jpgLicense CC: By, NC, Sa

Photographer: MSMcCarthy Photography (Michael McCarthy)License Information: CC, Attribution, Noncommercial, Share alike

Image name: Snowy EgretURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_e_wil-son/475654785/Photographer: glenn_e_wilsonLicense Information: CC, Attribution

Distribution Maphttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Egret/idCornell Bird Site

Picture Name: WillowPhotographer Name: RhizaeLicensing: CC Attribution, NonCommercialUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhizae/3124794671

Picture Name: Swallow-tailed KitePhotographer Name: artur.pedziwilkLicensing: CC AttributionUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilkart/4399920080

Picture Name: Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forfica-tus)Photographer Name: Noel ReynoldsLicensing: CC AttributionUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29237715@N05/5819553858 Picture Name: Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forfica-tus)Photographer Name: Larry MeadeLicensing: CC Attribution, NonCommercial, Share AlikeUrl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34323709@N07/6057987488

Tricolored Heron..........Range map: http://sdakotabirds.com/species/maps/tri-colored_heron_map.htm

Tricolored Heron-27527-2.jpg Ken Thomas http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tricolored_Heron-27527-2.jpgpublic domain

Tricolored Heron - Tarpon Springs FL.jpgHowchenghttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tricolored_Heron_-_Tarpon_Springs_FL.jpgcc: by

Egretta tricolorPCCA20060128-2447A.jpgPatrick Coinhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Egretta_tri-colorPCCA20060128-2447A.jpgcc: by, sa

White Ibis..........................Image name: White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) RWD2.jpgURL:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Ibis_(Eudocimus_albus)_RWD2.jpgPhotographer: Dick DaneilsLicense information CC: By, SA

Image name: whiteibisURL:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Whitei-bis.jpgPhotographer: Johnskate17License information: public domain

Image name: juvenile american white ibisURL:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juvenile_American_White_Ibis.jpgPhotographer: Katka NemcokovaLicense information CC: By, SA

MAP: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/eudo_albu_AllAm_map.

Wood Stork.......................Name: Wood Storkhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/nouspique/5491568557/ Photographer: nouspique Licensing: (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Name: Wood Stork Landinghttp://www.flickr.com/photos/das_miller/8146562355/ Photographer: das_millerLicensing: (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Name: Grazing in the Grasshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/ick9s/8145342899/ Photographer: IcK9s {M. H. Stephens} Licensing: (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Name: Wood Stork In Flighthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/zackojones/4571802353/ Photographer: Zack JonesLicensing: (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Yellow-Crowned Night Heron..................................http://www.flickr.com/photos/texaseagle/2775545770/Yellow-crowned Night Heron 05by:TexasEagleLicense: by nc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosyfinch/6795144956/in/set-72157629145497422/Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 4-20120229Kenneth Cole Schneider by sa nc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34022876@N06/3779815540/sizes/o/in/photostream/Yellow-crowned Night HeronKansasphotoby

http://www.flickr.com/photos/danirizarry/5802165828/Yellow-crowned Night HeronDan irizarrysa by nc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/texaseagle/2775545704/TexasEagleJuvinile Yellow Crowned Night HEron 04by nc