With Virginians’ near-obsession with birding, we needed to dip our quills into the subject. But with over 480 species, it was onerous to slim the main target. It’s protected to say we had been feeling just a little… birdbrained! Then, we noticed our muse—the American Oystercatcher—and thought, what a reputation.
Turns out, the oystercatcher isn’t the one fowl with a wonderful moniker within the commonwealth. Here are 5 of essentially the most distinctive names we discovered on the record of birds noticed close to our shoreline.
American Oystercatcher
Move over, parrot. There’s a brand new seafaring fowl on the town. Requiring no stretch of the creativeness in anyway, the American Oystercatcher, effectively, catches oysters. Seafood is that this fowl’s meal of alternative, and All About Birds notes that the yellow-eyed animal survives almost completely on shellfish.
There’s some variation to the creature’s food regimen, past what its title implies. Besides oysters, the fowl additionally enjoys clams and different saltwater molluscs.
Click here to listen to the fowl’s distinctive name.
Magnificent Frigatebird
Don Mammoser/Shutterstock.com
While it’d appear like a small pterodactyl flying overhead, the Magnificent Frigatebird isn’t a stray species off the set of Jurassic Park. What makes this fowl extra-magnifico is that its present title is simply as cool as its former title, Man O’War. According to the Galapagos Conservancy, the fowl obtained its former title due to its “pirate-like habits.”
You’ll know a male Magnificent Frigatebird whenever you see one—it’s almost inconceivable to overlook (or mistake)—due to his bulging, vibrant purple throat. When he’s attempting to impress a woman, the fowl inflates the hearth engine coloured pouch like a balloon.
Here’s what the frigate seems like.
Atlantic Puffin
No, this isn’t a penguin—surprisingly, they’re not even in the identical household. Despite their related appears, the Atlantic Puffin is much smaller than, say, an Emperor Penguin. The puffins, which reside in Maine and Canada throughout breeding season and venture to the mid-Atlantic through the low season, solely develop to a couple of foot tall. Penguins, which completely reside within the Southern Hemisphere, can develop to be 45 inches tall.
If you’re curious in regards to the puffin’s voice, here’s a recording.
Black-Headed Grosbeak
It’s uncommon to see the black-headed selection, although not unusual to discover a Blue or Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. While these birds don’t solely reside alongside the coast, it’s uncommon to see them far inland in Virginia. However, there was a sighting as far away because the Highland Wildlife Management Area close to the West Virginia border—so possibly they’re simply sneaky.
This little darling had us questioning what’s in a reputation—as a result of they’re too cute to have a reference to something “gross,” particularly their beautiful songbird invoice. In actuality, the title originated from two French terms: Gros, which means “thick,” and bec for “beak.” The large, sharp tip helps the birds crack seeds, eat bugs, and luxuriate in berries.
Hear the lovely chirps of the Black-Headed Grosbeak here.
Boat-Tailed Grackle
As the title would possibly counsel, these fowl favor life close to the water. The Boat-Tailed Grackle is native to Virginia and has adapted to the urbanization of the state over the years.
Studies about this saltwater staple present that they will clear up Aesop’s Fable exams. If you’re unfamiliar, a crow dropped pebbles right into a pitcher of water till the liquid degree rose excessive sufficient for the fowl to drink. Pro tip: Press Connects notes the primary differences among grackles, crows, and ravens: Ravens are about the identical dimension as hawks (crows and grackles are smaller), crows make a particular high-pitched “caw” sound, and grackles are slender-bodied with lengthy tails.
To hear what the Boat-Tailed Grackle seems like, click here.
If you’re searching for a brand new pastime, birding is a wildly standard one right here in Virginia, and throughout the nation. It’s additionally one of many best hobbies to begin. Here are hyperlinks to organizations that may give you ideas:
Virginia Beach Audubon Society
Virginia Society of Ornithology
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation
