Meet the Long-tailed Broadbill: A Cartoonish Bird with a Shrill Call

Have you ever seen a bird that looks like it came out of a cartoon? If you live in or visit the Himalayas or Southeast Asia, you might encounter the long-tailed broadbill, a bird that has a bright yellow and black head, a green body, and a long blue tail. This bird is the only member of a unique genus, and belongs to a family of broad-headed birds with flat and wide beaks. The long-tailed broadbill is about 25 cm (10 inches) long and weighs between 50 and 60 grams. It can be identified by its shrill call, which is a series of slightly wheezy descending…

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Why Grandala, the Blue Gem of the Himalayas is special?

Have you ever seen a bird that is so blue, it almost hurts your eyes? If you have, you might have encountered the grandala, a species of bird in the thrush family that lives in the Himalayan mountains. The grandala is a remarkable bird that has fascinated birdwatchers and naturalists for centuries. Here are some facts about this flying blue gem of the Himalayas. Appearance: The grandala is a medium-sized bird, measuring 20.5-23 cm in length and weighing 38-52 g. The male has a striking blue-gray plumage, with black wings and tail. The female is brownish with white streaks on the head and underparts, and a…

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Who is the Australia’s Brightest Bird?

If you love birds, you will be amazed by the flame robin, a small and colorful bird that lives in southeastern Australia and Tasmania. This bird is one of the most striking members of the Australian robin family, with a bright orange-red breast that contrasts with its dark gray or brown plumage. Here are some interesting facts about the flame robin that will make you appreciate this beautiful bird even more. Appearance: The flame robin is about 14 cm long and weighs between 11 and 15 g. The male has a dark gray head and upperparts, a white forehead patch, and white wing stripes and tail…

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The Eastern Spinebill: Amazing Feeding Behaviour of the Eastern Spinebill

The eastern spinebill is a species of honeyeater, a group of birds that feed mainly on nectar from flowers. It is found in south-eastern Australia, from Queensland to South Australia, as well as Tasmania. It is also a common visitor to gardens and parks in urban areas, such as Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart1 The eastern spinebill is a small bird, measuring about 15 cm in length. It has a long, thin, down-curved black bill that is adapted for probing deep into flowers. It has a black head, white throat with a chestnut patch, and red eyes. The male has a black cap and mask,…

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How the Superb Fairywren Lives Up to Its Name: A Guide to Its Amazing Features and Behavior

Have you ever seen a bird with a bright blue head and tail? If you live in southeastern Australia, chances are you have encountered the Superb Fairywren, one of the most common and familiar birds in the region. These small and lively birds are known for their long tails, which they often hold upright, and their striking sexual dimorphism, which means that males and females look very different from each other. In this post, we will explore some fascinating facts about the Superb Fairywren, also known as the Superb Blue Wren. Breeding plumage: The male Superb Fairywren has a dazzling blue crown, cheek, and back, contrasted…

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The Secrets Behind Hummingbirds’ Ability to Fly Backwards and Sideways

Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly in any direction, including backwards and sideways. This remarkable ability allows them to maneuver in tight spaces, escape predators, and access nectar from flowers. But how do they do it? Here are some secrets behind hummingbirds’ amazing flight skills. Flexible shoulder joint: Hummingbirds have a unique shoulder joint that allows them to rotate their wings up to 180 degrees. This means they can flap their wings forward and backward, unlike most birds that can only flap them up and down. By changing the angle and direction of their wing strokes, hummingbirds can generate thrust and lift in any…

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