Delightful Snow Bird

This wee chap flew in from Russia today. He's a "Snegin" or "Snow Bird". And he arrived courtesy of Mishutinaalex (Official PC postcard).

Tui

One of our endemic Honeyeaters, the Tui was once widespread across most of New Zealand, and is still common in some regions. These birds are excellent mimics and have elaborate, musical songs intermingled with cellphone rings, house alarms and other such noises. Some have even mastered human speak (those in captivity) and also can wolf whistle. In the Bay of Islands, specifically Russell, one cannot speak for the birdsongs surrounding them. Here in Canterbury, however, the trees are silent. Their relatives, the bellbirds, have a similar song but they delve less into the mimicry and more into the musical. The english name for the Tui is the Parson bird, because of the white bobble under its throat. This is most apparent in breeding season.

The Kea

The Kea is an alpine parrot - the only alpine parrot in the world. He has real personality. Not only is he extremely intelligent - more-so than many mammals, he is also insatiably curious. Kea are not as common as once was believed - they get that reputation because they like to hang around people. In the High Country, they are often to be found near tearooms or rest areas, where they hope to scavenge food. The "Do Not Feed the Kea" sign is a common sight. And with good reason, because should you leave your car somewhere to go for a walk or go skiing you might well come back to see that the keas have "had a go" at it. Stripping the rubber, breaking off the window wipers... etc. Not a good thing to return to!

Postcards from Iran

Pukeko

My most popular Postcrossing postcard at present (only a few hours after being uploaded, which is when you get most of the favourites). Featuring a pair of pukeko:

Another for my flock

Another fine fowl from Finland has flown into my collection! Together I hope the two don't start fighting for territory!

World's Largest Eagle?

This chap is the National Bird of Panama:

The Harpy Eagle of Central/South America is the HEAVIEST eagle species, outweighing the Philippines Eagle by several kilos. The Philippines has a longer wingspan, however.

But the Haast's Eagle of New Zealand bet them both - but it's extinct now - alas.

You'll see the Philippines eagle in this blog soon!