Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

Family: Threskiornithidae

Habitat: Found in lagoons, marshes, swamps, and shallow bodies of water, including lakes and flooded fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range includes Florida, and extends along the Gulf coast from Alabama to Louisiana, and also along the Atlantic coast north to Maine. Generally winters in Florida and along the Gulf coast to Louisiana (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding plumage, overall chestnut color is glossed with dark green or purple. Breeding birds are told from White-faced Ibis most readily by lack of white border to the base of bill which extends behind eye; also, note grayish lores and legs, and compare eye color and bill color. Immatures and non-breeding season adults are difficult to separate from White-faced Ibis.

Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed on the ground or up to 10 feet high in tree or shrub over water; and consists of a platform of sticks that is occasionally lined with leaves.

Eggs: 1-5, usually 2-4; 52 millimeter; bluish-green in color.

Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 21 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 28 days old.

A Parakeet Could Be the One For You

If you have never owned a bird before, you may want to take a look at the parakeet. This little bird can be found in almost any pet store at a very reasonable price, which makes it a great choice for someone with a tight budget who is looking for a pet. Cages and toys are also much more economical for parakeets than they are for larger birds.

Despite its small size, the parakeet can make a wonderful, entertaining pet. Although it does not have the ability to mimic voices like an African grey, this little bird is an exceptional talker and has an excellent memory. There have been reports of parakeets with vocabularies of over 400 words and phrases.

The parakeet's playful nature makes it an ideal companion for someone who is homebound. These birds are almost constantly in motion when they are awake and will chatter most of that time.

There are actually two different types of parakeets. The American parakeet is much more active and is smaller than its cousin, the English Budgerigar. American parakeets also are much more prolific, so are easier to find. However, English budgies can still be wonderful pets, especially if you can find a young bird. Just be aware that these birds are more prone to health problems than American budgies, because they have really been inbred over the years as breeders tried to develop an overstuffed look in their show birds.

Since the parakeet has been domesticated for over 150 years, it is no surprise that there are quite a few different colors and patterns to choose from. You can find yellow, lutino, green, blue, violet, white and albino budgies. You can also find pied or spangled birds. Crested parakeets are definitely a conversation starter, since the long, shaggy feathers growing around their heads are definitely unusual looking.

While parakeet seed is certainly popular with these little birds, you'll need to feed your bird a varied diet to keep it happy and healthy. Pellets, fruits and vegetables are all good additions to your bird's food bowl. Whole grain cereal or pieces of whole grain bread are also a good choice.

However, even a healthy, well cared for parakeet with a varied diet does not live as long as many of the larger parrots. Parakeets usually live for eight to ten years, although some of them have been known to live into their teens.

Pet stores often sell extremely small parakeet cages and several supplies as a kit for first time parakeet owners. If you can afford to shop for a larger cage, your active little bird will be much more content. Since parakeets are so curious and energetic, you'll need to be sure you provide plenty of toys for your bird. Parakeets are especially fond of swings, Olympic rings and balls. Although they like mirrors, it isn't a good idea to provide one for your bird, because it will bond to its reflection instead of becoming attached to you.

So, if you want a colorful, playful little bird, then the parakeet may be the perfect pet for you. Just don't be surprised if you have such a hard time choosing one color that you end up with three or four of these little charmers instead.

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)

Family: Threskiornithidae

Habitat: Found in lagoons, marshes, mangroves, and shallow bodies of water, including flooded fields.

Distribution: Resident in Baja California, along both slopes of Mexico, along the Gulf coast from Texas to Florida, and along the Atlantic coast north to North Carolina. Wanders far north of this range.

Field Marks: Breeding adult is all white (except for black tips to wings) with pink bill and legs. Immature has pale gray head and neck, and dark wings; by second year it takes on a pied appearance as it begins molt to adult plumage.

Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies. Nest is placed near or over water, up to 15 feet high in tree; and consists of a platform of sticks lined with leaves.

Eggs: 4-5, usually 2-3; 58 millimeter; greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs. Incubation usually lasts about 21-23 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 28-35 days old.

Pionus Parrot 101

So, you want a parrot, but you're concerned about all of the stories you've heard about aggressive, moody birds. Isn't there a mild mannered, quiet parrot out there? Well, while each bird is an individual, overall the Pionus parrot is a sweet natured bird. Some Pionus species are a bit loud, but even those birds are quieter than many other parrot species. Of course, since they are less vocal, Pionus parrots aren't the best talkers. The Maximilian and blue headed Pionus species will be more likely to talk than other Pionus varieties.

Pionus parrots have several unusual traits. Unlike other parrots, they're a bit 'sloppy' in their appearance. When your Pionus is feeling relaxed, he will let his fuzzy down feathers show through his sleek outer feathers. Pionus parrots also have a distinctive odor. It is not strong and few people find it unpleasant, but Pionus parrots definitely do not smell like other birds. Also, when they are scared, Pionus parrots make an odd wheezing noise. While it may sound like your bird is having difficulty breathing, he is just nervous. Remove whatever is scaring him and he will calm down and return to normal.

The white capped Pionus is probably the most commonly available. This mellow charmer is a petite 9 and 1/2 inches (24 cm) tall. This bird has muted green, blue, red and bronze coloring and a white cap. White caps are a bit on the shy side, but don't let your bird's shyness fool you into thinking it is a pushover. They tend to be quietly determined to get their way and a bit stubborn.

Maximilian Pionus parrots are a bit larger than white caps, measuring 11 and 3/4 inches (30 cm) long. These birds are mostly in a dull green color, with a bluish green throat. Many people overlook these wonderful birds because of their dull appearance, but they make great pets. Maxis are loyal, playful and affectionate companions and love to hang out with their families. Of course, since they are shy around strangers and in new situations, your bird may not be very active or personable for the first few days.

If having a colorful bird is important to you, you may want to take a close look at the blue headed Pionus. This striking bird has a bright blue head and a green body and is 11 inches (28 cm) long. Because of its beauty, this bird is the most expensive Pionus, often costing a thousand dollars or more. The blue head makes a sweet and loving family pet, although some of these birds can become a bit demanding and obnoxious if they are spoiled rotten when they are young.

Dusky and bronze wing Pionus parrots are the other two Pionus species available as pet birds. Dusky parrots have an attractive gray blue color with a pinkish chest. These little parrots are 9 and 3/4 inches (24 cm) long. This parrot is known for its intelligence and its curious nature.

Bronze wing Pionus parrots have a bluish body and bronze colored wings. If you are looking at a bronze wing in dim lighting, you may think that the bird isn't very attractive. However, if you take it into a well lit area, you will see that the bronze wing is actually quite striking. These birds are 11 inches (28 cm) long and are very sweet natured. Bronze wings tend to be shyer than other Pionus parrots, but they still make wonderful pets.

If you want a sweet parrot and are not overly concerned with talking ability, the Pionus parrot may be the perfect choice for you.

Wood Stork(Mycteria americana)

Family: Ciconiidae

Habitat: Found in lakes, ponds, and fresh- and salt-water marshes (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: A resident of Florida, and coastal areas west to Texas and along both slopes of Mexico; and coastal areas north to South Carolina.

Field Marks: Large, heavy, down-curved bill; bald head. All white, with black tail and flight feathers; compare in flight with Whooping Crane.

Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies. Nest is placed up to 80 feet or higher in tree, and consists of a platform of sticks.

Eggs: 2-4, usually 3; 68 millimeter; white or pale white in color.

Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 28-32 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 55-60 days old.