Diario de salmonadder

A list of observations from my birding trip to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve on the 10th of October, 2022.
eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S120401385

The genus Chloroceryle, a genus of Kingfishers, contains 4 species which are found from southern Texas to central Argentina. They all have the typical Kingfisher shape (short tail, long bill) and are oily-green above. This journal post will provide a quick overview of each species and how to identify them.

The American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) is 13 centimeters long (5.1 inches) and weighs 10-16 grams (0.35-0.56 ounces). It is oily-green above, with a yellow-orange collar around the neck. It also has rufous underparts and a white belly. This white belly differentiates this species from the otherwise similar Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. The Green-and-rufous Kingfisher is also much larger. Its call is a stony "cht cht" or a weak "tik". This species occurs in dense forests and mangrove swamps along small streams and rivers that have heavily vegetated banks. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?locale=en-US&place_id=any&preferred_place_id=50&subview=map&taxon_id=2676

The Green-and-rufous Kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda) is 24 centimeters (9.4 inches) long and weighs 46-62 grams (1.6-2.2 ounces). Males weigh 46 to 60 grams, and females weigh 53 to 62 grams. This species is similar to the American Pygmy Kingfisher, but is larger and lacks a white belly. The adult female has a breast band that consists on green-tipped white feathers. This species has dark brown eyes and grey legs. Its call is "chip-chip-chip", as well as some twittering. This species breeds by rivers and streams in dense lowland forests. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?locale=en-US&place_id=any&preferred_place_id=50&subview=map&taxon_id=2675

The Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana) is 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) long. The male weighs 29-40 grams (1-1.4 ounces), and the female weighs 33-55 grams (1.2-1.9 ounces). This species is oily-green above, with extensive white markings on the wings and tail, and a white collar around the neck. Males have white underparts, except for a broad chestnut breast band and some green spots on the flanks. Females have white underparts, except for two green chest bands. Both sexes have a green, central semi-collar, wich distinguishes this species from the Amazon Kingfisher when looking from the front. This species gives a pebbly rattling call. This species breeds in streams in forests or mangroves. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?locale=en-US&place_id=any&preferred_place_id=50&subview=map&taxon_id=2669

The Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) is 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and weighs 98-140 grams. This species resembles the Green Kingfisher, but lacks the white markings on the wings the Green Kingfisher has. Males have white underparts, with a chestnut breast brand and green streaks on the flanks. Females have white underparts as well, with green patches on the side of the chest and green flanks. The call is a harsh "teck". The rarely heard song is "see see see see". This species breeds by streams. This species is the largest in its genus, and the most likely to be seen near large rivers. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?locale=en-US&place_id=any&preferred_place_id=50&subview=map&taxon_id=2679

The genus Megaceryle, the large crested kingfishers, is a group of kingfishers with 4 species. They occur in the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is 28-35 centimeters (11-14 inches) long and weighs 113-178 grams (4-6.3 ounces). The wingspan is 48-58 centimeters (19-23 inches). The female averages slightly larger than the male. This species has a shaggy crest and a long, black bill with a grey base. The male has a slate blue head, white collar, a blue breast band, and white underparts. The female is similar to the male, but with a rufous band across the upper belly and extending to the flanks. This species frequently emits a rattling call. This species lives close to streams and rivers, and can frequently be seen perched in trees and on poles near streams and rivers. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?locale=en-US&place_id=any&preferred_place_id=50&subview=map&taxon_id=2548

The Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is 16 inches (40.64 centimeters) long and weighs 305-341 grams (10.8-12 ounces. This species has a wingspan of 25 inches (63.5 centimeters). A large kingfisher species with a shaggy crest, white collar, blue head, and blue back. Males have a chestnut belly. Females are similar to males, but with a blue breast band. Makes a short "klek" sound and a rattling call. This call is similar to the Belted Kingfisher's, but is lower in pitch. Lives near freshwater rivers and streams. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?taxon_id=2556

The Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) is 16.5-18 inches (42-46 centimeters) long and weighs 255-426 grams (9-15 ounces). This species has a shaggy crest, large black bill, white collar, and small white spots on black upper parts. Males have a chestnut breast band, white underparts, and dark flank barring. The female has a white-spotted black breast band and a chestnut belly. The call is a loud "wak wak wak". Lives near rivers and streams. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?verifiable=true&taxon_id=73010&preferred_place_id=50&locale=en-US

The Crested Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris) is 41-43 centimeters (16-17 inches) long and weighs 230-280 grams (8.11-9.87 ounces). This species is similar of the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle Rudis), but lacks the white eyebrow stripe (supercilium). This species has a shaggy crest and black body, with white barring and white underparts. The breast is spotted, and sometimes has rufous mixed in as well. The call is a loud rattle. Lives near fast-flowing streams. Map of observations: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?taxon_id=2556, https://ebird.org/map/crekin1

The Genus Cardinalis has 3 species, found in the Americas.

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis Cardinalis) is 21-23.5 centimeters (8.3-9.3 inches) and weighs 33.6-65 grams (1.19-2.29 ounces). This species has a wingspan of 25-31 centimeters (9.8-12.2 inches). The adult male is red, with a black mask, crest, and large, orange beak. The female is brown overall, with a red on the wings, crest, and tail. The young are similar to the adult female, until they molt and grow adult feathers. Various whistled song patterns, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/sounds. Can be found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands. Range map: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?locale=en-US&place_id=any&preferred_place_id=50&subview=map&taxon_id=9083, https://ebird.org/map/norcar.

The Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis Phoeniceus) is 19 centimeters (7.5 inches) long and weighs 22-42 grams (0.8-1.5 ounces). The Male is red, with a black chin at the base of a hefty grey bill. The female is brown with a grey head, red crest, and red tail. This species also has long feathers on the crown, which are often erect. This cardinal's song is "cheer o-weet-toweet toweet toweet", and its call is a "chip". This species can be found in semi-arid scrublands. Range map: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?verifiable=true&taxon_id=9082&preferred_place_id=50&locale=en-US, https://ebird.org/map/vercar1.

The Pyrrhuloxia/ Desert Cardinal (Cardinalis Sinuata) is 21 centimeters (8.3 inches) long and weighs 0.8-1.5 ounces (24-43 grams). This species is grayish-brown with a red crest, mask, and breast. C. Sinuata also has a stout yellow bill. Songs and calls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pyrrhuloxia/sounds. This species can be found in desert scrub, mesquite thickets, and woodland edges. Range map: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?verifiable=true&taxon_id=9081&preferred_place_id=50&locale=en-US, https://ebird.org/map/pyrrhu.

A list of observations from today's (October 24th, 2022) birding trip. I saw 2 lifers! EBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S121259982

A list of useful resources that I have compiled. This will be added to over time.
Odonata of India: https://www.indianodonata.org/home
Paleontology database: https://paleobiodb.org/#/
Tree of life explorer: https://www.evogeneao.com/en/explore/tree-of-life-explorer
Fish: https://www.fishbase.se/search.php
https://bugguide.net/node/view/15740
https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/
http://www.reptile-database.org/
https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/