Olivia Amelia

First, I want to thank my dear friend, David Casas .phototours, for his help in identifying this bird as a Photographers as well as birdwatchers know how difficult it is at times to identify little yellow birdies especially when it is a migratory one. The female from many species have similar coloration. This is one of those birds with a humongous distribution range. We find it breeding in many Canadian provinces; then migrating to the eastern two-thirds of the United States and eastern Mexico; and finally wintering in all countries of Central America; some Caribbean islands; plus Colombia, Venezuela and northern Ecuador in South America. The Tennessee Warbler is monotypic (has no subspecies), yet, folks in its huge range have given it 48 different names. This warbler’s population fluctuates drastically depending on the ability of its favorite food, the spruce budworm. However, it will also eat other small insects, fruits and nectar. The average lifespan of this species is 1 to 2 years, though a banded one was recaptured after 6 years and 5 months.

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For several years I had the opportunity of photographing this attractive species on my property, but I rarely see it anymore. During a recent photo trip through the state of Bahia, Brazil, I was so happy to see and photograph it once again. The 𝐒𝐚í𝐫𝐚-𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚 (Burnished-buff Tanager), has a confusing name in Portuguese, since this bird is certainly not yellow as that name implies. As with most species, the male is more colorful, while the female also lacks the black on the head, throat and stomach, a mark very pronounced on the male in this post. The Saíra-Amarela inhabits every single country of South America, except for Ecuador, Uruguay and Chile. Researchers have recognized 7 subspecies with obvious differences, and the folks living within the vast range know it by 29 unique names. Its principal diet is strongly based on fruits, but if necessary, it will eat insects. The female solely incubates the eggs for 12-14 days, while the male feeds her during this time. Both parents feed the young, but the female does two-thirds of the job. I’m always astonished at the lack of awareness about the lifespan of certain species, and the Saíra-Amarela is one of them.

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As I have uncovered throughout the years, it’s very difficult to find an unattractive hummingbird. Even those with the fewest colors show us something else that is undeniably appealing. Conversely, many of the 366 species of hummingbirds become an automatic delight to our eyes, particularly because of the incredible iridescence generated by the proper angle of light. No better example of such powerful iridescence than to observe the green on this 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐚-𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫-𝐝𝐞-𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞-𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐚 (Violet-Capped Woodnymph). This little hummingbird measures 4 to 4.3 inches (10-11 cm) in length and is found in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. It inhabits humid forests, dense woodlands, gardens and parks. As expected, nectar is the primary source of food, but it also consumes tiny insects and other arthropods. Although we know the female is solely responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the young, no information is available for how long each activity lasts. Conversely, research has revealed that the Beija-Flor-de-Fronte-Violeta lives approximately 6 to 12 years in the wild.

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Following the post from yesterday, I thought it would be educational to provide an example of the great contradiction existing in the tanager family. This 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐯𝐚 (Olive-green Tanager), had been classified as a tanager for 205 years, but in 2013 scientists moved it to the “Mitrospingidae” family, and now holds the honor of being one of four members of that exclusive family. This species is endemic to Brazil, and found only in a few southeastern states of that country. The Catirumbava inhabits humid forests at elevations between 2950 to 5900 feet (900-1,800 m). As expected because of its small range, there are no recognized subspecies, although it’s known by 25 different names. One quickly realizes this bird is around because it makes a loud “sreee” call. A highly sociable creature, often seen in flocks of up to 20 individuals and sometimes with mixed species. It principally likes to eat insects, such as beetles and crickets, but will also consume fruits. The Catirumbava typically lives for 8 to 10 years in the wild.

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