Log in | Register |
StormCenter logo

Archive

Tag: Florida bird

Florida Fauna & Flora – Southeastern American Kestrel

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Southeastern American Kestrel

 

A native Florida raptor, the southeastern American kestrel is the smallest falcon found in the United States. Its white face has black “tears” extending down from its eyes. Its brown back has black flecking, its belly is white and its tail is russet. The male’s wings have bluish-gray markings, while the female’s wings are a less colorful brown.

 

Kestrels’ raise up to four chicks per nesting season which is early spring to June. They nest in holes in dead trees or cavities made by pileated woodpecker. Their habitat includes open woodlands, sandhills and pine savannahs, but alternate habitats in residential areas are pastures and open fields. Nest boxes have become an essential artificial substitute.

 

Kestrels feed on insects and small mammals. They perch up high to find their prey and then fly in to catch a meal with their feet.

 

The southeastern American kestrel is listed on Florida’s Threatened Species List. Kestrels are threatened by the loss of habitat, pollutants and collisions with vehicles and aircraft.

 

Fun Fauna Fact: The kestrels found in May and June are southeastern American kestrels that live in Florida year-round. The northern American kestrel is a true Florida snowbird. This subspecies migrates here from September through April.

 

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 

Read the full October 2021 SECO News online.

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Ruby-throated Hummingbird

 

Florida Fauna & Flora – Ruby-throated Hummingbird

 

The most common hummingbird found in Florida is the ruby-throated hummingbird. You may also see black-chinned and rufous hummingbirds according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. The ruby-throated hummingbird is also eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird.

 

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are tiny. They measure only three inches long and weigh less than a penny. Males have the signature ruby-red feathers on their throats. Their back feathers are green, and they have two sets of green and black tail feathers. As is the case with many birds, females are less colorful; their feathers are green, white and black.

 

Hummingbirds do not hum. The noise is the rapid flapping of their wings. Ruby-throated hummingbirds beat their wings about 53 times per second. Hummingbirds can hover in the air, move forward and backward, down and upside down. Hummingbirds cannot soar, and their very short legs prevent them from walking or hopping.

 

Fun Fauna Fact: Hummingbirds have excellent color vision. Like many birds, they can see into the ultraviolet spectrum which humans can’t see.

 

Read the full August 2020 SECO News online.

Florida Fauna & Flora – White Ibis

The American white ibis is often seen stalking Florida neighborhoods for a snack. With its brilliant white feathers, bright red-orange down-curved bill and long legs, this bird is easy to spot. This medium-sized bird is native to wetlands and is commonly seen wading through shallow water hunting for food. Living mostly on crayfish, the white ibis’ bill allows the bird to eat a wide range of food.

 

During breeding season, white ibis gather in colonies near water. Both parents care for their young. The ibis has natural predators; however, its greatest threat is humans. Pollution and the destruction of natural marshlands have resulted in the loss of available food and nesting sites. The white ibis is protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

 

The ibis is known to have an instinct for storms and is one of the last animals to take shelter and the first to reappear after a storm. Because of the bird’s resistance to storms, the University of Miami chose the white ibis as the school’s mascot.

 

Read the full October 2019 SECO News online.