conservation
finch
habitat
The Gouldian finch is found in the northern territories of Australia.
Year-round grassland and water sources attract this colorful bird; during the breeding season, hollows of eucalyptus trees are a favorite. The largest known breeding population occurs in the Yinberrie Hills. The bird thrives in this warm climate, and avoids cooler climates. The finch’s range has temperatures from 60–110°F.
The Gouldian finch is endangered in its native Australia.
Fewer than 2,500 mature birds are thought to exist in the wild. Fires, the cage bird trade, competition for food sources, feral predators and diseases all pose threats to this beautiful bird. In 1992 a recovery plan was recommended; it should improve bird populations within 10 years.
finch
gouldian
• Its remarkable color patterns make this finch one the most beautiful birds in the world
• The Gouldian finch is endangered, mainly due to habitat destruction and the cage bird trade
• Rarely descends to the ground, but instead clings to grass stems and low twigs on bushes and trees
arctic food
tern food
Fish, crustaceans and insects are the main food of the tern, but
prey varies with location. Shrimp, crabs, migrating insects and small
squid are taken in flight from the surface waters; the tern also
snaps up flies and moths at its breeding grounds.
The tern catches fish by diving into the sea, although it rarely
dives deeper than 24" and may be under the waves for no longer
than a second.The tern holds fish crosswise in its sharp-edged bill
and can catch one or two more fish while still carrying the first.
Herring, haddock, sprats, butterfish and even small salmon are
typical prey, but sand eels are especially important at breeding
time, providing a nutritious and convenient-sized meal for chicks.
arctic tern
lakes
rivers
scandinavia
The Arctic tern breeds within latitudes from Massachusetts and
Brittany, France, north to within 420 miles of the North Pole, at
sites such as the northern tip of Greenland.
During the summer breeding season, long hours of sunlight
give the bird plenty of time to catch food.The tern nests mainly on
coasts or offshore islands, flying short distances out to sea to catch
fish for itself, its mate and chicks.
In Scandinavia and Canada,
the Arctic tern sometimes follows rivers far inland, nesting up to
180 miles from the sea and feeding on fish in the lakes and rivers.
After breeding and rearing its chicks, the Arctic tern spends the
rest of the year at sea, flying a vast distance south to spend the
southern summer (the northern winter) mainly around Antarctica.
There, the tern rests on icebergs or floating pack ice.
Postări
