Beak of the Week – Long-billed Curlew

Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) Family: Scolopacidae By Nick Minnich, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician This week’s beak is nothing short of impressive. There’s a lot of information one can gather about a bird’s life simply by studying their physical characteristics; nonetheless, a bird’s bill often provides valuable insight into the species’ foraging and food preference. […]

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Beak of the Week – Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Family: Falconidae By Nick Minnich, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician This week’s Beak of the Week is equipped with a unique adaptation that makes it the ultimate aerial hunter. Peregrine Falcons, regarded as the fastest flying bird, also have the widest natural distribution of any bird on Earth, nesting on every […]

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Beak of the Week – American Redstart

American Redstart (Septophaga ruticilla) Family: Parulidae By Charlie Ayers, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician This week’s Beak of the Week belongs to a bird who is always ready for Halloween, the American Redstart. Adult males of this species are black overall with splashes of orange on the flanks, wings and tail. Females and immature males […]

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Beak of the Week – Neotropic Cormorant

Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) Family: Phalacrocoracidae By Charlie Ayers, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician This week’s Beak of the Week is the Neotropic Cormorant. When birding near any body of water, be on the lookout for this small, slim, nearly all black bird with a long tail, large webbed feet and a thin straight bill […]

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