Eric Gofreed
Well-Known Member
For this week’s Winged Wednesday, I’m sharing photos of birds thriving in wetlands. These particular birds hail from Brazil, but you’ll find similar species in North American wetlands and in comparable climates across the globe. The world of winged wonders is vast, teeming with birds, insects, and other airborne creatures waiting to be photographed and admired. Whether they soar, flutter, or glide, they’re all welcome.
The Wattled Jacana has a unique look and feeding style. Their long toes allow them to walk on floating vegetation to forage for insects, seeds, and small aquatic creatures.
That red thing on his face is called a wattle and helps attract mates during the breeding season. It also signals dominance and helps individuals recognize each other. Overall, it plays a key role in mating and social interactions. The Northern Jacana is the only Jacana species in the United States and it is only found in the Rio Grand Valley.
The Bare-faced Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird, measuring 18–23 inches in length with a wingspan of 32–38 inches. Native to South America, this species thrives in wetlands, marshes, flooded fields, and shallow lakes, favoring open and semi-open habitats with abundant water sources. It bears a resemblance to the Glossy Ibis and White-faced Ibis commonly found in North America, sharing similar habits and habitats.
The Anhinga, often called the "snake bird" for its long, slender neck, is a skilled underwater hunter. It uses its sharp bill to spear fish and other prey, gliding with its body submerged and only its neck and head above water, resembling a snake. After catching its meal, the Anhinga surfaces flips the prey into the air, and swallows it whole. Found in the southeastern U.S., Central and South America, and the Caribbean, it lives in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, and swamps.
The large-billed tern is native to much of South America, especially east of the Andes. With a wingspan of up to 4 feet and a distinctive long, down-curved bill, it is perfectly adapted for hunting fish which it catches with precision dives. There are 9 species of terns in North America and they are highly migratory, with many species traveling long distances between breeding grounds in North America and wintering areas in the Caribbean, Central America, or South America.
At first glance, the Rufescent Tiger-Heron may resemble our Green Heron, but it has its own unique charm. With its slender build, sharp bill, and striking plumage, it stands out. The Rufescent Tiger-Heron is noticeably larger than the Green Heron, measuring about 28 inches tall compared to the Green Heron’s 18 inches. Its long neck, deep chest, and thicker bill give it a more robust, elongated look.
The Wattled Jacana has a unique look and feeding style. Their long toes allow them to walk on floating vegetation to forage for insects, seeds, and small aquatic creatures.
That red thing on his face is called a wattle and helps attract mates during the breeding season. It also signals dominance and helps individuals recognize each other. Overall, it plays a key role in mating and social interactions. The Northern Jacana is the only Jacana species in the United States and it is only found in the Rio Grand Valley.
The Bare-faced Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird, measuring 18–23 inches in length with a wingspan of 32–38 inches. Native to South America, this species thrives in wetlands, marshes, flooded fields, and shallow lakes, favoring open and semi-open habitats with abundant water sources. It bears a resemblance to the Glossy Ibis and White-faced Ibis commonly found in North America, sharing similar habits and habitats.
The Anhinga, often called the "snake bird" for its long, slender neck, is a skilled underwater hunter. It uses its sharp bill to spear fish and other prey, gliding with its body submerged and only its neck and head above water, resembling a snake. After catching its meal, the Anhinga surfaces flips the prey into the air, and swallows it whole. Found in the southeastern U.S., Central and South America, and the Caribbean, it lives in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, and swamps.
The large-billed tern is native to much of South America, especially east of the Andes. With a wingspan of up to 4 feet and a distinctive long, down-curved bill, it is perfectly adapted for hunting fish which it catches with precision dives. There are 9 species of terns in North America and they are highly migratory, with many species traveling long distances between breeding grounds in North America and wintering areas in the Caribbean, Central America, or South America.
At first glance, the Rufescent Tiger-Heron may resemble our Green Heron, but it has its own unique charm. With its slender build, sharp bill, and striking plumage, it stands out. The Rufescent Tiger-Heron is noticeably larger than the Green Heron, measuring about 28 inches tall compared to the Green Heron’s 18 inches. Its long neck, deep chest, and thicker bill give it a more robust, elongated look.
