Eric Gofreed
Well-Known Member
I'm back from an incredible 3-week wildlife photography adventure in Brazil! While I’m just starting to sort through all the photos, for this week’s Wing Wednesday, I’ll be sharing five bird shots from my journey. I’d love to see what you’ve captured too—feel free to post any winged wonders you’ve photographed! Thanks for joining in!
The Ringed Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher species in the Americas. It is found near freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and lagoons, where it hunts by diving headfirst to catch fish. In addition to fish, its diet may include crustaceans and amphibians. Its range stretches from southern Texas and Mexico through Central America, down to Argentina and Chile.
Black skimmers fly low over the water with their mandible slicing the surface, feeling for fish or other small prey. When the mandible makes contact, it snaps shut, catching its prey. This specialized hunting method allows skimmers to forage in shallow waters and distinguishes them from other birds that rely on sight for fishing.
The Toco Toucan is the largest of all toucans, reaching up to 22 inches long. Its impressive 7.5-inch bill may look heavy, but it's lightweight because it’s made of keratin, the same material found in human hair and nails. The bill helps the toucan regulate body temperature and forage for food.
The hyacinth macaw is the largest parrot, measuring up to 40 inches, and lives in Brazil’s forests. Endangered by habitat loss, it feeds mainly on nuts and seeds.
The Southern Screamer is a large bird native to South American wetlands and grasslands and is known for its loud call. Southern screamers are herbivores, feeding on aquatic vegetation, leaves, and seeds. These social birds are often seen in pairs or groups, with their loud calls carrying over long distances. Despite their size, they are strong fliers with large wingspans.
The Ringed Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher species in the Americas. It is found near freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and lagoons, where it hunts by diving headfirst to catch fish. In addition to fish, its diet may include crustaceans and amphibians. Its range stretches from southern Texas and Mexico through Central America, down to Argentina and Chile.
Black skimmers fly low over the water with their mandible slicing the surface, feeling for fish or other small prey. When the mandible makes contact, it snaps shut, catching its prey. This specialized hunting method allows skimmers to forage in shallow waters and distinguishes them from other birds that rely on sight for fishing.
The Toco Toucan is the largest of all toucans, reaching up to 22 inches long. Its impressive 7.5-inch bill may look heavy, but it's lightweight because it’s made of keratin, the same material found in human hair and nails. The bill helps the toucan regulate body temperature and forage for food.
The hyacinth macaw is the largest parrot, measuring up to 40 inches, and lives in Brazil’s forests. Endangered by habitat loss, it feeds mainly on nuts and seeds.
The Southern Screamer is a large bird native to South American wetlands and grasslands and is known for its loud call. Southern screamers are herbivores, feeding on aquatic vegetation, leaves, and seeds. These social birds are often seen in pairs or groups, with their loud calls carrying over long distances. Despite their size, they are strong fliers with large wingspans.
