Song Sparrow: Interdependence

Song Sparrow lives nearly everywhere except in the deep woods. But She much prefers brushy areas and marshes to nest in. As a habitat generalist, Song Sparrow eats mostly Insects and seeds, any place that She finds Herself. Since She can be elusive at times, most people do not know that Song Sparrow is probably living near them. They will probably see Song Sparrow hopping across their lawns from time to time.

“Song Sparrow” actually refers to a species complex from twenty-four to fifty-two sub-species. These sub-species are grouped according to their location – Eastern North America, Northwest North America, Cismontane California, Southwestern United States, and Mexican Plateau. They differ by the streaks on their bodies, and their shades of brown.

This small streaked brownish Bird can easily be overlooked by people, since Song Sparrow blends in easily into the background. For example, fond of water, She bathes using the drops of water found on people’s lawns. First, She strikes a grass blade with her wings, and then throws the water on her feathers. Inconspicuous in what She does, Song Sparrow is often missed being seen by people as She bathes.

Learning various songs from her Neighbors, Song Sparrow uses their “dialect” to communicate with Them. In her songs She tells her Neighbors what She is doing. Her complex songs of trills and clear notes inform the others about what is going on. With songs in common, Song Sparrow and her Neighbors build a community.

Looking out for her Friends, Song Sparrow will inform Them when a predator is near. She will point and call at Cat. Sounding her alarm call, Song Sparrow continues to follow Cat, calling and pointing. Her Friends appreciate her efforts, and will call and point at Cat as well.

In her flock, Song Sparrow looks out for her Friends. They do the same for Her as well. She and They are both dependent and dependable. Learn the art of interdependence from Song Sparrow. Watch out for your friends, as they do for you.

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Science Notes:

1. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) of the Emberizidae is not a relative of Old World Sparrows, who are the Passeridae.

YELLOWHAMMER: Communication

Called “Yellow Bunting” in some areas of Europe, Yellowhammer is usually found hopping about in croplands. After a harvest, He and his flock will eat the grain remaining in the fields. Preferring farm fields surrounded by shrubs, Yellowhammer is rarely found in gardens or woods.

When He is not breeding, Yellowhammer joins a mixed flock that includes Finches and Buntings. Within this flock, Yellowhammer and his Friends have a communal roosting spot inside the thick hedges. This robust Bird does not seem to mind the cold, and sometimes will roost on the bushes under the snow.

Wary but not shy, Yellowhammer will choose a high perch on a bush near people to sing his tunes. He usually sings “a little bit of bread and no cheese”. However, in Scotland, Yellowhammer calls, “may the Devil take you!”

Another name for Yellowhammer is “Scribble Lark” because of the squiggly lines on his eggs. Since these lines resemble cursive writing, He is also called the “Writing Lark”. The squiggles are Yellowhammer’s messages to the world.

Yellowhammer communicates in various ways. Not content with “cheep cheep”, He sings whole sentences to get people’s attention. If that does not work, Yellowhammer scribbles on his eggs, which are covered with writing. However, make sure that you are clear in your statements or people will not understand you. Like the squiggles on Yellowhammer’s eggs, you can be as confusing.
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Science Notes:

1. Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) of Europe is a member of the Old World Bunting Family. In some areas, Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is referred to as “Yellowhammer”. However, Flickers are woodpeckers.

SNOW BUNTING: Love of Life

Snow Bunting is remarkable for She lives the farthest north of any Bird save Common Raven. She comfortably makes her home in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. Snow Bunting will often nest in the outcroppings of glaciers, although She much prefers rocky crevices. To cope with her harsh Polar environment, Snow Bunting has feathered tarsi. In her northern home, Snow Bunting enjoys bathing in the snow. When it gets very cold, She will burrow deep in the snow.

A social Bird, Snow Bunting likes to live in large flocks when She migrates. Watching these flocks is to see Birds in constant motion. They “leapfrog” over each other, changing who is in the front and center of the flock. Because of her snow-white plumage, Snow Bunting is also called “Snowflake”. What seems to be a flying snow flurry is her flock passing by.

Snow Bunting teaches us to love life. Enjoying the snow, She plays in it. Nesting as far north as She does, Snow Bunting ably demonstrates tenacity of life. Living even in the most inhospitable of regions, She still enjoys Herself.
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OLD WORLD BUNTINGS AND NEW WORLD SPARROWS (EMBERIZIDAE):

OLD WORLD BUNTINGS AND NEW WORLD SPARROWS (EMBERIZIDAE): Jumping to Conclusions

The Emberizidae or Old World Buntings and New World Sparrows are a diverse and complicated Family of Birds. At present, what this Family is in flux. What is under discussion is which Birds belong to the Family of Old World Buntings and New World Sparrows.


However some things can apply to all of the Emberizidae. In Europe, these Birds are called “Buntings”. Meanwhile in North America, They are known as “American Sparrows” and include Juncos. Adding to the confusion is that Buntings in the Americas usually belong to the Cardinal-Grosbeak (Cardinalidae) Family. Also, Sparrows of the Old World belong to the Passeridae Family. (American Sparrows were named that because of their resemblance to these Old World Passeridae.)

Emberizidae feed on fruit, Insects, and seeds. They have stout bills which are adapted for crushing seeds. As important members of the ecosystem, these Birds disperse seeds and eat pests.

Old World Buntings and New World Sparrows are usually not very colorful or flashy. Often known as “Little Brown Jobs”, Emberizidae are generally not welcomed at Bird feeders since people prefer more colorful and charismatic Birds. Victims of mistaken identity, Emberizidae go about their business. We may be confused about Them but these Birds know who they are.

Appearances can be deceiving, which leads to confusion, but the Emberizidae rise above it all. They teach people not to jump to conclusions, since these Birds are not really what people once thought they were. Now many people are confused over what a “Sparrow” or a “Bunting” really is. Instead of jumping to conclusions, employ careful thought. Remember that when you see a “Sparrow” in North America.
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YELLOW WARBLER: The Wholeness of Self

One of the most common of the Wood-warblers, Yellow Warbler is easily noticed in his bright yellow feathers. Known as the “Wild Canary”, He is famous for his cheerful call of “sweet, sweet, sweet”. Until nesting season ends, Yellow Warbler’s ringing song can be heard throughout the riversides.

The name “Yellow Warbler” refers to a sub-species complex that numbers between thirty five and forty-three Birds. Together, They make up Dendroica petechia. This comples is usually divided into three sub-groups. The one that most people see is the aestiva group, which is referred to as “Yellow Warbler”. The petechia group, which is known as “Golden Warbler”, lives in the mangrove swamps of the West Indies. “Mangrove Warbler” (the erithachorides group) inhabits the mangrove swamps of Middle and South America.

No matter where They live, all these Yellow Warblers have similar lives. Building a cup nest, Female Yellow Warbler uses fine grass, cobwebs, and down from plants. If a larger Cowbird should lay their eggs in the Warbler’s nest, She will rebuild her nest on top of theirs. During breeding season, Female Yellow Warbler will sneak back and forth, to steal nesting materials from the other Warblers. Meanwhile, her Mate, Male Yellow Warbler sneaks off to court other Females.

These “Wild Canaries” bring joy and fun into people’s lives. People enjoy listening to Yellow Warblers as They sing their songs. Watching these Birds dart about eating Gypsy Moths and Caterpillars can be entertaining as well.

The wholeness of self is embodied in Yellow Warblers. Their aspect of light is the joy They bring to us. Their shadow self is how They sneak off like thieves to steal from others. We accept Yellow Warblers in their entirety, both their good and bad. “Embrace all of you,” urge these Wild Canaries, “and become whole”. Do not deny either part of yourself.

HORNED LARK (SHORE LARK): Flourish Where You Are

Depending on where He lives, Horned Lark is known by many names. Because He is often seen on beaches, Horned Lark is called “Shore Lark” or “Sea Lark” in Europe. Wherever He nests in the Arctic or high mountains, his name is “Snow Bird” or “Snow Flake”. Since He walks instead of hopping and looks for seeds along the roadsides, Horned Lark is called “Road Chippie” or “Road Trotter” in North America. The only Lark to live outside of the Old World, Horned Lark is famous for his black feathers that taper into a pair of tiny “horns”. Therefore in many places, people have named Him “Horned Lark”.

Wherever He lives, Horned Lark is resourceful in finding food. At the shore, He feeds on the seeds of glasswort at low tide. During high tide, Horned Lark eats the seeds found around the sand dunes. Later, He will forage for food in fields and pastures.

Courting Female Larks by strutting around with his horns “erect” is what Horned Lark does best. Singing in his tinkling and lisping manner, Horned Lark ascends to the heavens, and then glides to the ground. Between each beat of his flight, Horned Lark closes his wings, with his silhouette resembling a cross.

Faithful to his birth place, Horned Lark adapts his colour to his habitat. Be it the high mountain ranges of the Himalyas or the beaches of Europe, Horned Lark ably demonstrates his versatility and resourcefulness. Because of his willingness to adapt, He has been able to colonise a wide range of habitats. Let Horned Lark show you how to flourish where you live.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers

SKYLARK: Creative Muse

“Hail to thee, blithe spirit!
Bird thou never wert!”
– Percy Bysshe Shelley, “To a Skylark”

Unlike other Birds, Male Skylark is dull in his colouring. However, He makes up for his mundane appearance by his dazzling courtship displays. With his rich trilling songs, He attracts the Females, and ably defends his territory from other Males.

During his courtship flights, Skylark sings as soon as the sun comes up and continues throughout the day. Soaring vertically in the sky, He sings and then hovers. Suddenly, Skylark will dive towards the earth with folded wings. Just before landing, He spreads his wings out.

Skylark’s trilling song inspired Shelley and Shakespeare in their writing. In addition, He inspires and thrills many more poets and composers. Skylark exalts all of us to achieve greater heights of creativity. Allow Him to be your creative muse.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers

THE LARK FAMILY: CHEER

Because Larks sing as They rise up in flight, a group of Larks is called an “Exaltation”. Since They live in open country, rising Larks are a familiar sight in many rural areas. Although They are cryptically coloured in browns and beiges, They make up for their drabness with their elaborate songs.

Well-known for waking up at dawn, Larks sing through the day. In fact, the sound of many Larks singing at dawn is called “Larkrise” in Great Britain. In addition, “Happy as a Lark” refers to this habit of theirs.

Many legends speak of Larks’ sweetness of temperament. Because of this, They could readily gain access to the Gods. One example of their cheeriness is of course greeting the day with song, inspiring all of us. Singing through the day, Larks by their nature uplift the saddest of hearts and spread good will. Let us follow their example.

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Science Notes:
1. True Larks are Alaudidae. Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) of the Icteridae (Blackbirds and allies) family.

2. Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) is actually a giant Monarch flycatcher.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers

FAIRY WREN: Discover the Deeper Truth

Often seen in people’s gardens, Fairy Wren is usually looking for a tasty Insect. Shy in nature, Fairy Wren is however tolerant of people. Popular in Australia, people regularly see Him in parks hopping about.

Despite his brilliant blue colours, Fairy Wren is difficult to see in the undergrowth. Since Fairy Wren is more cautious than the Female Fairy Wren (who has drabber feathers), He leaves promptly when an intruder approaches. If Fairy Wren spies a flying Insect, He hops straight up to snatch it, and then dives back to safety in the nearby bushes.

Fairy Wren’s family arrangements were confusing to many scientists. They thought He was socially monogamous but sexually promiscuous. However what they mistook for Female Fairy Wrens were the non-breeding Males. In Fairy Wren’s small group, there is one breeding pair – the dominant Female and her Partner. The Rest are relatives, who will usually leave when They are about four years old.

Fairy Wren teaches that things are not always what they seem. The boldly coloured Male hides in the underbrush. When with his small family, He can be mistaken for a Female if He is not breeding. His family being ruled by a Female is unusual as well. Fairy Wren insists that you look beyond the surface to discover the deeper truths. However, he does caution that the deeper truth maybe staring you in the face, without any probing.

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Science Notes:
1. The Wrens of Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand (antwrens, emu-wrens, fairy wrens, grasswrens and wren-babblers,) are not related and are not wrens. They belong to their own families. Fairy Wrens belong to a family of small insect eating birds in Australia and New Guinea called Maluridae.

WINTER WREN: Sacred Mysteries

The “Wren” of Europe, Winter Wren is the only Wren that lives in both the Old and New Worlds. Known as Bran’s Sparrow to the Celts, Wren foretold the future with his songs. The Celts called their sacred Wren “Drui”, (meaning “The Druid among Birds”). Under the protection of Taranis, the Celtic God of Thunder, Wren often nested in his oaks. Killing a Wren brought the wrath of the Gods upon unwary people.

During the winter, this tiny Bird lives in a communal roost with other Winter Wrens. To keep from freezing, They share their warmth. Just before dusk, Winter Wren calls to the Others. They answer and then enter their roost one by one. Many as sixty Winter Wrens will share an abandoned nest site.

In British folklore (Winter) Wren ruled the winter and (European) Robin ruled the summer. As the representative of the Old Year, Wren was sacrificed to bring in the New Year (as represented by Robin). This ritual killing of Wren ended winter.

Later Christians associated Winter Wren with the Virgin Mary. Now the ritual killing of the Wren by the Wren Boys happened on the day after Christmas, which was St. Stephen’s Day. One theory to this ritual occurrence was that people celebrated the ending of Paganism and the coming of Christianity.

The smallest and shiest of the Wrens, Winter Wren sings the loudest. Except to end winter, His killing brings misfortune. With these examples, Winter Wren demonstrates the paradoxes of life. A sacred Bird, Wren sings when He unwraps the sacred mysteries of the universe. Spend time with Winter Wren to understand life’s prophecies.


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Copyright: Virginia Carper, 2009, Animal Teachers

WREN FAMILY: The Mysteries of Happiness

Wrens, a family of little brown Birds, are well-known for their high energy and trilling songs. Friendly and active, House Wren is called “Jenny Wren” in children’s storybooks. Meanwhile Carolina Wren, one of the largest Wrens, flits from perch to perch looking for tasty bugs, delighting gardeners.

Voracious in their nesting, Wrens build nests in boots, mailboxes, and even car radiators. Quick and agile, Cactus Wren builds his nest amongst the sharp spines of a cactus. Meanwhile to impress the female Wrens, Marsh Wren frantically builds as many dummy nests that He can in the wetlands.

Best known for their bubbly songs, Wrens often have as many as 130 different songs in their repertoire. Although They do sing all year round, Wrens are most famous for being the joyful harbingers of spring with their trilling melodies. And, Winter Wren, a shy Bird, has the loudest songs of all the Wren Family.

In addition, Wrens’ songs have a magical quality to them. In some Native American stories, Wrens can bring the dead back to life with their powerful singing. Called the Snow Bird, Black-headed Wren is said to summon the snow. However, He does know the direction and time of the storm.

Wrens are legendary for their spiritedness. Whether defending their territory or building nests Wrens conduct themselves great zest. Let these little brown Birds induct you into the mysterious of happiness. Lose yourself in their songs, and be enriched beyond your dreams.

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Science Notes:
1. Members of the Wren Family called the Troglodytidae. The Wrens of Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand (antwrens, emu-wrens, fairy wrens, grasswrens and wren-babblers,) are not related and are not wrens. They belong to their own families.

2. Firecrested wren is the firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus), while golden-crested wren is the goldcrest (Regulus regulus). They belong to the Kinglet Family and are not wrens.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, 2009, Animal Teachers

AMERICAN ROBIN: Parenting

The first Bird of Spring in North America is usually an American Robin. In many areas, her song of “Cheerily cheer-up cheerio” heralds the coming of spring. Hopping across people’s lawns, She cocks her head searching for spring Worms. American Robin’s morning activities provided the basis for the saying: “The early bird gets the worm”.

Usually a Bird of the woods, American Robin is often seen in towns as well. Since She can flourish among humans, American Robin is found in many places. Because of her adaptability, She has the distinction of being the only Thrush in North America.

Each year, American Robin will return to repair the same nest. Sometimes, She will share a nest with a family of Finches. Both species will feed all of the young Chicks. In addition, American Robin keeps her nest clean by eating the Chicks’ feces. When her Youngsters are ready to fledge, Father American Robin watches over them.

Vigilant in protecting their nest, Father and Mother American Robin will reject Cowbird eggs laid there. With alarm calls, the Parents will inform each other of approaching intruders. For the sake of their Eggs, Both Parents will dive bomb cats and humans.

Father and Mother American Robins are good parents. While Father watches over their Fledglings, Mother prepares for the next brood. Also, during the nesting, Father American Robin will incubate their eggs to allow Mother American Robin a break. They take turns in guarding their nest. American Robins show how to parent effectively through cooperation.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers Enterprises

THE THRUSH FAMILY (TURIDAE): “Do Not Borrow Worry”

Determining which Bird is a Thrush (or not) is an exercise in futility. Ornithologists are constantly debating over what makes a Bird a “Thrush”. Depending on new DNA findings and interpretations, the number of members of this Family expands and contracts. For example, now considered to be a Flycatcher, European Robin was once a member of this Family. However, noted Thrushes that remain are Eurasian Blackbird, American Robin, and Nightingale.

What these small plump Birds have in common are their beautiful songs. In addition, people are very familiar with Thrushes since these Birds live in cities. They often see Thrushes hopping about in parks, looking for food. Cocking their heads, Thrushes wait for Worms to appear.

Going about their business, Thrushes care little about how They are defined. Hunting for worms and singing through the day, They go about their lives. These unassuming Birds focus on what They need to do, unconcerned about what others call Them. Thrushes do not borrow worry from others.