Ducks & Dinosaurs

Day 13 of Avian August, hosted by @cookiedoves : ʻAlae ʻula or Hawaiian gallinule (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis)

Found only on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu today, the endangered Hawaiian gallinule is a subspecies of the mainland's common gallinule.

In Hawaiian mythology, the bird is said to have brought the secret of fire to humans. The name, ʻalae ʻula, actually means "burnt forehead," referring to its red shield above the bill.

weird ass birds but they're one of my favs. a black skimmer(rynchops niger)

Avian August Day 15: Akikiki, Kauaʻi Creeper. Critically Endangered. Extinct in the wild.

Based on a photo by Patrick Blake. Sadly I did not manage to capture the sheer attitude of this tiny guy.

And again, if anyone is interested, the American Bird Conservancy is having a webinar on trying to prevent more extinctions of Hawaiian birds August 27. They do send recordings out after, so you don't have to be available to see it live.

I can’t believe it. Aside from that hideous toe I survived lineart!!!! Take that Day 13 of Avian August! I tried something new for the Hawaiian Gallinule. (Hmmm that last bit actually rhymes in my head)

Ref under cut

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias), family Eurypygidae, order Eurypygiformes, found in southern Central America and northern South America

This bird is the only member of its family.

Its closest living relative is the Kagu of New Caldeonia.

Blue Nuthatch (Sitta azurea), family Sittidae, order Passeriformes, Java, Indonesia