Books for conservationists, nature lovers & birders
Conservation Vignettes
Puerto Rican Tody
Only 5 species of todies exist, and all are confined to the West Indies. This makes todies one of only 7 bird families restricted to this region. Fossil records indicate that todies previously occurred in both North America and Europe, thus the family is considered a West Indian relic. Todies possess the peculiar habit of burrowing deep into clay embankments where they hollow out a chamber in which to nest. They feed by sallying short distances to catch insects on the wing.
Blue and Yellow Macaw
The Blue and Yellow Macaw is one of the largest of the nearly 400 species of parrots in the world. Parrots are particularly susceptible to endangerment for a number of reasons including their need to find large tree cavities in which to nest, being collected for sale as household pets, and being killed due to their propensity to feed on farmer’s crops. As an example, the Carolina Parakeet, once widespread in eastern North America, was wiped out in the early 1900s.
Passenger Pigeon
Once numbering in the billions and believed the most common bird in the world, this species of eastern North America was severely over-hunted and ultimately driven to extinction in 1914.
Carolina Parakeet
Once widespread in eastern North America, the only bird of that large family in this region, its colorful feathers were used for adornment and flocks were shot for being pests to agriculture. By the time of the Civil War the species was nearly confined to Florida and by the early 1900s was extinct.
Kolam
In parts of India, designs are made in front of houses using powdered rice. The purpose is to attract insects, thus reminding the Kolam-maker of the connectedness of all life and that all living things deserve respect.
Pink Headed Duck
Despite India’s 5,000-year history, this duck is the only bird known to have become extinct in that country. Why did it become extinct? The answer remains a mystery.
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