Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Pyrrhuloxia

Pyrrhuloxia
There are a number of species of birds around the world that have names that are difficult to pronounce and spell but the pyrrhuloxia has to be near the top of the list. The name is actually a combination of two genus names Pyrrhula, which roughly means flame-colored, and Loxia, which roughly means crooked. The name refers to the red color primarily on the males and the crooked shape of the beak.
Pyrrhuloxia
The pyrrhuloxia is a relative of the northern cardinal. They are year round inhabitants of the deserts and scrublands of the extreme south western United States and Mexico. They are omnivorous who typically forage on the ground for seeds, grasses, and insects. They will also feed on cactus blooms and fruit. Most of the moisture that they need comes from the foods that they eat. 


14 comments:

Nette Cecilia said...

Oh what a loley bird ,Nette

Photo Cache said...

with what little i know of birds, i did see the family resemblance to cardinals.

Ewok's ABC WEDNESDAY

HansHB said...

Lovely photos, well done!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI Jeff Wonderful shots of this lovely bird.

The Odd Essay said...

Have you heard the pyrrhuloxia referred to as the "silver cardinal"? I had a person get quite upset with me about this name. Just curious....

Roger Owen Green said...

sure looks like a silver cardinal, tho!
ROG, ABCW

Carole M. said...

such an unusual bird; I feel very lucky that you have presented it here; TFS

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Whoosh, I have never seen this bird, never even saw the name and probably would get tongue tied trying to say it, but I can certainly say, that is one of the most beautiful birds that I have ever seen!!!

Reader Wil said...

Thanks for showing this beautiful bird! And especialy for the information.
Have a great week!
Wil, ABCW Team

genie said...

What an impressive bird. I think its well aware of just how fine he is. Such a fine capture.

ChrisJ said...

What a beautiful bird. I would love to see one in the wild. I'm wondering how far extreme southwest in the US you have to be. We live an hour from the Mexican border near the coast.

Dave said...

Flippin eck, what a stunner! A must see bird.

Anonymous said...

Interesting info and delightful captures of this beautiful bird.

worldwidehealth said...

what a brilliant way to combine your interests. i admire your creativity.
Rating Therapist