Author name: Dr. Roger Lederer

Ornithologist and emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, whose academic and research interests are ecology, environmental science, science education and ornithology. Published over thirty scientific research papers, a textbook entitled Ecology and Field Biology, books entitled Amazing Birds, Birds of New England, Pacific Coast Bird Finder, Bird Finder, Birds of Bidwell Park, Latin for Birdwatchers, Beaks, Bones, and Bird Songs, and The Art of Birds . Dr. Lederer has taught ornithology and ecology, worked with environmental organizations and schools on research and education projects, has traveled to over 100 countries, given many public presentations, and knows exactly what birds you will find anywhere in the world.

The Secretarybird

The Secretarybird –Sagittarius serpentarius. The common name comes from the feathers of the head crest which resemble  quill pens. Sagittarius, from the Latin, means “arrow or archer” and refers to the way an archer walked while stalking prey; serpentarius means “serpent handler” from the bird’s supposed affinity for snakes. They are endemic to Africa where …

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Laughing Gull

The Laughing Gull, Leucophaeus atricilla. Gulls are not to be dismissed as just annoying picnic intruders. Some say they are actually “noble.” “Gull” from old Norse, means unhatched or new bird. Leucophaeus, from ancient Greek, means “dusky white.” From the Latin, atricilla means “black tail.” The adult Laughing Gull is easily identified by its contrasting …

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Lear’s Macaw

I thought it would be nice to visit a bird that we don’t hear much about: Lear’s Macaw. Of 380 species of parrots worldwide, 19 are classified as macaws, a distinctive group of large, colorful birds. Inhabiting the tropical forests of South America, macaws differ from other parrots with their relatively larger beaks, long tails …

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