COMMON PHEASANT

Photographed near Loch Ness, January 2014

264                COMMON PHEASANT            Phasianus colchichus

UK    (1)

Also known as Ring-necked, Chinese or Mongolian Pheasant, and in many countries just as pheasant.  Originated in Asia it has been introduced to many countries where it has become one of the most hunted birds in the world. In some places it is semi-domesticated. It was introduced into Australia from Great Britain. Now in Australia there are a few feral population, such as Rottnest Island, King Island and possibly in Tasmania.

INDIAN PEAFOWL

Photographed in Chitwan Natinal Park, Nepal

263                INDIAN PEAFOWL             Pavo cristatus

Nepal          (1)

Also known as Blue Peafowl; commonly the male is called Peacock and hen called Peahen. Range: it is native to south-east Asia but there are now small feral populations in many countries around the world where it has been introduced; in Australia small populations around settlements. It is the National bird of India. Found mainly on the ground in open forests or on cultivated ground.

LITTLE EAGLE

262          LITTLE EAGLE         Hieraaetus morphnoides   

Australia         (239)

45-55 cm, span to 1.30 m. Female larger. Range all over mainland Australia. Found on plains, foothills, open forests, woodlands, scrubland, red river gums on watercourses and lakes.

PURPLE HERON

261               PURPLE HERON            Ardea purpurea

South Africa     (23)

78-86 cm, 550-1200 g. Range eastern half of South Africa. Found in wetlands, particularly amongst sedges and reeds, rarely feeds in open.

PINK-THROATED TWINSPOT

Female Pink-throated Twinspot.

260           PINK-THROATED TWINSPOT            Hypargos margaritas

South Africa       (22)

12 cm, 12-14 g. Range endemic to ne tip of South Africa and southern Mozambique. Found in thornvedt thickets and coastal scrubs, drinks from puddles early in morning.

EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD DOVE

259                EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD DOVE                Tutur chalcospilos

South Africa     (21)

17-20 cm, 55-70 g. Range n anse South Africa. Common in woodland, savanna and valley bush veld.

BLACK STORK

258            BLACK STORK         Ciconia nigra

South Africa       (20)

95-110 cm, 2.5-3.2 kg; Ranges over most of South Africa. Uncommon and decreasing at lakes, rivers ad estuaries; population around 1,000 pairs. Breeds singly on cliff edges, reusing same site for years.

LONG-CRESTED EAGLE

257               LONG-CRESTED EAGLE                   Lophaetus occiptalis

South Africa        (19)

52-58 cm, 810-1300 g; wingspan 1.1-1.3 m. Range down the eastern side of southern Africa. Found in mature woodlands, plantations and along forest edges, especially near water. Lives in pairs but often found perched individually.

SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD

256         SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD            Chalcomitra senegalensis

South Africa     (18)

14 cm, 10-17 g. Distributed across the northern and nw part of southern Africa. Found in woodlands, savanna and suburban gardens.