Great Egret - Dominica

The Caribbean is named after the Carib people, the dominate group in the region prior to European arrival in the Americas. The Carib now occupy a small 3,700 acre reserve of several small hamlets on the northeastern coast of Dominica. There are about 3,000 individuals living on the semi-independent reserve.

- - - - -

Ardea alba - The great egret is a large heron of white plumage. It has a standing height of about 1 meter and an impressive wing span of 2 meters. The great egret is distributed throughout the tropical and warmer temperate zones. Depending on local area, the great egret is either a resident or migratory bird. The flight of an egret is slow in comparison to other birds of comparable size. During flight, the egret retracts its neck, a feature common to herons; cranes, ibises, spoonbills, and storks fly with the neck fully extended.

Scarlet Ibis - Guyana

Eudocimus ruber - The scarlet ibis can be found along the muddy coast and mangrove swamps of Northeastern South America. It feeds mainly on small mollusks and crustaceans by using its long beak to dig them out of the muddy bottom. Juveniles are gray with white undersides, but the adults have an intense and striking display of scarlet color covering their entire bodies. Mating pairs prefer to build their nest on islands as an extra precaution against predators. Both parents share nesting responsibilities.

- - - - -

The Dutch were the first Europeans to establish settlements in Guyana. Three colonies were formed; Essequibo and Berbice sprang up in the early 17th century and Demerara in the mid 18th century. The colonies were ceded to Britain in 1814 and then merged into a single colony known as British Guiana in 1831. Great Britain retained control until 1966, when Guyana became a sovereign nation. It became a republic in 1970, but retained its membership within the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Brown Pelican - Saint Christopher and Nevis

There are two volcanoes located in Saint Kitts and Nevis: Mount Liamuiga and Nevis Peak. Mount Liamuiga is dormant; its last known eruption occurring 1,800 years ago. Nevis Peak, a stratovolcano, features a large number of fumaroles, hot spots along the side of the volcano emitting steam and gas.

- - - - -

Pelecanus occidentalis - Pelicans are characterized by large beaks and throat pouches used for catching and holding prey. The brown pelican is the smallest pelican; there are currently eight extant species. The Peruvian and brown pelican are the only two pelicans known to dive into the water to catch their prey. Juveniles tend to forge on the surface, but take to diving when mature. Pelicans build their nest in colonies. The males chooses the nesting site and begins a display ritual during the construction phase to attract a female.

Great Blue Heron - New Jersey

The decisive Battle of Trenton was fought during the Revolutionary War and contributed to raising the morale of the American colonists. The battle took place in January of 1776, after George Washington crossed the icy Delaware River and launched an unexpected attack against Hessian mercenaries at Trenton.

- - - - -

Ardea herodias -The great blue heron is a large wading bird with a straight dagger shaped bill. This bird is found along fresh and salt water habitats throughout North and Central America. The northern groups migrate as far south as Venezuela for the winter. Wading through swallow water, the great blue heron uses its sharp bill to spear fish, their primary diet. It does forage in fields for rodents when away from a water source. On rare occasions, it has been seen dropping into the water from a perch or from the air in pursuit of a meal.

Dalmatian Pelican - Croatia

Croatia is divided into 21 administrative districts; 20 counties and 1 capital city zone. The southern most county, Dubrovnik-Neretva is split into two sections by a small strip of land belonging to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dubrovnik, the capital of Dubrovnik-Neretva county once served as the capital of the Republic of Ragusa.

- - - - -

Pelecanus crispus - The Dalmatian pelican is the largest of the 8 extant pelican species and one of the largest birds in the world. Pelicans are distinguished by their long bills and fleshy throat pouches used for catching and storing food. The Dalmatian pelican can reach a height of 180 centimeters, weigh up to 15 kilos and has a wingspan of almost 350 centimeters; the largest wingspan of any bird. It is found in Southeastern Europe, India, and China. The Dalmatian pelican prefers habits of shallow lakes or swampy areas.

Cattle Egret - Azores

The Azores Archipelago consists of 9 volcanic islands located about 1,360 kilometers off the western coast of Portugal. The islands first appeared in the “Atlas Catalan” in 1375. Portuguese settlement of the Azores began in the early 15th century. São Miguel is the largest of the 9 islands in population and area.

- - - -

Bubulcus ibis - Originally native to Portugal, Southern Spain, and subtropical areas of Africa and Asia. The cattle egret is the most successful transplant of the bird species. It has spread as far west as the Americas and as far east as Australia. The cattle egret is closely associated with grazing animals. The bird will follow in the wake of the browsing animals to pick off any small prey disturbed. Their diet includes spiders, moths, grasshoppers, frogs, and earthworms. They also pick off flies and ticks from the backs of their grazing hosts.

Australian Pelican - Western Australia

Western Australia is the largest state in Australia and the second largest sub-division in the world; Russia’s Sakha Republic is larger. The city of Perth, located on the southwestern coast of Western Australia, served as the administrative center for the Swan River Colony, a British settlement established by James Stirling in 1829.

- - - - -

Pelecanus conspicillatus - Breeding season for the Australian pelican varies between the northern and southern coasts of Australia. Birds start breeding at 2 to 3 years of age. Large colonies of paired couples build shallow ground nests on islands or in sheltered areas near water. A nest can contain up to 4 eggs, but 2 are the usual number laid. The chicks hatch after an incubation period of about 33 days. Feeding is concentrated on the largest chick; the smaller ones are left to starve or become victims of siblicide, a behavior found primarily in birds.