Today’s new species is a type of wading bird found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The African Jacana is easily recognized by its unique chestnut plumage, its blue beak and facial shield, and by those toes. Look at those crazy long toes!

African Jacanas feed on insects and other small organisms they glean from aquatic vegetation. Their long toes allow them to move across floating wetland vegetation by spreading their weight over a large area. Jacanas have precocial young, meaning chicks are able to walk around on their own shortly after hatching. You better believe they have long toes too, so they can follow dad around as he points out food to them.

Yes, they follow dad around – African Jacanas have a sort of complete role reversal when it comes to breeding. Males care for the eggs and raise the chicks completely on their own.

Tomorrow we’ll add a tiny South American hummingbird with a crazy plumage, including tufts on the head and the neck. Do you know the species?

Our 2017 Birdorable Bonanza is winding down! Just one more bird to go after today's newbie: the African Spoonbill!

The African Spoonbill is one of six species of spoonbill found in the world. They are all long-legged wading birds with the uniquely shaped bill that gives them their name. The African Spoonbill joins the Roseate and the Eurasian here at Birdorable.

Male and female African Spoonbills look alike. As chicks, they have small and stubby beaks which gradually grow into the spoon-tipped shape.

African Spoonbills do well in captivity and are found in zoos around the world. They are abundant throughout their native range and the population is considered to be stable. They may live up to 15 years in the wild.

Tomorrow our Bonanza wraps up with our 677th bird, a species known for its ability to mimic sounds. And check out that tail! Can you guess the bird?

The Roseate Spoonbill is one of the newest birds to join the Birdorable family. Here are some fun facts about this unique species.

1. Did you know the term for a group of spoonbills is called a bowl? Imagine spotting a bowl of Roseate Spoonbills in the wild – what a breathtaking view that would be!

2. The stunning pink hue of the Roseate Spoonbills isn't just for show. It comes from their diet, which mainly consists of crustaceans that have been dining on algae. This diet directly influences their vivid coloring.

3. In areas like Florida, it's common for people to mix up Roseate Spoonbills with flamingos, given their similar pink shades. Despite this, they are very different species with their own unique characteristics.

4. Among the six species of spoonbills that roam our planet, the Roseate Spoonbill is the only one boasting pink feathers, setting it apart from its relatives.

5. The Roseate Spoonbill also has the distinction of being the sole spoonbill species found throughout the Americas. This fact makes it a special sight for birdwatchers in the region.

6. A fascinating aspect of Roseate Spoonbill biology is that chicks are born with straight beaks. As they grow, the beaks gradually morph into the distinctive spoon shape, a key adaptation for their feeding habits.

7. Speaking of feeding, Roseate Spoonbills have a unique method of eating. They sweep their spoon-shaped bills through water to catch prey like fish or insects, closing their bills quickly when they touch something edible.

8. The resilience of the Roseate Spoonbill is remarkable. The oldest known individual in the wild was found in the Florida Keys in 2006. The bird had been banded in 1990, and was an amazing 16 years old. This was quite the jump from the previously recorded lifespan of seven years for the species.

9. Social butterflies, or rather, social birds of the wetlands, Roseate Spoonbills enjoy the company of their kind. They feed, nest, and fly together, forming a tight-knit community with other wading birds.

10. And, don't forget, the Roseate Spoonbill made its Birdorable debut on September 6th, 2011. Be sure to check out our array of Roseate Spoonbill t-shirts and gifts, a must-have for enthusiasts of this splendid species.

The Northern Lapwing, with its iridescent plumage and distinctive crest, is a fascinating bird that captures the imagination of bird lovers across the globe. A member of the plover family, this bird is a familiar sight across temperate Europe and Asia and occasionally makes its way as a vagrant to North America. Known for its striking appearance and intriguing behaviors, the Northern Lapwing holds a special place in the world of ornithology and now, it earns a spot in the adorable and ever-expanding Birdorable family.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Northern Lapwing is its migratory pattern. This bird embarks on a seasonal journey over most of its extensive range, wintering in the warmer climates of north Africa, northern India, and China. This migratory behavior is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the Northern Lapwing, navigating vast distances to find suitable habitats for feeding and breeding.

The origin of the name "lapwing" is equally captivating, deriving from the 'lapping' sound its wings make in flight, or perhaps from the bird's flapping flight style. This auditory characteristic is just one of the many unique traits that endear the Northern Lapwing to bird enthusiasts. In addition to its distinctive flight sounds, the Northern Lapwing is notably vocal during the breeding season. The air is filled with constant calling as the male performs a dramatic tumbling display flight, a spectacle that is both bewildering and mesmerizing to observe. This display, part of the bird's courtship ritual, showcases the vibrancy and complexity of avian mating behaviors.

The Northern Lapwing, with its iridescent plumage and distinctive crest, not only captures the admiration of birdwatchers and nature lovers but also plays a crucial role in our ecosystems. These birds, like many others, are indicators of the health of our natural world, and their behaviors and migratory patterns offer valuable insights into the effects of environmental changes.

By observing and appreciating the Northern Lapwing, we are reminded of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. It encourages us to learn more about our feathered friends, their habitats, and the importance of conservation efforts to ensure that future generations can also enjoy and learn from these remarkable creatures. The Northern Lapwing, with its unique characteristics and fascinating life cycle, is a perfect example of the wonders that await discovery in the great outdoors, inviting us to explore, understand, and protect the avian kingdom and its habitats.

Birdorable is thrilled to introduce a new member to its adorable avian assembly: the American Oystercatcher. Sporting a distinctive black and white plumage that easily catches the eye, this unique bird wields a long, thick orange beak, a tool perfectly suited to its seaside lifestyle. The American Oystercatcher's impressive beak isn't just for show; it plays a crucial role in the bird's survival, serving as a natural utensil to skillfully pry open molluscs, its preferred meal. This dietary habit underscores the bird's strong connection to its coastal habitat, where it forages along the shores, adding a dash of color to the landscape with its vivid beak and contrasting plumage.

Found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America, the American Oystercatcher's range extends from the rocky shores of New England down to the sandy beaches of northern Florida. It also graces the Gulf coast, where its presence is a treat for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. The bird's habitat choice reflects its need for accessible food sources and suitable nesting grounds, which the coastal environments abundantly provide.

The American Oystercatcher shares many similarities with its counterpart, the Eurasian Oystercatcher, which is widely distributed across Europe and Asia. Despite the geographical distance between them, both species exhibit remarkable adaptability to their respective coastal habitats, showcasing the incredible diversity within the oystercatcher family. This similarity also highlights the universal appeal of these birds among birding communities around the globe, bridging continents with their shared characteristics.

The American Oystercatcher, with its bold colors and distinctive lifestyle, is a perfect example of the wonders that await discovery in the great outdoors. So, the next time you're near the coast, keep an eye out for this remarkable bird and remember the cute and educational resources available at Birdorable.com, where every bird is made adorable.