Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Northern Rough-winged Swallow

These uncommon brown swallows nest in sandbanks, road cuts, soft cliffs, or in crevices of manmade structures where they can gain purchase.  The young birds in the video were waiting to be fed, and it gave a nice view of them gaping.  Juveniles also have cinnamon-colored wingbars.  They are solitary nesters, and  sometimes several pairs will nest somewhat near one another, which is not as close as Barn Swallows.  They prefer open areas with open substrate, but don't always nest in commercially made structures.

Nesting from April through July, they are single brooded, and it tends to be rarest in the southwest part of Oklahoma, but likely nests in the open woodlands with nearby water.  Sometimes they use old kingfisher, squirrel, or Bank Swallow holes that are still useable.  They have a twig nest at the end of a burrow, which the female incubates for about two weeks.  Both parents feed the young, who leave the nest in about three weeks.

                                                      Northern Rough-winged Swallows
                                                             Boomer Lake Park, 2017

Summer residents in nearly the entire country, the white undertail coverts are seen while they are in flight, and their shorter, square tails are also noted during that time.  The leading edges of the outer primaries lack the barbules that most birds have, hence the name "rough-winged."

They feed over water more often than not, and are excellent for low level flight over varied terrain.  They are found from sea level to six thousand feet, often snatching insects from the top of the water.

                                                      Northern rough-winged Swallow
                                                          Patagonia Lake SP, AZ 2018

The species has declined over the past four decades, likely caused by pesticides, pollutants, climate change, and insecticides.  All of these factors have also been affecting other birds like other swallows, swifts, nightjars, and flycatchers.  In view of this, there are many questions affecting the health of the air, or aeroecology, another ecological system.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow and the Birds of Southeast Arizona:

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2018/05/birding-on-shoestring-american.html

Northern Rough-winged Swallow and the Birds of Boomer Lake:

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2017/04/springs-migrants-have-been-dropping-in.html

Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: American Crow

One of the most well known birds in the country, the American Crow or common crow, can be a good or bad bird to have in the area, depending upon one's preferences.  Groups or singles can be a handful for any raptor to endure, either through the general din or simple harassment.  This is known as mobbing behavior.  Crows are well known for their intelligence and adaptability, and unless they can get something for their trouble, they are not going to work for it.

Known for their deep caws and croaks, this all black bird is found in all open habitats and will eat anything that isn't protected, which includes the eggs of other birds.  They form large roosts during winter where thousands gather in trees.  Many of these roosts have been in the same area for a century.

                                                                  American Crow
                                                            Boomer Lake Park, 2015
Nests are stick platforms, preferentially in oaks or conifers, near the trunk, around two feet in diameter.  Where there are no trees, telephone poles, shrubs, and the ground are used.  Incubation is around eighteen days, and the young stay with their parents or a flock for an indeterminate period after fledging.

They usually avoid deserts and unbroken forest expanses, and are very social birds.  They will also form strong relationships with other species, using their powers of flight and foraging and trade this for help with gaining access to a carcass especially during the winter.  Even though they have large bills, their structure does not allow them to break through skin.

                                                                 American Crow
                                                          Boomer Lake Park, 2014

The common crow has eaten from outdoor dog dishes, taken fruit from trees, and carried small cups of water to moisten hard food.  They have eaten exhausted birds while resting from migration, and several together will provide distraction displays while others will take the food from mammals.

However, even the crow has empathy, and has provided moral support to sick and dying individuals.  Either one loves them or despises them, but there is never an in-between.  They are even aware that death means no longer existing, and hold funerals for their own species.

These passerines are susceptible to West Nile Virus and will usually pass within a week, even if cared for.  Suspicious of humans because of their mistreatment over the centuries, it is unusual for a crow to trust any of them.

For more photos of the American Crow and other birds:

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-land-of-plenty.html

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-north-meets-south-long-may-they-fly.html

090218 SNP Edition, Life at Boomer Lake

http://www.stwnewspress.com/news/lifestyles/life-at-boomer-lake-birds-will-get-rowdy-over-territory/article_89174caa-fe22-50f3-b83c-6818b8f5d7b2.html

Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Great Crested Flycatcher

Queeep! Wheeeep! or Krreeep! 

The Great Crested Flycatcher is common in mature deciduous forests, woodlots, shrubby habitat, old orchards, or parks usually found foraging for insects and berries from mid- or upper story branches.  Rarely in the open, this is a large and secretive flycatcher who still takes pride in sallying for insects.

Seen before it is heard, this large flycatcher arrives in Oklahoma in early April.  It is unmistakable with a bright sulphur belly and rufous wings and tail, located in eastern and central parts of our fine state.

                                                             
                                                               Great Crested Flycatcher
                                                               Boomer Lake Park, 2016

This cavity nester will use snags, birdhouses, live trees, and many manmade structures for nesting purposes from May through June.  Usually single brooded, the female will build the nest and  incubate, yet both sexes will handle the care of the young.  This insectivore is rarely located on the ground.  These birds tend to weave unusual items into their nests like snakeskin or plastic, simply because they can do so and find them out of the ordinary.  The former nest snag pictured above is no longer standing.  It met its demise a couple of years ago in a storm.

In the east, where most of these birds breed, males tend to congregate for roosting, but will arrive at the nest cavity shortly after sunrise to handle feeding the young birds.  Some of these roost sites in a large, old territory can have a couple of hundred unmated females and unsuccessful breeders.  As soon as the young are old enough to do so, they will also join these groups.

Usually avoiding coniferous forests, like those found in the boreal forest, the great crested favors second growth forest with open canopy landscape.  They enjoy many insects and spiders, and will consume fruit and berries to a smaller degree.

If you wish to attract a pair of these beautiful and unusual birds to your yard with the correct habitat, simply have a 1 3/4 inch hole in your bluebird nest box.  You can easily obtain a proper sized spade bit or hole saw for the job.

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/06/fruits-of-their-labors.html

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/06/potpourri-for-birding-soul.html

The above links shows more photos of  Great Crested Flycatchers with other birds seen that day!

Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Baltimore Oriole

Here, here, come right here, dear

A common bird of open deciduous woods or tall trees, this solitary bird forages in mid- to upper level story trees for larvae and insects.  It will also eat fruit unless it is during breeding season.  Nectar is also a favorite from tubular flowers in any season.

This male icterid received its name from the colors on Lord Baltimore's coat of arms.  It was also once named the Northern Oriole until the name split with the Bullock's Oriole.  The two species will readily hybridize.

The passerine is located in the Nearctic during the summer, mostly in the eastern portion of the US.  Some of these birds have been known to spend winters in the southern states, but they also do the same as far north as Maine, where one spent two out of three winters in Downeast Maine.

These blackbirds enjoy tall trees but will not resort to forest living,. Their adaptability can keep them happy in riparian areas, parks, orchards, forest edges, or stands of trees along rivers, as well as other similar and suitable habitat. 

                                                             Male Baltimore Oriole
                                                           Boomer Lake Park, 2014

When paired, the female constructs the nest on the outer parts of limbs, an intricately woven basketlike pouched structure.  It is on a horizontal limb at a fork, and has been known to withstand hurricanes.  They prefer to nest in elm, oak, cottonwood, willow, maple, and apple trees, where the most insects congregate to feed on smaller bugs.

During migration, it is best to provide the darkest fruits possible, as well as an ample supply of water for drinking and bathing.  They also enjoy dark jellies and hummingbird and oriole feeders.

Raptors, other icterids, squirrels, and domestic cats are normal predators of this species, as well as their young.

To see more photos of the Baltimore Oriole with other birds on those days:

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/06/pass-out-cigars-we-are-parents.html

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-charge-of-boomer-brigade.html

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2015/06/with-love-from-birdie.html

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2015/06/birds-of-feather-photographed-together.html

Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Tree Swallow

https://phys.org/news/2017-11-birds.html

These common birds nest in nestboxes or tree cavities over water or in open fields, where they will also forage for insects or berries.  They are the only swallows that can eat berries and seeds over a lengthy time period, which is why they can overwinter in the Middle Atlantic states.  They are found nearly everywhere there are large open populations of insects.

Like Purple Martins, Tree Swallows hunt in flight and pull insects from the air.  They will hunt over marshes in groups, then roost communally at night.  They breed in colonies where nest sites are available and associate with other swallow species.  Their song is a simple gurgle.

They prefer cavities in dead trees or snags, as long as it is over or near water.  The female builds a cup nest and usually lines it with feathers for her four to six eggs.  The male will watch the eggs, but he will not incubate them.  Both sexes will feed the young.

                                                                      Tree Swallow
                                                                   Red Slough, 2016

These songbirds are usually on the breed grounds between March and May.  Fall migration begins in July or August, with peaks in September or October.

A recent study shows that birds in agricultural areas are working harder to capture preferred prey.  Due to preferred food over wetlands and insecticide use, it was suspected that they could be shifting over to terrestrial protein.  That turned out not to be the case, for agricultural resident birds tended to weigh less overall.  Diet quality was much better in unadultered grassland as opposed to insecticide laden cropland.

Tree Swallows usually nest in the same area each year, but they may disperse if the nesting year is poor.  The male will attack the female during courtship, and she may wing-flutter to encourage subsequent behavior.  The male will hover over the female, and he will stand upon her wings to make cloacal contact, which holding her neck feathers in his bill.  Then he will bring her to the nest site, where they will raise and tend young.  She is dependent upon food sources and the weather to determine when she will begin laying eggs.

Diet is mostly flies, but they will also take seeds, berries and mollusks.

Genetics and Tree Swallows:

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2017/11/an-inside-look-at-tree-swallow-research.html

Tree Swallows and the Birds of McCurtain County:

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-birds-of-mccurtain-county-oklahoma.html

Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Upland Sandpiper

Due to loss of habitat, grazing, and hunting, this shorebird of the grasslands was once more abundant in native prairie and open grasslands of the Great Plains.

The upland plovers are related to curlews with a small head, white eyering, thin neck, and long tail supported by yellow legs, a short yellow bill with a dark tip, and a gentle, dovelike expression on its light face.

Nesting on four- to eight-inch tall grassy fields, migrants will also choose the same habitat, like recently mowed hay fields, blueberry barrens in the northeast, and playing fields.  Oklahoma egg dates are usually in May or June and are single brooded.

Mostly a migrant in Oklahoma, though still breeding in a small segment of the north central portion of the state, they perch upon fenceposts and telephone poles.  They enjoy common plains insects, as well as grain, seeds, and earthworms.

                                                                    Wikipedia.org

They will sometimes nest in loose colonies, with the nest on the ground in dense grass.  The parents
behave like a Killdeer with distraction displays, attempting to lure any possible predator away from the area.

Controlled burns could benefit the species, since they like short grassy fields.

Once known as Bartram's Sandpiper, this bird was named after American naturalist and artist  William Bartram.  He explored the American southeast, especially Florida, to record nature at its best, as well as native Americans and called his book Travels, which was very well received in Europe.   Ornithologist Alexander Wilson of Wilson's Phalarope fame named the sandpiper in honor of this classic.