BIRDS. (feathered kind---part one).

BLACK SWAN. (Cygnus Atratus )

is a large water bird, a species of swan which breeds mainly in the south-east and south west regions of Australia. They are monogamous breeders that share incubation duties and cygnet rearing between the sexes. Black swans are popular birds in zoological gardens and bird collections. Cobs (males) are slightly larger than Pens (females) with a longer straighter bill.

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EURASIAN JAY. ( Garrulus Glandarius ).

is a species of bird occurring over a vast region from western Europe and north-west Africa to the Indian subcontinent and further to the eastern seaboard of Asia and down into south-east Asia. Its about the size of a Jackdaw, it inhabits mixed woodland, particularly with Oaks and is an habitual acorn hoarder. It nests in trees or large shrubs laying usually 4 - 6 eggs that hatch after 16 - 19 days. Both sexes feed their young.

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JAVA SPARROW ( Lonchura Oryzivora ).

is a small Passerine bird. It is a very popular cage bird. The Java Sparrow is a very gregarious bird which feeds mainly on grain and other seeds. It frequents open grassland and cultivation, and was formerly a pest in Rice fields. The nest is constructed in a tree or building and up to eight eggs are laid.

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LITTLE EGRET ( Egretta Garzetta ).

is a small white Heron. The adult little Egret is 55 - 65cm long with an 88 - 106cm wingspan and weighs 350 - 550 grams. Its plumage is all white. Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The little Egret nests in colonies, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs or in a reed bed or bamboo grove. Three to five eggs are incubated by both adults for 21 - 25 days to hatching. Both sexes defend their small breeding territory.

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MACAWS.

are long tailed, colourful new world Parrots. Macaws are native to central America ( especially Mexico ), south America and formerly the Caribbean. Most species are associated with rain forests, but some prefer woodland. Sometimes Macaws are hybridised for the pet trade. Macaws eat a variety of foods including seeds, nuts, fruits, palm fruits, leaves, flowers and stems.

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MASKED LAPWING ( Vanellus Miles ).

is a large, common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent, and New Zealand. It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms. Masked Lapwings are most common around the edges of wetlands and in other moist, open environments. They can also be found on beaches and coastlines. They are shy and harmless in summer and autumn but are best known for their bold nesting habits, being quite prepared to make a nest on almost any stretch of open ground, including suburban parks and gardens and flat rooftops. The nesting pair defends their territory against all intruders. 

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NORTHERN BALD IBIS ( Geronticus Eremita ).

is a migratory bird found in barren, semi desert or rocky habitats, often close to running water. This 28 - 31inch glossy black Ibis is non-wading, has an unfeathered red face and a long curved red bill. It breeds colonially on coastal or mountain cliff ledges, where it lays two to three eggs in a stick nest. It feeds on lizards, insects and other small animals. This bird is now considered critically endangered. There are believed to be about 500 wild birds remaining in southern Morocco and fewer than 10 in Syria.

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QUAIL ( Coturnix Coturnix ).

is a small bird in the Pheasant family. It is widespread and is found in parts of Europe. It is a small, round bird essentially streaked brown with a white eyestripe and the male a white chin. This is a terrestrial species feeding on seeds and insects on the ground. It is notoriously difficult to see, keeping hidden in crops and reluctant to fly, preferring to creep away into cover. Upon attaining an age of 6 - 8 weeks this Quail breeds on open arable farmland and grassland across most of Europe and Asia, it lays 6 - 12 eggs in a ground nest. The eggs take from 16 - 18 days to hatch.

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