I have thoroughly enjoyed watching collared doves somehow managing to raise multiple broods while "nesting" on the support bar of my neighbour's satellite dish. Their song could do with an update, though.
As an unrivalled expert in the naming of species in terms of doodahs and thingummajigs I might well have come up with "Shoveler" to describe that giant beaked duck thingy in the photo. Can you give us any more examples of birds that got their names in this way? I'm guessing that crows and cuckoos were named for the noise they make?
Off the top of my head: hoopoe, kittiwake, chiffchaff, cuckoo are all named after their sounds. Crow, too, although that’s not completely certain, I don’t think – but it’s similar in other north European languages (kraai, krage, kråka) and all of those feel onomatopoeic. Obvious birds named after what they do include wagtail, shearwater, woodpecker, flycatcher, treecreeper… I thoroughly recommend Stephen Moss’s Mrs Moreau’s Warbler: How Birds Got Their Names if you’re interested in this kind of thing. It’s all in there.
I have grown quite fond of the Rock Doves and Wood Pigeons who haunt this neighbourhood. I love the varieties in their colouring - saw a chocolate brown-and-white one in the city centre the other day. A pure delight!
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching collared doves somehow managing to raise multiple broods while "nesting" on the support bar of my neighbour's satellite dish. Their song could do with an update, though.
Brilliant as ever. Thanks Lev.
As an unrivalled expert in the naming of species in terms of doodahs and thingummajigs I might well have come up with "Shoveler" to describe that giant beaked duck thingy in the photo. Can you give us any more examples of birds that got their names in this way? I'm guessing that crows and cuckoos were named for the noise they make?
Off the top of my head: hoopoe, kittiwake, chiffchaff, cuckoo are all named after their sounds. Crow, too, although that’s not completely certain, I don’t think – but it’s similar in other north European languages (kraai, krage, kråka) and all of those feel onomatopoeic. Obvious birds named after what they do include wagtail, shearwater, woodpecker, flycatcher, treecreeper… I thoroughly recommend Stephen Moss’s Mrs Moreau’s Warbler: How Birds Got Their Names if you’re interested in this kind of thing. It’s all in there.
Ooh I shall look into that. Thanks Lev
I love sitting down with this post of birdy joy each week. Thanks Lev :0)
My, I wouldn't want to encounter a Buller’s Albatross! (in the best bird photos)
The first section here is very amusing. My father used to always call swans 'whte doodahs' specifically to annoy me i think.
Collared Doves often nest somewhere near our flat and are always lovely neighbourghs, I particularly like watching their display flights.
I occasionally see Shovelers and female Ruffs, but have never yet seen a male Ruff (well not in breeding plumage anyway).
The photos at the link are beautiful.
Dear Mr. Parikian, you are my favourite new Substack! I've shared you with my squillions of facebook friends. Bird nerds unite!
P.S. I really needed a laugh this morning, thanks for that)
I do love
a collared dove
hoo-HOO-hooing
from above
Was delighted to read description of kestrel that I fancy for myself (russet coloured skulker, eyeing with quiet menace)…
I have grown quite fond of the Rock Doves and Wood Pigeons who haunt this neighbourhood. I love the varieties in their colouring - saw a chocolate brown-and-white one in the city centre the other day. A pure delight!