Birds of a Feather: Vireonidae: Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, Erpornis
There are around 10,000 bird species on this planet, and this series will introduce you to some of the families that make up the class of birds known as Aves. We will review each family’s evolutionary history, distribution, natural history, fun facts, and look at conservation concerns for the family as a whole. This series is intended for birders who are looking for a deeper understanding of avian taxonomy and biology. This class is part of a series (more classes soon!). Each class is standalone and must be purchased separately.
Birds of a Feather: Vireonidae: Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, Erpornis
Perhaps you’ve been up on Mt. Tabor and heard the zu-wee of the Hutton’s Vireo, or the rambling call of the Warbling Vireo and thought who are these little songbirds related to? In the next part of our Birds of Feather series, we will discuss the evolution of these birds and their morphology. We will explore recent developments that have solved the biogeographic puzzle by placing these birds in a unique group with crows and other intelligent perching birds.
In the second part of the class, we will discuss the natural history and conservation of this exciting family. We will look at how these birds choose their mates, the role intelligence plays in their ecology, and how this diverse group of birds uses their hook-shaped bills to acquire their prey. Lastly, we talk about some conservation concerns that face the future of this beautiful family of birds.
