Photo: © Shutterstock.com/Stefan Scharf. The northern carmine bee-eater (Merops nubicus) is easily distinguished by its dark throat from its sister species, Merops nubicoides, which boasts a shocking pink throat Even among the myriad dazzling species of Africa, this bee-eater stands out with…
Photo: Rick van Groningen. Elaborately decorated showcases and aviaries are the order of the day at the Bird Experience Oirschot in Holland Each year, the Bird Experience Oirschot in Holland puts on an extraordinary event that showcases its members’ softbills in…
Photo: © Shutterstock.com/Jonathan Chancasana. Giant hummingbird: on a quick view, this bird can be mistaken for a swallow! Here is a bird that has to be seen to be believed, says BILL NAYLOR, so why have zoos stopped keeping the sword-billed hummingbird…
Photo: © Shutterstock.com/nitat/cowboy54. Male (left) rufous-bellied niltava. Note that the cock’s underparts are variably coloured between individuals, ranging from rich yellow to orange. The flycatchers of the Orient comprise some of the planet’s most desirable softbills. Once, the most familiar in aviculture…
Photo: © Shutterstock.com/Kasikun_Kamol. Nothing like it: two hoopoes show off their unique plumage pattern Perhaps the ultimate in crested birds, the exotic hoopoe is perfectly possible to breed in straightforward aviary conditions, reports German softbill expert THOMAS WENDT. UNTIL about 15 years ago,…
Photo: Gary Bralsford. A new species Gary has acquired to try to breed from next year: fine-spotted woodpecker (Campethera punctuligera) With his breeding season nearly over, GARY BRALSFORD takes stock of some splendid highlights – and takes the opportunity to…
Above: White-fronted bee-eaters are stunning even by the standards of their family. This and three other bee-eater species are thriving at a very well-run private set-up that Gary reports on, © Shutterstock.com/Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH As the weather starts to turn, GARY BRALSFORD…
Photo: Gary Bralsford. Gary’s royal starlings at their nest-box. The outer covering is cork bark The action’s coming thick and fast in GARY BRALSFORD’s set-up, where his new birdroom extension is now finished, and the inhabitants are celebrating their accommodation…
Photo: Gary Bralsford. Gary’s breeding season has gone from strength to strength, particularly with his royal starlings. So far, the parents have been good feeders As late summer approaches, Gary Bralsford and his fellow softbill enthusiasts are starting to feel it’s…