Pic of the Day

Great Kiskadee, Pitagus sulphuratus:  Quinta Mazatlan; McAllen, Texas

     In the United States the Great Kiskadee is found only in the horn of Texas.  Outside of the U.S. it ranges through Mexico, Central America, and most of South America.  It is a large Tyrant Flycatcher in the genus Pitangus.  According to Wikipedia, “The call of the Great Kiskade is an exuberant “BEE-tee-WEE.”  Roger Tory Peterson, in his Field Guide to the Birds of Texas, Describes the call as: “get-ter-heck.”  In his “Field Guide to Western Birds,” he also describes the call as “kis-Ka-deer!.”  The National Geographic’s “Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” gives the call as “kis-ka-dee.”  To hear recordings of the Great Kiskadee click this link: http://birds.audubon.org/birds/great-kiskadee

     I took this photo at the bird feeding station while visiting Quinta Mazatlan, in the heart of McAllen Texas.  A couple of pairs of Kiskadees were stageing on branches before dropping to the feeders.  I also observed the birds flycatching.  By the way, when I heard the birds call, it sounded like “kis-ka-dee” to me.
     Also see post for Tuesday, November 18.  Click this link for more info on birding at Quinta Mazatlan:  www.quintamazatlan.com

Top:  Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/320 @ f6.3

Bottom: Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/250 @ f7.1