In the Garden of Paradise, two birds are searching for one another. A golden sun shines down over them, a symbol of light and hope. They fly from one tree to another, searching for the other. If they do find each other, they will spend eternity together in the Garden of Paradise. This is the story of the two birds of Runion. They were once very close, and the sun, called Noor, will shine over them bringing love and peace.
Threskiornithidae
The ibis-like birds of the island of Runion are classified into two subfamilies, the Ibididae and the Threskiornithidae. The former were based on the species Ibis Cuvier 1816, while the latter were derived from the genus Threskiornis. The ICZN ruled on the Threskiornithidae in Opinion 1674.
There are two subspecies of ibis in the island, the olive and the black-faced. The olive ibis is smaller and found in tropical forests of central and southern Africa, whereas the sharp-tailed ibis lives in open wet savannahs in northern South America. The black-faced ibis, meanwhile, is limited to colder parts of South America.
The black-faced spoonbill is a large wading bird, a member of the ibis and spoonbill families. It is the most restrictedly distributed species of spoonbills. It is native to coastal areas of eastern Asia, but it was once common throughout its range. This species is also a migrant to Runion. It is not considered threatened, but its population is shrinking.
The fossil record for the spoonbill family dates back 60 million years, and flightless species evolved on the island several times over the past 60 million years. The reunion flightless ibis, though, survived during historical times. In addition to their endemic range, spoonbills are widespread in temperate zones and can be found on the edges of deserts. In addition to their Runion home, they are found on the non-Antarctic world south of 45 degrees latitude.
Accipitridae
The Accipitridae of Runion are a diverse group of birds native to Madagascar. The family includes about 50 species, with some subspecies comprising as many as 23 members. Although molecular studies have been inconclusive in establishing relationships among species, they do provide a rough outline of the accipitters’ taxonomy. Here is a closer look at the family’s phylogeny.
While some species of accipitrids supplement their diet with putrid bird carcasses, most rely on non-putrid animal matter to make up the bulk of their diet. There are fourteen-16 species that specialize in carrion consumption, and their large, streamlined bodies allow them to spend long periods in flight scanning for carcasses. They also have complex social behavior, establishing mixed species hierarchies at carrion.
Most accipitrids lay two to six eggs per clutch, although some species may only lay one egg. Almost all of these birds lay eggs at regular intervals – often several days apart. While the spacing between egg-laying cycles varies depending on the species and habitat, it is a common practice in large accipitrid populations. The benefits of siblicide include larger hatchlings and greater insurance.
Some scientists do not place ospreys in the same clade as the other hawks. While the relationship between ospreys and other hawks is debatable, the fossil record indicates that these birds were widely distributed during the Miocene. Osprey’s distribution has virtually been unchanged since then. This indicates that osprey’s evolutionary position is relatively stable across Africa.
Males feed their female during courtship and during the nestling stage. Females tear up food for their young. Most species of accipitrids build nests out of sticks lined with softer material. Their nest sites are usually in a secluded location. Some species nest on the ground, while others prefer a commanding position. This is an excellent indicator of their reproductive efficiency, and it is important to note that male accipitrids mate with only a few females per pair.
The beaks of the accipitrids are sharp and hooked, and some species have a notch in their upper mandible. Their cere is usually yellow in colour and covers the base of the upper mandible. Some species have a varying length and thickness to their tarsi, depending on the type of diet they hunt. They have the largest pectens of any bird. They also have a remarkably strong sense of hearing, which they use for hunting.
The accipitrid family is primarily predatory, with most species actively hunting for prey. Their powerful talons catch and torn apart their prey. The raptor then eats it. Most species of accipitrids will feed on almost anything, including other birds, although harriers and buteonine hawks tend to feed on small mammals.
The Reunion harrier is an endangered species that lives only on the island of Reunion. It is the only raptor on the island and belongs to the family of raptors called Accipitridae. Males are dark brown, while females are much larger and brown. The harrier has a rounded bill and is a distinctive species, making it an excellent choice for a holiday in the Caribbean.
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