Swallow-Tailed Kite Research Articles

Birds of prey in the collections of the Šariš Museum in Bardejov (Slovakia)

Abstract In this study, data presented of birds of prey (Accipitriformes, Falconiformes) specimens deposited in the collection of the Šariš Museum in Bardejov (SMB), Slovakia. The work builds on previous studies highlighting the importance of the SMB museum collections, but also the importance of the museum on a global scale. In total, data of 437 individuals belonging to 22 species from 86 sites in eastern Slovakia were evaluated. Individuals were acquired in 1954–1985 (and two specimens of Buteo buteo in 1998), but mainly in 1962 (n = 63, 14.4%) and 1963 (n = 32, 7.3%). Moreover, one specimen of the Common Buzzard (B. buteo) had signs of „a dilution (isabel)” and one bird of the Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) had signs of „melanism“. The importance of the work also includes cataloguing, which provides important data on regional museums and their collections that can be significant not only regionally but also globally. Moreover, in the SMB collections there are also 20 specimens of 15 species of exotic Accipitriformes and Falconiformes [1 ex. – Accipiter striatus; 1 ex. – Buteo buteo; 1 ex. – B. ventralis; 1 ex. – Buteogallus gundlachii; 1 ex. – B. meridionalis; 1 ex. – Caracara plancus; 1 ex. – Elanoides forficatus; 5 ex. – Falco sparverius; 1 ex. – Geranoaetus polyosoma; 1 ex. – Gyps africanus; 1 ex. – Haliaeetus albicilla; 2 ex. – Ictinia plumbea; 1 ex. – Pandion haliaetus; 1 ex. – Rupornis magnirostris; 1 ex. – Vultur gryphus] originating mainly from Argentina and Cuba as well from Africa and Hungary.

Trio of Aplomado Falcons Captures a Swallow-Tailed Kite

Trio of Aplomado Falcons Captures a Swallow-Tailed Kite

Ordinal Date and Tree Diameter Influence Swallow-Tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) Nest Survival

ABSTRACT Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) continue to rebound from population declines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and they are considered a species of concern in several southeastern states in the United States. During 2018–2019, we located and monitored 132 active Swallow-tailed Kite nests in and around the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Wildlife and Environmental Area in southwest Florida, USA, to determine how nest site characteristics affect nest survival. Including both years, the earliest active nest (with eggs or young) was discovered on 12 March and the latest nest fledged young on 23 July. Modeled survival of nests from the onset of incubation to fledging was 57.7% (95% CI: 44.5–68.9) and apparent nest survival was 48.7%. Daily survival rate was negatively correlated with ordinal date. Consequently, nests initiated early in the nesting season (mid-March) were more than three times as likely to fledge young as nests initiated late in the season (mid-May). Daily nest survival was positively correlated with nest tree diameter at breast height, indicating that Swallow-tailed Kites had greater nest survival when using larger, more mature trees. We found 99.0% (n = 102) of Swallow-tailed Kite nests in south Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) trees and one nest in bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). Trees used for nesting in our study area were among the largest nest trees reported for the species. Our results suggest that the large pine trees and large cypress trees formerly available in old growth bottomland hardwoods and lowland pine forests of the United States may have provided superior nesting opportunities for Swallow-tailed Kites.

Microscopic Analysis of the Plumulaceous Feather Characteristics of Cathartiformes and Accipitriformes in North America

ABSTRACT Although variation in microscopic plumulaceous (downy) feather characters is known to be useful in taxonomic identifications of birds, the conserved characters unique to most avian orders remain understudied. We examined plumulaceous feather characters (morphometric and observed pigmentation patterns [qualitative]) within three avian families (Cathartidae, Pandionidae, Accipitridae) occurring in North America that often require taxonomic identification based on incomplete or fragmentary remains. We found significant quantitative differences among these three families for measurements of barbule length, node width, average number of nodes per barbule, and internode length. We observed additional differences in pigmentation patterns and spine distribution at nodes. Differences in pigment patterns and intensity are diagnostic for distinguishing Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) from Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) within Cathartidae. Further observed differences of a higher percentage of spined structures present at node junctions along the length of barbules are diagnostic of Pandionidae. Within Accipitridae, pigmentation patterns and pigment intensity separate Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) and White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) from all other taxa; and barbule length, together with average nodes per barbule is unique to Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) in the families examined in this study. Although significant differences in a combination of microscopic feather characters among species were seldom observed in this study, family level differences were consistently documented. Results support the use of a suite of microscopic characters in combination with macroscopic feather features, geographic distributions, molecular methods, and other circumstantial evidence to aid in the identification of species of birds from feathers.

History, Distribution, and Reproduction by the Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) in Arkansas

History, Distribution, and Reproduction by the Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) in Arkansas

Florida's Strategic Position for Collaborative Automated Telemetry Tracking of Avian Movements Across the Americas

Florida's Strategic Position for Collaborative Automated Telemetry Tracking of Avian Movements Across the Americas

Migración del gavilán cola de tijera (Elanoides forficatus) en la península de Guanahacabibes, Cuba

En el grupo de rapaces migratorias neotropicales que pasa por Cuba durante su travesía hacia el sur se encuentra el gavilán cola de tijera (Elanoides forficatus). En este estudio describimos la ruta migratoria de esta especie en Cuba a partir de conteos realizados diariamente desde las 06:00 h hasta las 18:00 h en el cabo de San Antonio, de julio a noviembre durante los años 2012-2015. Detallamos las fechas de inicio y de fin de la migración de la especie, así como el número de individuos registrados por hora. Establecemos dos picos de arribo de la especie con sus máximos valores entre las 08:00 y 10:00 h y entre las 16:00 y 18:00 h. Los conteos nos sugieren que la especie migra hacia Cuba desde mediados de julio hasta finales de septiembre con un pico migratorio en agosto. La cantidad de individuos que detectamos por año ha ido en aumento y el mayor avistamiento lo logramos en 2014: 2,841 individuos. Relacionamos la abundancia de la especie con variables climáticas. El estudio confirma la importancia de la península de Guanahacabibes para esta rapaz migratoria y constituye el principal corredor migratorio de la especie en el caribe insular.

Breeding Biology and Diet of the African Swallow-Tailed Kite (Chelictinia riocourii) in Senegal and Cameroon

We studied the breeding biology of the African Swallow-tailed Kite (Chelictinia riocourii) in two study areas located 3400 km apart in the central (Cameroon) and western (Senegal) portions of the species' breeding range. With 110 nests in 2.8 km2 of suitable breeding habitat, Kousmar islet (23 km2) in Senegal supports the largest documented colony of African Swallow-tailed Kites known to date. Breeding kites in Senegal nested in a single large colony near a massive winter roost. In Cameroon, breeding colonies averaged seven pairs/colony, with nest densities of 0.3 nests/km2 in protected woodland and 0.9 nests/km2 in cultivated habitat. Egg-laying coincided with the end of the dry season in Cameroon, but eggs were recorded from the middle of the dry season in Senegal. Eggs hatched between April and June in both study sites in 2010, but from March 2012 in Senegal. The incubation period was estimated at 27–31 d based on two nests, and the fledging period was 32–35 d (n = 3 fledglings). Mean clutch size was 2.5 eggs (n = 32) in Cameroon and 2.1 in Senegal (n = 29); one clutch of four eggs was recorded in Cameroon. Nest success estimated with the Mayfield method was low at 17% in Cameroon and exceptionally low at 4% in Senegal, possibly related to a combination of suboptimal food conditions, high predation pressure, intraspecific aggression, and lack of experience among breeding pairs. Prey items at nests were made up primarily of lizards (30–54% of items) and insects (27–49%), notably grasshoppers, whereas the diet at the winter roost in Senegal was predominantly Orthoptera (55%) and Solifugids (43%). Our study suggested that African Swallow-tailed Kites were able to adapt to moderate land transformation near floodplains.Estudiamos la biología reproductiva de Chelictinia riocourii en dos áreas de estudio ubicadas a 3400 km una de otra, en las porciones central (Camerún) y oeste (Senegal) del área de reproducción de la especie. Con 110 nidos en 2.8 km2 de hábitat reproductivo adecuado, el islote de Kousmar (23 km2) en Senegal alberga la mayor colonia de C. riocourii documentada a la fecha. Los individuos reproductivos en Senegal anidaron en una colonia individual grande cerca de un dormidero masivo de invierno. En Camerún, las colonias reproductivas promediaron siete pares/colonia, con densidades de nido de 0.3 nidos/km2 en bosques protegidos y 0.9 nidos/km2 en hábitats cultivados. La puesta de huevos coincidió con el final de la época seca en Camerún, pero en Senegal se registraron huevos a partir de la mitad de la época seca. Los huevos eclosionaron entre abril y junio en ambos sitios de estudio en 2010 y en Senegal a partir de marzo. El período de incubación se estimó en 27–31 días basado en dos nidos, y el período de emplumamiento fue de 32–35 días (n = 3 volantones). El tamaño medio de nidada fue de 2.5 huevos (n = 32) en Camerún y de 2.1 en Senegal (n = 29); una nidada de cuatro huevos se registró en Camerún. El éxito del nido estimado con el método Mayfield fue bajo con 17% en Camerún y excepcionalmente bajo con 4% en Senegal, posiblemente relacionado a la combinación de condiciones alimenticias sub-óptimas, alta presión de depredadores, agresión intra-específica y la falta de experiencia entre los pares reproductivos. Las piezas de presa en los nidos se compusieron principalmente de lagartos (30–54% de las presas) e insectos (27–49%), notablemente saltamontes, mientras que la dieta en los dormideros de invierno en Senegal estuvo compuesta principalmente por Orthoptera (55%) y Solífugos (43%). Nuestro estudio sugiere que los individuos de C. riocourii pudieron adaptarse a una transformación moderada del suelo cerca de las planicies aluviales.

Ecology and Management of Sheoak (Casuarina spp.), an Invader of Coastal Florida, U.S.A.

The Casuarina spp. are invasive plants in Florida that threaten biological diversity and beach integrity of coastal habitats. The trees include three species and their hybrids that aggressively invade riverine and coastal areas. Of the three species, C. equisetifolia and C. glauca are highly salt tolerant and widespread in coastal areas. The third species, C. cunninghamiana, invades riverine habitats. These species pose dangers to both the environment and public safety. The environmental damage includes interfering with nesting by endangered sea turtles, American crocodiles, and the rare swallow-tailed kite. Additionally, allelochemical leachates reduce germination and establishment of native vegetation. Casuarina-infested beaches are more prone to sand loss and erosion. Moreover, with shallow roots and tall canopies, they are among the first trees to fall in high winds and as such restrict evacuation efforts during hurricanes. Control of these species is mostly with herbicides, requiring repeated applications and monitoring. One of the most cost-effective means of controlling these invasive species would be with classical biological control. Australian surveys for potential biological control agents began in 2004, resulting in the discovery of several promising candidates. These include seed-feeding torymid wasps, defoliating caterpillars and weevils, leaf tip gall-formers from cecidomyiid midges, and sap-feeding psyllids. Continued work is needed to determine the suitability of these species for biological control. Despite conflicts of interest expressed by some homeowners and the agricultural industry who value the trees for shade and windbreaks, there are good prospects for safe and effective biological control of these invasive species.

Reproductive Status of Swallow-Tailed Kites in East-Central Arkansas

Abstract The Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) formerly bred in Arkansas, but no nesting attempts were observed in the state for over a century. We initiated a study in 2001 to investigate the species' reproductive status in east-central Arkansas, USA. We located five nests between 2001 and 2009, all of which failed. Two nests were abandoned (one due to researcher caused disturbance), one failure was likely caused by a Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) or Barred Owl (Strix varia), one was suspected to be caused by a rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta), and one failed from unknown causes. Nests were built in overcup (Quercus lyrata) and Nuttall oaks (Q. texana) with a mean (± SD) diameter at breast height of 83.92 ± 7.20 cm, mean tree height of 31.28 ± 4.78 m, and mean projection of 7.15 ± 5.66 m above surrounding trees. Nests were at a mean height of 25.09 ± 4.85 m and positioned 0.30 ± 2.36 m above the surrounding trees. All nests were within a circular area 4 km in diameter. Our discovery of a nest ...

Gastrointestinal Parasites of the Swallow-Tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), Including a Report of Lesions Associated with the Nematode Dispharynx sp

Abstract Endoparasites of raptors are rarely documented to cause pathogenecity. We examined 60 live and 5 salvaged Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) for gastrointestinal parasites. Methods included screening excreta collected from nestling and adult kites and their nests and dissecting the alimentary canals of salvaged nestlings. Kites hosted the following helminths (nematodes: Dispharynx sp., Procyrnea sp., and an immature ascarid; trematodes: Order Strigeatida; cestodes: Taenia vexata; acanthocephalan: Centrorhynchus spinosus), and two taxa of protozoans (Phylum Sporozoa: unidentified coccidia; and Phylum Metamonada: Giardia sp.). Two of 43 nestlings we examined during banding hosted larval Protocalliphora sp. (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Helminth prevalence was 27.7%, with trematodes and nematodes being most prevalent, 13.8% and 10.8% respectively (n = 65). The prevalence of Dispharynx sp. in first-year kites was 11.5% (n = 52). Dispharynx sp. caused stomach lesions in two first-year kites.

Predators of the Swallow-Tailed Kite in Southern Louisiana and Mississippi

We quantified predation on Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) eggs, nestlings, fledglings, and adults on the breeding grounds, Louisiana and Mississippi, U.S.A. Methods included monitoring nests and radio-tagged kites, as well as using Principal Components Analysis to quantify the mobbing intensity of adults toward potential avian predators and other birds that approached nests. We detected 65 predation events while monitoring 317 nesting attempts (1997–2006) and 103 radio-tagged kites (90 fledglings, 13 breeding adults). Predation-related mortality (108–116 depredated kites and eggs) was caused primarily by raptors: 46.0–46.7% by Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), 1.7–1.8% by Barred Owl (Strix varia), 0.9% by a Red-shouldered or Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo lineatus, B. platypterus), and 44.9–45.3% by unidentified raptors. Climbing predators were responsible for the remaining predation: 5.1–6.1% by North American rat snakes (Pantherophis [= Elaphe spp.]) and 0.9% by raccoon (Procyon lotor). Kite mobbing behavior during nest defense confirmed the importance of the two owl predators and implicated additional avian predators (e.g., Bald Eagle [Haliaeetus leucocephalus] and Red-tailed Hawk [B. jamaicensis]) not detected through other methods, although kites sometimes mobbed nonpredators. Altogether, the combined methods indicated that the Great Horned Owl is not only the most frequently documented predator of the Swallow-tailed Kite population under study, but also the only predator known to kill kite adults.

New genera and species of feather mites of the family Gabuciniidae (Astigmata: Pterolichoidea) from New World raptors (Aves: Falconiformes)

AbstractWe describe four new species of feather mites of the family Gabuciniidae collected from Accipitridae and Falconidae (Falconiformes) from South and North America. Three of these belong to new genera, Metagabuciniagen. nov. with one new species and Proaposolenidiagen. nov. with two new species. We also describe one new species of the genus Aposolenidia Gaud and Atyeo. The new species and host records are Aposolenidia striatasp. nov. from the pearl kite, Gampsonyx swainsonii Vigors, Metagabucinia caracaraesp. nov. from the red-throated caracara, Ibycter americanus (Boddaert), Proaposolenidia accipitrissp. nov. from the Cooper’s hawk, Accipiter cooperii (Bonaparte), and Proaposolenidia elanoidessp. nov. from the swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (Linnaeus). Aposolenidia, Metagabucinia, and Proaposolenidia constitute a morphologically distinct group within the Gabuciniidae. This “Aposolenidia genus group” is characterized by the following features: bases of epimerites of legs I and II inflated, ball-shaped, heavily sclerotized, and connected by sclerotized dorsolateral bridges; tarsi of legs I and II with dorsal walls strongly thickened and dorsobasal part of tarsus I inflated. Members of this group coexist on falconiforms with other gabuciniid taxa that exhibit longer and more extensively sclerotized bodies, such as the genera Aetacarus Gaud and Atyeo, Hieracolichus Gaud and Atyeo, and Ramogabucinia Gaud and Atyeo.

A new feather mite, Aetacarus elanoides sp. n. (Acari: Gabuci-niidae), from the Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus (Linnaeus) (Falconiformes: Accipitridae; Perninae)

We describe a new species of the feather mite genus Aetacarus Gaud & Atyeo, 1975 from the norther n subspecies of the Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus forficatus (Linnaeus) (Falconiformes: Accipitridae) from the southeastern U.S.A. Aetacarus elanoides sp. n. differs from other described species in the genus by the following combination of features: male with terminal membranes as wide as or wider a t base than long and seta e h1 slightly spatulate a t tip; female with spatulate-mucronate seta e e2 and thick spine-like setae h1. This represents the first described feather mite from E. forficatus, and the first Aetacarus species described from a New World host.

Tracking Desire: A Journey after Swallow-tailed Kites

Tracking Desire: A Journey after Swallow-tailed Kites

Food Deliveries at Swallow-Tailed Kite Nests in Southern Florida

Abstract We studied the diets of nesting Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) at eight nests in 1988–1989 in southern Florida, where the species reaches its greatest abundance in the United States. Males fed females during the incubation stage an average of 2.1 ± 0.8 times per day. The adults averaged 10.9 ± 4.5 deliveries daily during the nestling stage, and 10.3 ± 12.5 deliveries to young daily following nest departure. Vertebrates comprised 97% of the biomass for the 1092 identifiable prey items delivered to nests. Frogs accounted for 56%, birds 30%, and reptiles 11% of all prey. Numerically, frogs made up 83% of the reptile and amphibian prey. The relative proportions of prey types varied substantially among nests within years, and significantly more snakes and insects were delivered in 1989. Total biomass delivered in 1988 did not differ from that in 1989. Bird biomass, however, was greater in 1988 and insect biomass was greater in 1989. Anoles and snakes were brought to nests in larger numbers during the morning and evening hours; and birds were delivered mainly from midmorning to midafternoon. Entregas de Alimentos en Nidos de Elanoides forficatus en el Sur de Florida Resumen. Durante 1988 y 1989 estudiamos la dieta de los polluelos de Elanoides forficatus en ocho nidos localizados en el sur de la Florida, donde la especie alcanza su mayor abundancia de nidificacion dentro de los Estados Unidos. Durante la incubación, los machos alimentaron a las hembras un promedio de 2.1 ± 0.8 veces por día. Durante la etapa de polluelos, los adultos hicieron un promedio de 10.9 ± 4.5 entregas diarias y un promedio de 10.3 ± 12.5 entregas diarias después de abandonar el nido. Los vertebrados comprendieron el 97% de la biomasa de las 1092 presas identificables entregadas en los nidos. Las ranas constituyeron el 56%, las aves el 30% y los reptiles el 11% del total de las presas. Numéricamente, las ranas constituyeron el 83% de la herpetofauna depredada. Las proporciones relativas de los tipos de presa variaron substancialmente entre los nidos a través de los años, y considerablemente más serpientes e insectos fueron entregados en 1989. La biomasa total entregada durante 1988 no difirió de la observada en 1989. Sin embargo, la biomasa de las aves fue mayor en 1988, mientras que la de los insectos fue mayor en 1989. Las lagartijas y serpientes fueron entregadas a los nidos en mayor cantidad durante las horas de la mañana y de la tarde, mientras que las aves fueron entregadas principalmente desde la mitad de la mañana hasta la mitad de la tarde.

FOOD DELIVERIES AT SWALLOW-TAILED KITE NESTS IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA

Abstract We studied the diets of nesting Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) at eight nests in 1988–1989 in southern Florida, where the species reaches its greatest abundance in the United States. Males fed females during the incubation stage an average of 2.1 ± 0.8 times per day. The adults averaged 10.9 ± 4.5 deliveries daily during the nestling stage, and 10.3 ± 12.5 deliveries to young daily following nest departure. Vertebrates comprised 97% of the biomass for the 1092 identifiable prey items delivered to nests. Frogs accounted for 56%, birds 30%, and reptiles 11% of all prey. Numerically, frogs made up 83% of the reptile and amphibian prey. The relative proportions of prey types varied substantially among nests within years, and significantly more snakes and insects were delivered in 1989. Total biomass delivered in 1988 did not differ from that in 1989. Bird biomass, however, was greater in 1988 and insect biomass was greater in 1989. Anoles and snakes were brought to nests in larger number...

FOOD DELIVERED TO NESTS OF SWALLOW-TAILED KITES IN TIKAL NATIONAL PARK, GUATEMALA

Abstract In 1990 and 1991, we studied Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus yetapa) diets by recording food delivered to nests in northern Guatemala. Kites delivered primarily vertebrates to incubating mates. During the nestling period, 62% of 1496 prey deliveries were insects, 18% nestling birds, and 10% lizards; frogs and fruit were brought infrequently. Coleopterans and hymenopterans were the most frequent insects delivered. Birds comprised most of the biomass. Lizard deliveries were most frequent early in the nesting season, whereas insect prey were infrequent until after the first rains, in late May. Compared to E. f. forficatus in Florida, E. f. yetapa provided more insects and fewer frogs, and did not adjust feeding rates based on brood size. Swallow-tailed Kites delivered more vertebrates, particularly birds, than sympatric Plumbeous Kites (Ictinia plumbea), and used different foraging space and hunting techniques than sympatric Double-toothed Kites (Harpagus bidentata) and Gray-headed Kites (...

Swallow-tailed Kites Carry Passerine Nests Containing Nestlings to Their Own Nests

During 1995–2001, I documented 20 instances of Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) carrying nests containing nestlings of six passerine species to their nests or roosts adjacent to kite nests in the Pearl River Basin (Mississippi and Louisiana) and Atchafalaya River Basin (Louisiana). This parental behavior is adaptive because it reduces time away from the nest, which reduces the amount of time that nestlings are left unguarded against avian predators. Nest carrying also reduces the amount of energy expended to transport prey to offspring, and may diminish loss of prey to kleptoparasitism.

Great Texas birds

Preface by Suzanne Winckler Acknowledgments Introduction by John P. O'Neill Brown Pelican by Bill Graber Green Heron by Jim Peterson Reddish Egret by Rose Ann Rowlett Roseate Spoonbill by Stephen Harrigan Black-bellied Whistling Duck by Stephen E. Chip Labuda Jr. Wood Duck by Roy Bedicheck Swallow-tailed Kite by David Braun Harris's Hawk by Greg Lasley Crested Caracara by Father Tom Pincelli Plain Chachalaca by John Rowlett Greater Prairie-Chicken by Edgar B. Kincaid Jr. Northern Bobwhite by Rochelle Plasse Montezuma Quail by Frederick R. Gehlbach Wild Turkey by Edward A. Kutac Sandhill Crane by John Graves Purple Gallinule by Robert Behrstock Ruddy Turnstone by Robin Doughty Long-billed Curlew by Fred Collins Black-necked Stilt by Ted Lee Eubanks Least Tern by Douglas Slack White-winged Dove by Sally Graves Jackson Greater Roadrunner by Jim Bones Elf Owl by Pauline James as told to Leticia A. Alamia Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Ernest Franzgrote Black-chinned Hummingbird by Peter Scott Blue-throated Hummingbird by Roland Ro Wauer Green Kingfisher by Keith Arnold Golden-fronted Woodpecker by June Osborne Scissor-tailed Flycatcher by Lawrence Wright Vermilion Flycatcher by John and Gloria Tveten Cave Swallow by Kenn Kaufman Blue Jay by Ben Feltner Green Jay by John Arvin Northern Mockingbird by Michael Braun Curve-billed Thrasher by John P. O'Neill wood thrush by James A. Tucker eastern bluebird by David E. Wolf Black-capped Vireo by Terry C. Maxwell Golden-cheeked Warbler by Charles Sexton Yellow-breasted Chat by Suzanne Winckler Hooded Warbler by Victor Emanuel Painted Redstart by Kelly B. Bryan Altamira Oriole by F. P. TonyBennett Summer Tanager by Robert and Karen Benson Northern Cardinal by Fred Webster Pyrrhuloxia by Holly Carver Painted Bunting by Marie Webster Black-throated Sparrow by Randell Beavers About the Artist and the Contributors A Poem: The Law of Transmigration by Paul Turner