¡Pequeños Huéspedes de México!
These birds were most unusual guests to the Project Wildlife Care Center and with a story. They were first confiscated at the Mexican border from alleged smugglers. Their temporary custodian, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife officer, was travelling for the holidays, so we had an opportunity to host them. They were timid and frightened, and they did not chirp a single note that morning! After the New Year (photos were taken on 22 December 2006), they were to be "deported" to their homeland.
Blue Grosbeak/Picogordo Azul
Passerina caerulea
They were formerly classified in their own
genus (Guiraca).
Fellow Cardinalidae are depicted on the seed
label in the background.
He was flighty.
White-collared Seedeater/Semilleros de collar
Sporophila torqueola
She was the calmest most petrified of the
visitors.
Whereabouts of his tail -- unknown
These Seedeaters would not even touch the spray millet offered to them!
Both species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The Blue Grosbeaks claim Southern California and the south states in general as breeding territory. The White-collared Seedeaters are included on the list, as small marginal flocks cross into southern Texas during the summer months.
Blue Grosbeak/Picogordo Azul
Passerina caerulea
They were formerly classified in their own
genus (Guiraca).
Fellow Cardinalidae are depicted on the seed
label in the background.
He was flighty.
White-collared Seedeater/Semilleros de collar
Sporophila torqueola
She was the calmest most petrified of the
visitors.
Whereabouts of his tail -- unknown
These Seedeaters would not even touch the spray millet offered to them!
Both species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The Blue Grosbeaks claim Southern California and the south states in general as breeding territory. The White-collared Seedeaters are included on the list, as small marginal flocks cross into southern Texas during the summer months.