Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)
Meaning: Named after Acadia, a region in the Northeastern end of the North American continent, this bird is a skilled insect catcher.
Fact: The Acadian Flycatcher is known for its distinctive “pit-seet” call and prefers forest habitats near water sources. It intricately weaves a hammock-like nest which is a marvel of avian architecture.
Accentor (Genus: Prunella)
Meaning: The name ‘Accentor’ comes from the Latin for ‘sing better’ because of their beautiful and varied song.
Fact: This group of birds can be found primarily in the Palearctic realm, with the Alpine Accentor perching at elevations as high as 10,000 feet in the mountains of Europe and Asia.
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
Meaning: As the name suggests, these birds are known for storing acorns in the holes they peck in trees.
Fact: Acorn Woodpeckers live in large communal groups and are known for their granary trees, where they can store thousands of acorns meticulously sorted into individually drilled holes.
Acre Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus capitalis)
Meaning: Named after its occurrence around the Acre region in South America, it’s a tiny flycatcher with ‘tody’ referring to its resemblance to the Tody birds of the Caribbean.
Fact: This elusive bird is often heard but not seen, blending into the dense Amazonian forest where it flits about in the lower canopy layer.
Accipiter Hawk (Genus: Accipiter)
Meaning: The term ‘Accipiter’ is derived from the Latin word for hawk, specifically a bird of prey with short rounded wings and a long tail, adept at navigating through dense foliage.
Fact: The Sharp-shinned Hawk, a member of this genus, is the smallest hawk in North America and showcases remarkable agility as it pursues its prey through the trees.
Aceh Bulbul (Pycnonotus snouckaerti)
Meaning: Named after the Aceh region in Sumatra, where it was first identified.
Fact: This species of bulbul is not just limited to Aceh but is endemic to the island of Sumatra, where it enjoys the subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Acklins Ground Dove (Columbina passerina insularis)
Meaning: Named after the Acklins Islands in the Bahamas, where this particular subspecies can be found.
Fact: Acklins Ground Doves are known for their resilience and ability to find freshwater sources, which is essential for their survival on the islands.
Aceh Pheasant (Lophura hoogerwerfi)
Meaning: Discovered in the Aceh province of Sumatra, it’s named after the Dutch ornithologist Hoogerwerf who found them.
Fact: This bird is known for its brilliant plumage and elusive nature. It’s considered critically endangered mainly due to habitat loss and is a high-priority conservation species.
Acute Tern – Sharpwingus anglesii
Meaning: Celebrated for its sharp-angled dives into the water, this bird’s hunting technique is both acute and precise.
Fact: The Acute Tern has developed an advanced aerodynamic shape that allows it to cut through the air and water with minimal resistance. Its dives are so precise that it rarely misses its target.
