Top 10 Birds
Good morning bird lovers!
We all love birds. But did you know that some birds are better than others? It’s true. As with any animal class, some bird species are valedictorian, while others lack the vale and the torian and are just dics.
Fortunately, the editors here have used criteria and methodology to assemble an accurate list of the top 10 birds. Do you agree with their picks?
10. 'OMA'O (Hawaii)
Of all the world’s thrushes, this one thrushes the hardest. You need to when you’re on the world’s most isolated island chain.
9. CHIFFCHAFF (Europe)
It’s cute enough when they chiff. But man, when they chaff? It melts our hearts every time.
8. LOGGERHEAD KINGBIRD (Caribbean)
Some might think that being great comes naturally to a bird with “king” in its name. But the loggers on its head give it that extra edge needed to penetrate the top 10.
7. OAK TITMOUSE (USA)
Ask any American what her favorite things in the world are, and “oak,” “tits,” and “mice” are nearly certain to top the list. Put them all in one adorable passerine? It’s almost too much.
6. LESSER GOLDFINCH (USA)
“Lesser” my yellow rump. These feathered bumblebees compensate for their name with a distinctly southwestern swagger.
5. BROWN CREEPER (USA)
It’s brown. It creeps. ‘nuff said.
4. BUSH STONE CURLEW (Australia)
Oh wow. The curves, the lines, the geometry on this one. It’s like out of a painting. A painting of a bird, standing in some brush or something.
3. HOUSE SPARROW (Earth)
Six continents can’t be wrong.
2. JACKDAW (Europe)
With a name manly enough to be a Romney or Palin son, the jackdaw takes its rightful seat in the runner-up slot.
And the world’s number one bird? Our editors haggled over some of the placements, but this one was a runaway unanimous pick. No other bird in the world can measure up to the understatedly flamboyant, cautiously spontaneous, contrived authenticity of the. . .
1. SILVER-HEADED INDIGO TANAGER (Manhattan and Palm Beach)
What do you think? Did your favorite bird make the list? This is an open thread, so log on and let us know what you think. . .