Two birds species that were very similar, but evolved into separate botanical groups

Painted Bunting



Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Buntings and Grosbeaks were once in the same botanical group. After the Ice Ages, they each became differently unique, and separated into two distinct groups (according to fossil records). The two groups evolved very differently. In north Texas, we’re fortunate enough to be in the “overlap” of some of these species. Observant birdwatchers here can see both the Painted Bunting and the Blue Grosbeak.

 

 

Enchanted forest?   The smallest bird in the world lives in a forest in the Sierra Maestra Mountains of Cuba. It’s about the size of a healthy bee; hence the name - Bee Hummingbird. (Like all hummingbirds it makes a buzzing noise too)  This same forest is probably home to a close cousin of the elusive Ivory-billed Woodpecker, which was allegedly re-discovered in an Arkansas swamp.

 

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.