Birds of the Neotropics Part II: The Passerines
Presenter: Vivek Tiwari
Date: Wednesday, May 4
Time: 7:30pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85117519799?pwd=V3BaZFIyK09sbmRiVHArSDFmaFNLdz09
The Neotropical Region, which consists of all of Central and South America is by far the richest bird region, holding more than a third of all bird species on Earth. From colorful iconic species like Toucans and Macaws and dazzling Hummingbirds and Tanagers with fanciful names, to the amazing diversity in Ovenbirds, Antbirds and Flycatchers, there is almost an endless feast of birds that awaits a birder here.
Whether it's the striking beauty of a Coquette or the frustrating furtiveness of a Tapaculo, there is enough to hook any birder to this fascinating region. Vivek will continue his tour of the amazing diversity of this avifauna that ranges across Andean peaks to lush cloud forests to steamy lowland jungles. This time he will focus on the perching birds i.e. the Passerines, From the gaudy Cotingas (the "birds-of-paradise" of the neotropics) and the jewel-like Tangara tanagers to the duller but no less fascinating Antbirds and Woodcreepers, to the Flycatchers and Ovenbirds that appear to have colonized all terrestrial ecological niches, the Passerines are truly what neotropical birding is all about. Along the way Vivek will describe some of his most memorable experiences in the search of rare and poorly known species, including some of the earliest pictures of some species.
Vivek has been a Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society member for a quarter of a century, during which time he has also extensively traveled in the Neotropics. While almost half this time was spent with just a pair of binoculars, bird photography has since allowed him to be able to share his passion with others. In recent years a particular joy (at least pre-pandemic) has been to travel and photograph with his son Vayun Tiwari, who has become a great bird photographer in his own right.
Note: Part I of this series (Non-Passerines), was presented on April 7, 2021 and is available for viewing here; https://youtu.be/KC6A-aIppF4
