Today's featured feathered friend is the Limpkin. Found throughout Central and South America, the Limpkin reaches it's northernmost range in Florida and the swamps of southern Georgia.
A large bird with a heron like appearance, it is dark brown overall with white triangular marks over most of it's body. The markings are more dense on it's head and neck. It has a long, slightly downcurved bill. Limpkins are 25 to 29 inches in length with a 40 to 42 inch wingspan and weigh about 2 1/2 pounds. Males and females are similar in appearance, juveniles are similar to adults, but paler brown.
Roughly 70 percent of the Limpkins diet is made up of Apple Snails. Using their long bill the snails are easily and quickly extracted usually without breaking the shell.
Limpkins were nearly eradicated from Florida by human hunting. Over the last 20 years they've made a pretty good come back. We have little trouble spotting them on an outing to their preferred habitat. Click on the links below for more information and listen to the Limpkin's call. Enjoy these photos of the Limpkin.....tweet.....tweet!!
 |
| This Limpkin is planning it's next move. (Taken 1/6/13, Celery Fields, Sarasota FL) |
 |
| Limpkin (Taken 11/8/12, northern tip of Lake Okeechobee FL) |
 |
| Limpkin (Taken 12/10/12, Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa FL) |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limpkin
No comments:
Post a Comment