Posted by Bob Kelley on April 26, 2003 at 15:55:35:
In Reply to: Great bird posted by Felipe on April 25, 2003 at 21:51:44:
They are indeed small, but they have a very loud song. Since they were introduced in 1961
by an escape from the old Rare Bird Farm near US1
and SW102nd Street, they have spread more to the south than north it would seem. Before Hurricane Andrew they were common in the High Pines area near where I live(SW55th Ave and SW78th Street),
but the removal of almost all of the exotic(Asian) ficus trees in the area seems to have eliminated this population. I have not seen one
in this area since 1992.
They would sit on top of TV antennas and sing away. During the non-breeding season they travel in large flocks feeding on the fruit of the exotic figs and whatever else they can find.
They have been introduced into several other areas in the world.
The first Master's Degree project in ornithology at he University of Miami in the early 1970s was done on this bird by Alison Rand. It is available in the UM Richter Library, and I believe that we have a copy in the TAS library at the Doc Thomas House
They often nest in peoples patios. They are certainly not shy birds.
Bob Kelley
: A couple days ago I posted on TAS that I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Today I went outside and a heard a familiar bird thinking it was a rose-breasted grosbeak. Actually it wasen't that. It was something better. I saw a Red-whisckered Bulbul. It was an imppresive bird. I've been hearing that bird the last couple days in my neighborhood. Great birding