In this article, we’ll learn about a couple of 5-letter birds that start with letter A. With thousands of species already discovered, only two fit our highly specific category. First, we have the Argus, which is part of the pheasant family within the Galliformes order.
Second, we have the Asity birds, known for their colorful plumage in the forests of Madagascar. We’ll also share some of their characteristics, how they survive, and their contributions to the bird world.
Let’s have a lookl
1. Argus
Scientific Name: Argusianus argus
The Argus birds, distinguished by their extraordinary plumage and intricate mating performances, are part of the pheasant family within the Galliformes order. These avians derive their name from the mythological character Argus Panoptes, mirroring the eye-patterned feathers that are particularly prominent in species such as the Great argus (Argusianus argus) and the Crested argus (Rheinardia ocellata). Indigenous to the lush forests of Southeast Asia, Argus birds are terrestrial and tend to be reclusive. They predominantly feed on seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates.
Among their most notable characteristics are the male’s extensive, decorative tail feathers and large wing feathers, which bear eye-like spots, utilized in elaborate courtship rituals to woo females. These rituals involve meticulous movements to showcase the feather ‘eyes,’ while the wings generate rustling and whistling noises, presenting one of nature’s most captivating breeding displays. Due to threats such as deforestation and hunting, certain Argus species are at risk, underscoring the urgency of conservation measures.
2. Asity
Scientific Name: Philepittidae
Asity birds are a unique group found in Madagascar, part of the Philepittidae family. These small to medium-sized birds stand out with their bright colors and, in males, special facial features like wattles during breeding season. They live in Madagascar’s forests, where they help pollinate plants by eating nectar, though they also eat insects. One example is the Yellow-bellied sunbird-asity, which has a bright yellow belly and a thin, curved beak.
It lives mainly in the rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar, usually high up in the trees of shorter forests on hills. This bird is very active, moving quickly from one flower to another to feed on nectar. Protecting these birds and their forest homes is important for keeping them around.
Mary is an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, and amateur birdwatcher that enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.