Comments for Wingbeat: The WINGS Birding Blog

Comment on December Trivia Question by Steve Carr

Steve Carr — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 20:33:37 +0000

Urinator was the genus name 100+ years ago for the loons, now in the Gavia genus. The word ‘urinator’ had something to do with diving, for which loons are noted.

Comment on December Trivia Question by Jeff Hopkins

Jeff Hopkins — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:18:08 +0000

The answer to the trivia question is the loons. The name “unrinator” derives from the Latin “urinari” which means “to plunge under water” that is, to dive.

I also saw something that said early divers frequently wetted themselves due to something called “immersion duress”, hence the connection of the two, but I’m betting that is apochryphal.

Comment on December Trivia Question by Barry Rossheim

Barry Rossheim — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:34:36 +0000

Loons such as the Red-throated Loon or the Common Loon were placed in this genus because they are divers. The genus Urinator comes from the Latin ‘to dive in water’. Although it was a fun triva question, its not the ‘pisser’ some might think it is. Happy Holidays!

Comment on December Trivia Question by Paul Clapham

Paul Clapham — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:29:53 +0000

According to Denis LePage’s outrageously comprehensive resource, Avibase, the AOU classified the loons in the genus Urinator in their first two editions, back in the 19th century. Such as this page: http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=6C50988A5445ED76

Comment on California Ivory Gull by Christopher Taylor

Christopher Taylor — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:28:44 +0000

I have up to date photos and updates on the Ivory Gull at Grover Beach on my website: http://kiwifoto.com/rba/ivgu.html

Comment on October 2010 Trivia Question by Bob Behrstock

Bob Behrstock — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 05:08:41 +0000

Recognizing the twisted (and kindred) senses of humor that are responsible for these questions, I was sure I had this one in the bag. “Of course!” I exclaimed to no one in particular; “It’s Cox’s Sandpiper (Calidris paramelanotos).” Surely some wag in the Wings office has incorrectly translated the scientific name as “pair of black toes.” 600 + “pair of black toes” = 602. I could feel the warmth of that Wings cap on my head already. But then I realized that Cox’s Sandpiper has four toes on each foot (drat) and that, in all likelihood, nobody has ever seen 100 Cox’s Sandpipers standing together, anyway. So, back to the Sanderling theory (one bird = six toes) plus some devilish pun or long-forgotten Shakespearean reference that would account for the two extra ones.

Comment on October 2010 Trivia Question by Chris W

Chris W — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:24:38 +0000

Sanderling perhaps?

Comment on October 2010 Trivia Question by Nate

Nate — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:54:26 +0000

99 Sanderlings, and one misidentified Dunlin.

Comment on October 2010 Trivia Question by Grant McCreary

Grant McCreary — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 02:33:24 +0000

Sanderlings. The two “extra” toes were hind toes on a Sanderling x Dunlin hybrid. Well, I guess it could have been a different mix, but I found a mention of a Sanderling x Dunlin that had hind toes.

Comment on September Trivia Question by Rick Wright

Rick Wright — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:53:10 +0000

Keith Condon writes:

Comment:

The link is Audubon. He left France to avoid being “drafted” and came to America where he so famously illustrated both the song sparrow and red-winged blackbird.