PLUMARIUM
identification of
the Iberian bird life
PLUMARIUM
identification of
of the iberian bird life
Monographic Guide
Black-winged Kite
The monographic guides project is born with the purpose of bringing the reader closer to the world of the avifauna that surrounds us, going beyond the information provided by their plumages, as Plumarium has been accustomed to, to delve into other morphological, sociological, and environmental aspects of the bird. We will do this through detailed, serious, and committed work. Thanks to the work of an exemplary team (Moona, Sylvatica, and editors), the website has become a successful space on the Internet, receiving visits not only from birdwatching enthusiasts but also becoming a reference for professionals in the sector such as biologists or veterinarians. This motivated us to make the decision to expand the information and knowledge that Plumarium.es can provide about each specimen or species. Thus, the idea of publishing the MONOGRAPHIC GUIDES is born.
With this project, we aim to create a collection of guides for the most representative birds or groups of birds of the Iberian Peninsula and Europe. Each issue of this collection will focus on a specific species, aiming to cover all the most representative species of European avifauna. In this way, we present all the key plumages for identification: sexual dimorphism and transitional ages, from juvenile to adult. Talks, experiences, and curiosities will be included, and all the traces we have will be shown to offer the most comprehensive and detailed information possible. Some of the aspects that will be included are traces such as the skull, footprints, claws, eggs, nests, and pellets.
The mystery of birds is a phenomenon that has captured the interest of a large number of people around the world. Perhaps it’s because birds are generally relatively easy to observe animals, boasting a wide diversity of species with varied morphology and an array of behavior patterns that are both intriguing and highly curious, never ceasing to astonish researchers.
The study of the feather: its impact and the alleged work of Plumarium
In the process of identifying and studying avifauna, the observation of feathers becomes an extraordinarily important component. Each feather possesses a unique structure with distinctive key characteristics, based on patterns, coloration, shape, size, or texture. In this regard, feathers can provide abundant and valuable information that ornithologists leverage to determine the species, genus, or family to which a specific specimen belongs, as well as to detect aspects such as behavior, diversity, or the status of bird populations in a given region.
The Iberian Peninsula stands out precisely due to the diversity of species that coexist in the territory during each season of the year, forming a perfect ecosystem particularly attractive to nature enthusiasts. Another aspect to consider when discussing Iberian avifauna is the phenomenon of migration. The presence of regular migrant birds should not be forgotten.
Although birdwatching has become a common practice in recent decades, both for enthusiasts who consider it a mere hobby and for ornithologist scientists dedicated to species preservation, ecosystems have been undergoing rapid destruction primarily caused by human activities (habitat destruction, illegal hunting and capture, pollution, introduction of exotic species…) and climate change.
The study of feathers and the identification of avifauna present in the territory can contribute to the conservation of these species and their habitats, generating positive impacts for the environment through population monitoring, habitat assessment (as birds are excellent indicators of ecosystem health), awareness and preservation of endangered species, control of the presence of exotic birds, and even by promoting environmental education and awareness. Research into these biological and ecological aspects and their subsequent evaluation will be crucial for designing an action plan that considers the necessary measures to mitigate these types of environmental problems.
In this context, Plumarium aims to be a project that compiles collections of feathers from European avifauna species to facilitate their identification, as well as to create a space for the birdwatching community to share their experiences and build connections. You can access more information about the Project by clicking on the link.
Moreover, Plumarium has the unique feature of working with photographic assemblages by placing feather upon feather to achieve a more meticulous observation of the depicted material, both individually and as a whole. In each species profile, you will find photographs of feathers (individual ones and assemblages) from all parts of the bird’s body. The ultimate goal is to bring the user closer to feathers found in strategic locations such as wings, tail, and chest, which provide key clues for distinguishing between similar birds and resolving identification challenges.
For those who wish to embark on the journey of learning and distinguishing bird species and their feathers, under the Topology section, Plumarium provides educational material about feather characteristics and their basic structure, shares essential resources and tools for identification, and offers practical advice for every bird observer.
Finally, it’s worth highlighting that Plumarium relies on the participation of those who are willing to contribute bird photographs, which will be featured in each species profile. We encourage you to get involved! Contact us if you are interested.