“EEBirds features a database of 183 species and is free for download on Android and Apple iOS,” app creator Huang Yo-ping said March 19. “It allows one to perform searches on the basis of body size, feet length, shades of feather colors, pictures and call recordings.”
According to Huang, he set up a bird database in 2006 as a way of assisting his students learn more about the species they saw on campus. “As additional data was accumulated, I decided to design an app and allow the public to discover the wonders of our feathery friends,” he said.
One impressive species, Huang said, is the Malaysian night heron. “The father and mother take two-hour shifts warming the eggs, with the feathers on the tops of their heads standing up straight when they are on the nest. This is a spectacular sight and not one to be missed.”
Equally fascinating is the spotted-neck dove, Huang said. “In mating season, the males beat their wings at a high speed to attract females. It is amazing how much effort they put into finding a partner and producing offspring.”
Huang said he will continue updating the app by loading more photos and sound files. “My passion is helping others experience the beauty of birds in Taiwan.” (DF-JSM)
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