Tis the season and we thought it would be fun to learn some interesting information about the birds featured in this all-time favorite carol. So, here we go! Ho, ho, ho! Partridge - The Gray Partridge was introduced from Eurasia. It can now be found along the entire length of the U.S./Canadian border. It is a chicken-like bird with a short neck and tail. The Gray Partridge has a grayish-brown back and chest and a dark reddish U-shaped belly patch. The flanks are barred with chestnut. The face and throat are reddish and the legs and bill are gray. The Gray Partridge is a seed-eating bird that lives in cultivated fields and grasslands with hedgerows. It produces some of the largest clutches of any bird species. A female Gray Partridge can lay up to 22 eggs but usually lays 16 - 18.
Turtle Dove - The Turtle Dove is a small, slight dove of European origin. Its head, neck, flanks and rump are blue-gray. The wings are cinnamon mottled with black. There is a black and white striped patch on the side of the neck. The tail is wedge-shaped and is distinguished by a dark center and white borders and tips. The legs and bill are black. The Turtle Dove dwells in open woodland but will occasionally visit a large garden. The Turtle Dove has a mournful voice. Pairs form strong bonds causing it to become a symbol of devoted love. It is featured in many folk songs about love and loss.
French Hen - The French Hen, Faverolle, is a breed developed in the 1860's in north central France. Once bred for both eggs and meat it is now primarily raised for exhibition. It was the primary breed that produced eggs for the Paris market during the early part of the century. Female Faverolles are salmon-colored with brown and white plumage. Males are darker with black, brown or straw-colored feathers. Faverolles are popular as pets because of their gentle temperament. They are also favorites as home flocks because they are good egg producers and the meat is flavorful. A well-cared for Faverolle will lay approximately 4 eggs a week.
Calling Birds - Calling is believed to be a variation of the word "colly" or "collie" which means black derived from an old word for coal. So, calling birds are blackbirds. The Common Blackbird is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is known for its melodic flute-like calls. Common Blackbirds start singing in January to establish nesting territories. They can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting areas. Common Blackbirds are omnivores which means they eat both plants and animals.
Goose - The domestic Greylag Goose has been kept as poultry for their meat, eggs and down feathers since ancient times. They eat tender grasses and plant material. Geese have long been featured in stories and myth. Mother Goose made famous the Goose That Laid The Golden Egg. When Aphrodite first came ashore she was welcomed by Charites whose chariot was drawn by geese. Geese in the temple of Juno saved Rome from the Gauls around 390 B.C. when they were disturbed during a night attack.
Swan - The Trumpeter Swan is the largest of all North American waterfowl. It is all white with a long, straight neck and a black bill and face. It was hunted for its feathers from the 1600 - 1800's which caused its population to decline greatly. Its large flight feathers were thought to make the finest quality quill pens. Trumpeter Swans live a long time, up to 24 years. One individual lived to be 32 years old. They form pair bonds when they are 3 - 4 years old and stay together throughout the year. It is assumed that they mate for life but some do switch mates over a lifetime. Trumpeter Swans eat aquatic vegetation, grasses and grains. In winter they can be found in lakes, streams, springs, rivers and reservoirs.
So there you have it - the birds of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Hope you and yours have a marvelous holiday season and very best wishes for the New Year! - Rhonda, Kathleen, Malachi, Debbie, Jill and Gregory :)
