Bird Information and Resources

This is meant to help users find and draw the bird species that will be a part of their gryphon.  We have offered myriad species for you to choose from, so please explore the information below

This section is divided up into:

Species Allowed on the Mainland of Windsonde Online Bird and Reference Photo Resources Bird Drawing Guides

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CORVIDS
We allow two genera of corvids on the mainland of Windsonde.  Below is information on both.

Crows and Ravens - Genus Corvus

This is a large and diverse group with 42 listed species!  This genus offers a variety of markings, eye colors, and bill shapes (check out the bill on the thick-billed raven).
Wikipedia article that lists all the species in genus Corvus.

Magpies - Genus Pica

We allow only these magpies on the mainland of Windsonde.  Not to be confused with Australian magpies, these are magpies that exists within the corvid family and there are only a few species.
Wikipedia article that lists all the species in genus Pica.

RAPTORS
Hawks, Eagles, Buzzards, Harriers, Kites and Old World vultures - Accipitridae

There are hundreds of accipiters all over the world!  This is a vast group of birds that has something for everyone!  We encourage you to explore this group thoroughly and try to find species you've never heard of.
Wikipedia article that lists subfamilies within this massive group.

Osprey - Pandionidae

As it stands, there is a single species in the family Pandionidae, the osprey, but there are four subspecies recognized.
Wikipedia article that lists information about ospreys and the subspecies.

Secretary Bird - Sagittariidae

Another loner, this family only has one species, the secretary bird.
Wikipedia article with information on this bizarre raptor species.

Falcons and Caracaras - Falconidae

This group has over 60 species within it, including the charismatic peregrine falcon.
Wikipedia article with information on this group of birds.

New World Vultures, including Condors - Cathartidae

There are seven species of these carrion eaters, each with very interesting heads!  Check out the king vulture's beautiful colors.
Wikipedia article with information on all seven species in this family.

Owls - Strigidae and Tytonidae

This group includes the nocturnal raptors.  If you want a bird-face full of character, this group will not disappoint!
Wikipedia article with information on owls, including both strigidae (typical owls) and tytonidae (barn owls).

GULLS, TERNS and SKUAS
Gulls - Laridae

Mine? Mine? ...This is the group that includes the ever-abundant gulls.  There are over 50 species in this family.  We encourage you to seriously consider this group if you are interested in a non-raptor gryphon.  There are some truly elegant looking gulls, such as the ivory gull.
Wikipedia article with information on all the gull species.

Terns - Sternidae

This family of slender, long-winged birds contains 44 species. They are closely related to gulls.
Wikipedia article with information on all the tern species.

Skuas - Stercorariidae

These seabirds are related to gulls.  There are seven species within this family.
Wikipedia article with information on all the skua species.

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Below are some links to online resources regarding birds and various places to search for reference photos.  Please take notice of photo copyrights and use reference photos appropriately.

Wikipedia which has been linked extensively above. The Internet Bird Collection Avibirds: European Bird Guide Online Puget Sound Wing Image Collection Google Image Search: we recommend you search for scientific names for more accurate reference photos. Flickr Arkive Falconry Birds-of-Prey-Club Crow-Conglomerate FlockingOwls Owl-Appreciation Birds-Club

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Some artists on DA have made some nice bird and bird wing tutorials!

Nambroth's Realistic Bird Wings TheAntimonyElement's Bird Wing Tutorial Majnouna's Drawing Birds part 1 Majnouna's Drawing Birds part 2 Majnouna's Drawing Birds part 3

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Majnouna's Drawing Cats: Guide to Colors Majnouna's Drawing Cats part 3 Majnouna's Drawing Cats part 4 Majnouna's Drawing Cats part 5