These large birds glide on air currents, conserving energy while searching the forests or savanna below for the corpses of dead animals. Little blue herons are a smaller version of great blue herons with a deeper blue plumage and smaller dimensions. This species gets its pink color from its diet, which is rich in carotenoid-rich organisms like shrimp. [50] Both parents feed the nestlings, regurgitating food at the nest site. [54] These vulturesthe turkey vulture, the lesser yellow-headed vulture, and the greater yellow-headed vultureforage by detecting the scent of ethyl mercaptan, a gas produced by the beginnings of decay in dead animals. DE PERE - Watching the American white pelicans near the De Pere dam is a little like witnessing a busload of hungry football players descend upon an Herring gulls feed mostly on fish and are one of the gull species fishermen use to help locate fish offshore. [63] In the United States it is illegal to take, kill, or possess black vultures without a permit and violation of the law is punishable by a fine of up to US$15,000 and imprisonment of up to six months. Northern Cardinals are Bird Species List for Everglades National Park (1997) Threatened & Endangered Species of South Florida's National Parks. Is there any wonder some people don't like them. [53] Like other vultures, it plays an important role in the ecosystem by disposing of carrion which would otherwise be a breeding ground for disease. A typical white ibis has a wingspan of around three feet and weighs between 26 and 37 ounces (737 and 1,049 grams). This was because of pesticide runoff entering waterways and getting into the fish they ate. The extra pressure from invasive species can have a huge negative impact on shorebird populations since in many of these cases, they cant defend their nests from these animals. SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida hosted a day filled with jungle adventures at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens on Sunday, April 30. [22] It filled a similar ecological niche as the living form but fed on larger animals,[23] and was previously thought to have evolved into it by decreasing in size during the last ice age. Gulls, terns, herons, and a mix of migratory and non-migratory species make their nests along and on the beaches. All rights reserved. It had white plumage overall, with only the tarsus and tail as well as some undertail feathers being black. Theyre not fond of crowded beaches, so youll need to go to less populated areas if you want to find one. Most of their diet consists of insects, invertebrates, and small fish that it probes for and scoops from the water. Dowitchers are the amusing little birds youll see running up and down the beach avoiding waves as they crash up the beach. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 However, now and then youll see them on beaches from south Florida to the panhandle. Plants & Flowers Trees Birds Mammals Insects Reptiles & Amphibians. [60][33] Like other birds with scavenging habits, the black vulture presents resistance to pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins. [33], The black vulture lays its eggs on the ground in a wooded area, a hollow log, or some other cavity, seldom more than 3m (10ft) above the ground. Aside from that, the two species are roughly the same size, hunt the same way, and have very similar appearances. Discover different species found in Florida here: Wild Monkeys In Florida | Poisonous Frogs In Florida | Anoles In Florida | Birds Of Florida | Vultures In Florida | Woodpeckers In Florida | Hawks In Florida | Florida Freshwater Fish | Florida Frogs | Scorpions In Florida | Geckos In Florida | Florida Spiders | Lizards In Florida | Owls In Florida | Florida Turtles | Snakes In Florida | Alligators In Texas | Sharks in Florida | Largest Alligator In Florida |, Are Centipedes Poisonous? This mostly shy mammal with a distinctive brown nose feeds on everything from sabal palm berries to bumblebees and carpenter ants. Pelicans were a big deal in my own city of Pensacola. [35] They sometimes perform courtship flights, diving or chasing each other over their chosen nest site. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. You May Also Like: Discover The Largest Alligator Ever Recorded in Florida with Facts, Photos, Infographics, and more! Black skimmers have a black back and upper portion of their body with white covering their bellies and undersides. You can find a full list of shorebird nesting seasons here. [48] In areas where their ranges overlap, the black vulture will roost on the bare branches of dead trees alongside groups of turkey vultures. [14], The American Ornithologists' Union used the name Catharista atrata initially, before adopting Veillot's name (Catharista urubu) in their third edition. A typical black skimmer has a wingspan of around 43 inches (109 centimeters) and weighs between 9 and 13 ounces (255 and 368.5 grams). Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? National Park Florida Calendar Fees Bird Species List Bird Species List for Everglades National Park E = Federally Endangered T = Federally Threatened I = Invasive/Exotic U = Unknown = Extinct Bass, O. Discover the Truth About These Creepy Crawlers, A Colorful Exploration: 22 Incredible Types of Coral and Their Beauty, Coyotes in Texas: All About These Masters of Adaptability, The 2 Types of Vultures Found in Florida (Facts and Photos), 39 Fascinating Amazon Rainforest Animals, Birds & Insects, Top 20 Ugly Animals: The Worlds Ugliest Species (Pictures + Facts). The more people that are around, the more likely it is that walking birds can be hit by cars, nests can be accidentally damaged, and birds become dependent on people for food. The absence of head-feathers helps the birds stay clean and remain (more or less) free of animal blood and bodily fluids, which could become problematic for the vultures and attract parasites; most vultures are known to bathe religiously after eating, provided there is a water source. occidentalis. You May Also Like: Check Out These 3 Types Of Scorpions In Florida complete with Photos, Infographics, Facts, and more! Their feet are closer to a chicken Camper, hiker, paddler, cyclist, explorer, storyteller. Vultures. [47] The black vulture generally forages in groups; a flock of black vultures can easily drive a rival turkey vulture, which is generally solitary while foraging, from a carcass. Invasive species compound the problem. [16], The black vulture is basal (the earliest offshoot) to a lineage that gave rise to the turkey and greater and lesser yellow-headed vultures, diverging around 12 million years ago. Content Writer specializing in product recommendations and research breakdowns. Many of the colonies that have been identified are within state and national seashores and parks in Florida. It flaps in short bursts which are followed by short periods of gliding. Web2 Species of Vultures in Florida 1. Reptile inhabitants include gopher tortoises, six-lined race runners and a variety of snakes. [38], The nostrils are not divided by a septum, but rather are perforate; from the side one can see through the beak. Turkey vultures have reddish heads while the heads of black vultures are black. It depends. They tend to nest in more isolated areas, ranging farther than other gulls in search of food. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building Like other sea birds, laughing gulls tend to build their nests in large colonies. Vultures are state and federally protected as a migratory bird, therefore it is unlawful to harm or kill them without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. It is the only extant member of the genus Coragyps, which is in the family Cathartidae. Bottlebrush Spanish Anti-microbial agents may be secreted by the liver or gastric epithelium, or produced by microorganisms of the normal microbiota of the species. If however, the vulture is tearing up a screen porch, or chewing up shingles or roofs, then you may want to consider scaring them with Pyrotechnics. WebTwo species of vulture occur in Florida, the turkey vulture ( Cathartes aura) and the black vulture ( Coragyps atratus ). & Cunningham, R. (2006) Everglades National Park Bird Checklist. 0:51. Laughing gulls are likely the most common bird youll see on a Florida beach. Most of the birds found along Floridas beaches also nest on those beaches. Its nearly impossible for anyone who heads to the beach to avoid running into the birds that frequent Floridas shorelines. Sanderlings are highly migratory, as they breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate south. A typical willet has a wingspan of around 27 inches (68.6 centimeters) and weighs between 7 and 11 ounces (198 and 312 grams). Florida Birds Of Prey: 26 Birds Of Prey In Florida To Watch University of West Florida Marine Biology graduate. Aside from great blue herons, you can find both little blue herons and tricolored herons on Floridas beaches. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. It is known to regurgitate when approached or disturbed, which assists in predator deterrence and taking flight by decreasing its takeoff weight. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. The 360-acre preserve is home to bobcats, raccoons, armadillos, opossums, rabbits and foxes. Both of these birds have wingspans around three feet (0.9 meters) in length and weigh under a pound (under .45 kilograms). It finds its meals either by using its keen eyesight or by following other (New World) vultures, which all possess a keen sense of smell. [45] Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 28 to 41 days. Unauthorized use is prohibited. [21], From the Early to the Late Pleistocene, a prehistoric species of black vulture, C. occidentalis, known as the Pleistocene black vulture orsomewhat in errorthe "western black vulture", occurred across the present species' range. WebMr. They have a long, curved bill and black wingtips. Like other gulls, they nest in large colonies and swarm together in the air in groups called flotillas. [61], Six vultures on a wild hog carcass in Florida, It receives special legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 in the United States,[62] by the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds in Canada,[63] and by the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Game Mammals in Mexico. Discover These Sharks In Florida That You Should Know About with Photos, Infographics, Facts, and more! Most of their diet consists of sand crabs, insects, marine worms, and small mollusks. Two species of vulture occur in Florida, the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) and the black vulture (Coragyps atratus). Those These birds are also known to eat small mammals and reptiles. [47] In comparison with the turkey vulture, the black vulture flaps its wings more frequently during flight. After certain pesticides like DDT were banned in the state, theyre recovered and are no longer endangered. Whether a bird mistakes plastic for a food source or gets caught up in plastic bags or six pack can rings. Dakotah Blanton is a Florida outdoorsman with countless hours spent on the water, learning about local wildlife, and spending time in nature. They quite often get mistaken for flamingos when their beak isnt visible. The baitfish schools that game fish follow are also food sources for seabirds. Why Flamingos Dont Fly From Zoos, 30 Types Of Seagulls: Exploring The Amazing Variety Of These Seafaring Birds, A Foragers Paradise: Exploring the Tasty and Diverse World of 40 Edible Mushrooms, Venomous Hoppers: The Incredible World of Earths Most Poisonous Frogs and Toads, A World of Cuteness: 55 Cute Animals Thatll Make You Smile, Crystal Jellyfish: The Glowing Marvel of the Ocean, Annual vs. Perennial Plants: Unlock the Secrets to a Thriving Garden. Heres how paradise fought back. Over a decade of experience fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Flamingos are large wading, long-necked birds that feed on small invertebrates like brine shrimp, algae, insect larvae, small seeds, and small fish. The bases of the primary feathers are white, producing a white patch on the underside of the wing's edge, which is visible in flight. They can forage while swimming but tend to fly low over the water and plunge to snag prey beneath the surface. The case is similar for many of Floridas shorebirds. Like larger herons, theyre found most often around lakes, swamps, and marshes, preferring to hunt alone. Populations appear to remain stable, and it has not reached the threshold of inclusion as a threatened species, which requires a decline of more than 30% in ten years or three generations. WebGet to know this gorgeous pink bird native to Florida. In areas populated by humans, it also scavenges at dumpster sites and garbage dumps. Some suggest that the bird's name stems from an old Mayan legend in which this vulture was a king or lord that carried messages between humans and the Gods. Vultures eat carrion in the form of road-kills or dead cattle in pastures. Remove ads. Instead of spotting fish, they fly with their lower beak skimming through the water and quickly snap their beak shut when they touch a fish. Get access to all of my activities plus much, much more! Many gull populations have become reliant on people for food. [35] The stance is believed to serve multiple functions: drying the wings, warming the body, and baking off bacteria. [12] The genus name means "raven-vulture",[13] from a contraction of the Greek corax/ and gyps/ for the respective birds. Get to Know the 14 Different Types of Birds of Pennsylvania: Complete with Images, Facts, Descriptions, and More. It was not an albino as its skin seemed to have had the normal, dark color and it was part of a flock of some twenty normally plumaged individuals. Tracking stations along the Atlantic coast can be found in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. WebThis list of birds of Florida includes species documented in the U.S. state of Florida and accepted by the Florida Ornithological Society Records Committee (FOSRC). The goal is to find all the items on the list or the most WebNATIVE SPECIES of Northwest Florida. Birds like gulls, albatrosses, and pelicans can be found far out at sea in search of fish to scoop up. They nest in colonies but are typically found in groups of around a dozen or less. This bird did not differ much from the black vulture of today except in size; it was some 1015% larger, and had a relatively flatter and wider bill. Pesticide and chemical runoff that gets into rivers, estuaries, and waterways also gets into the organisms the birds rely on for food. The most defining attribute of white ibis is their protectiveness. This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida hosted a day filled with jungle adventures at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens on Sunday, April 30. Because it lacks a syrinx, the black vulture, like other New World vultures, has very few vocalization capabilities. The more we build along Floridas beaches, the more space we take up. All rights reserved. From below it has whitish patches near the tips of the wings, whereas the wings of the turkey vulture lack these patches. Most of the time, theyre similar in body shape and size. 6. While some of the glyphs clearly show the black vulture's open nostril and hooked beak, some are assumed to be this species because they are vulture-like but lack the king vulture's knob and are painted black. Theyre typically brown or light gray and have long, thin bills. They will also opportunistically prey on extremely weakened, sick, elderly, or otherwise vulnerable animals. Check Out the 7 Species of Majestic Owls in Florida: Complete with Images, Facts, and More! Tegu, Nile monitors, and wild boar will dig up and eat eggs from birds, turtles, and alligators. [1] It prefers open land interspersed with areas of woods or brush. Not all interactions are bad. Black skimmers feed by literally skimming the surface of the water. You can tell them apart from other gulls because of their black or mottled-black head feathers. In populated areas, these huge birds are pretty friendly towards people if you keep your distance. WebFlorida Scrub-Jay Our endemic bird. Tricolored herons are around the same size but have a white stripe running the length of their necks. [50], The black vulture also occasionally feeds on livestock or deer. For instance, in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a low speed limit is heavily enforced to help protect many of the walking birds that cross the road. https://mrn365.com. [20] "American black vulture" is also commonly used,[19] and in 2007 the South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithological Society unsuccessfully proposed it to be the official name of the species. Some in South America breed even later than thatblack vultures in Trinidad typically do not start until November, for example, and those in Ecuador may wait until February. BLACK BEAR. Houston, D., Kirwan, G.M. Their legs can be a range of colors, including yellow, pink, gray, orange, red, and black. You may also like: Check Out the 7 Species of Majestic Owls in Florida: Complete with Images, Facts, and More! Rats invaded paradise. There are nearly 200 species of birds that call Florida home, including wading birds, seabirds, and birds of nearly every color. Beach erosion is a major issue for nesting shorebirds. [55] Their heightened ability to detect odors allows them to search for carrion below the forest canopy. This means that if you click on some of the links in our posts, we may earn a commission. Crested Caracara: This resident of Florida's pine flatlandsa scavenger in the falcon familyis among our largest and most striking birds. For ease of locating animal corpses (their main source of sustenance), black vultures tend to inhabit relatively open areas with scattered trees, such as chaparral, in addition to subtropical forested areas and parts of the Brazilian pantanal. A king vulture chick photographed at Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida. The greater flamingos that frequent the Everglades and Florida shores are bright pink birds that can stand around five feet tall. Pollution is another major problem for birds. This happened both because people feed them and they can get into trash easily. Outside of reserves and animal refuges, its a relatively uncommon sight. These birds have long legs, long bills, and extremely long necks. [65] The droppings produced by black vultures can harm or kill trees and other vegetation. [28] The southern birds were of the same size as present-day northern black vultures and can only be distinguished by their somewhat stouter tarsometatarsus and the flatter and wider bills, and even then only with any certainty if the location where the fossils were found is known. King vultures are found from Mexico south to Argentina. In populated areas, birds arent afraid of people and will even take food right out of their hands. The black vulture is gregarious, and roosts in large groups. Ive spent many a day fishing on the beach with the same heron standing ten yards away waiting for me to throw something back. Despite the similar name and appearance, this species is unrelated to the Eurasian black vulture, an Old World vulture, of the family Accipitridae (which includes raptors like the eagles, hawks, kites, and harriers). Loves learning new techniques and facts about outdoor activities and wildlife. [1] Preferring lowlands, it is rarely seen in mountainous areas. The roseate spoonbill is an aptly-named wading bird that has bright pink plumage and a beak that widens at the end in the shape of a spoon. [54] The black vulture locates food either by sight or by following New World vultures of the genus Cathartes to carcasses. Raccoons, foxes, weasels, snakes, and lizards can all destroy and empty a birds nest. WebScavenger Hunt NATIVE SPECIES Plants & Flowers Trees Birds Mammals Insects Reptiles & Amphibians Bottlebrush Spanish Moss Coontie Palm Flame Azalea Black-Eyed Susan Bonus: Coreopsis - FL State Wildflower American Robin Osprey Mourning Dove Common Grackle Great Egret Bonus: Northern Mockingbird - FL State Bird Magnolia [69], The black vulture can be held in captivity, though the Migratory Bird Treaty Act only allows this in the case of animals which are injured or unable to return to the wild. On most of the barrier islands that line the Gulf Coast of the state, sand dunes and grass are what hold islands together. Like all New World vultures, the black vulture often defecates on its own legs, using the evaporation of the water in the feces and/or urine to cool itself, a process known as urohidrosis. You wont find them around all year, only in the colder months. [38] It cools the blood vessels in the unfeathered tarsi and feet, and causes white uric acid to streak the legs. [64] It is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. [47] Predation of black vultures is relatively unlikely, though eggs and nestlings are readily eaten if found by mammalian predators such as raccoons, coatis and foxes. It is the only species of New World vulture which preys on cattle. The tail of the black vulture is usually more fanned out in flight and is shorter and broader than that of the turkey vulture. These spoonbills hunt by moving their beaks back and forth in the water and snap it shut when a fish, insect, or shrimp finds its way between its jaws. These large birds glide on air currents, conserving energy while searching the forests or savanna below for the [29] As the Pleistocene and current black vultures form an evolutionary continuum rather than splitting into two or more lineages, some include the Pleistocene taxa in C. atratus, which is further affirmed by phylogenetic studies indicating that it forms a clade within the South American C. You may also like: Get to Know the 14 Different Types of Birds of Pennsylvania: Complete with Images, Facts, Descriptions, and More. These gulls get their name from their distinct calls that sound like theyre laughing. Florida is one of the states with the highest biodiversity in the USA and is the best place to see dolphins, crocodiles, manatees, snakes, turtles, alligators, panthers, black bears and dozens of bird species like pelicans or flamingos. Like other vultures, the king vulture is a scavenger. Since then, migratory bird treaties and other protections have allowed populations of snowy egrets to rebound. The vulture's glyph is often shown attacking humans. Miami: Everglades Association. Youll commonly spot them along the beach both alone or in groups. Big blue herons can be intimidating and will even try to steal your fishing bait if you arent watching. [45] Upon hatching, the young are covered with a buffy down, unlike turkey vulture chicks which are white. [43] In South America, its range stretches to Peru, central Chile and Uruguay. Aside from being preying on insects, fish, and invertebrates, all gulls are scavengers. The young remain in the nest for two months, and after 75 to 80 days they are able to fly skillfully. Theyre usually solitary and territorial birds that feed on fish, invertebrates, and even small mammals and Florida snakes. atratus. The event was a part of the Suncoast Remake Learning Days, the 10-day free learning festival for children and families featuring over 200 activities in locations across the Suncoast. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. [5] The German ornithologist Johann Matthus Bechstein formally described the species using the same name in 1793 in his translation of John Latham's A General Synopsis of Birds. From the majestic pelican to the tiny siskin, discover the fascinating world of social behavior among our feathered friends. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Laughing gulls are likely the most common bird youll see on a Florida beach. TheWildlife Services groupof the United States Department of Agriculture at 352-377-5556 can provide more information. Vultures eat carrion in the form of road-kills or dead cattle in pastures. Our content is reader-supported. The head and neck are featherless and the skin is dark gray and wrinkled. Many species of birds use Florida as a pit stop on their way to equatorial or far northern breeding grounds. Like a lot of birds on the list, they use their bills to probe the sand for aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, and worms. You might have also heard of great white herons, similar in size to great blue herons but with completely white plumage. How do we reverse the trend? [45] Clutch size is generally two eggs, though this can vary from one to three. Due to habitat degradation, the number of Florida scrub jays is rapidly declining. Rarely are shorebirds consistently in the same place for very long. Youll see them most often at the waters edge scurrying away from waves while they peck the sand for food. The little-known history of the Florida panther. Although a common and widespread species, it has a somewhat more restricted distribution than its compatriot, the turkey vulture, which breeds well into Canada and all the way south to Tierra del Fuego. Brown pelicans can have wingspans over six feet (1.8 meters). [36] The legs are grayish white,[37] while the two front toes of the foot are long and have small webs at their bases. The vultures swarm the calf in a group, then peck at the calf's eyes, or at the nose or the tongue. They fight with each other constantly to protect their nests and mating partners. One of the main threats is human expansion. [35] While it generally does not use any nesting materials, it may decorate the area around the nest with bits of brightly colored plastic, shards of glass, or metal items such as bottle caps. It weighs about 1.5 2.0 ounces. & Boesman, P. (2017). Sand dunes and the grasses that hold them together are ideal nesting sites for many of Floridas shorebirds. [1], The black vulture is considered a threat by cattle ranchers due to its predation on newborn cattle. Birds often frequent fishing piers to go after released fish or steal bait from fishermen. [20], "Black vulture" has been designated the official name by the International Ornithologists' Union (IOC). Jungle adventures with Girl Scouts of the Gulfcoast, Sarasota Military Academy teacher arrested for lascivious conduct with student, 52nd annual Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show, Remake Learning Days 10-day education festival. Typical roseate spoonbills have a wingspan between 47 and 51 inches (119 and 129.5 centimeters) and weigh under four pounds (1.8 kilograms). [4] Bartram's work has been rejected for nomenclatoral purposes by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature as the author did not consistently use the system of binomial nomenclature. Wings are held in a V when soaring, unlike eagles which hold their wings straight out. [10] French naturalist Emmanuel Le Maout placed in its current genus Coragyps (as C. urubu) in 1853. Editor-in-Chief at Outforia, Inspired by wild adventures. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. Raptors like eagles and hawks are major predators of smaller shorebirds. Sanderlings are cute, chubby little sandpipers with a black beak, fluffy white and gray feathers, and black legs. [18] However it has been established that the change between the three subspecies is clinal (that is, there is no division between the subspecies),[19] and hence they are no longer recognised. Areas, where nests are concentrated, are usually either cordoned off or have specific protections in place to keep people from destroying nests. [2] This water source can be natural or man-made, such as a stream or a livestock water tank. Theyre also the ones you think of first when you think of seagulls. Passionate about fishing, paddling, boating, and camping. When they eat those organisms, they essentially get poisoned. The black vulture is a scavenger and feeds on carrion, but will also eat eggs, small reptiles, or small newborn animals (livestock such as cattle, or deer, rodents, rabbits, etc. Web25 backyard birds in Florida. [66] As a defense, the vultures also regurgitate a reeking and corrosive vomit. Florida is an amazing state for bird-watching. [9], Veillot defined the genus Catharista in 1816, listing as its type C. Lacking a syrinxthe vocal organ of birdsits only vocalizations are grunts or low hisses. The New Orleans Pelicans and a minor league baseball team from Pensacola used to use the pelican as their mascot. They have piercing, often straw-colored eyes and multicolored (yellow, orange, and red) heads and necks. Contents [ show] White-Crowned Pigeon Scientific name Patagioenas They usually have an orange bill with a lower jaw thats longer than their upper jaw. Theyre also the ones you They have a gray to brown plumage and a long black bill. The egg is oval and on average measures 7.56cm 5.09cm (2.98in 2.00in). At one time, the brown pelican was a critically endangered species. Herons can be found most often prowling marches, swamps, and lakes, but in Florida, they also walk along the surf line. [38] It is generally silent, but can make hisses and grunts when agitated or while feeding. [41] Its range includes the mid-Atlantic States, the southernmost regions of the Midwestern United States, the southern United States, Mexico, Central America and most of South America.

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