Michigan is home to a diverse array of bird species. With habitats ranging from the Great Lakes to forests, wetlands, and urban areas, Michigan provides a haven for both migrating and resident birds. Determining exactly how many species can be found in the state requires analyzing records compiled by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts over many years. Record Keeping of Michigan Birds Documenting the bird species found in Michigan has been an ongoing effort by both amateur birders and professional ornithologists. Some key developments in cataloguing Michigan’s birds include: The founding of the Michigan Audubon Society in 1904, one of the…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Chickens take dust baths to clean their feathers and skin and reduce parasites. The best type of sand for a chicken dust bath provides abrasion to remove dirt and oils but is also comfortable for the chickens. There are a few key factors to consider when choosing sand for a chicken dust bath: Particle Size The particle size of the sand is important. Sand with particles that are too large can be uncomfortable and irritating to chickens when dust bathing. Sand particles between 0.5-2 mm are ideal. This provides enough abrasion to clean feathers without being too harsh. Sand Composition…
The belief that bird droppings bring good luck has been around for centuries across many cultures. Though it may seem strange to consider feces fortuitous, this superstition persists even today. So where did this idea that bird excrement can somehow bestow good fortune originate? There are a few theories on how this superstition came to be. Theories on the Origin of the Bird Poop Superstition Ancient Beliefs About Birds In many ancient cultures, birds were considered sacred creatures or representations of the divine. For example, in Ancient Egypt, the falcon was seen as a symbol of the god Horus. Many…
Quick Answer Yes, the yellow-shafted flicker is considered a type of woodpecker. Specifically, it is a member of the Picidae family of birds, which are all classified as woodpeckers. The yellow-shafted flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized bird native to North America that got its name from the bright yellow feathers on its tail and underwings. What is a Yellow-Shafted Flicker? The yellow-shafted flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a species of woodpecker found in North America. Some key facts about the yellow-shafted flicker: Scientific name: Colaptes auratus Other common names: Northern flicker, yellowhammer Size: 28-33 cm (11-13 inches) long with a…
Both the bald eagle and the golden eagle are large birds of prey native to North America. The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States, while the golden eagle is widespread across the continent. There are some key physical differences between these two eagle species when it comes to their size. Quick Answer The golden eagle is larger than the bald eagle. On average, golden eagles are both longer and heavier than bald eagles, with a greater wingspan as well. Bald Eagle Size The bald eagle is a large bird, but is on the smaller end of…
Snowy plovers are small shorebirds that live in coastal areas. As with all animals, having access to fresh, clean drinking water is essential for their health and survival. However, getting snowy plovers to drink can be challenging at times. In this article, we will discuss some quick tips and methods for providing drinking water to snowy plovers in both wild and captive settings. Why Do Snowy Plovers Need Water? Like all living creatures, snowy plovers need water to survive. Here are some of the key reasons snowy plovers need access to drinking water: Prevent dehydration – Snowy plovers can become…
Quick Answers There are a few potential reasons why your bird may sleep on its back: Feeling safe and comfortable in its environment Regulating body temperature Showing submission to other birds (in a flock) Possible illness or injury Most of the time, a bird sleeping on its back is completely normal and a sign that they are relaxed and content. However, if this is sudden new behavior, it could indicate an underlying health issue. Understanding Bird Sleeping Habits Birds have very different sleep patterns compared to humans. They tend to sleep lightly and in short bursts throughout the day and…
The Sacramento River is a major river in California that runs from the northern section of the state all the way south to the San Francisco Bay. The river provides an important habitat for a diverse variety of bird species. In this article, we will explore some of the most common and notable birds that can be seen along the Sacramento River. Why does the Sacramento River attract many birds? There are a few key reasons why the Sacramento River is such a hotspot for birds: Abundant food sources – The river and its surrounding wetlands provide plentiful fish, insects,…
There are a few different types of birds that are known for pecking holes in trees. The most common culprits are woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and northern flickers. Woodpeckers Woodpeckers are likely the first bird that comes to mind when thinking about birds that peck holes in trees. They use their strong, chisel-like beaks to hammer away at tree bark to get to insects and larvae hiding underneath. This pecking behavior creates the characteristic holes and cavities that woodpeckers are known for. There are over 200 species of woodpeckers worldwide. Some of the most common North American species that create holes in…
The American coot is a common waterbird found across North America. With its dark plumage, white bill, and red eyes, the American coot has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify. By learning key identification features, habitat, behavior, and range, birdwatchers can confidently recognize these charismatic swimmers. Read on to learn more about identifying American coots! What does an American coot look like? American coots are medium-sized waterbirds, measuring 14-18 inches (35-45 cm) in length with a wingspan of 20-28 inches (50-70 cm). They have plump bodies and short legs that sit far back on the body, giving…