The black-bellied plover is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the Arctic tundra and winters along coastlines around the world. Known for their distinctive black bellies in breeding plumage, these elegant birds undertake remarkable migrations spanning thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. Their preferred habitats and geographic distribution during the year makes the black-bellied plover a fascinating species to learn about. Breeding Range Black-bellied plovers breed in the high Arctic tundra, where conditions allow them to successfully raise young during the short summer season. Their breeding grounds extend across: Northern Canada and Alaska – Northern Yukon Territory…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Cardinals are a familiar red bird to many, with the males sporting bright crimson plumage. However, cardinals are not the only red birds that exist. There are a number of other bird species that have some red feathers or coloration. In this article, we will explore some of the other red birds that share the skies with cardinals. Scarlet Tanager One of the most brilliantly red birds is the scarlet tanager. The male scarlet tanager has plumage that is almost entirely red. Only their wings are black. Their red coloration is even more vibrant than that of a cardinal. Scarlet…
The Vaux’s Swift is a small bird that migrates through the Pacific Northwest each spring and fall. These agile fliers put on spectacular aerial displays as they funnel en masse into chimneys and other vertical structures to roost for the night. But where do these mysterious migrants come from and where are they going? Let’s take a closer look at the migration of the Vaux’s Swift. Breeding Range and Habitat Vaux’s Swifts breed primarily in western North America, from southern British Columbia through western Montana and Wyoming, down through inland California and coastal Oregon. They nest mainly in large, hollow…
Downy woodpeckers are small birds that are native to North America. They are common visitors to backyard bird feeders and can often be found searching tree trunks and branches for insects. Their small size leads many people to wonder if downy woodpeckers will use birdhouses for nesting. The nesting habits of downy woodpeckers Downy woodpeckers typically nest in the cavities of dead trees. They excavate their own nest holes each breeding season, a process that takes up to three weeks to complete. Downy woodpeckers prefer dead trees that are partially rotten and soft. This makes digging out the nest easier…
Red-shouldered hawks are medium-sized hawks that are found throughout eastern and coastal North America. They get their name from the reddish-brown shoulders on their wings. Red-shouldered hawks are skilled hunters that prey on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. They are also opportunistic and will eat insects, fish, and carrion. While red-shouldered hawks generally avoid humans, they can become aggressive during nesting season when defending their nests and offspring. However, attacks on humans are very rare and red-shouldered hawks pose little real threat. Here is a closer look at red-shouldered hawk behavior and the risk they pose to humans. Red-Shouldered…
Bobolinks are a medium-sized songbird found primarily in the central and eastern parts of North America. They are known for their unique plumage and complex, bubbly songs. Bobolinks breed in open grasslands across much of Canada and the northern United States. They migrate long distances, traveling all the way to southern South America for the winter. Understanding where Bobolinks live can help conservation efforts for this declining species. Breeding Range Bobolinks breed in open grassland habitats like hayfields, meadows, and pastures. Their breeding range stretches across much of Canada and the northern United States. Some key areas where Bobolinks nest…
Tree sparrows are small brown birds that are commonly found in backyards, parks, and woodlands across much of North America. Their distinctive vocalizations can help identify them by ear. In this article, we will explore the different calls and songs of tree sparrows to get a better understanding of what these vocal little birds sound like. Tree Sparrow Call The most common vocalization of the tree sparrow is a simple, one-note call. This call is made up of a single chip note that sounds like “tsip.” The call is clear, high-pitched, and repeated in a series. Tree sparrows give this…
Swallows are small passerine birds that are found worldwide. There are around 90 different species of swallows, including the barn swallow, tree swallow, and cliff swallow. Swallows build nests out of mud or saliva, which they use for breeding and raising their young. An interesting question that often comes up is whether swallows use the same nest more than once, or if they build a new nest each year. In this article, we will examine the evidence and research on swallow nest reuse. Do swallows reuse nests? The short answer is yes, swallows often do reuse nests, but there are…
It’s not uncommon to see small birds like finches drinking from hummingbird feeders. While hummingbird feeders are designed to attract hummingbirds, other small birds may also be attracted to the sweet nectar. There are a few reasons why finches in particular might visit hummingbird feeders. The Nectar is Appealing Hummingbird nectar is essentially just sugar water. The typical recipe is 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. This sweet liquid is designed to appeal to a hummingbird’s taste preferences and provide quick energy. However, the sweet taste also appeals to other birds like finches. Many finch species have a…
Penguin Bloom is the name of a wildlife magpie featured in an Australian book and movie of the same name. The story follows the real-life recovery of Sam Bloom after a devastating accident, and how a rescued magpie named Penguin helped her through the healing process. So while Penguin Bloom was a real magpie that inspired the book and film, the events were fictionalized for dramatic effect. The Real Story of Penguin Bloom In 2013, Sam Bloom was on a family vacation in Thailand when she fell 6 meters from a rooftop balcony, resulting in serious injury to her spinal…