The black-necked stilt is a very elegant wading bird with long pink legs and a distinctive black and white plumage. It is found in coastal habitats across North America, parts of South America, and Hawaii. In Hawaiian, the black-necked stilt is known by the name aeo. This name refers to the stilt’s long, thin legs and its habit of wading in shallow water in search of food. Introduction to the Black-Necked Stilt The black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) is a member of the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. It is a fairly large wading bird with a slender body, long pink…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a wildlife conservation organization in the United Kingdom that focuses on the conservation of birds and the places where they live. The RSPB has adopted the avocet as its official logo and symbol. The avocet is a large, elegant wading bird with long legs, a long, upcurved bill, and distinctive black and white plumage. Its scientific name is Recurvirostra avosetta. The avocet breeds in open wetlands and marshes across temperate Europe and Asia. In the UK, its population crashed in the 19th century due to hunting and habitat loss, leading…
Wading and perching are two techniques used by birds to feed or rest. Wading refers to walking in shallow water while looking for food. Perching refers to resting on an elevated surface like a branch or ledge. While some birds exclusively wade or perch, others utilize both techniques depending on the situation. Understanding the differences between wading and perching provides insight into avian ecology and behavior. What is Wading? Wading describes the act of birds walking through shallow water while feeding. It allows birds like herons and egrets to take advantage of food sources located in aquatic environments. Wading birds…
Terns are seabirds in the family Laridae that are closely related to gulls. There are over 40 species of terns that inhabit marine environments across the globe. While the different tern species may look similar to the untrained eye, there are key identification features that bird watchers can use to distinguish between them. Being able to properly identify tern species is important for understanding their conservation status, habitat needs, and migration patterns. This article will provide an overview of the best ways to tell terns apart using field marks, size, voice, habitat, and range. Plumage Differences The plumage (feathers) of…
The Hungarian partridge is a medium-sized gamebird native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North America, including Nebraska, in the early 20th century as a game bird. So yes, there are populations of Hungarian partridge living in the wild in Nebraska today. The Hungarian partridge (Perdix perdix) is a rotund bird in the pheasant family Phasianidae. It is known for its rusty-brown plumage with gray underside, horseshoe-shaped breast patch, and distinctive red face wattle. Hungarian partridges typically measure 11-13 inches long and weigh around 1 pound. The species is native to grasslands and agricultural areas in Europe and…
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures. These birds have sharp talons and curved beaks that are well-adapted for hunting, capturing, and consuming prey. A common question that arises is whether raptors kill their prey before eating it or if they consume their prey while it is still alive. The short answer is that most raptors kill their prey before eating it, but there are some exceptions. Smaller raptors like kestrels and kites may eat insects and small animals alive, while larger eagles have been observed eating the internal organs of large mammals…
The crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) was officially declared the national bird of Mexico in 2021. This unique raptor holds an important place in Mexican culture and history. In this article, we’ll explore why the crested caracara was chosen and what makes it so iconic for Mexico. The Crested Caracara’s Significance in Mexican History The crested caracara has long been a symbol of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic roots. This bird of prey was regarded as sacred by the Aztec, Maya, and other indigenous cultures in Mexico for centuries. Caracaras were seen as spiritual liaisons between humans and the divine. According to Aztec cosmology,…
The southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) is a small insect-eating bird that breeds in dense riparian habitats across the southwestern United States. This subspecies of the willow flycatcher has declined precipitously in recent decades and was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1995. There are estimated to be only around 1,200 southwestern willow flycatcher territories remaining today. The southwestern willow flycatcher is going extinct primarily due to widespread destruction and modification of its native riparian habitat throughout the Southwest. What is the southwestern willow flycatcher? The southwestern willow flycatcher is one of four subspecies of the…
When it comes to setting up a bird water feeder, there are a few key factors to consider in determining the optimal location. Proper placement of a bird bath or water feeder is crucial for attracting birds to visit and drink or bathe. In this article, we will explore the key considerations for placing a bird water feeder, including height, location, accessibility, and more. Where to Hang a Bird Water Feeder One of the most important decisions is where to hang or mount your bird bath or water feeder. Here are some key tips for placement: Position it in an…
Hooded orioles are a beautiful species of black and yellow songbird found primarily in the southwestern United States. Their distinctive bright yellow body and black hood make them easy to identify. Hooded orioles breed in specific habitats and regions of the southwestern U.S. Understanding where they nest can help bird enthusiasts find them during breeding season. Breeding Range Hooded orioles breed in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Their breeding range extends from southeastern California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, western and southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas south through northwestern Mexico. Within this region, hooded orioles nest…