Quick Answers Some quick answers to common questions about finding a robin’s nest with eggs: Is it illegal to disturb a robin’s nest? Yes, it is illegal to disturb or interfere with a robin’s nest under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Robins are protected under this law. What should I do if I find a robin’s nest in my yard? If you find a robin’s nest with eggs or baby birds in your yard, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Avoid any activities that could disturb the nest, and keep children and pets away from the area.…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The bright yellow and black plumage of the Oriole is unmistakable. But can Orioles actually exhibit other color variations besides their iconic two-tone feathers? Let’s take a deeper look at Oriole coloring and find out. What colors can Orioles display? Orioles are a family of colorful songbirds found throughout much of North and South America. The majority of Oriole species sport the classic black and deep yellow plumage that gives them their name. However, some Orioles can display more variation in their feather coloring. Here are some of the colors Orioles may exhibit: Yellow Orange Black White Gray Olive or…
Starlings are a type of songbird found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. They are medium-sized birds with short tails and pointed wings. Starlings are black with purple and green iridescent feathers. Their eyes can appear dark from a distance, but do starlings actually have red eyes? Quick Answer The quick answer is no, starlings do not have red eyes. The iridescent feathers on their bodies may sometimes appear reddish in bright light, but their eye color is dark brown or black. Starling Eye Color Starlings have dark brown or black colored eyes. The iris, the colored part of the…
The Golden-crowned Kinglet and Ruby-crowned Kinglet are two very similar species of birds in the kinglet family Regulidae. They can be hard to distinguish from one another as they share a number of physical characteristics such as their small size, olive-green plumage, white eye-rings and bold white wingbars. However, there are some key differences between these two kinglets that can help birders identify them more reliably. In this article, we will explore the distinct features of each species and highlight how to tell a Golden-crowned Kinglet apart from a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Range and Habitat The first area in which the…
The fox sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow native to North America. Its rich vocalizations and variable song have captivated birders and scientists alike. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, regional dialects, contexts, and possible meanings behind the fox sparrow’s complex songs. What does a fox sparrow sound like? The song of the fox sparrow is often described as rich, melodic, and musical. They have a varied repertoire consisting of clear whistles, buzzes, and trills. Their most distinctive vocalization is a series of descending notes that sweep down the scale in a loud, rolling cascade. The cadence and tone…
The state bird of New Mexico is the Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus). This iconic bird was officially designated as the state symbol in 1949. But why did New Mexico choose the roadrunner out of all the state’s native birds? Here are some key reasons behind the roadrunner’s selection. The Roadrunner’s Deep Roots in New Mexico Roadrunners have an extensive history and cultural significance in New Mexico. Fossil records show that roadrunners have inhabited the region for over 1.8 million years. Indigenous tribes such as the Pueblo and Navajo have incorporated the roadrunner into their mythology and folklore for centuries. Stories…
The Canada warbler (Cardellina canadensis) is a small songbird species found breeding in the boreal forests of Canada and the northern United States. Warblers are known for being primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects and other arthropods. However, some warbler species have been observed eating small amounts of fruit and nectar as well. This raises the question – are Canada warblers strictly insectivorous, or do they supplement their diet with plant material, making them partly herbivorous? In this article, we will examine the Canada warbler’s diet and foraging habits to determine if they can be considered herbivores. The Canada Warbler’s Diet…
Kingfishers are a group of small to medium-sized, brightly colored birds in the family Alcedinidae. There are over 90 different species of kingfisher that inhabit a wide range of habitats across continents around the world. Kingfishers are typically characterized by their large head, long, pointed bill, short legs, and stubby tails. These physical adaptations allow them to hunt and catch fish, their primary prey. But beyond just fishing, kingfishers exhibit interesting behaviors and play important ecological roles. Where do kingfishers live? Kingfishers have a nearly worldwide distribution but are absent from Antarctica and some oceanic islands. Different kingfisher species occupy…
Quick Answer Elf owls can potentially be kept as pets, but they require specialized care and may not adapt well to life in captivity. While their small size is appealing, elf owls are wild animals that need large enclosures, a strict diet, and careful handling. Additionally, removal from the wild for the pet trade can be detrimental to wild populations. Those interested in keeping an elf owl as a pet should thoroughly research their needs and check local laws, as well as consider adopting a domesticated owl species instead. An Overview of Elf Owls as Pets The elf owl, also…
The greater scaup and lesser scaup are two similar-looking species of diving ducks that can be challenging to distinguish in the field. While they overlap significantly in their breeding and wintering ranges across North America, there are some key differences in appearance and behavior that birders can watch for. Paying close attention to details like head shape, bill color, wing stripe and flight profile will help you confidently separate these two scaup species. Read on for an overview of identification tips and tricks for telling greater and lesser scaup apart. Range and Habitat Greater and lesser scaup inhabit many of…