White pelicans are large waterbirds that are found in inland and coastal areas in North America. They are known for their huge bill and throat pouch, which they use to scoop up fish to eat. White pelicans mainly eat small fish that swim in schools near the surface of lakes, rivers and coastal waters. Their diet consists primarily of non-game fish species such as minnows, suckers and perch. By understanding what fish white pelicans feed on, biologists can better understand their ecological role as fish-eating birds. Main Fish Species Eaten by White Pelicans White pelicans are opportunistic feeders and eat…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Helping an obese bird lose weight can be a challenging but rewarding process. Obesity in pet birds is unfortunately quite common, often due to poor diets and lack of exercise. However, with some time and effort, you can help your overweight feathered friend get back to a healthy weight. Why Do Birds Become Obese? There are a few key factors that can lead to obesity in pet birds: High fat diets – Many commercial bird food mixes contain lots of fattening seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. These calorie-dense foods can quickly lead to weight gain if fed excessively. Lack of…
Clipping a bird’s wings, also known as pinioning, is a controversial practice. It involves trimming back the long flight feathers on a bird’s wings to prevent it from being able to fly or soar. For pet owners, clipping wings is sometimes done to prevent escape. For poultry farmers, it can be used to keep flocks together. And for those who keep captive birds, like zoos, it may be part of their confinement procedures. But is this practice ethical? Does clipping a bird’s wings harm the bird in any way? There are arguments on both sides of this issue. Reasons people…
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are one of the most common and widely recognized hummingbird species in North America. They are best known for the males’ brilliant red throat feathers, which give the species its name. Though small in stature, Ruby-throats have a surprisingly loud and complex vocal repertoire. Their various chirps, squeaks, and whistles allow them to effectively stake their claim over feeding territories and attract potential mates. In this article, we will explore the different vocalizations of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and what each sound communicates. Understanding hummingbird vocalizations provides insight into their behavior and social dynamics. Chirp The most…
Florida is home to many amazing bird sanctuaries and wildlife refuges that provide critical habitat for hundreds of bird species. From the emerald coasts to the subtropical wetlands of the Everglades, these sanctuaries encompass a diverse range of ecosystems that attract birds year-round. Determining the single largest bird sanctuary in Florida requires looking at the total area protected by each site. An Overview of Major Bird Sanctuaries in Florida Here is a brief overview of some of the largest and most significant bird sanctuaries found across Florida: Everglades National Park – This iconic wetland covers 1.5 million acres across south…
Mountain plovers are a unique species of shorebird found in the western parts of North America. They inhabit dry, flat landscapes and nest on gravelly slopes or shortgrass prairies. Mountain plovers are medium-sized plovers with pale brown upperparts and white underparts. Their most distinctive feature is the black patch on their foreheads and around their eyes. Mountain plovers are well-adapted to their arid habitats and have several behavioral and anatomical characteristics that aid their survival in harsh environments. In this article, we will explore the appearance, size, coloration, distinguishing features, and other visual aspects of mountain plovers. Understanding the look…
Birds have diverse diets that range across the dietary spectrum from purely herbivorous to purely carnivorous. Most birds are primarily granivores, insectivores, nectarivores, or piscivores. However, some birds are omnivorous, meaning they eat a combination of plant and animal matter. Determining exactly what percentage of the over 10,000 species of birds are omnivorous is challenging, but studies estimate approximately 10-15% of birds have an omnivorous diet. Quick answer Approximately 10-15% of bird species worldwide are considered omnivorous. Defining omnivorous birds Birds that consume a combination of plant and animal matter on a regular basis are classified as omnivorous. This is…
Keeping birds without confining them to a cage may seem daunting, but it is possible with careful planning and preparation. Birds are intelligent, social creatures that thrive when given the freedom to fly and interact naturally. While caging prevents escape, it also restricts a bird’s ability to fully spread its wings. Thankfully, there are humane ways to allow your feathered friends to live cage-free while still keeping them safe. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the key considerations for successfully keeping uncaged birds in your home. Is it safe to let birds roam freely? Letting birds fly freely…
Black ducks and Mallards are two of the most common duck species found across North America. They belong to the same genus, Anas, and have similar appearances with green heads and grey bodies. However, there are some key differences between black ducks and Mallards when it comes to their size and mass. In the opening paragraphs, it’s quick to answer that on average, Mallards are slightly bigger than black ducks. The male Mallard is typically larger than the female, but even Mallard hens tend to be bigger overall than black ducks of either sex. Exact size ranges are explored in…
The Western Meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird found in grasslands across western North America. It is known for its bright yellow breast and melodic, flute-like song. But what exactly does the Western Meadowlark sound like? In this article, we’ll explore the unique qualities of the Western Meadowlark’s song and calls. The Meadowlark’s Distinctive Song The song of the Western Meadowlark is often described as complex, beautiful, and melodious. It consists of a series of high-pitched, whistled notes that typically last between 2 to 5 seconds. The song varies geographically across the bird’s range, with subtle regional dialects, but the basic…