When it comes to selecting the best bird feeder for large birds, there are a few key factors to consider. The size and weight capacity of the feeder, the types of food it can dispense, and its durability are all important in determining whether a particular feeder is suitable for larger bird species. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to some common questions about large bird feeders. What are some examples of large bird species? Some of the most common large bird species that may visit backyard feeders include: Crows Jays Cardinals Bluebirds Finches Doves Woodpeckers Orioles Mockingbirds…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a small sea duck known for its striking and complex plumage patterns. The male and female Harlequin Duck have very different plumage that changes over the course of the year. Here we will explore the fascinating details of Harlequin Duck plumage and what gives this species its distinctive appearance. Plumage of the Male Harlequin Duck The breeding plumage of the male Harlequin Duck is exceptionally colorful and ornate. The most striking feature is the slate blue coloration on the sides of the head, neck, breast, and back. Interspersed throughout the blue plumage are round…
Both tuna and chicken can be part of a healthy diet. But which one is truly healthier? There are a few key factors to consider when comparing tuna and chicken: nutritional content, mercury levels, sustainability, and cost. This article will break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is the healthier option for you. Nutritional Content When looking at nutritional content, both tuna and chicken have their merits. Here is a breakdown of some of the key nutrients in a 3 ounce serving of each: Tuna Nutrition Nutrient Amount in 3oz serving Calories 93 Protein…
Birds use their beaks for a variety of essential functions such as eating, grooming, manipulating objects, defending themselves, courtship and feeding their young. A beak that is the right size and shape is critical for a bird’s survival. However, sometimes a bird’s beak may overgrow and become too long. This can happen for a variety of reasons and can cause problems for the bird if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss the causes of overgrown beaks in birds, signs and symptoms that a beak is too long, problems an overgrown beak can cause, treatment options, tips for trimming…
The Evening Grosbeak is a striking bird with bright yellow and black plumage. Once a common sight at backyard bird feeders across much of the United States and Canada, this finch has declined precipitously in the last few decades. Understanding why Evening Grosbeak populations are shrinking can help inform conservation efforts for this distinctive species. Some key questions about the decline of Evening Grosbeaks include: What is the current population status of Evening Grosbeaks? The Evening Grosbeak was classified as a common bird in the first half of the 20th century, with populations estimated in the millions. However, by the…
Birds belong to the animal kingdom Animalia, which includes all multicellular organisms that are not plants, fungi, protists, archaea, or bacteria. More specifically, birds are part of the phylum Chordata, which includes all animals that have a backbone or spinal column. Within the phylum Chordata, birds belong to the class Aves, which encompasses all feathered, winged, bipedal, endothermic (warm-blooded), egg-laying vertebrate animals. Overview of the Animal Kingdom The animal kingdom is one of the largest and most diverse kingdoms, encompassing millions of organisms. Here is a breakdown of the major groups within the animal kingdom: Phylum Porifera (sponges) Phylum Cnidaria…
The bird headed god is a deity found in ancient Egyptian mythology that has the head of a bird and the body of a human. This god was an important figure in ancient Egyptian religion and was worshipped over thousands of years. There are a few main bird headed gods found in ancient Egypt that will be discussed here: Horus, Thoth, and Khonsu. Horus Horus is one of the most well known bird headed gods from ancient Egypt. He was often depicted as a falcon or as a man with the head of a falcon. Horus was a sky god…
Aflac’s iconic mascot, the Aflac Duck, is one of the most recognizable figures in marketing and advertising. The quirky duck has appeared in Aflac’s television commercials and print ads since 2000, helping build brand awareness and affinity for the supplemental insurance company. But why exactly is a duck the mascot for Aflac? There are several key reasons behind this branding decision. The Origin Story In the late 1990s, Aflac was seeking to revamp its brand image and expand its advertising from print to television. The company’s in-house creative team decided to create a mascot character that could represent Aflac in…
Doves are a widely recognized bird, known for their symbolic meanings of peace, love, and harmony in many cultures. Their soft, melodious cooing vocalizations are a familiar and pleasant sound to many. But what exactly is the sound that a dove makes called? Here we’ll explore the answer to this question, examining the science behind dove vocalizations, the reasons they vocalize, and the unique acoustic properties that create their distinctive sounds. The Coo The most common vocalization of a dove is known as the coo. It is a soft, melodious vocalization that can vary in pitch and tone across different…
Bird ornithology is the branch of zoology that deals with the scientific study of birds. Ornithologists study all aspects of birds including their anatomy, physiology, behavior, origins, and classification. Understanding bird ornithology requires an overview of the key areas within this field. What Do Ornithologists Study? Ornithologists study all aspects of avian biology and behavior. Some of the primary research areas include: Evolution and taxonomy – Ornithologists study the evolutionary relationships and classification of birds. This helps understand the origins of different bird groups and how they are related. Anatomy and physiology – Examining the anatomy and physiology of birds…