Bobwhite quail, also known as the northern bobwhite, is a popular game bird that can be raised on farms or in backyards across North Carolina. With proper housing, feeding, and care, bobwhite quail can thrive in captivity in the Tar Heel state. Bobwhite Quail Overview The bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is a medium-sized ground bird native to North America. They are known for the “bob-bob-white!” whistle the males make during breeding season. Bobwhites have a round body shape with a short tail and wings. Their feathers are intricately patterned in browns, tans, whites, and blacks to provide excellent camouflage in…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Birds do have ears, but they are not visible like the ears of mammals. Birds have specialized structures for hearing that are located on the sides of their head. While birds do not have external ears like mammals, they have ear openings called aural cavities. These ear openings lead to the middle ear and inner ear, which contain the sensory organs for hearing. Do Birds Have Ears? Yes, birds have ears located on the sides of their head. However, the ears of birds are not visible like the external ears of mammals. Instead, birds have ear structures located internally within…
Bird netting is a common solution used to keep birds away from crops, buildings, patios, and other areas. However, there are concerns that bird netting may pose risks for wildlife. In this article, we’ll examine both sides of the debate around bird netting safety. What is bird netting? Bird netting, also called bird exclusion netting, is a mesh material installed over an area to block birds from accessing it. It is often made of nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene or other durable and UV-resistant material. The netting comes in various sizes of mesh openings, such as 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch or 1…
The pileated woodpecker is a large, crow-sized woodpecker native to forests across North America. With its brilliant red crest, black and white plumage, and loud, hammering call, it is unmistakable in appearance and behavior. Though not actually a prehistoric species, the pileated woodpecker’s distinctive looks and habits can make it seem like a living fossil from another time. Appearance and Size At 15-19 inches in length with a wingspan of 26-30 inches, the pileated woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers found in North America. It is around the same size as the possibly extinct ivory-billed woodpecker. The pileated’s most…
Turkey Vultures go through several distinct phases as they mature from chick to adult. The appearance of an immature Turkey Vulture can vary considerably depending on its exact age. Newly Hatched Chicks Turkey Vulture chicks hatch with only a light covering of natal down. Their skin appears dark gray or even black. Their beak is a pinkish-gray hue rather than the bright orange of the adult. The eyes are a dark brown. Turkey Vulture chicks are altricial, meaning they hatch in an underdeveloped state and require extensive care and feeding by the parents. They are essentially immobile at birth, only…
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland. They are members of the American League East division in Major League Baseball. Orioles have a reputation among some fans and opponents for being an aggressive team, both in their style of play and their attitudes on the field. However, the question of whether Orioles are truly more aggressive than other baseball teams is debatable. There are several factors to consider when evaluating the aggressiveness of the Orioles franchise and players. On-Field Aggression In terms of on-field play, the Orioles under certain managers and during certain eras have…
Quick Answers Wood storks are not generally considered aggressive birds, but they can exhibit some aggressive behaviors in certain situations like defending their nests. Overall, they tend to be wary of humans but not overtly aggressive. Some key points about wood stork aggression: Wood storks may act aggressively to protect their nests and young, especially during breeding season. They can charge, snap their bills, or vomit to drive away intruders. Adults are more aggressive than juveniles. Aggression increases when storks nest in dense colonies due to competition. Wood storks are not aggressive towards humans unless provoked or defending nests. Their…
The Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii) and Warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus) are two similar looking songbirds found in North America. Both are small, grayish vireos with distinct white spectacles (eye rings) and thin bills. However, there are some key differences between these two species in terms of distribution, habitat, appearance, songs, nesting, and conservation status. Geographic Range and Habitat Bell’s vireos breed in the southwestern United States from California to Texas and parts of northern Mexico. Some populations migrate south to winter in Mexico as well. Their breeding habitat includes arid scrublands, chaparral, and riparian woodlands near desert washes or streambeds.…
The elephant bird is one of the main characters in the musical Seussical. She is a young elephant who is trying to find her unique identity and place in the world. Throughout the show, the elephant bird struggles with being seen as ordinary when she feels extraordinary inside. She wants to spread her wings and fly, but feels weighed down by others’ perceptions of her. By the end of the show, the elephant bird learns to embrace what makes her special and share her gifts with the world. The Origin of the Elephant Bird Character The elephant bird character was…
The Barrow’s goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) is a medium-sized sea duck found primarily in northwestern North America. As their name suggests, Barrow’s goldeneyes are most frequently found in Alaska and Northern Canada, but their range extends down into the Pacific Northwest region of the United States as well. Barrow’s goldeneyes inhabit coastal marine environments and breed near forested lakes, ponds, and rivers. They are diving ducks, feeding on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. Their striking appearance features iridescent plumage and bright yellow eyes. Locating Barrow’s goldeneye requires searching in their preferred high-latitude habitats during the breeding and wintering seasons. Read on…