Quick Answer No, birds do not pee urea. Birds excrete uric acid, not urea, in their waste. Bird Excretion Overview Birds have a different excretory system than mammals. While mammals produce urea as a byproduct of protein metabolism and excrete it in urine, birds excrete uric acid. Uric acid is a semi-solid paste produced by the kidneys. It is expelled through the cloaca along with feces. The reason birds excrete uric acid rather than urea is due to evolutionary adaptations related to flight. Excreting uric acid has several advantages for birds: Uric acid requires less water to eliminate than urea,…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Netherlands is home to a diverse array of duck species. As a waterlogged country with extensive wetlands, rivers, canals and ponds, the Netherlands provides ideal habitat for many types of ducks. Some duck species are native and breed in the Netherlands, while others migrate through the country or spend the winter there. In total, around 20 species of duck have been recorded in the wild in the Netherlands. The most commonly sighted ducks include the Mallard, Tufted Duck, Common Pochard, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Common Shelduck, Northern Pintail, Garganey, Common Teal, Red-crested Pochard and Ferruginous Duck. Some rarer…
Getting a mallard duck mounted can be an expensive endeavor, but for duck hunters, it’s often worth preserving that trophy bird. In this article, we’ll look at the various factors that go into the cost of getting a mallard mounted by a taxidermist. We’ll cover the basics of mallard mounting, the different styles and poses available, what extra features increase the price, and the standard range you can expect to pay. With this information, you’ll know what to budget for if you’re planning on immortalizing your trophy duck. What is Mallard Mounting? Mallard mounting is the process of preserving the…
Pheasants are medium-sized birds that belong to the Phasianidae family. While there are over 50 species of pheasants, one of the most common and recognizable is the ring-necked pheasant. As the name suggests, ring-necked pheasants can be identified by the white ring around their necks. However, there are a few other distinctive features that can help you determine whether a pheasant is a ring-neck. Distinguishing Physical Characteristics Here are some of the key physical characteristics to look for to identify a ring-necked pheasant: White ring around neck The most obvious identifier is the thin white band around the neck, which…
The white headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus) is a rare woodpecker species found in isolated populations across the western United States and British Columbia in Canada. With an estimated global population of only around 7,000 individuals, the white headed woodpecker is considered a ‘Near Threatened’ species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, due to its small and fragmented population, limited range, and threats to its preferred high elevation forest habitat, there is concern that the white headed woodpecker may be at increasing risk of extinction. Understanding how rare this species currently is can help inform conservation efforts…
Black swifts are a unique species of bird found primarily in western North America. Their size and dimensions are often a point of curiosity for bird watchers and ornithologists. In this article, we will explore several key questions related to the size of black swifts: How long do black swifts grow? Black swifts range in total length from about 4.7 to 5.5 inches (12 to 14 centimeters). Their wingspans range from about 12.2 to 13.8 inches (31 to 35 cm). This makes them slightly smaller in length and wingspan compared to their relative the chimney swift. How much do black…
The hornbill is a large and distinctive bird found in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Known for its oversized bill and loud, squawking calls, the hornbill holds an important place in African ecosystems and culture. There are nearly 60 different species of hornbills, varying widely in size, coloration, habitat, and range. Yet despite this diversity, all hornbills share some common traits and characteristics that make them unique among birds. In Swahili, the national language of several East African countries, hornbills are known by a variety of names that reflect their appearance, behavior, and symbolism. Examining these Swahili names provides insight…
The hoo hoo sound, sometimes heard in the early morning hours, is a distinct call made by a variety of bird species. This sound is most noticeable in spring and summer when birds are most vocal and active in defending territories and attracting mates. The characteristic “hoo hoo” call stands out from other bird songs due to its low-pitched, repetitive rhythm. While the source may seem mysterious at first, a little sleuthing and bird watching can help identify which avian neighbor is responsible for the hooing. Common Hoo Hoo Birds Several birds are known for their “hoo hoo” vocalizations heard…
The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a small, vibrantly colored falcon that is one of the most common and widespread raptors in North America. With its rusty barred back and tail, blue-gray wings, and distinctive black “mustache” markings on the sides of the head, the American kestrel is easily recognizable. However, several other small raptors share the same basic colors and patterning as the kestrel, which can make identification challenging at times. This article will examine the key field marks and behaviors to distinguish the American kestrel from similar-looking species. With a bit of practice, birders can confidently differentiate the…
Quick Answer The gilded flicker and red-shafted flicker are two subspecies of the northern flicker woodpecker. The main differences between them are: Plumage – Gilded flickers have yellow/olive undersides, red mustaches and gray crowns. Red-shafted flickers have pink undersides, red mustaches and red crowns. Range – Gilded flickers are found in the southwest United States and Mexico. Red-shafted flickers are found in west of the Great Plains. Habitat – Gilded flickers prefer drier, open woods and deserts. Red-shafted flickers live in forests and woodlands. Voice – The calls/drumming of the gilded flicker are faster/higher pitched than the red-shafted. Behavior -…