Booby birds are a type of seabird found across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. There are six species of booby birds, and they live in coastal habitats on islands and along coastlines. Some key quick facts about where booby birds live: Oceans and Seas Booby birds live on islands and coastal areas near oceans and seas in tropical and subtropical regions. The six species are spread across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Their range extends across the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and more. Islands and Coasts Booby birds nest on islands and…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Catbirds are a type of bird found primarily in the eastern and central United States. They get their name from their cat-like meowing call. Catbirds are medium-sized songbirds with slate gray plumage and a black cap and tail. They are members of the mimid family, which also includes mockingbirds and thrashers. Catbirds are most common in shrubby, brushy habitats. They build nests low in bushes and lay 3-4 eggs at a time. Catbirds are omnivorous, eating insects, fruits, and berries. They often visit bird feeders as well. Quick Facts Here are some quick facts about catbirds: Scientific name: Dumetella carolinensis…
The Mexican bird of paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana) is a flowering shrub native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. This large, sprawling shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide, making it well-suited for use as an accent or specimen plant in warm climates. The Mexican bird of paradise grows at a moderate rate and has naturalized in parts of the southern and western United States. Its bright yellow flowers make it an eye-catching addition to gardens, but some gardeners hesitate to plant Mexican bird of paradise due to concerns that it may spread aggressively. This…
The simple answer is no, vultures are not considered hawks. Vultures and hawks belong to different taxonomic families within the order Accipitriformes. While they may appear similar at first glance and share some traits, there are distinct differences between vultures and hawks. Taxonomic Classification of Vultures and Hawks Vultures and hawks belong to the biological order Accipitriformes, which contains multiple families of diurnal birds of prey. However, vultures belong to the family Cathartidae, while hawks are in the family Accipitridae. There are seven species of vulture divided into two genera – Cathartes and Coragyps – found in the Americas, Europe,…
Chickadees are small songbirds found throughout North America. They are known for their acrobatic movements, their familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, and their ability to thrive in human-altered environments. Chickadees build intricate nests in which they raise their young each spring and summer. But where exactly do chickadees make their nests? Chickadee Nesting Habits Chickadees are cavity nesters, meaning they build their nests inside cavities in trees, fallen logs, stumps, or even manmade nest boxes. They do not build open-cup nests like many other songbirds. Using an existing cavity provides chickadees protection from predators and shelter from weather. Chickadees will excavate their…
This is an interesting question that requires looking at some key facts about black birds and ravens. In short, while ravens are black birds, not all black birds are ravens. There are some important differences between ravens and other black bird species that help identify them. What makes a bird a raven? Ravens belong to the genus Corvus in the crow family. There are several species of raven, but the most widespread is the common raven, Corvus corax. Ravens are among the largest species of corvids, with big, curved bills and long, wedge-shaped tails. They are completely black, with purple…
Blue jays are known for their intelligence and vocal abilities. They make a wide variety of sounds and calls, using them to communicate different messages. Blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) are songbirds belonging to the Corvidae family, which includes crows, ravens, and other corvids. They are native to eastern and central North America but can now be found across much of the United States and southern Canada. Blue jays are medium-sized birds with distinctive blue, black, and white plumage. They are very vocal birds, known for their loud, sometimes harsh “jay jay” calls. However, blue jays actually make many more sounds…
The rock pigeon (Columba livia) is a common bird found in many parts of the world. They are known for their blue-gray coloration and are often seen in city parks and other urban areas. But are rock pigeons actually rare birds? Let’s take a closer look at some quick facts about rock pigeon populations and distribution to find out. Quick Facts on Rock Pigeons Rock pigeons are one of the most widely distributed and abundant birds in the world. The global population is estimated to be between 260-440 million individuals. They have a vast natural range that covers North Africa,…
Birds have a wide variety of beak shapes and sizes that are specifically adapted for their lifestyles and feeding behaviors. The shape and size of a bird’s beak can tell us a lot about what it eats and how it catches its prey. Bird beaks have evolved over time to help different species obtain food and survive in their particular environments. Beak Basics A bird’s beak, also known as a bill, is a specialized mouthpart used for eating, grooming, manipulating objects, attacking, defense, courtship and feeding young. Beaks are made up of lightweight but tough keratin, the same material as…
Northern mockingbirds are a familiar sight across much of the United States. Known for their song mimicry and aggressive territorial behavior, these medium-sized songbirds put on quite a show in backyards and parks. While entertaining to watch, northern mockingbirds do require proper care and feeding to stay healthy. As backyard bird enthusiasts, it’s important to understand what these birds eat and how best to supplement their diet. The Natural Northern Mockingbird Diet In the wild, northern mockingbirds are omnivorous. They have varied diets consisting of both plant and animal material. Some of their common natural food sources include: Insects -…