The lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is a species of prairie grouse found in the grasslands of the central and southern Great Plains of North America. They are known for their distinctive courtship displays on breeding grounds called leks. Lesser prairie-chickens have experienced significant population declines in recent decades due to habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to them being listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Understanding their geographic range and distribution is important for conservation efforts. Current Range Lesser prairie-chickens are currently found in isolated populations across five states in the Great Plains: Kansas Colorado Oklahoma Texas New…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Cardinals are one of the most beloved backyard birds across North America. With their bright red plumage and cheerful songs, it’s no wonder they are a favorite of many bird enthusiasts. When it comes to feeding cardinals, using the right type of bird seed can help attract more of these beautiful birds to your yard. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which bird seed cardinals prefer. This article will break down the top bird seed picks for cardinals to help you choose the best option to bring more of these striking birds…
Birds have a variety of methods for feeding their young. Many people assume that all birds regurgitate food directly into the mouths of their chicks, but this is not universally true. There is actually quite a bit of diversity in how different species of birds provision their nestlings. Some birds do indeed regurgitate food for their babies. This method involves the parent bird storing food in its crop, a pouch-like enlargement of the esophagus, and then regurgitating it from the crop into the chick’s mouth. Species that use this feeding strategy include pigeons, doves, parrots, owls, eagles, hawks, and seabirds.…
Goldfinches are small songbirds that produce a wide variety of musical sounds. Their songs are often described as lively, cheerful, bubbly, and twittering. Goldfinches have complex vocalizations that include both songs and calls. Their songs are used to attract mates and defend territories. The specifics of a goldfinch’s song can vary by subspecies, location, and the individual bird. However, there are some distinctive qualities common across most goldfinch songs. Types of Goldfinch Vocalizations Goldfinches have two main types of vocalizations – songs and calls. Songs are longer, more complex, and more musical. They are used for breeding and territorial defense.…
The whistling swan is a large waterfowl species native to North America. There are several things that make the whistling swan unique among birds. Appearance Whistling swans have pure white plumage. Their long necks and bodies give them a graceful, elongated shape. Adults can reach 4-5 feet in length and have wingspans of up to 7 feet across. The whistling swan’s bill is mostly black, with a small yellow spot near the eye. Its legs and feet are also blackish-grey in color. Distinctive Voice As their name suggests, whistling swans are known for their unique vocalizations. They produce a loud,…
Quick Answer Yes, birds are generally considered wild animals. Birds belong to the animal kingdom and are a type of vertebrate. With few exceptions like domesticated poultry, most bird species live freely in natural habitats and are not tamed or domesticated, which classifies them as wildlife. Birds display key characteristics of wild animals such as living independently from humans, finding their own food sources, and not being restrained. Birds Are Part of the Animal Kingdom Birds belong to the animal kingdom, which is one of the main classifications used to categorize living organisms. The animal kingdom encompasses complex multicellular organisms…
Birds have excellent eyesight and are very aware of their surroundings. Many studies have shown that birds can detect when humans are watching them and often alter their behavior when they feel eyes on them. Here are some quick answers about whether birds know you are watching them: Do birds see humans as threats? Most wild birds see humans as potential threats. Birds that live in urban areas may be more habituated to the presence of humans, while birds in natural settings with little human contact will be more wary. A human staring at a bird is likely seen as…
The surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) is a large sea duck found along the coasts of North America. The adult males are black with white patches on the forehead and back of the neck. Immature males, also called subadults, resemble adult females but can be identified by their developing male plumage. Surf scoters feed by diving for mollusks, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. They nest in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska and migrate along the coasts to their wintering grounds. Identification Identifying immature male surf scoters can be tricky since they have an intermediate plumage between adult females and…
Quick Answer Yes, cardinals can and do breed in August. The breeding season for cardinals typically runs from March through September, with most nesting activity happening between May and August. As summer winds down in August, some late nestings may occur, especially for younger birds that are breeding for the first time that year. Cardinals are prolific breeders and can raise multiple broods in a single breeding season. Overview of Cardinal Breeding The northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a year-round resident across much of eastern North America. Its breeding range extends from southern Canada down through the eastern and central…
The Gila woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) is a medium-sized woodpecker that lives in the hot, arid deserts of the American Southwest and parts of Mexico. Unlike most other woodpecker species which live in forests, the Gila woodpecker has adapted to make its home in the harsh desert environment. This raises the question: how does this species survive in such an unforgiving habitat? The Gila woodpecker has evolved special physical, behavioral, and physiological adaptations that allow it to thrive in the desert. Physical Adaptations The Gila woodpecker has several physical features that help it conserve water and regulate body temperature in the…