The black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) is a locally abundant shorebird of western North America. It is a long-legged, black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. Stilts and avocets together make up the suborder Charadrii. It is found in a variety of wetland habitats, both coastal and inland. It feeds by probing in shallow water or on soft mud. The black-necked stilt is a migratory species, breeding in North America and wintering from the southern United States south through Central America and the Caribbean to northern South America. What is a black-necked stilt? The black-necked stilt is…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Air pollution is a major threat to birds worldwide. As humans continue to release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, birds are increasingly exposed to contaminants that can have detrimental effects on their health and survival. Understanding how air pollution impacts birds is an important step in protecting both avian species and the ecosystems in which they live. What types of air pollution affect birds? There are many types of common air pollutants that can threaten bird populations. These include: Ozone – Formed when emissions from vehicles and industry react with sunlight. Exposure can damage birds’ respiratory systems. Nitrogen oxides -…
Birds have a huge variety of lifespans across species. The longest living bird is the albatross, which can live over 50 years. But what about the shortest living birds? Knowing the shortest lifespans of birds provides insight into avian biology, evolution, and ecology. This article will explore which birds have the briefest lives and why. The Mayfly Bird Has the Shortest Lifespan The mayfly bird, or Common Swift, holds the record for the shortest lifespan of any bird. The average mayfly bird lives just around 2 years. Mayfly birds are found throughout Europe and spend almost their entire lives in…
The helmeted hornbill is a large bird native to the forests of Southeast Asia. Known for its solid “helmet”, it is threatened by hunting and habitat loss. There are concerns that the species may be extinct in some parts of its range, so let’s take a closer look at the status of this unique bird. What is the helmeted hornbill? The helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) is one of the largest hornbill species in the world. It can grow up to 120 cm long and weigh up to 3.5 kg. The most distinctive feature of the helmeted hornbill is its solid…
The dove is often considered a holy bird in many cultures and religions around the world. Doves have long been used as symbols of peace, love, fidelity, hope, and more. Their white color has associated them with purity and divinity. Various myths and religious stories feature doves, cementing their spiritual symbolism. While not all view the dove as sacred, it has undeniably become an iconic religious bird. Doves in Christianity In Christianity, the dove is one of the most ubiquitous symbols of the faith. The dove often represents the Holy Spirit, one part of the Holy Trinity along with God…
Birds come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. When trying to identify a specific bird, focusing on distinctive physical traits like coloration can be very helpful. You mentioned a bird that is predominantly gray, but has yellow coloration on the tips of its tail feathers. With over 10,000 species of birds in the world, narrowing it down based on these visual cues is an excellent start! Gray Birds with Yellow Tails – Initial Possibilities There are a few different bird species that have the gray and yellow coloration you described. Here are some of the top possibilities: Gray…
The Black Falcon (Falco subniger) is a medium-sized falcon found across Australia. It is a slim, powerful bird of prey that is known for its impressive aerial abilities and fierce hunting tactics. The Black Falcon has several distinctive physical and behavioral characteristics that set it apart from other falcon species. In this article, we will explore the key traits that define this remarkable raptor. Physical Appearance The Black Falcon has a slender but sturdy build with long, broad wings and a relatively long, wedge-shaped tail. Adult birds have predominantly charcoal-gray plumage with some white markings on the throat and underparts.…
The quetzal is a medium to large sized bird found in the forests of Central America. With its vibrant green plumage and long tail feathers, the quetzal is one of the most beautiful and iconic birds of the region. But is it truly a large bird compared to other species? Let’s take a look at the size and characteristics of the quetzal to determine where it falls on the spectrum of bird sizes. The resplendent quetzal, with the scientific name Pharomachrus mocinno, is the best known and most colorful species of quetzal. Males of this species grow to approximately 35-40…
The orchard oriole (Icterus spurius) is a small songbird found in North America. Males are bright orange and black, while females are yellow-green with olive-gray wings and tail. Juvenile orchard orioles have plumage that differs from the adults, going through multiple molts before reaching adult coloring. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what a juvenile orchard oriole looks like, including its size, shape, coloring, and how to distinguish it from similar bird species. Basic Physical Description Orchard orioles measure 15–18 cm (5.9–7.1 in) in length with a wingspan of 8.7-10.2 in (22–26 cm). They weigh between…
The Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) is a small songbird in the finch family. It is a Holarctic species, breeding in northern regions of Eurasia and North America and migrating south in winter. Redpolls are boreal habitat specialists, preferring open coniferous forests, thickets, and birch stands. Their range extends into the arctic tundra. Redpolls are irruptive winter migrants that appear sporadically in more southerly regions when food supplies further north are scarce. This article explores the range and distribution of Common Redpolls across their breeding and wintering grounds. Breeding Range The Common Redpoll breeds across northern latitudes of the Holarctic region.…