Burrowing owls are a unique and interesting bird species that have made parts of Arizona their home. These small owls live in underground burrows and can often be spotted standing at the entrance or perched on a low post, keeping watch. If you know where to look, Arizona offers excellent opportunities to observe these owls in their natural habitat. What is a burrowing owl? Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are small, long-legged owls that live in open, treeless areas. They get their name from their habit of nesting underground in burrows dug out by other animals like prairie dogs, ground squirrels,…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Finding a dead bird can be an upsetting experience. While it’s sad to see any creature deceased, it’s important to handle these situations properly for your own health and to show respect for the animal. This article will walk you through what to do if you find a dead bird on your property. Is the Bird Really Dead? Before doing anything else, you’ll want to check carefully to see if the bird is actually dead. Small birds like sparrows and finches may appear dead when they are simply stunned from flying into a window or injured. Gently nudge the bird…
Birds and reptiles may seem very different, but they actually share a common ancestor. Both birds and reptiles are part of a group called sauropsids, which includes all reptiles and birds. This means that at some point in the distant past, the ancestors of birds and the ancestors of reptiles were the same animal. Over millions of years, these ancestral sauropsids diverged into the many different species of reptiles and birds we see today. Evidence birds evolved from reptile-like ancestors There are several key pieces of evidence that support the idea that birds evolved from reptile-like ancestors: Fossils of feathered…
Tracking the migration routes of birds is a fascinating way to learn more about avian ecology and behavior. As seasons change, many species of birds migrate long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. Understanding migration patterns can help identify important stopover habitats, assess population trends, and protect vulnerable species. Why do birds migrate? Birds migrate to take advantage of seasonal food resources, nesting habitats, and favorable weather conditions. The availability of resources like food and nesting sites changes throughout the year. Migrating allows birds to benefit from peak conditions in different geographic locations during breeding and nonbreeding times of…
Duck decoys have been used by hunters for centuries to attract live ducks for hunting. While most decoys are mass-produced and have little value, some vintage hand-carved decoys are highly sought after by collectors and can sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. So what makes a duck decoy so valuable, and which ones have fetched the highest prices? Why are some vintage duck decoys so valuable? There are a few factors that make certain vintage duck decoys extremely valuable to collectors: Hand carved and painted – Decoys that were carefully hand carved and painted…
The boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major) is a large, conspicuous blackbird found in coastal areas of the southeastern United States. Male boat-tailed grackles have glossy black plumage, long legs, and a long, keel-shaped tail. Females are smaller and have a brownish body and short tail. Boat-tailed grackles are highly social birds that nest colonially and forage in large flocks. They are known for their loud, raucous calls that serve multiple functions, including territory defense, flock communication, and signaling alarm or aggression. Understanding the various vocalizations of boat-tailed grackles provides insight into their complex social behavior and ecology. Main Calls The boat-tailed…
Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Their tiny size, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair make them a joy to watch. But are these tiny birds truly a blessing? There are convincing arguments on both sides of the debate. The case for hummingbirds being a blessing There are several reasons why hummingbirds could be considered a blessing: They pollinate flowers. Hummingbirds play a key role as pollinators for many flowering plants. As they flit from flower to flower sipping nectar, pollen sticks to their heads and bodies, allowing them to carry pollen from one…
Quick Answer No, a kite is not considered a bird of prey. Kites are a type of raptor, but raptors include both birds of prey and non-predatory birds. Birds of prey are predators that hunt and eat other animals, while non-predatory raptors like kites feed mainly on carrion and insects. What is a Kite? A kite is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes hawks, eagles, and Old World vultures. There are around 12 species of kites found worldwide. Some well-known species include the Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, and Mississippi Kite. Kites are distinguished by…
The Snow Bunting is a small passerine bird that breeds in the Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia. They are well known for their white winter plumage and their impressive migratory habits. Snow Buntings migrate enormous distances each year, traveling from their Arctic breeding grounds to wintering areas as far south as the northern United States. Their white winter plumage provides camouflage in the snowy Arctic environment. Snow Buntings are sparrow-sized birds, measuring approximately 6-7 inches in length with a wingspan around 10-12 inches. Males and females have identical plumage. In winter, they are almost completely white except for…
Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) are small white herons that are often seen accompanying cattle and other large grazing animals. They have developed a commensal relationship with cattle, meaning they benefit from feeding on the insects stirred up by the cattle as they graze, while the cattle are generally unaffected by the presence of the birds. In this article we will explore the close ecological relationship between cattle egrets and cattle and how the two species interact and rely on each other. Some key questions we will answer include: What is the cattle egret? The cattle egret is a cosmopolitan species…