The ground effect refers to the increased lift and reduced drag that an aircraft experiences when flying very close to the ground or water. It is an important phenomenon in aviation and has particular implications for large aircraft and birds. The ground effect allows birds and planes to take off and land using shorter runways and with less engine power. Understanding the ground effect is key to modeling and predicting the flight dynamics of aircraft and avians near the ground. What causes the ground effect? The ground effect arises due to the interaction between the wings or rotors of an…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The magnificent frigatebird is a large seabird known for its mostly black plumage, long wings, deeply forked tail, and large red gular pouch. The gular pouch is the red structure found on the underside of the magnificent frigatebird’s neck and is a distinctive feature of frigatebirds. What is the gular pouch? The gular pouch is an expandable red throat patch or sac that the magnificent frigatebird uses during courtship displays and feeding their young. When not inflated, the gular pouch hangs like a large wrinkled flap of skin on the underside of the neck. However, the frigatebird can inflate this…
The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America and one of the most striking forest birds on the continent. With its bright red crest, jet-black body, and loud, ringing calls, the pileated woodpecker is unmistakable. Though these birds live across much of the U.S. and Canada, many people have never been lucky enough to catch sight of one. So what do these elusive birds eat? As it turns out, pileated woodpeckers have some favorite foods that are key to their survival. The Basics of the Pileated Woodpecker’s Diet Pileated woodpeckers are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and…
Bird seed moths, also known as Indian meal moths, are a common pest that can infest bird seed and other dried goods in your home. Though they are a nuisance, there are several effective methods to get rid of them. What are bird seed moths? Bird seed moths, whose scientific name is Plodia interpunctella, are small moth species that belong to the Pyralidae family. The adult moths are about 1/2 inch long and have grayish wings with some bronze coloring. The larvae are creamy white or yellow-white caterpillars up to 1/2 inch long. They often have darker heads and can…
Quick Answer No, there are no native wild penguin populations in California. The climate and environment of California are not suitable for penguins to thrive. However, some zoos and aquariums in California do have penguins living in captivity. Where do penguins live? Penguins are found exclusively in the southern hemisphere. They live and breed in colonies on islands and along the coasts of Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, southern Africa, and South America. Some key facts about penguin habitats: All 18 penguin species live south of the equator. Most penguins live in cold climates, such as Antarctica. Some species live as…
The southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) is a small bird that breeds in dense riparian habitats across the southwestern United States. It is one of four subspecies of the willow flycatcher and is distinguished by its distinctive call and habitat preferences. Properly identifying the southwestern willow flycatcher is important because it is an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Physical Description The southwestern willow flycatcher is a small passerine bird, measuring approximately 5.5 to 6 inches in length with a wingspan of 8 to 10 inches. It has an olive-gray upper body, whitish throat, light olive breast, and…
When it comes to hunting snow geese, choosing the right shotgun shell size is crucial for success. Snow geese are large birds that can be quite hardy, so you need shells with enough power to humanely take them down. However, you also want to avoid using more firepower than necessary. The most common shotgun shell sizes used for snow goose hunting are 2 3/4″, 3″, and 3 1/2″. Here’s a closer look at each of these options to help you decide what size shot is best for snow geese. 2 3/4″ Shells The 2 3/4″ shell is the smallest commonly…
Picking feathers up off the ground may seem harmless, but there are several important reasons why you should avoid doing so. Feathers serve crucial functions for birds and collecting them can negatively impact wild bird populations. Additionally, feathers may carry diseases or parasites that could be transmitted to humans or pets. Being mindful and leaving feathers where they lie is the best practice for the health of birds and people alike. Feathers Are Essential for Bird Survival Feathers play a vital role in a bird’s ability to survive. Their structure allows birds to fly, keeps them warm, camouflages them from…
The hummingbird is a special and iconic bird that has come to represent the island nation of Jamaica. Known locally as the “Doctor Bird”, the hummingbird was designated as the official national bird of Jamaica in 1962. But why was this particular bird chosen to represent the country? In this article, we’ll explore the history, characteristics, and symbolism of the hummingbird to understand its significance to Jamaica. We’ll look at how the hummingbird’s traits and abilities capture the spirit of the Jamaican people. And we’ll uncover why this small but mighty bird earned its prestigious title as Jamaica’s national avian…
The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) engages in an elaborate courtship ritual. The male performs displays to entice and impress the female, with the goal of mating with her and passing on his genes. Courtship behavior in ruby-throated hummingbirds involves communication through visual displays, vocalizations, and offering nectar to the female. When does courtship occur? Courtship in ruby-throated hummingbirds takes place in spring and summer during the breeding season. The timing varies depending on latitude, occurring earlier in southern regions and later in northern regions. In northern parts of their range, courtship may begin in May and last through July. Farther…