Birds can stop incredibly quickly while flying at high speeds. A hummingbird, for example, can go from flying 60 miles per hour to a complete stop in less than a second. This amazing maneuverability allows birds to expertly navigate through dense forests and quickly change direction to catch prey or avoid predators in flight. But how exactly do birds manage to brake so rapidly in midair? Their lightweight bodies and specialized feathers play a key role. Low Body Weight One reason birds can stop so fast is that they have very low body weight relative to their size. According to…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The avian influenza virus, more commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect several species of birds. There are numerous strains of the avian influenza virus, some of which are more likely to cause serious disease and mortality than others. Over the past two decades, certain strains like H5N1 and H7N9 have emerged as causes of large scale outbreaks associated with significant economic losses in the poultry industry. Understanding which types of birds are most susceptible to infection and disease can help guide prevention and control measures against bird flu. Waterfowl as Common Reservoirs…
DME is an acronym that stands for “durable medical equipment” in the healthcare and medical field. Durable medical equipment refers to medical devices that are prescribed by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider to a patient for use in the home. DME covers a wide range of medical equipment that is designed to withstand repeated use and is appropriate for use in the home. It is different from devices meant for short-term acute care in the hospital. DME is also distinct from consumer products like over-the-counter drugs, bandages, heating pads or braces that can be purchased without a prescription.…
The Galarian Moltres is a Dark/Flying type Legendary Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield’s The Crown Tundra DLC. It is one of the Galarian forms of the original Kanto Legendary bird Moltres. Galarian Moltres has a sinister appearance and is based on several mythological creatures and concepts. Appearance and Design Galarian Moltres has a very different look from the original fire/flying type Moltres. Instead of red and yellow plumage, Galarian Moltres has dark blue, black, and gray colors. Its wings and tail feathers are ragged looking. It has a metallic beak and small red eyes. Overall, Galarian Moltres has…
The Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) is a small seed-eating bird in the family Cardinalidae. It is migratory, breeding in North America and wintering in Central America and the Caribbean. Indigo Buntings are a widespread species found throughout much of the eastern and central United States and southern Canada during the summer breeding season. However, getting accurate estimates of their total population size is challenging. Breeding Population Estimates The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a large-scale survey that provides data on bird population trends in North America. According to BBS data from 1966-2019, there are an estimated 18 million…
Navi Mumbai is a planned township located on the west coast of India in the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the largest planned cities in the world and contains a wealth of biodiversity including several sites where flamingos can be spotted. Uran Flamingo Sanctuary One of the best places to see flamingos in Navi Mumbai is the Uran Flamingo Sanctuary located near Uran village. This wetland area is home to thousands of migratory birds including a large flamingo population. The sanctuary spans over 12 sq km and consists of mangrove forests, mudflats, creeks and saltpans. During the winter…
Purple martins are a beloved backyard bird that many people enjoy having nest on their property each spring and summer. However, as the summer starts winding down, it can be confusing to know the right time to take martin houses down for the season. This article will provide tips on identifying when purple martins have finished nesting and how to properly clean and store martin houses after use. Do Purple Martins Migrate? Yes, purple martins are migratory birds that fly from their wintering grounds in South America to breeding areas across North America each spring. They typically start arriving back…
Cormorants are medium to large seabirds that live along coastlines worldwide. They have short legs, long necks, and hooked bills. Their most distinguishing feature is their short wingspan in proportion to their large body size. Cormorants frequently spread their wings out after diving into water. This behavior has led to an enduring myth that they do it to dry their wings. Do cormorants spread their wings to dry them? No, cormorants do not spread their wings after diving specifically for the purpose of drying them. While it may help their wings dry faster, that is not the primary reason they…
The Sagittarius bird, more commonly known as the secretary bird, gets its unusual name from the distinctive feather plumes on its head and neck that resemble the clothing worn by secretaries from the 17th and 18th centuries. Specifically, the black feathers and quills protruding from the back of the bird’s head resemble the old-fashioned quill pens that secretaries used for writing, while the long plumes of feathers hanging down the back of its neck resemble the white sleeve ruffles and cravats worn by secretaries and scribes of the past. In addition to this resemblance to historical secretaries, the Sagittarius bird…
This is a common question that many people have when learning about birds. The answer is that birds have claws, not talons. However, there are some important differences between bird claws and other animal claws that lead to this confusion. What are talons? Talons are large, hooked claws that belong to birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Talons are used for catching, killing, and carrying prey. They are very sharp and curved to grip prey tightly. Here are some key features of talons: Long, curved claws Very sharp points Used for hunting, killing, and gripping prey…