Cormorants are medium-to-large sized seabirds that live along coastlines and build nests near cliffs or on the ground. There are around 40 different species of cormorants found throughout the world, with varying lifespans depending on the specific species. Quick answer On average, most cormorant species live approximately 10-15 years in the wild. Some species may live up to 20 years, while the oldest known cormorant in captivity lived to 34 years old. Average lifespan by species Here is a breakdown of the average lifespan of some common cormorant species: Species Average Lifespan Double-crested Cormorant 10-15 years Great Cormorant 12-15 years…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The title “Is forever USA barn swallow a stamp?” is an intriguing one that sparks curiosity. Upon first glance, it appears nonsensical – what does “forever USA barn swallow” mean, and how could such a phrase be a stamp? When we break the title down into its component parts, we can gain more insight into its potential meanings. The Meaning of “Forever USA Barn Swallow” Let’s start by looking at the phrase “forever USA barn swallow.” Barn swallows are a type of bird found throughout North America. They are migratory, spending their summers in the USA and Canada to breed,…
Warblers are a group of small, active songbirds belonging to the family Parulidae. There are around 115-120 recognized species of warblers worldwide, making them one of the most diverse families of songbirds. In North America, warblers are some of the most familiar and beloved backyard birds. However, some warbler species are quite rare, localized, or declining in numbers. So are warblers rare overall? The rarity of warblers can depend on the region and specific species in question. In North America, most warbler species are currently common, though their abundances vary geographically and some species are rare regionally. Globally, the International…
The recent rediscovery of the ivory-billed woodpecker in Arkansas has brought excitement to the birding world. This large woodpecker was thought to have gone extinct in the 1940s due to habitat loss, but a few sightings in recent decades sparked hope that some individuals may have survived. In 2004, a video supposedly showing an ivory-billed woodpecker in Arkansas renewed interest in finding this elusive bird. What is the ivory-billed woodpecker? The ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) is one of the largest woodpeckers in the world, measuring 16-19 inches long with a wingspan of 30 inches. Nicknamed the “Lord God Bird” for…
Capturing sharp images of fast moving subjects like birds in flight can be challenging. The autofocus mode you choose plays a critical role in getting tack sharp images. There are several autofocus modes to consider for photographing birds in flight, each with their own pros and cons. Understanding Autofocus Modes for Birds in Flight DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer a variety of autofocus modes to handle different types of subjects and situations. The main ones to consider for photographing fast action like birds in flight include: Single Shot AF AI Servo AF AI Focus AF Group Area AF Automatic AF…
Atlantic Puffins are seabirds that breed in colonies on islands and coastal cliffs. They have a distinctive appearance with black feathers on their back and wings, white feathers on their belly, and colorful beaks. But what colors make up an Atlantic Puffin’s plumage and beak? Here we will explore the various colors and patterns that contribute to the Atlantic Puffin’s recognizable look. Black Feathers The black feathers on an Atlantic Puffin’s back and wings are due to melanin pigmentation. Melanin is a pigment that produces darker colors like black, brown, and gray. Puffins likely evolved black feathers on their back…
Birds are feathered theropod dinosaurs. This means they evolved from a branch of meat-eating dinosaurs known as theropods. All modern birds trace their ancestry back to small feathered dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods over 150 million years ago. But where exactly do birds fit within the evolutionary tree of theropod dinosaurs? Let’s take a deep dive into the dinosaur family tree and uncover the evolutionary origins of our feathered friends. What are theropod dinosaurs? Theropod dinosaurs were a diverse group of bipedal, mostly carnivorous dinosaurs that included all the iconic meat-eaters like Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, and…
Both birds and humans use their tongues for tasting, swallowing, and vocalizing. However, a bird’s tongue has evolved for different purposes than a human’s tongue, resulting in some key anatomical differences. Bird Tongue Functions A bird uses its tongue primarily for: Capturing food – A bird’s tongue has backwards facing barbs called papillae that help it grasp and manipulate food. Swallowing – Their tongues have bristles that help push food back into the throat. Drinking – Capillary action draws water up the grooves of a curled tongue. Thermoregulation – Flicking their tongues in and out releases excess heat. Cleaning -…
The Spruce Goose, also known as the Hughes H-4 Hercules, is one of the largest airplanes ever built. With a wingspan of 97.5 meters (320 feet) and a length of 66.7 meters (219 feet), the Spruce Goose is larger than a Boeing 747 jumbo jet. This massive wooden aircraft was designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company in the 1940s under the direction of American business magnate Howard Hughes. Only a single prototype was ever built, and the Spruce Goose only flew once on November 2, 1947 for a short hop of around 1 mile at an altitude of…
The Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is a medium-sized raptor found primarily in freshwater marshes in Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States. Snail Kites feed almost exclusively on apple snails, and rely on healthy wetland ecosystems to survive. In response to declining Snail Kite populations due to habitat loss and degradation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat for the Snail Kite under the Endangered Species Act in 1977. Critical habitat refers to geographic areas that contain features essential for the conservation and recovery of a threatened or endangered species. This article will provide an overview…