The arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) is a medium-sized seabird that breeds in the Arctic and subarctic regions. During the northern summer, arctic terns live in Arctic and subarctic coastal tundra habitats near marshes, lakes, and shorelines. In the winter, they migrate long distances to Antarctic and subantarctic oceans. The arctic tern has the longest migration of any bird, traveling up to 44,000 miles roundtrip each year. Their Arctic breeding and Antarctic wintering habitats present the birds with extremely different environmental conditions. Arctic Breeding Habitat Arctic terns nest in colonies on the tundra of the far north. Their breeding range includes…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a medium sized dove species native to Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to many parts of North America, including the United States and Canada, over the past few decades. The Eurasian collared dove has had substantial ecological impacts in areas where it has been introduced. This article will provide an overview of the Eurasian collared dove, discuss how it was introduced to North America, and describe its effects on native ecosystems. Overview of the Eurasian Collared Dove The Eurasian collared dove is a member of the dove and pigeon family Columbidae.…
The tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small songbird found throughout eastern North America. With their prominent crest and slate-gray upperparts, these active and vocal birds are a familiar sight at bird feeders. An important question when studying the titmouse is where they choose to build their nests. Nesting Habits of the Tufted Titmouse Tufted titmice nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. They typically excavate the interior of the cavity to suit their needs. Tufted titmice are secondary cavity nesters, meaning they don’t excavate their own nest sites but rather rely on existing cavities. This makes dead…
The scarlet tanager is a beautiful little songbird found in eastern North America. With its bright red body and black wings, it’s easy to see why someone might want one as a pet. However, there are a few important factors to consider before attempting to keep a scarlet tanager in captivity. Legalities In the United States, it is illegal to keep native wild songbirds like the scarlet tanager as pets under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law prohibits harming, killing, trading, transporting, or possessing migratory birds without a permit. Fines for violating the MBTA can be up to $15,000…
Birds eye peppers, also known as Thai chiles, are a variety of chili pepper that pack a powerful punch of heat and flavor. They are small, only around 1-3 inches long, and come in colors ranging from bright red to green and orange. So what do these tiny but fiery peppers actually taste like? The Flavor Profile of Birds Eye Peppers The most prominent flavor in birds eye chiles is heat. They rank near the top of the Scoville scale, which measures the pungency or spiciness of chili peppers. Most birds eye chiles measure between 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville heat…
Roseate spoonbills have one of the most distinctive appearances of any bird, thanks to their bright pink feathers and unique spoon-shaped bills. While they may look exotic, roseate spoonbills are native to the Americas and can be found along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Their unique name leads many bird watchers to wonder: how exactly do you pronounce “roseate spoonbill”? Pronouncing “Roseate” The first part of the roseate spoonbill’s name, “roseate,” refers to their pink coloring. The word “roseate” comes from the Latin word “roseus” meaning rosy or pink. In terms of pronunciation, “roseate” is pronounced with three…
Blue grouse, also known as dusky grouse, are a species of grouse found in western North America. They are a large, chicken-like bird with grayish-blue plumage. Blue grouse are an important game bird and are hunted for both sport and food. Their size can vary depending on sex, age, and regional variations. On average, blue grouse tend to range from 16 to 20 inches long with a wingspan of 22 to 26 inches. They typically weigh 1.5 to 3 pounds. The males are larger than the females. Average Wingspan The wingspan measurement refers to the distance from the tip of…
The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) and Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) are two similar-looking shorebird species found in North America. Both are small, brown-and-white plovers with distinctive black bands around their necks and white underbellies. However, there are several key differences between the two species in terms of appearance, habitat, range, migration, breeding behavior, diet, and conservation status. Appearance The most noticeable difference between the Killdeer and Semipalmated Plover is in their legs and feet. Killdeer have longer legs and lack the webbed feet that give Semipalmated Plovers their name. Semipalmated Plovers have partial webbing between their toes which helps them swim…
The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the largest falcon species and one of the most impressive birds of prey in the world. Known for its speed, power and hunting prowess, the gyrfalcon has some truly astounding abilities that enable it to be such an effective predator. In this article, we will explore the key abilities of the gyrfalcon and what makes this raptor such an incredible bird. Flight and Speed One of the gyrfalcon’s most notable abilities is its powerful flight and speed. With long, pointed wings and a streamlined body shape, the gyrfalcon is built for speed in the air.…
Sandpipers are a family of small to medium-sized shorebirds that are known for their characteristic flocking behavior when in flight. There are a few key reasons why sandpipers tend to fly together in large groups or flocks: Protection from predators One of the main advantages of flying in a flock is increased safety through numbers. When sandpipers take off and land on migration or fly together to feeding grounds, there is safety in having more eyes watching for potential threats. If a predator like a falcon or hawk approaches, it is much harder for them to target a single bird…