The White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is a medium-sized sparrow found throughout North America. It is known for its distinctive song, a clear whistle which rises and then falls in pitch. The song has been described as sounding like “Oh Dear Me” or “Poor Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody.” What does the White-crowned Sparrow’s song sound like? The White-crowned Sparrow has a very recognizable song that consists of a few whistled notes that rise and then fall in pitch. It typically sings a phrase that sounds like “Oh Dear Me” or “Poor Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody.” The song is clear and loud,…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Birdland is a famous New York City jazz club that opened in 1949 and quickly became a premier destination for jazz music. Here are some of the key reasons why Birdland became so famous and influential in the jazz world: The Talent Birdland consistently booked the biggest names in jazz. In its early years, you could see jazz legends like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and many more on Birdland’s stage. Having so many jazz stars regularly perform at the club cementing its status as the place to see the best jazz musicians.…
Flappy Bird was a simple but frustratingly difficult mobile game that became an overnight sensation in early 2014. The game was developed by Vietnamese indie developer Dong Nguyen and published through his company dotGears. Despite its basic graphics and gameplay, Flappy Bird attracted incredible popularity, rapidly rising to the top of the App Store charts. At the height of its fame, it was reportedly earning $50,000 per day in ad revenue. However, Flappy Bird also quickly became the center of multiple controversies. Critics accused it of being too difficult, too addictive, and stealing art assets. Nguyen eventually removed the game…
A bluebird lift is a technique used in competitive cheerleading that involves lifting and tossing a flyer (the person being lifted) into the air. It requires strength, coordination, and practice between the bases (the people doing the lifting) and the flyer. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process of how to properly execute a bluebird lift. What is a Bluebird Lift? A bluebird lift is a cheerleading stunt in which two bases use their hands to toss a flyer into the air in an arc motion. The flyer starts in a cradle position, where they are…
The Bronx Zoo in New York City is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the United States. With over 4,000 animals across 265 acres, it offers visitors the chance to see wildlife from around the world. One of the key features that many zoos have is an aviary – an enclosure for keeping birds. So an important question is: does the Bronx Zoo have an aviary? Quick Answer Yes, the Bronx Zoo does have an aviary. The zoo’s aviary complex is known as the World of Birds and contains over 100 bird species from around the globe.…
Rock pigeons and doves are two types of birds that are closely related but have some distinct differences. At a quick glance, they may appear similar, but their taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, and symbolism in human culture have unique aspects. Understanding if rock pigeons and doves are the same requires looking at the nuances between the two species. Are Rock Pigeons and Doves Classified as the Same Species? Rock pigeons and doves belong to the same family of birds, Columbidae, which includes about 310 species of doves and pigeons. However, rock pigeons (Columba livia) and doves are classified into different genera…
The ability for birds to hover in one place is quite fascinating. Hovering requires a bird to generate enough lift to counteract gravity and remain stationary in the air. Several unique adaptations allow certain bird species to achieve this feat. In this article, we’ll explore what hovering is, which birds can hover, the adaptations that enable hovering flight, and the advantages of being able to hover. What is hovering? Hovering refers to the ability to stay suspended in one place while airborne. It requires precise coordination between a bird’s wings and body position to maintain altitude without moving horizontally. The…
The Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Yellowlegs are two closely related species of shorebirds in the genus Tringa. They can be difficult to distinguish in the field, as they are very similar in appearance. However, there are some key differences between the two species that can be used to tell them apart. Identification The most noticeable difference between Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs is size. As their names suggest, Greater Yellowlegs is the larger of the two species. Specifically: Greater Yellowlegs measures 12-15 inches in length with a wingspan of around 30 inches. Lesser Yellowlegs measures 8-10 inches in length with a…
Birds face many threats in the modern world. Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and other human-caused factors have put many bird species at risk. Donating to effective bird conservation charities can help protect birds and their habitats. But with so many bird charities to choose from, how do you decide which one will make the biggest impact with your donation? Here is an in-depth look at some of the top bird charities to help you make an informed giving decision. BirdLife International BirdLife International is a global partnership of over 120 bird conservation organizations. Their mission is to conserve birds,…
Selecting the loudest mallard duck call is an important consideration for duck hunters looking to attract mallards from long distances. The loudness of a duck call is determined by its reed and toneboard construction, as well as the skill of the caller. In general, duck calls with multiple reeds tend to be louder than single reed calls. The toneboard shape and material also impact volume. When blown correctly by an experienced caller, certain duck call models stand out as being capable of producing extremely loud, far-reaching calls that are irresistible to inbound mallards. Key Factors in a Loud Mallard Call…