Birds display a wide variety of mating systems, ranging from monogamy to polygamy. Monogamy refers to a mating system where a male and female pair bond and mate exclusively with each other. Polygamy refers to mating systems where an individual of one sex mates with multiple individuals of the opposite sex. Polygamy can take the form of polygyny (one male with multiple females) or polyandry (one female with multiple males). The mating system adopted by a bird species depends on various ecological, biological and behavioral factors. In this article, we will examine the evidence for monogamy and polygamy in birds,…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Bird mites are tiny external parasites that can occasionally bite humans when their natural bird hosts abandon nests built in or near human homes. While the bites are irritating and may cause itching or skin reactions, bird mites do not burrow into or under the skin like other insects or parasites can. Here are some quick facts about bird mites and human skin: Bird mites are barely visible to the naked eye, measuring only 0.5-1 mm in length. They live on the surface of their hosts’ bodies, piercing the skin to feed on blood. When bird nests are disturbed, mites…
Albatrosses are large seabirds that are found across the southern hemisphere. There are over 20 different species of albatross, but they are not naturally found in the continental United States. However, there have been some rare sightings of individual albatrosses that have wandered far north of their typical range and ended up along the Pacific coast of the US. Quick Answer No, there are no native populations of albatrosses in the continental United States. Albatrosses are only found naturally in the southern hemisphere. Any sightings of albatrosses in the US are rare vagrant birds that have wandered far outside their…
Tree swallows are small, migratory songbirds found throughout much of North America. They are easily identified by their iridescent blue-green upperparts, clean white underparts, and slightly forked tail. Tree swallows are closely related to the more familiar barn swallow and belong to the family Hirundinidae. Tree swallows nest in cavities, readily using nest boxes provided for them along lakes and in open fields. Their nests consist of grasses and feathers lined with fine, soft materials. The female typically lays 4-7 white eggs. She alone incubates the eggs, which hatch in about two weeks. A common question asked about tree swallows…
Every spring, the city of San Juan Capistrano in southern California awaits the return of its most famous feathered residents: the swallows. For decades, these small migratory birds have flown back to the city each March to nest under the eaves of the old Spanish Mission, a sight that has become both a tourist attraction and a beloved local tradition. But in recent years, the swallows’ arrival has become less predictable, leaving many to wonder: do the swallows still return to San Juan Capistrano every spring? The answer is yes…for the most part. The cliff swallows do still come back…
Sweetbird syrup is a popular pancake syrup brand that contains natural and artificial ingredients. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the various ingredients found in Sweetbird syrup. The Main Ingredients The primary ingredients in Sweetbird syrup are corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, water, cellulose gum, salt, potassium sorbate, sodium hexametaphosphate, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, and phosphoric acid. Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup make up the bulk of the syrup and provide its thick, viscous texture and sweetness. Water helps dissolve the sugars and provides fluidity. Cellulose gum acts as a thickener and…
Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He had an illustrious career with the Boston Celtics, winning 3 NBA championships and 3 MVP awards. Bird was known for his superb shooting ability, basketball IQ, and clutch plays. However, he was not known for being able to jump very high or dunk the ball consistently. This has led many fans to wonder – did Larry Bird ever dunk in an NBA game? Larry Bird’s Dunking Ability At 6’9″, Larry Bird had good size for a small forward. However, he did not possess elite leaping ability.…
Birds are well known for their beautiful songs and calls. Their vocalizations are complex and serve many purposes, from defending territories to attracting mates. Some birds are exceptional songsters, producing melodious notes that are a joy to hear. When it comes to pretty bird songs, there are a few key species that are famous for their beautiful vocalizations. Canaries Canaries are among the most popular songbirds kept as pets. They are known for their wide vocal range and their loud, complex, and melodious song. The canary’s song consists of trills, whistles, and warbles. Their singing is quite vigorous and continual.…
Making a simple paper bird that can actually fly is an enjoyable craft project that anyone can do with just a sheet of paper. The key to success is choosing the right paper, folding it into an aerodynamic shape, and providing enough lift to get the bird airborne. With a few basic origami folds and some trial and error, you can design a paper bird that gracefully soars through the air. Choosing the Right Paper The type of paper you select will greatly impact your paper bird’s ability to fly. Regular printer paper is too dense and heavy for flight.…
The smallest bird species in the world is the bee hummingbird. This tiny bird is found exclusively in Cuba and measures just 5-6 centimeters (2-2.5 inches) long with a weight of 1.6-2 grams (0.05-0.07 ounces). Key Facts About the Bee Hummingbird Scientific name: Mellisuga helenae Length: 5-6 cm (2-2.5 inches) Weight: 1.6-2 g (0.05-0.07 oz) Wingspan: 5-6 cm (2-2.5 inches) Native habitat: Cuba With its tiny size, the bee hummingbird holds the record as the smallest living bird in the world. It is so diminutive that it can perch comfortably on a human thumb. Physical Description The bee hummingbird gets…