There are a few birds that make a “chew chew chew” sound. The most likely culprits are seed-eating birds like finches and sparrows. When these birds eat seeds, they often make a repetitive chewing or crunching sound with their beaks. This can sound like “chew chew chew” to our ears. Other possibilities include nuthatches, chickadees, and some species of woodpecker. Identifying the exact species can require listening closely to the pattern, speed, pitch, and quality of the “chew chew chew” sound. But in general, small seedeaters like finches and sparrows are the most common birds that make this sound. Finches…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is an impressive tropical plant known for its very large, banana-like leaves and beautiful white and blue flowers that resemble an exotic bird. Caring for these plants takes some patience and knowledge since they have specific needs when it comes to sunlight, water, humidity, and fertilizer. With the right care, giant bird of paradise plants can grow over 6 feet tall and provide an exotic, tropical flair to any indoor or outdoor space. What are the basic care requirements for a giant bird of paradise plant? Here are the key things to know…
Red-tailed hawks are one of the most widespread and common hawks in North America. They are large, broad-winged hawks that can be identified by their distinctive reddish-brown tails. As their name suggests, red-tailed hawks are very territorial and establish breeding territories each year. But how large are red-tailed hawk territories? Do they defend these areas? And why do they need their own territories in the first place? This article will explore the territorial behaviors of red-tailed hawks and discuss the average size of their territories, how they defend them, and the reasons behind their territoriality. Red-tailed Hawk Territories Red-tailed hawks…
Yes, the bird of paradise is a real bird that exists in nature. The bird of paradise refers to around 45 species of birds that belong to the family Paradisaeidae and are mostly found in New Guinea, east Australia, and islands in the South Pacific. These birds are known for their beautiful and elaborate plumage and unique courtship displays. The name “bird of paradise” refers to early beliefs that these birds came from paradise or represented paradise on Earth due to their beauty. Some key facts about the bird of paradise include: They have brightly colored plumage with long feathers,…
The house sparrow, Passer domesticus, is a small brown bird commonly found in residential areas around the world. But why is this bird known as the “house” sparrow when many other sparrows live near houses as well? The name can be traced back to its close association with human dwellings. Origin of “House Sparrow” Name The house sparrow is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is believed to have originally lived in the Middle East and spread with the growth of agriculture in the region over 10,000 years ago. As humans began building settlements, the house…
The California gull (Larus californicus) is a medium-sized gull that breeds primarily in the interior of western North America. It is fairly common along the California coast and can be found inland around lakes, rivers, and fields across much of the western United States. Identifying the California gull is easiest during the breeding season when the adults have bright red rings around their eyes. However, with some practice, the California gull can be recognized year-round based on a combination of size, structure, plumage details, and behavior. This article will walk through the key identification features of the California gull to…
Birds have a complex set of feathers that allow them to fly. Their wings are composed of long flight feathers as well as shorter coverts and down feathers. The number of feathers on a bird’s wings can vary greatly depending on the species. In this article, we’ll explore how feathers are arranged on a bird’s wing and factors that influence feather number. Types of Wing Feathers Birds have several types of feathers on their wings that serve different purposes: Primary feathers – These long, stiff feathers attach to the manus (hand) and digit bones of the wing. They provide thrust…
The cardinal is a common and beloved backyard bird known for its bright red plumage and distinctive crest. However, cardinals exhibit color variation, especially in the hue of their beaks. While cardinals typically have reddish-orange beaks, some individuals can have darker blackish beaks. In this article, we’ll explore what causes this variation and examine whether cardinals can naturally have black beaks. Cardinal Beak Colors The beaks of most cardinals have a reddish-orange hue that matches the red feathers on their heads and bodies. This reddish beak color comes from carotenoids, the same pigments that produce their bright plumage. Carotenoids are…
The ruddy duck is a small, compact duck with a large bill and stiff tail feathers that it often holds cocked upward. The male has a reddish-brown body, black cap, bright blue bill, and gleaming white cheek patch. The female is dull brown with a darker bill and no white cheek. Ruddy ducks breed primarily in prairie marshes of central North America and winter mainly along the Gulf Coast and in coastal California. They feed on aquatic invertebrates by diving underwater and straining mud through their bill. Ruddy ducks were introduced to the United Kingdom from North America in the…
The Dunlin platform is an offshore oil and gas production platform located in the UK sector of the North Sea, approximately 150 miles north-east of the Shetland Islands. It is operated by Fairfield Energy and is one of the largest platforms currently operating in the North Sea. Location of the Dunlin Platform The Dunlin field lies in Block 211/23a of the UK Continental Shelf. The platform is located at the following coordinates: Latitude: 61° 10′ N Longitude: 1° 45′ E The platform sits in a water depth of approximately 140 metres. It is located around 24 kilometres south-west of the…