A murmuration of birds is a spectacular phenomenon where hundreds or thousands of birds fly in coordinated patterns through the sky. The synchronous movements of vast flocks create fluid, constantly morphing shapes that are breathtaking to watch. But what causes hundreds of birds to fly as one? What is a murmuration? A murmuration refers to a flock of starlings or other bird species moving together in an intricately coordinated way. The term comes from the word “murmur” which refers to the soft rustling sounds made by thousands of birds’ wings flapping in unison. Murmurations can contain anywhere from hundreds to…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Seagulls, also known as gulls, are a widely distributed group of seabirds in the family Laridae. While the common perception of seagulls is that they are all white, some species do have brown plumage or brown color variations. Understanding which seagulls can be brown and why can help birdwatchers properly identify these coastal birds. Why Are Some Seagulls Brown? There are a few reasons why some seagull species or populations have brown plumage: Species characteristics – Some gull species, like the Slaty-backed Gull and Black-tailed Gull, have brown plumage for at least part of their lifecycle. This is an evolved…
The Purple Martin is the largest member of the swallow family in North America. These aerial acrobats have steely, dark purple feathers that gleam in the sunlight. Their scientific name is Progne subis. Purple Martins are highly sought-after backyard birds due to their aerial insectivore diet, stunning appearance and enthusiastic vocalizations. However, attracting and keeping Purple Martins can be challenging due to their very specific housing requirements. This article will provide tips on how to successfully attract breeding pairs of Purple Martins to your yard in Alberta, Canada. What Do Purple Martins Eat? Purple Martins are aerial insectivores, which means…
The northern cardinal is a bright red songbird found across eastern North America. With its vivid coloration and cheerful songs, it’s a backyard favorite for many people. Some believe that spotting a cardinal brings good luck and positive vibes. But is there any truth to the idea that cardinals are lucky? Let’s take a closer look at cardinal symbolism, folklore, and superstitions to find out. Cardinal Symbolism The northern cardinal is well-known for its brilliant red plumage. This striking color has led to it being associated with concepts like vitality, passion, and romance. The word “cardinal” comes from the Latin…
The calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is the smallest breeding bird in North America and one of the smallest hummingbirds in the world. These tiny birds weigh just 2-3 grams on average, about the same as a penny. Despite their diminutive size, calliope hummingbirds embark on an immense annual migration covering thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in the western United States and Canada to their wintering grounds in Mexico. Breeding Range During the spring and summer breeding season, calliope hummingbirds are found primarily in mountainous areas of the western United States including the Rocky Mountains, the Cascade Range, and…
Cockatiels are popular pet birds known for their colorful plumage, expressive crest feathers, and ability to mimic speech. As with any pet, proper nutrition is important for keeping cockatiels healthy and happy. Seed diets are a common staple for cockatiels, but many owners like to supplement seeds with fresh fruits, vegetables, and pellets. One pelleted food brand that is sometimes fed to cockatiels is Kaytee Trill. But is Trill actually a good choice for these small parrots? What is Trill? Kaytee Trill is a nutritionally complete pelleted diet formulated for multiple small bird species. According to the manufacturer, Trill supports…
Quick Answers The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a small, fast-moving bird found in western North America. Here are some quick facts about identifying them: – Size: They are 3.5-4 inches long with a wingspan of 4.3-4.7 inches, making them one of the smaller hummingbird species. – Bill: The bill is small, straight and black. – Color: The male has a dark, shiny green back and crown with a purple throat patch (aka gorget). The female is pale below with greenish sides and white tips on the tail feathers. – Behavior: Aggressive and territorial; males make display dives during courtship. They have…
Berdly is a fictional character from the role-playing video game Deltarune Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. He is depicted as an anthropomorphic bluebird who wears glasses and a sweater vest. Berdly serves as a classmate to the protagonist Kris at the fictional School in Hometown. Based on his avian appearance and blue coloration, berdly appears to be modeled after a blue jay, which is a common type of songbird found throughout North America. Identifying Features of Berdly Berdly has several distinctive features that identify him as a blue jay-inspired character: Blue feathers covering his body White underside and facial markings…
As autumn approaches in Colorado, many species of birds from farther north begin their annual migrations south to warmer climates for the winter. Colorado’s diverse habitats along the Rocky Mountains and eastern plains provide important stopover sites for feeding and resting during these incredible journeys. Why do birds migrate? Birds migrate to move between their breeding grounds in the north and their wintering grounds in the south. The main reasons birds migrate include: Food availability – Birds migrate to regions with ample food supplies necessary to meet higher energy demands during breeding season and survive the winter. Nesting grounds -…
Yes, lark is a common name used for several small to medium-sized birds in the family Alaudidae. Larks are ground nesting songbirds known for their melodious singing and hovering flight patterns. What is a lark? Larks are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Alaudidae. There are around 90 different species of larks found throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Some key features of larks include: Slim, elongated bodies with long hind claws suited to terrestrial living. Short, triangular bills suited to eating seeds and grains. Plumage that is cryptic and blends into their natural environment. Melodious and often…