There are a few types of moths that resemble hummingbirds. This mimicry allows the moths to evade predators by looking like the fast, agile hummingbirds that would be difficult to catch. The most common moths that resemble hummingbirds are clearwing moths, sphinx moths, and hawk moths. These moths have evolved to look very similar to hummingbirds through adaptations like wings that are narrow like a hummingbird’s, bodies that are solid in color like a hummingbird’s body, and the ability to hover and feed from flowers while flapping their wings rapidly just like hummingbirds do. The resemblance is so close that…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Birds with noticeable eyebrows are relatively rare in the avian world. Most species lack feathers above their eyes that are prominent enough to be described as “eyebrows.” However, there are a select few birds that do possess distinctive brow-like feather tufts that give them a unique appearance. The Great Potoo One bird renowned for its striking eyebrows is the Great Potoo. This nocturnal bird inhabits forests and woodlands in Central and South America. It has very large yellow eyes surrounded by black and brown feathers that resemble massive eyebrows. The contrast makes its eyes look even bigger and more mesmerizing.…
Many birds vocalize in unique and sometimes unexpected ways that can be perplexing to listeners. Birds use their vocalizations for a variety of purposes, including defending territories, attracting mates, bonding with flock mates, and alarming others to danger. While most bird sounds are pleasant to our ears, some can be strange, comical, or even grating. One such vocalization resembles the high-pitched squeak of an old wheel that needs oil. This peculiar bird sound comes from the European starling. Description of the European Starling’s Squeaky Call The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a medium-sized bird native to Europe and parts of…
Quick Answers Woodpeckers are dedicated parents who take great care of their young. Here are some quick answers about what woodpeckers do with their baby birds: Woodpeckers make holes in trees to build nests for raising their babies. The female lays between 3-5 white eggs inside the nest hole. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 2 weeks until they hatch. Once hatched, the baby woodpeckers are called nestlings. The parents feed the nestlings for 3-4 weeks inside the nest. Woodpeckers feed their babies regurgitated insects and berries multiple times per hour. As the nestlings grow, the parents…
Having fertile and healthy birds is important for any bird owner, whether you have pet birds or breed birds as a hobby or business. Just like humans, birds need proper nutrition to stay in top shape and be able to reproduce successfully. Vitamins and minerals play key roles in avian health and fertility. What are the most important vitamins for bird fertility? There are several key vitamins that are especially important for bird fertility and breeding success. These include: Vitamin A – Helps regulate hormones, promotes egg production, and supports embryo development. Vitamin D3 – Aids in calcium absorption needed…
Resetting an old Rain Bird sprinkler controller is a fairly straightforward process that can help get your irrigation system back up and running if it’s acting buggy or not responding properly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps to reset common models of old Rain Bird controllers, as well as provide troubleshooting tips to help you identify when a reset is needed. When to Reset Your Old Rain Bird Controller There are a few telltale signs that indicate it’s time to reset your old Rain Bird sprinkler controller: The controller screen is frozen or will not respond to…
The black skimmer is a large coastal waterbird found in North and South America. It is easily recognizable by its striking black and white plumage and its unique bill, which is longer on the bottom than the top. The black skimmer is the only bird with this uneven bill adapted especially for a specialized method of feeding called skimming. The black skimmer uses its bill to skim the water’s surface, snapping up small fish and crustaceans. Its name refers to this distinctive foraging behavior. The black skimmer belongs to the family Rynchopidae, which contains just 3 species of skimmers worldwide.…
The Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) is a large sea duck known for its striking black plumage. It breeds in northern parts of North America and winters along both coasts of North America. The male and female Black Scoters have quite different appearances. The male is mostly black with a colorful bill, while the female is brown with a paler face. Male Black Scoter Description The male Black Scoter has distinctive black plumage that covers most of its body. Here are some key features that identify the male: Black Body and Head The male’s body, head, neck, back, wings, and tail…
Owls are amazing birds of prey that have fascinated humans for centuries. Their large eyes, rounded heads, and silent flight make them seem almost mythical. Of the many different owl species, one of the most widespread in North America is the screech owl. The screech owl is a small to medium sized owl, ranging from 6 to 11 inches in length with a 16 to 24 inch wingspan. They get their name from their eerie, shivering call that has been described as a “bouncing ball” or a horse’s whinny. This nocturnal bird has several interesting facts and adaptations that make…
The quetzal tattoo has become an increasingly popular choice for tattoo enthusiasts around the world. But what exactly does this colorful and striking bird represent? Here we’ll explore the history, meaning, and symbolism behind the quetzal tattoo. What is the quetzal? The resplendent quetzal is a breathtakingly beautiful bird that inhabits the cloud forests of Central America. Known for its vibrant green plumage and distinctive long tail feathers, the quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala and holds deep cultural significance among the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations. The quetzal was considered sacred to the Maya and Aztec people and…