The long-tailed duck, also known as oldsquaw, is a medium-sized sea duck that breeds in the arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. They are migratory birds that winter along both coasts of North America from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. Long-tailed ducks feed by diving underwater to depths of up to 60 feet to catch mollusks, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. The long-tailed duck is considered a game bird and is legal to hunt during regulated hunting seasons in the United States and Canada. However, there are specific regulations, license requirements, and limits that must be followed. In this…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The long eared owl (Asio otus) is a medium-sized owl found throughout much of Europe, Asia, and North America. It gets its name from its characteristically long ear tufts, which are used to enhance its hearing. The long eared owl has several key adaptations that aid its survival. Physical Adaptations The long eared owl has a number of physical adaptations that help it thrive. Camouflage The plumage of the long eared owl is mottled brown, black, buff, and white. This provides excellent camouflage when the owl is roosting in trees during the daytime, allowing it to blend in with bark…
Birds come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Many birds have distinctive features that help identify them, like a certain type of beak or colorful feathers. One unique bird trait that stands out is a crown of feathers on top of the head. There are a few different bird species that sport feather crowns. Let’s take a look at which birds have crowns and what makes their head feathers so special. Birds With Crown-Like Feather Tufts Some birds have small tufts or crests of feathers on their heads that resemble tiny crowns. These feathers are often raised or lowered…
Owls are often thought of as wise, mysterious creatures of the night. But are they actually slow birds? Let’s take a closer look at owls and their flight capabilities. Owl Species and Their Wings There are around 250 species of owls in the world, divided into two families: typical owls (Strigidae) and barn owls (Tytonidae). All owls share some common features like forward-facing eyes, feathers adapted for silent flight, and sharp talons for catching prey. An owl’s wings contribute significantly to its flying abilities. Owls have broad, rounded wings with large surface areas that help them generate lift and fly…
The hoatzin is a unique bird found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America that has earned the nickname “stinkbird” due to its foul odor. This bizarre-looking bird has several interesting features that account for its pungent smell and unusual appearance. What is a hoatzin? The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is a species of tropical bird found in swamps, mangroves, and other wetlands in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. Here are some key facts about the hoatzin: Scientific name: Opisthocomus hoazin Other common names: Canje pheasant, stinkbird Size: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm) long with a wingspan…
Cassowaries are large, flightless birds that live in the tropical forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia. They are part of the ratite group of birds, which also includes ostriches, emus, rheas, and kiwis. Cassowaries are most well known for the dagger-like claws on their inner toe, which can grow up to 4 inches long. But do cassowaries actually have true claws, or are they more like nails? What are claws? Claws are curved, compressed keratinous plates that grow from the end of an animal’s toes. They serve a variety of purposes, including hunting, self-defense, climbing, digging, and grooming. True…
Female quails have a distinct appearance that differs from male quails in several ways. The most noticeable difference is that female quails lack the dramatic plumage and bold colors that make male quails stand out. Female quails have more subdued, camouflaged feathers that help them blend into their surroundings. Their smaller size and muted coloration provide an evolutionary advantage by making them less visible to predators while sitting on a nest. However, upon closer inspection, female quails have a graceful, refined beauty all their own. Size and Dimensions Female quails are smaller and weigh less than male quails. A typical…
The common loon is a large waterbird found across North America. Known for its eerie, wavering calls, the loon spends its summers on lakes and ponds across Canada and the northern United States. While loons may seem abundant, their populations are actually declining in many areas due to habitat loss and disturbance. This has led some states and provinces to restrict or ban loon hunting. So can you hunt loons in the US? The answer depends on where you are. Federal Regulations on Loon Hunting At the federal level, there are no restrictions on hunting common loons. The Migratory Bird…
The bird race in Pathfinder is an event where participants compete to identify the most species of birds within a designated time period and area. It is a popular event among birdwatchers and naturalists as both a recreational activity and a way to contribute to ornithological research. Overview of Bird Races A typical bird race involves teams traveling through a specific geographic region, such as a county, national park, or other defined area, looking and listening for as many bird species as they can identify. Races usually last 24 hours, starting at midnight, but some may be shorter or longer.…
Drawing a simple pelican can be a fun and rewarding experience for both beginning and experienced artists. Pelicans are large water birds with distinctive beaks that make them easily recognizable. Their unique features like the large throat pouch and webbed feet can be captured through some basic sketching techniques. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw a simple pelican in an easy-to-follow manner. What You Need Before you start drawing your pelican, you need to gather some basic materials: Pencil Eraser Paper Black marker (optional) You just need a regular pencil, an eraser, and some…