Barn owls are medium-sized owls with long legs, long wings, and a square-shaped facial disk. They are one of the most widely distributed land birds in the world and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Barn owls get their name from their habit of nesting in barns and other man-made structures. But what is the 4 letter code used to refer to barn owls? The 4 Letter Codes for Birds Ornithologists, bird watchers, and other professionals who study birds often use 4 letter codes, known as alpha codes or banding codes, to refer to specific bird species. The codes…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Sparrows are small songbirds that are found throughout most of the world. They are social birds that often gather in noisy flocks. One of the most distinctive sounds made by many sparrow species is a short, sharpchip or cheep. This sound serves multiple purposes for sparrows. Types of Sparrow Chips and Cheeps There are a few main types of chips and cheeps made by sparrows: Contact calls – Sparrows keep in touch with each other when gathering food or flying in flocks using short chips. This helps them stay together and communicate. Alarm/alert calls – When sensing potential danger, sparrows…
Birds are unique creatures covered in feathers. But underneath those feathers, birds also have skin just like other animals. So the answer is that birds have both skin and feathers. Bird Skin All birds have skin that covers their bodies underneath their feathers. A bird’s skin helps regulate body temperature, detects sensations, and protects the internal organs. Bird skin contains nerves, blood vessels, and sense receptors just like human skin. However, bird skin tends to be thinner and lighter than mammalian skin so that birds can fly more easily. A bird’s skin comes in a variety of colors including pink,…
Mourning doves are a common bird species found throughout North America. They are known for their soft, mournful cooing calls which give them their name. Mourning doves have relatively short lifespans compared to other birds, living only 1-3 years on average in the wild. Typical lifespan of mourning doves The typical lifespan of a mourning dove is 1-2 years. However, they have been known to live up to 5 years in captivity if given proper care. In the wild, only about 25% of mourning doves survive more than one year. Some key facts about mourning dove lifespan: In the wild,…
Perching birds, also known as passerines, are a highly diverse order of birds with over 5,000 species. They are characterized by their ability to perch on branches and other surfaces by grasping them with their feet. The feet and claws of perching birds exhibit a remarkable diversity and specialization that enables them to adeptly grip branches and manipulate objects. Anatomy of Perching Bird Feet and Claws The feet of perching birds have four toes, three pointing forward and one pointing back. This arrangement, called anisodactyl, allows the birds to firmly grasp branches and apply maximum gripping force. The toes are…
Rock Pigeons, also known as Rock Doves, are a domesticated species of pigeon that are found in cities and towns all over the world. They are descended from the wild Rock Dove, which is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Rock Pigeons nest on buildings and cliffs and have adapted well to urban environments. But do Rock Pigeons actually build nests? The answer is yes, Rock Pigeons do construct nests in order to lay their eggs and raise their young. However, their nests are generally simple compared to many other bird species. What do Rock Pigeon nests look like?…
Bird beaks show immense variation in size and shape across species. This variation is driven by adaptation to different food sources and feeding strategies. The beak is a crucial tool for birds, used for tasks like gathering food, preening feathers, manipulating objects, courtship displays, and defending territories. Over time, natural selection has honed the size and shape of beaks to improve their function and efficiency for each species’ lifestyle. What is a bird beak? A bird’s beak, also known as a bill, is an anatomical structure found on the head of birds. The beak is made up of two mandibles…
The blue jay is a familiar backyard bird in many parts of North America. Known for its bright blue plumage and raucous calls, the blue jay is a beloved member of many woodland bird communities. But did you know that male and female blue jays actually look quite different from one another? The most noticeable difference is in their coloration. While males have vivid, deep blue feathers over most of their bodies, females are much more muted in color. So what color is a female blue jay? Let’s take a closer look at the plumage differences between male and female…
The downy woodpecker is a small bird that is common across much of North America. They are year-round residents in many parts of their range, but some northern populations migrate south for the winter. Downy woodpeckers make their home in deciduous forests, especially those with older trees that provide nesting cavities. These cavity nesters will also readily nest in backyard birdhouses. If you’d like to attract downy woodpeckers to your yard, providing an appropriate birdhouse for them is key. But what kind of birdhouse does a downy woodpecker need? What Are the Dimensions of a Downy Woodpecker Birdhouse? A downy…
Marbled ducks (Marmaronetta angustirostris) are a medium-sized duck species that breed in southern Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa. They are partially migratory, with some populations making seasonal movements while others remain in the same region year-round. Understanding marbled duck migration patterns can provide important insights into their ecology and conservation. Do marbled ducks migrate or stay in one place? Marbled ducks exhibit both migratory and resident behavior depending on the population. In general: Breeding populations in central Asia are fully migratory, moving south to spend the winter in Pakistan, India, and parts of the Middle East. Breeding populations in…