The Nepali swallow is a small passerine bird found throughout Nepal and parts of surrounding countries. It belongs to the swallow family of birds which are characterized by their adaptation for aerial feeding. Nepali swallows have glossy blue-black plumage on their upperparts and paler underparts, with a chestnut forehead and throat. They measure around 12-13 cm in length. These agile fliers hawk insects while airborne, often over water or open fields. They have slender, streamlined bodies and long, pointed wings. Their forked tails and quick, erratic flight pattern makes them distinctive to spot and identify. Swallows are extremely adept at…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The idea that birds can change or swap their biological sex is a fascinating concept that has long captured the human imagination. While gender fluidity has become more widely discussed and accepted in humans, the question remains – can our avian friends really transition between being male and female as some legends suggest? In this article, we’ll explore the evidence around birds changing sex and look at some real-life examples of transgender birds. We’ll also discuss the evolutionary reasons why some species may have developed an ability to swap between genders. Can birds biologically change sex? The short answer is…
The elegant white egret is a captivating bird that has held symbolic meaning across different cultures throughout history. With its pure white plumage, long slender neck, and graceful stature, the egret has inspired many stories, myths, and associations over time. By exploring some of these deeper meanings, we can uncover the rich symbolism behind this remarkable bird. Purity One of the most prevalent symbolic associations of the egret is with purity. Its snowy white feathers seem to embody a flawless innocence, unsullied by the dirt and grime of the world. For this reason, the egret appears in myth and folklore…
The yellow shaft refers to the bright yellow coloring on the undersides of the wing and tail feathers of the Northern Flicker woodpecker. This vivid yellow stands out clearly when the Northern Flicker is in flight. The contrast of the yellow undersides against the bird’s other plumage makes this marking a key identifying feature of the Northern Flicker. What causes the yellow coloration? The yellow coloration comes from pigments called carotenoids that are present in the Northern Flicker’s diet. Carotenoids are organic compounds produced by plants, algae, bacteria, and fungi. When birds eat carotenoid-rich foods like seeds, fruits, and insects,…
Yes, Spotted Sandpipers are capable of flight. As members of the order Charadriiformes, which includes many migratory shorebirds and plovers, Spotted Sandpipers have wings and are able to fly. The Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird that is common across North America. They breed across most of Canada and the United States and winter as far south as South America. Spotted Sandpipers get their name from the spotted pattern on their backs and wings during breeding season. They are considered one of the most widespread and recognizable shorebirds in North America. As members of the order Charadriiformes, Spotted…
Acorn woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus) are medium-sized woodpeckers that are found in oak woodlands in western North America. They are highly social birds that live in family groups and store acorns in storage holes they drill into trees. Acorn woodpeckers are uniquely recognizable by their striking black and white plumage and large, clownish face. Scientific Classification Acorn woodpeckers belong to the scientific order Piciformes, which contains all woodpeckers and their relatives. Within this order, acorn woodpeckers belong to the family Picidae, which includes all true woodpeckers. Here is the full scientific classification of acorn woodpeckers: Taxonomy Name Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata…
Barred owls (Strix varia) are medium-sized owls native to North America. They get their name from the horizontal brown and white barring pattern on their chest feathers. Barred owls have expanded their range dramatically in the past century, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. This expansion has brought barred owls into conflict with the similar-looking spotted owl. The aggressiveness and territorial nature of barred owls are factors in their ability to outcompete spotted owls. Understanding barred owl behavior and temperament provides insights into how best to manage both species. Barred Owl Natural History Barred owls are highly adaptable generalist predators. They…
Downy Woodpeckers are small woodpeckers that are common across much of North America. They are non-migratory birds that can be found year-round throughout their range. Downy Woodpeckers play an important role in forest ecosystems and their breeding behaviors are well-studied by ornithologists. Quick Facts Here are some key facts about Downy Woodpecker breeding and egg laying: Downy Woodpeckers typically have only one brood per breeding season. They lay between 3-8 eggs per clutch. The breeding season lasts from April to July across most of their range. Both the male and female incubate the eggs for about 12 days before hatching.…
Quick Answer There are pros and cons to placing a birdbath in both sunny and shady locations. Some key factors to consider are: Birds prefer shaded birdbaths to avoid overheating in summer Sunny birdbaths allow better visibility for bird watching Shade prevents algae growth and keeps water cooler Sunny spots avoid problems with droppings from trees Overall, a location with some sun in the morning and afternoon shade is ideal. Shadier spots are better in hot climates. Provide a mix of sun and shade by using nearby trees, shrubs or partial shade structures. Birdbath Location Considerations When deciding where to…
Quick Answer Yes, woodpeckers do eat from bird feeders, though they tend to prefer natural food sources like insects and tree sap. Woodpeckers have been known to visit tube feeders, hopper feeders, and platform feeders to eat seeds, suet, and nectar. However, they likely won’t get all their nutritional needs from bird feeders alone. Providing woodpeckers with supplemental foods at feeders can be beneficial, especially during winter when natural food is scarce. But woodpeckers still need access to trees and wood to drill for insects and sap. Do Woodpeckers Visit Bird Feeders? Woodpeckers will occasionally visit bird feeders in backyards…