The California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) and the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) are two similar looking bird species found in North America. Both are small, long-tailed songbirds with blue-gray plumage on their upperparts and whitish underparts. However, there are some key differences between these two gnatcatcher species in terms of their distribution, habitat preferences, behavior, vocalizations, and conservation status. Geographic Range and Distribution The California Gnatcatcher has a limited geographic range concentrated in coastal southern California and northwestern Baja California. Its current range extends from southern Ventura County southward through Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties. Small…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Angry Birds is a popular physics-based puzzle video game created by Rovio Entertainment. The original Angry Birds game was first released in 2009 for iOS and has since expanded to other platforms over the years. Angry Birds can be played both online and offline depending on the version. Online Versions of Angry Birds There are several online and web-based versions of Angry Birds that allow the game to be played directly within a web browser without needing to install anything. Angry Birds Friends Angry Birds Friends was one of the first online browser-based versions of Angry Birds introduced in 2012.…
The reddish egret is a medium-sized heron that lives along the coasts of North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean islands. Their conservation status varies depending on location, but they face threats in many areas from habitat loss and climate change. Here is a quick overview of the reddish egret’s endangered status: United States In the United States, the reddish egret is listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its numbers have declined in some regions, particularly along the Gulf Coast, due to habitat loss and disturbance. However, its overall population is…
The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) is part of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and is located in Washington, D.C. The SMBC conducts research on bird migration and conservation. The SMBC was established in 1991 as a part of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo. The goal of the SMBC is to study migrant bird species, especially neotropical migrants, and find ways to conserve their populations. Some of the major research areas at the SMBC include: Understanding bird migration routes and patterns Studying the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation Assessing threats to migratory birds like climate change and light pollution…
Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) are a species of thrush that are found throughout eastern North America. These colorful songbirds breed across much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada during the spring and summer. When winter approaches, Eastern bluebirds migrate south to spend the cold months in warmer climates before returning north in the spring. Eastern Bluebird Migration Patterns Eastern bluebirds are short-distance migrants, meaning they don’t journey as far south as some other migratory birds. Many Eastern bluebirds that breed in the northern parts of their range will migrate south to the southern United States. However, some bluebirds…
The Pyrrhuloxia is a striking red songbird that is primarily found in the desert southwest of the United States and northern Mexico. With its bright red plumage, gray bill, and mohawk-like crest, the Pyrrhuloxia is easy to identify. However, as this bird’s range is limited, birders looking to add Pyrrhuloxia to their life list will need to know where to search for this desert beauty. Luckily, there are several key areas across the southwest where Pyrrhuloxia can reliably be found. Arizona Arizona is one of the best places to look for Pyrrhuloxia. This bird can be found year-round across much…
Birds have a variety of structures that cover and protect their beaks, which allow them to feed, groom, preen, manipulate objects, fight, and more. The main covering found on most bird beaks is called the rhamphotheca. Let’s explore the rhamphotheca and other coverings found on bird beaks in more detail. The Rhamphotheca The rhamphotheca is a sheath covering the outside of the beak that grows continuously throughout a bird’s life. It is composed of keratin, the same protein that makes up human fingernails and hair. The rhamphotheca covers the underlying bony core of upper and lower mandibles that form the…
Burrowing owls and ground squirrels are two common wildlife species that share overlapping habitats across North America. As both are small prey animals that live underground, an obvious question arises – do burrowing owls eat ground squirrels? The short answer is yes, burrowing owls are opportunistic predators that will eat ground squirrels if given the chance. However, the full relationship between these two species is more complex. Burrowing Owl Overview The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found in open, treeless grasslands across North and South America. As their name suggests, they nest and roost in burrows…
The Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii) is a small songbird found in North America. It gets its name from the American ornithologist John Graham Bell, who first described the species in the 1840s. The Bell’s vireo has several subspecies and is found in various habitats across its range, but it is generally associated with thick, shrubby vegetation. Understanding the habitat requirements of this species can help guide conservation efforts. Breeding Habitat The breeding habitat of the Bell’s vireo consists of dense, low, shrubby vegetation and other early successional growth. Typical habitat includes: Thickets along streams and rivers Recently burned areas with…
Grey colored birds of prey are a fascinating group of raptors that include some of the most well-known and charismatic birds in the world. There are over 10 species of grey raptors found worldwide, inhabiting diverse habitats from grasslands to forests to coastlines. Some grey raptors like the African Grey Parrot are famous for their intelligence and speaking abilities, while others like the Grey Goshawk are fierce hunters that can take down prey larger than themselves. In this article, we’ll explore what defines a grey colored bird of prey, look at some examples, examine their typical traits and behaviors, and…