The red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) is a unique species of finch found across North America and Eurasia. It is named for the distinctive crossing of its upper and lower mandibles, which allows it to efficiently pry seeds from conifer cones. The red crossbill has long captured the human imagination with its unique adaptations and behaviors. One such captivating aspect of this species is the legends and folklore that surround it. Crossbills feature prominently in the mythology of several cultures across their range. Let’s explore some of the most fascinating crossbill legends and what they reveal about humanity’s historical relationship with…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Kingfishers are vibrantly colored birds in the family Alcedinidae that are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are famous for their spectacular diving ability to catch fish and other aquatic prey. There are over 90 different species of kingfishers found throughout the world, but only one species, the belted kingfisher, is native to North America. What kingfisher species are found in the USA? The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is the only kingfisher species naturally found in the United States and Canada. It is a medium-sized kingfisher with a large head, long beak, shaggy crest, and bright blue-gray plumage on…
The female bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey that is an important national symbol of the United States of America. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the female bald eagle unique. Identification The female bald eagle can be identified by its brown body feathers and lack of white head and tail feathers that are seen in male bald eagles. The female’s wingspan reaches up to 8 feet, making it one of the largest birds in North America. The beak, eyes, and feet are all yellow in color. Females are larger than males. They weigh 8-14 pounds…
Canvasbacks are a species of diving duck found primarily in North America. They breed in the Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains and western Canada during the summer, and migrate south to winter along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Their preferred habitat is large, shallow lakes and marshes with abundant aquatic vegetation. Let’s take a closer look at where canvasbacks are most commonly found throughout their annual cycle. Breeding Range During the spring and summer breeding season, canvasbacks are most abundant in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of the northern Great Plains. This area encompasses parts of Alberta,…
Red headed finches are a rare and unique type of finch found primarily in Australia. Their distinctive bright red heads make them stand out among other finch species. While not endangered, red headed finches are considered uncommon and not frequently seen. Their rarity is due to their specialized habitat needs and breeding behaviors. What is a Red Headed Finch? The red headed finch (Amadina erythrocephala) is a small passerine bird native to Australia. They are part of the estrildid finch family and are close relatives of other grassfinches like the zebra finch. Some key facts about red headed finches: -…
Nyjer seed, also known as thistle seed, is a tiny black seed that is highly popular among backyard bird enthusiasts. This oil-rich seed attracts finches, siskins, goldfinches, redpolls, pine siskins, doves, and sparrows. Its small size and thin shell make it accessible to birds of all sizes. Nyjer seed offers birds a high-fat, high-protein diet that is similar to their natural food sources. This nutritional profile is why nyjer seed is such an excellent option for backyard bird feeders. But which specific bird species can you expect to visit your nyjer seed feeder? Goldfinches One of the birds most likely…
Loons are aquatic birds found throughout North America. They are known for their striking black and white plumage and their eerie, wavering calls. One of the most remarkable things about loons is their ability to dive underwater to catch fish, their main prey. This raises an interesting question – do loons dive with their chicks? Do loon parents take chicks underwater when diving? The short answer is no, adult loons do not take their chicks underwater with them when they dive. Here’s why: Newly hatched loon chicks cannot dive. They float on the water’s surface and are cared for by…
Killdeer are a type of plover that can be found across much of North America. They are considered one of the most widespread shorebird species on the continent. Killdeer get their name from their distinctively loud and repetitive “kill-deer” call. These medium-sized, long-legged shorebirds are often seen running across lawns, parking lots, golf courses, and other open areas. They prefer open habitats near water, but also use a variety of other environments. When it comes to where killdeer are most commonly found, there are a few key areas that stand out. The Great Plains One of the major strongholds for…
The white ibis (Eudocimus albus) and the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) are two very similar looking wading bird species found in North America. Both belong to the ibis family Threskiornithidae. At first glance, they appear almost identical with their long downward curving bills, long legs, and overall white plumage. However, there are some key physical differences between these two bird species. In this article, we will compare and contrast the white and glossy ibis in terms of physical features, habitat and range, diet, breeding behaviors, conservation status, and more. Learning how to distinguish white and glossy ibis is important for…
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small North American songbird in the finch family Fringillidae. Its classification has been defined over the years based on morphological, behavioral, and genetic analysis. Quick Answer The American Goldfinch is classified in the following taxonomy: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae Genus: Spinus Species: S. tristis Scientific Classification The American Goldfinch belongs to the kingdom Animalia, which includes all multicellular, eukaryotic organisms. As a vertebrate, it is placed in the phylum Chordata. More specifically, it belongs to the class Aves as a bird species. The order Passeriformes includes all…