A bird’s beak is one of its most important features. The shape and size of a bird’s beak has evolved over time to help the bird survive in its environment. The beak is an adaptation that helps the bird find, capture and eat food. Different types of beaks have evolved for different diets. What is a bird’s beak? A bird’s beak, also called a bill, is an extension of the skull made up of the upper mandible (top part) and lower mandible (bottom part). The upper mandible is a fusion of bones including the premaxilla and maxilla. The lower mandible…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Jurong Bird Park is one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. Since opening in 1971, it has delighted visitors with its huge aviaries and diverse collection of over 5,000 birds. However, in recent years, Jurong Bird Park has faced challenges and changes. This article explores the history of Jurong Bird Park, analyzes the reasons for its decline, and considers its future prospects. The Early Years of Success Jurong Bird Park first opened its doors on January 3, 1971. It was Asia’s largest bird park at the time, built on a 20.2 hectare site in the southwest region of Singapore. The park…
Cormorants are water birds that are expert fishers, catching a wide variety of fish to eat. In this article, we’ll take a look at the diets of different cormorant species and the types of fish they prey on. Quick Answer: Cormorants are Piscivorous Birds that Eat Mostly Small Fish Cormorants are highly adaptable, opportunistic feeders that eat a wide variety of small fish, depending on availability and local conditions. The most common fish eaten by cormorants include: Anchovies Herring Minnows Sardines Sticklebacks Cormorants plunge dive from the surface to catch fish underwater. They are pursuit predators that chase fast-moving fish…
The long-eared owl (Asio otus) is a medium-sized owl found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. With its distinctive ear tufts, streaked plumage, and orange eyes, the long-eared owl is a striking bird that captures the imaginations of birders and nature enthusiasts. But just how rare is this enigmatic owl? Understanding the rarity of long-eared owls requires looking at their global population, distribution, habitat needs, and conservation status. Global Population and Distribution The long-eared owl has an extremely large range, estimated at over 54,600,000 square kilometers globally. Their breeding range spans North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East while…
Quick Answer Yes, seeing a spotted owl in the wild is considered quite rare. The spotted owl is an elusive creature that resides primarily in old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Due to habitat loss and population declines over the past few decades, spotted owls have become rather uncommon. Even experienced birders and wildlife experts get excited upon a spotted owl sighting these days. With a little luck and by searching in the right habitat, it’s possible for a patient observer to catch a glimpse of one of these magnificent owls. But more often than not,…
Birds come in all different shapes and sizes, each uniquely adapted to their environments and lifestyles. One of the most distinguishing features of a bird is its beak, which plays an integral role in feeding, preening, courtship, defense, and more. Some birds like finches have short, conical beaks perfect for cracking seeds, while birds like pelicans have long, scoop-shaped beaks ideal for catching fish. But there is one particular group of birds that is easily recognized by their uniquely curved beaks: birds of prey. Birds of Prey Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include species like eagles, hawks, falcons,…
The Vesper Sparrow is a small brown songbird native to North America. Its scientific name is Pooecetes gramineus, and it belongs to the family Emberizidae. Vesper Sparrows are known for their distinct white outer tail feathers which flash brightly when they take flight. They get their common name from their lovely evening song, which they often sing perched at the top of a bush or small tree. Let’s explore the deeper meaning behind this species’ name, appearance, behavior, habitat, and cultural significance. The Name Vesper Sparrow The word “vesper” in Vesper Sparrow refers to the evening. This name comes from…
It can be heartbreaking to find a baby bird that has been abandoned by its mother. However, before assuming the worst, it’s important to understand normal bird behavior and the reasons why a mother may leave the nest temporarily. With some basic knowledge and care, many orphaned baby birds can survive and thrive. Why Would a Mother Bird Abandon Her Babies? There are a few common reasons why a mother bird may leave her babies alone: Gathering food – Mother birds need to leave the nest frequently to find food to feed their hungry babies. This is totally normal behavior.…
Skeletonizing a bird is the process of removing all soft tissue from the bird’s body, leaving only the bones. This is done by biologists and taxidermists to study bird anatomy and create museum displays. The skeletonization process allows detailed examination of the bird’s skeletal structure and can reveal information about the bird’s age, health, species, and more. Here is an overview of the main steps involved in skeletonizing a bird: Obtaining the Bird Specimen The first step is acquiring an appropriate bird specimen. This is usually a bird that has died from natural causes or been euthanized for scientific purposes.…
Head trauma in birds can occur from a variety of causes including window strikes, predator attacks, fights with other birds, falls, and blunt force trauma from human actions. The survivability of a bird after head trauma depends on the severity and location of the injury. Mild concussions may result in temporary disorientation or weakness but often birds can recover fully. More severe injuries can cause permanent damage or even death. Prompt veterinary care gives birds the best chance at survival and recovery. What causes head trauma in birds? There are several common ways birds can suffer head trauma: Window strikes…