Grackles are a type of blackbird found throughout North America. The most common species of grackle include the Common Grackle, the Boat-tailed Grackle, and the Great-tailed Grackle. Grackles are social birds that nest in colonies and travel in noisy flocks. Baby grackles have a very different appearance compared to adult grackles. They are born helpless with closed eyes and very little feathering. As they grow over the first few weeks of life, their feathers start to come in and they develop their adult plumage. By the time they fledge and leave the nest, baby grackles resemble miniature versions of the…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The back of a red-tailed hawk has several distinctive features that help identify it. The colors and patterns on the back can vary somewhat between individuals, but there are some common characteristics. Plumage The main color on the back of a red-tailed hawk is brown. This can range from a lighter brown to a darker chocolate brown. The shoulders are usually a darker brown than the lower back and rump. There are also white spots mixed into the brown feathers on the upper back and shoulders. These white spots help create a speckled pattern on the back. The pattern continues…
Barn owls are found in many parts of the world, but their presence in Israel has been somewhat disputed. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence for barn owls in Israel and try to conclusively answer the question of whether there are barn owls in this Middle Eastern country. The Debate Over Barn Owls in Israel While barn owls are found across much of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, their presence in Israel has not always been clear. Some older sources state that barn owls are not present in Israel at all. However, more recent research has suggested that…
Wood ducks are one of the most stunningly beautiful waterfowl in North America. The males have iridescent chestnut and green plumage accented with white stripes and bars. Their elegance has made them a favorite among hunters and birdwatchers alike. Wood ducks get their name from their tendency to nest in tree cavities in wooded swamps and forests near water. They are a nervous duck that is easily spooked, so learning how to properly use a wood duck call is essential for attracting them during hunting season. With numerous types of wood duck calls on the market, it can be overwhelming…
Red crossbills are unique finches that specialize in eating conifer seeds. Their crossed bills allow them to efficiently pry open conifer cones and extract the small seeds inside. Red crossbills are found across North America and Eurasia, wherever conifers grow. They are nomadic birds that wander widely in search of abundant cone crops. Understanding the diet and foraging ecology of red crossbills provides insight into their specialized adaptation for feeding on conifer seeds. What tree seeds do red crossbills eat? Red crossbills primarily eat seeds extracted from conifer cones. Their preferred conifer species depends on the geographic location and varies…
The black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a medium-sized heron found across much of the world. In India, it is a widespread resident bird found in a variety of wetland habitats. However, its populations have declined in recent decades leading some to question whether it is becoming rare in parts of its Indian range. In this article, we will examine the evidence on the abundance and distribution of the black-crowned night heron in India. Key questions include: What is the global and Indian range of the black-crowned night heron? What are the population sizes and trends of this species in…
The black swift (Cypseloides niger) is a fascinating bird that intrigues ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike with its speedy flight, aerial lifestyle, and mysterious migrations. Though widespread throughout western North America during the breeding season, black swifts are seldom seen, leading many to wonder just how rare these intriguing birds really are. What is a black swift? The black swift is a medium-sized aerial swift bird found along the Pacific Coast and in the Rocky Mountains. They have uniformly dark brownish-black plumage, long swept-back wings, and a slightly notched tail. Their bill is small but wide at the base. Identification…
Wrens are small, active songbirds that can be found across much of North America. They are known for their loud, complex songs and for their habit of nesting in small cavities. Wrens do not build their own nests, instead relying on cavities like old woodpecker holes, natural crevices, or man-made nest boxes. This has led many people to wonder: do wrens like and use hanging birdhouses? Quick Answers In short, yes, wrens will readily use hanging nest boxes, provided the boxes meet their needs. Wrens prefer small cavity openings, around 1-1.5 inches across, and shallow depth of 4-6 inches. Popular…
Birds sing in a variety of keys, though there are some general trends among different species. The key a bird sings in is determined by the anatomy of its syrinx, which functions like a vocal cord in humans. The size and shape of the syrinx determines the frequency range a bird can produce. Smaller birds with smaller syrinxes tend to sing higher-pitched songs, while larger birds sing lower-pitched songs. Why do birds sing? Birds sing for several reasons: To claim territory – Birds will sing to establish their territory and ward off rival males. To attract mates – Songs communicate…
Birds have long held a special significance in cultures around the world. Their ability to fly high into the sky and soar across great distances has made them symbols of freedom, spiritual connection, and divine messages throughout history. So when a bird chooses to visit you, whether by landing nearby, flying past, or even bumping into your window, it can carry a deeper meaning and sign from the universe. What Does it Mean When a Specific Bird Visits You? Different birds carry different symbolic meanings, so the type of bird that visits you can give further insight into the message…