The painted bunting is a small, colorful songbird found in North America. The male painted bunting is known for its bright, vivid plumage in hues of blue, green, red and yellow. The female and immature painted buntings have more subtle, greenish-yellow plumage. Painted buntings are found in the southern United States during summer breeding months and migrate to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean in winter. Understanding the typical lifespan of the painted bunting can provide insight into their breeding habits, migration patterns, and conservation status. Typical Lifespan in the Wild In natural conditions, the average lifespan of a painted…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Sparrows are a common type of small songbird found throughout most of the world. There are over 140 different species of sparrows, characterized by their small size, vocal songs, and adaptability. Sparrows exhibit a diverse range of behaviors related to migration, mating, nesting, foraging, socializing, and more. Here is an in-depth look at various aspects of sparrow behavior. What are some quick facts about sparrow behavior? Here are some quick facts about sparrow behavior: Sparrows are highly social and live in flocks outside of breeding season. They bathe frequently in water or dust to keep their feathers clean. Sparrows are…
The Northern Parula is a small songbird found in North America. Its scientific name is Setophaga americana. This brightly colored warbler has blue-gray upperparts, yellow underparts, and a greenish back patch. The male Northern Parula also has a reddish-brown breast band. Northern Parulas breed in the eastern and central United States and southeastern Canada. They migrate to the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean for the winter. The Northern Parula prefers to nest in hanging mosses and lichens in trees. This unique nesting behavior has led to some questions about how common or rare this bird is. Some bird…
The origin of birds has been a topic of debate and research for over 150 years. Birds share many anatomical features with dinosaurs, which suggests they evolved from theropod dinosaurs sometime during the Jurassic or Cretaceous period. Identifying which theropod groups gave rise to birds and deciphering their evolutionary relationships is an ongoing effort by paleontologists. What are theropod dinosaurs? Theropod dinosaurs were a diverse group of bipedal saurischian dinosaurs that included all the carnivorous dinosaurs. They first appeared in the Late Triassic period (~230 million years ago) and were the dominant large predators throughout the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.…
Birds that feed on nectar are called nectarivores. The most common nectar-feeding bird is the hummingbird. Hummingbirds have long beaks and tongues that allow them to access nectar deep within flowers. Other birds that get some or all of their energy from nectar include sunbirds, honeyeaters, and lorikeets. Why do some birds feed on nectar? Nectar is an attractive food source for birds because it provides a concentrated source of energy in the form of sugars. It takes a lot of energy for birds to fly, so nectar gives hummingbirds and other nectar feeders quick fuel. Nectar is produced by…
The northern cardinal is a familiar backyard bird across much of eastern North America. With its bright red plumage and melodious song, the northern cardinal is easily identifiable and beloved by many. But do these iconic birds make their home as far north as Toronto, Ontario? The answer is yes – northern cardinals can and do live in and around Toronto. While their range centers more heavily on the southern and central United States, the northern cardinal has expanded its range northward over the past century. Toronto lies at the northern edge of the cardinal’s range, but the city’s large…
The ruffed grouse is a popular game bird found across much of North America. Valued by hunters for its delicious meat, the ruffed grouse is considered by many to be one of the tastiest wild birds available. But are ruffed grouse really good eating? Let’s take a closer look at the culinary qualities of this flavorful fowl. What is a Ruffed Grouse? The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a mid-sized grouse species endemic to the forests of North America. Sometimes called the partridge, it is identified by its plumage which varies geographically from grayish-brown to reddish-brown. The bird gets its…
The Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is a small songbird species found throughout much of North America. They are brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, who raise the cowbird chick as their own. This has led to some controversy, as cowbirds can potentially reduce the reproductive success of their hosts. However, cowbird populations remain widespread and they play an important ecological role. In this article, we will explore the current status of Brown-headed Cowbirds and whether or not they can be considered rare. Range and Population Brown-headed Cowbirds have an extensive range across…
Brown thrushes and wood thrushes are two similar looking bird species found in North America. While they may appear identical at first glance, there are some key differences between these two thrushes that allow birders to distinguish them. Appearance Both the brown thrush and wood thrush have brown upperparts and white underparts with dark brown spots. However, the brown thrush has a more reddish-brown coloration compared to the wood thrush which has an olive-brown hue. The most noticeable difference in appearance is the eye ring. The brown thrush has a very thin whitish eye ring, while the wood thrush has…
The Mississippi kite is a small raptor found across the southern United States. These graceful birds are a common sight in the summer months as they soar high above fields and waterways hunting for insects and small vertebrates. Mississippi kites form strong pair bonds and often return to the same nesting sites year after year. But do they reuse the same exact nest? Or do they build a new one each season? Here’s a closer look at the nesting habits of these aerial acrobats. Mississippi Kite Natural History The Mississippi kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) is a medium-sized bird of prey that…