There are a few birds that are known for making crying or wailing noises that sound similar to a human baby’s cry. The most common birds that produce these unusual vocalizations are the White-throated Sparrow, the Killdeer, and the Eastern Screech Owl. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these species and explore why their cries can sound so humanlike. We’ll also discuss some theories on why certain bird species may have evolved to mimic the sound of a crying human infant. The White-throated Sparrow’s Song The White-throated Sparrow is a small songbird found throughout forests…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
It can be alarming for bird watchers and nature lovers to find an empty bird’s nest that once held hatchlings or nestlings. There are several reasons why baby birds may disappear from their nest before they are ready to fledge. Predators One of the most common reasons for baby birds disappearing from the nest is predators. Birds have many natural predators, including cats, snakes, raccoons, squirrels, rats, hawks, crows, jays, owls, grackles, and others. These predators may raid bird nests and carry off eggs or baby birds to eat. Some common bird nest predators include: Cats – Domestic and feral…
Purple martins are unique birds that have a special relationship with humans. These large, fast-flying swallows readily nest in man-made birdhouses, making them beloved backyard birds across much of North America. Providing proper habitat is key to attracting and keeping purple martins nearby. One important habitat consideration is the proximity of open water. Why Do Purple Martins Need Access to Water? Like all animals, purple martins need water for drinking and bathing. Access to open water is especially crucial because: Purple martins eat only flying insects, which they catch in flight. Flying and catching insects leads to rapid water loss.…
Quick Answer Yes, it is possible to get birds shipped to you. Many breeders and bird shops offer shipping services to ship birds to customers. There are some important factors to consider when having birds shipped, such as finding an experienced shipper, proper packaging and precautions, health certificates, and overnight air shipping. With proper planning and care, birds can be shipped safely to new owners. Choosing an Experienced Shipper One of the most important factors in safely shipping birds is choosing an experienced shipper. Here are some tips for finding a good bird shipper: – Choose an established, reputable breeder…
The Birdcage is a 1996 American comedy film directed by Mike Nichols and starring Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, and Dianne Wiest. The film is a remake of the 1978 Franco-Italian film La Cage aux Folles. In the film, Williams and Lane play a gay couple living in South Beach, Florida who own a drag nightclub. When their son gets engaged, he asks them to pretend to be straight and conform to his fiancée’s conservative parents’ expectations. This leads to a series of hilarious mishaps as they try to keep up the charade. Armand Goldman The “gay guy” in…
The prefix that means bird is ‘ornitho-‘. This comes from the Greek word ‘ornis’ meaning bird. Prefixes are groups of letters added to the beginning of a word that change its meaning. Understanding prefixes can help us determine the meanings of unfamiliar words and learn more about the origins of words. What are Prefixes? Prefixes are morphemes (meaningful groups of letters) that are added onto the beginning of words to change their meaning. For example, the prefix ‘un-‘ means ‘not’ or ‘opposite of’. When added to a word like ‘happy’, it creates the word ‘unhappy’ which has the opposite meaning.…
Flapping flight is the most common form of avian locomotion and is used by nearly all species of birds. It involves the flapping of the wings to generate both lift and thrust, allowing birds to fly through the air. Unlike gliding flight, where birds rely on air currents to stay aloft, flapping flight allows self-powered and controlled flight. There are many complex aerodynamic and biomechanical factors involved in sustaining flapping flight. What are the key features of flapping flight? There are several key features that enable birds to achieve flapping flight: Wings Birds have specially adapted forelimbs called wings that…
The rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a medium-sized blackbird found in North America. It gets its name from the rust-colored feathers on its head and body. Rusty blackbirds have a very distinct vocalization that helps identify them. In this article, we will explore the different sounds and songs rusty blackbirds make. Rusty Blackbird Call The most common vocalization of the rusty blackbird is a metallic “check” or “tchek” call. This call is often given in flight or when perched. It is a short, sharp sound that carries well. The call is distinct and helps distinguish rusty blackbirds from other similar…
Barn owls typically lay eggs during the springtime, often starting in March or April. The exact timing of egg laying can vary depending on the geographic location and local climate conditions. Barn owls are prolific breeders and can have multiple clutches in a single breeding season if conditions allow. When is barn owl breeding season? The barn owl breeding season usually coincides with increasing daylight hours and rising temperatures in the spring. This stimulates the owls’ reproductive cycles and gets them ready for nesting and egg laying. Here are some more details on barn owl breeding seasons: In the United…
The greylag goose (Anser anser) is a large species of goose that inhabits wetlands across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Its name comes from the gray plumage of the adult birds and the lag that refers to the flocks that migrate long distances. But an interesting question arises – is a greylag referred to as a goose or geese? What is a Greylag Goose? The greylag goose is one of the larger species of goose, with males averaging 13-16 pounds and females 9-14 pounds. They have a bulky body with a thick neck and rounded head. Their bill is pink…