Opening Paragraph The hard pointed part of a bird’s mouth is the beak or bill. Birds use their beaks for a variety of purposes including eating, grooming, manipulating objects, defending themselves, attracting mates, and feeding their young. The beak is a complex structure made up of lightweight bones covered in a thin layer of keratin, the same material that makes up human fingernails. While the beak appears stiff from the outside, inside it contains a complex network of muscles and blood vessels that allow birds great control and flexibility. The size, shape, and specialized features of a bird’s beak reveal…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
As a bird enthusiast, being able to identify birds of prey accurately is an important skill. Two common raptors that are often confused are hawks and owls. At first glance, it can be tricky to tell them apart when seeing one briefly overhead or at a distance. However, with some key identification tips, you can learn to distinguish a hawk from an owl. What are the main differences between hawks and owls? There are several physical and behavioral differences between hawks and owls that can help with identification: Shape – Hawks have broad, rounded wings and a short, fan-shaped tail.…
The Ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) is one of the largest woodpeckers in the world, at roughly 20 inches long with a 30-inch wingspan. Nicknamed the “Lord God bird” for the exclamations of awe it inspires, it once flourished in the virgin forests of the southeastern United States. However, habitat destruction and overhunting devastated the species in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The last universally accepted sighting of an Ivory-bill was in northeast Louisiana in 1944. Since then, there have been occasional reports of sightings, but none confirmed. After decades of searching, most scientists consider the majestic Ivory-bill to…
The great egret (Ardea alba) is a large, widely distributed egret species. The scientific name for great egret is Ardea alba. This elegant white waterbird adorns wetlands across much of the world. Though the common name “great white egret” is used for the Asian species, in North America, it refers to the North American counterpart, which largely replaces Old World great egret in the New World. Opening Summary The great egret (Ardea alba) is a large, widely distributed egret species. Its scientific name is Ardea alba. This elegant white waterbird can be found in wetlands across much of the world.…
The hornbill is a unique and iconic bird found in Sri Lanka. With its large curved bill and vibrant plumage, the hornbill has captured the interest of both locals and visitors to the island nation. But what exactly do Sri Lankans call this magnificent bird in their native Sinhala language? Quick Answer: The Sinhala Name for Hornbill is Mal-koha In Sinhala, the most commonly used name for the hornbill is “Mal-koha”. This literally translates to “flower pecker”, referring to the hornbill’s habit of feeding on nectar from flowers. The Sinhala name describes one of the unique features of this bird…
Birds have evolved over millions of years to master the art of flight. Their light and aerodynamic bodies combined with powerful wings allow them to soar through the skies with grace. But when it comes to the largest wing to body ratio, which bird comes out on top? Why Wing Ratio Matters The wing to body ratio, also known as aspect ratio, is an important measurement in aeronautics. It provides insight into how efficiently a bird utilizes its wings during flight. The aspect ratio is calculated by dividing the wingspan by the wing area. A larger ratio indicates longer, narrower…
The old adage “birds of a feather flock together” refers to the tendency for like-minded people to congregate and associate with each other. This phrase dates back centuries and carries the connotation that people with similar interests, backgrounds, or character traits naturally gravitate toward one another. While this concept seems simple on the surface, the implications of “birds of a feather flock together” are far-reaching when it comes to human behavior and relationships. In the following article, we will explore the origins, meanings, and real-world applications of this common maxim about birds and their feathers. What Are the Origins of…
The golden plover and the American golden-plover are two similar looking shorebirds found throughout the world. They belong to the genus Pluvialis and look very much alike, which often leads to some confusion in distinguishing between the two species. However, there are some key differences in their distribution, breeding habitat, and visual appearance that can help identify them. Geographic Distribution The golden plover has a wide distribution and is found throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. During winter, it migrates south to areas like southern Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean. The American golden-plover breeds in Arctic regions of…
Concrete bird baths have become a popular backyard fixture for homeowners looking to attract birds. Unlike traditional metal or ceramic bird baths, concrete baths are durable, low maintenance, and can be customized with textures and colors. But an important question remains – do birds actually like bathing and drinking from concrete? There are pros and cons to concrete bird baths from a bird’s perspective. Pros of Concrete Bird Baths for Birds Durable – Concrete bird baths stand up well to weather, chewing squirrels, neighborhood cats, and repeated use by birds. They don’t tip over easily and won’t rust or fade…
The hooded oriole is a strikingly colored songbird found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. With its bright yellow body contrasted with black wings and tail, the male hooded oriole is unmistakable. Females and immature birds have a duller greenish-yellow coloration. Hooded orioles live in open woods and orchards, where they weave hanging pendulous nests at the tips of branches. They mainly eat insects and fruit. Range and Habitat Hooded orioles breed in southwestern North America from southern California and southern Nevada south to central Mexico. Their breeding range extends along the Pacific Coast and in the interior through…