The elephant bird is an extinct giant flightless bird that once inhabited the island of Madagascar. Despite its immense size and important role in the island’s ecosystem, relatively little was known about elephant birds until the 19th century. Since then, a number of myths and legends have emerged around these majestic birds. When did elephant birds go extinct? Elephant birds went extinct around 1,000 to 1,200 years ago, likely due to a combination of factors including habitat loss, hunting by humans, and climate change. Their extinction is so recent that early human inhabitants of Madagascar would have encountered living elephant…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Quick Answer Cooper’s hawks can be aggressive towards humans when defending their nests and young, but they pose little real danger. Attacks are mostly bluff charges and vocal threats rather than physical contact. Removing attractants like bird feeders can reduce conflict during nesting season. Cooper’s hawks are not considered an aggressive species overall. Are Cooper’s Hawks Aggressive to Humans? Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii) are medium-sized hawks found throughout much of North America. They are adept at flying through dense vegetation in pursuit of small bird prey. While Cooper’s hawks may show aggressive behavior towards humans in certain contexts, they are…
Alberta offers excellent bird hunting opportunities for both resident and nonresident hunters. With its diverse landscapes including prairies, parklands, foothills and mountains, Alberta is home to a wide variety of upland game birds and waterfowl that can be legally hunted during regulated open seasons. Here is an overview of some of the top bird hunting options available in the province of Alberta. Upland Game Birds There are several species of upland game birds that can be hunted in Alberta. These birds inhabit grasslands, agricultural fields, and brushy areas. Popular upland game bird hunting options in Alberta include: Sharp-tailed Grouse The…
The whooping crane is one of the rarest and most endangered bird species in North America. These large white cranes stand nearly 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of over 7 feet. Today, there are only about 500 whooping cranes left in the wild, making spotting one a special event for any birdwatcher. Where do whooping cranes live in Canada? There are only two main populations of whooping cranes in Canada – the Wood Buffalo-Aransas population and the Eastern Migratory Population. The Wood Buffalo-Aransas cranes nest in Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Alberta and northern Northwest Territories. This…
What do blue jays eat? Blue jays are omnivorous birds that eat a wide variety of foods. Their diet typically consists of: Seeds and nuts – Blue jays enjoy peanuts, sunflower seeds, acorns, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, and pine nuts. Fruit – Berries, apples, cherries, oranges, and grapes are favored by blue jays. Insects – Caterpillars, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and snails provide protein. Eggs and nestlings – Blue jays may raid other birds’ nests for eggs and young hatchlings. Small animals – Frogs, mice, bats, and other small vertebrates are sometimes eaten. Grains – Corn, oats, wheat, and other grains…
Disturbing a bird’s nest can have serious consequences for both the birds and the person doing the disturbing. Birds are very protective of their nests and will aggressively defend them against intruders. However, there are also laws in place to protect migratory birds, their eggs, and their nests. So if you disturb a nest, you could face legal trouble in addition to attacks from angry parent birds. In this article, we’ll look at what exactly happens when a bird’s nest is disturbed, why birds are so protective, the legal implications, and how to avoid accidentally disturbing nests. Why Are Birds…
Birds flying high in the sky can have several different meanings. Some of the main reasons birds might fly high include migration, finding thermals, courtship displays, avoiding predators, and gaining a higher vantage point. Understanding bird behavior and patterns can provide insight into why our feathered friends take to the skies. Migration One of the most common reasons for birds to fly high is migration. Many species fly long distances twice a year to move between breeding and wintering grounds.Migration allows birds to find better food sources, nesting locations, and weather conditions depending on the season. Some epic journeys birds…
Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe in nature. With their ability to seemingly defy gravity and hover in midair while feeding, along with their high speed maneuvers and beautiful, iridescent plumage, they are a joy to watch. But telling the difference between a juvenile and an adult hummingbird can sometimes be tricky for an amateur birder. Here are some tips on how to identify a young hummingbird. Size One of the most obvious ways to differentiate an adult from a juvenile is size. Hummingbirds hatch from tiny eggs about the size of a jellybean. As you…
The red tipped blackbird is a beautiful bird that has fascinated people for centuries. With its jet black feathers and vivid red shoulders, this bird stands out. Many cultures and spiritual traditions have found deeper meaning in the symbolism of the red tipped blackbird. Let’s explore what this striking bird might represent spiritually. Symbolism and Native American Folklore In many Native American tribes, the red tipped blackbird holds cultural and spiritual significance. Tribes including the Cherokee, Navajo, and Sioux all have folklore surrounding this bird. The red tips are thought to signify life force, vitality, and strength. Seeing a red…
The Veery is a small North American thrush with a beautiful, spiraling song. This secretive bird lives deep in damp woods, making it challenging to spot, but its resonant melody rings through the trees like a flute at dusk. Read on to learn more fascinating facts about this elusive songster! What does the Veery look like? The Veery is a plump thrush with a short tail and legs. It measures 6.3-7.5 inches in length and weighs 1.1-2.2 ounces. – Plumage: The Veery has rich brown upperparts and pale gray underparts with brown spotting on the breast. Its eyes are surrounded…