Kingfishers are a group of small to medium-sized, brightly colored birds in the family Alcedinidae. There are over 90 different species of kingfishers found throughout the world, but only one species, the belted kingfisher, is native to North America. The belted kingfisher is a stocky, medium-sized bird with a large head and shaggy crest. It is mostly slate-blue in color with a white collar and underside. Females also have a rusty band across the breast. Belted kingfishers are found near rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries and coastlines from southern Canada through the United States and down into Central America. Kingfishers live…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Designing a proper bird cage is very important for the health and happiness of your feathered friend. The cage needs to be safe, secure, spacious and stimulate the natural behaviors of the species of bird. There are several key factors to consider when choosing or building a bird cage such as the size, bar spacing, materials, shape, accessories and placement. Follow the guidelines and tips below to create a comfortable home for your bird. What Size Cage Does Your Bird Need? The general rule of thumb is bigger is better when it comes to bird cages. Birds are active and…
The bird of heaven, also known as the bird of paradise, refers to a family of birds native to New Guinea and its surrounding islands. Known for their bright plumage and elaborate courtship displays, birds of paradise have long captured the human imagination and are considered by many to be among the most beautiful birds in the world. But with around 40 different species of birds of paradise, it can be difficult to determine exactly which one holds the distinction of being the “true” bird of heaven. This article will explore some of the leading candidates for the bird of…
The Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) is a small tern species found across North America and Europe during the breeding season. It spends the rest of the year in coastal regions of Central and South America. The Black Tern has suffered significant population declines in recent decades and is now considered a threatened or endangered species in many parts of its range. What is the Black Tern? The Black Tern is a small, graceful waterbird in the tern family Laridae. It has a black head and body, gray wings and tail, and white underparts. The legs are red. In winter, the…
The mynah bird is a member of the starling family, Sturnidae, while parrots belong to the parrot family, Psittacidae. So no, mynah birds are not parrots. However, there are some similarities between mynahs and parrots that can cause confusion. Quick Facts About Mynah Birds There are about 25 species of mynah birds. Mynahs are native to southern Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. They are medium-sized birds around 8-24 inches long. Mynahs are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal material. Some species are excellent mimics, able to imitate sounds like human speech. Quick Facts About Parrots There are over 350…
Swans are large, beautiful waterfowl that grace lakes and rivers around the world. Their elegant necks, pure white plumage, and serene manner have made them icons of grace and beauty. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, swans have some remarkable abilities when it comes to aquatic living. One trait that sets them apart from other waterfowl is their ability to dive beneath the water’s surface to find food. So are swans truly diving birds? An Overview of Swans There are six living species of swan, all belonging to the genus Cygnus. They can be found across North America, Europe, and Asia…
Red-shouldered hawks are medium-sized hawks that are found throughout eastern and coastal North America. They are year-round residents in most of their range, staying in the same territories throughout the year. Red-shouldered hawks build nests in trees and lay eggs in spring. The young hawks hatch after about a month of incubation and remain in the nest, dependent on their parents, for several weeks as they grow. Eventually the young fledge and leave the nest, but may still be fed and cared for by the parents for a few more weeks before becoming fully independent. So in total, red-shouldered hawks…
The Black Brant rocket was a Canadian-designed sounding rocket used for upper atmospheric and space research. It was developed starting in the late 1950s by Bristol Aerospace in Manitoba, Canada. The name “Black Brant” comes from a species of Canadian goose, the Brant goose. Over the decades, the Black Brant has been launched over 800 times and is known for its extreme reliability and performance. Origins and Development The origins of the Black Brant can be traced back to the late 1950s when Canada’s Defense Research Board initiated studies on designs for a multi-stage sounding rocket. Bristol Aerospace, which later…
The relationship between the cuckoo and the warbler is an example of brood parasitism, which is a form of symbiotic relationship between organisms where one organism manipulates the other into raising its young. In this case, the common cuckoo lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly reed warblers, and tricks the warblers into raising its chicks as their own. This allows the cuckoo to avoid the energy investment of building nests and rearing young, while imposing a reproductive cost on the warbler hosts. The cuckoo-warbler relationship is one of the classic examples of brood parasitism in…
Quick Answer Yes, you can split up a bird of paradise plant. This is often done to propagate new plants or to control the size of a large, mature plant. The best time to divide a bird of paradise is in early spring before new growth starts. Use a sharp, sterile knife to separate shoots with their own root systems from the main plant. Replant divisions right away and care for them like a new plant until established. When to Divide a Bird of Paradise The ideal time to split up or divide a bird of paradise plant is in…