Kingfishers are colorful birds in the family Alcedinidae, known for their large heads, long, dagger-like bills, and their habit of diving into water to catch fish. There are over 90 species of kingfishers found worldwide, but only one species, the Belted Kingfisher, is found in Canada. Vancouver Island, located off the southwestern coast of mainland British Columbia, is the largest island on the West Coast of North America. Its varied habitats, from coastal areas to forests to mountain lakes and rivers, provide home to diverse wildlife, including over 200 species of birds. But do kingfishers, with their preference for waterside…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The break up of the popular 2000s band Beta came as a shock to many fans. While the band seemed to be at the peak of their success, having just released a new album and embarked on a world tour, behind the scenes there were tensions that ultimately led to the band deciding to go their separate ways. In this article, we’ll look at the key factors that contributed to Beta’s break up after 15 years of making music together. Early Signs of Trouble In hindsight, there were early indications that all was not well within the band. During their…
Pigeons are a common sight in many urban areas. While some view them as pests, pigeons are intelligent, social birds that can make interesting pets. Pigeons also provide benefits to ecosystems, such as seed dispersal and control of insect populations. Providing pigeons with proper shelter is an important part of caring for a flock. A good pigeon shelter provides protection from the elements and predators, as well as a safe place for nesting and rearing young. This article will provide tips on how to build your own pigeon shelter to safely house your flock. What are the basic requirements for…
There are a few different birds that are known for making chattering or chirping sounds at night. Some of the most likely culprits include nightjars, nighthawks, owls, katydids, and frogs. Determining exactly which bird is making the sounds can be tricky, but looking at the type of sound, location, season, and time of night when the sounds occur can help identify the species. What Types of Birds Make Chattering Sounds at Night? Here are some of the birds that are known for their vocalizations after dark: Nightjars Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds found worldwide. There are over 80 species of…
Cardinals are a type of bird found across North America and are easily recognized by their bright red plumage. While they may look harmless, cardinals can be quite aggressive, especially when defending their territory or protecting their young. In this article, we’ll explore the aggressive behaviors that cardinals exhibit and why they act this way. Are male cardinals aggressive? Male cardinals are very territorial and will actively defend their territory from other males. They are intensely protective of their mating and nesting areas and will chase away or fight any other male cardinals that encroach on their space. Male cardinals…
Drawing a bird using only the numbers 1 through 7 may seem challenging at first, but with some creativity, it can be done! This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw a simple bird using each of the numbers 1 through 7. Why Use Numbers to Draw? Using numbers as an art medium encourages creative thinking. Assigning each number a specific purpose forces the artist to think unconventionally. Numeric art also allows beginners to create images without needing strong drafting skills. This makes it an excellent activity for children learning art basics. The limited “palette” simplifies the artistic…
The bird of paradise is known for its elaborate courtship displays and bright, colorful plumage. These unique birds have evolved fascinating behaviors and adaptations to attract mates and pass on their genes. In this article, we’ll explore the various strategies male birds of paradise use to charm and impress potential female partners. Displaying Bright Colors One of the most noticeable features of birds of paradise is their vibrant, striking feathers. Though females of most species are rather drab, the males sport brilliant hues of blue, green, red, orange, yellow, and purple. This coloration serves to attract females visually from a…
Woodpeckers are unique birds that are found throughout North America. With their distinct drumming and pecking behaviors, vibrant plumage, and recognizable silhouettes, woodpeckers play an important role in forest ecosystems. But out of the 23 woodpecker species found across the continent, which is the most common and widespread? What Makes a Woodpecker Common? There are a few factors that determine how common a particular woodpecker species is across North America: Range size – Species with larger ranges that span wider areas of the continent tend to be more common. Population size – Species with larger total population sizes are more…
The Purple Sandpiper is a fascinating shorebird that breeds in the high Arctic and migrates south to rocky coastlines for the winter. With their distinctive purple-gray plumage and bright orange legs and bill, Purple Sandpipers make a memorable sight for birdwatchers. But with a range that spans from northern Canada and Alaska to the northeastern United States, where are the best locations to look for these charismatic birds? Let’s explore some top sites across North America to see Purple Sandpipers and learn about their natural history along the way. What is a Purple Sandpiper? The Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) is…
The American Goldfinch is a small, lively songbird native to North America. With its bright yellow body and black-and-white wings, the male American Goldfinch is a beautiful and popular bird. Many people wonder if American Goldfinches can be kept as pets. There are a few factors to consider when determining if an American Goldfinch would make a suitable pet. Appearance and Behavior American Goldfinches are small birds, measuring only 4-5 inches in length and weighing between 0.4-0.7 ounces. The male has bright lemon-yellow plumage on the body and black and white markings on the wings and tail. The female is…