Author: Alan Hernbroth

There are several types of brown birds that resemble woodpeckers found in North America. Based on the description provided, the likely bird in question is the Northern Flicker. The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized brown woodpecker with barred plumage on its back and wings. It has a brown face and black spots on its belly. The Northern Flicker is found widely distributed across North America and is a common sight in woodlands, forests, parks and backyards. Let’s take a closer look at the Northern Flicker and other similar brown woodpecker-like birds. The Northern Flicker The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is…

Read More

No, Sora is not a member of Organization XIII in the Kingdom Hearts video game series. Organization XIII is a group of powerful Nobodies who serve as the main antagonists in many Kingdom Hearts games. Who is Sora? Sora is the main protagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series. He is a cheerful, brave, and heroic boy who is chosen by the Keyblade to battle the forces of darkness. Throughout the games, Sora goes on adventures with his friends Donald and Goofy to save the various Disney-themed worlds from being consumed by darkness. What is Organization XIII? Organization XIII is a…

Read More

The chestnut-sided warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) is a small songbird found in North America. It is a neotropical migrant, breeding in eastern North America and wintering from southern Mexico to northern South America. The chestnut-sided warbler has experienced population declines in recent decades, raising conservation concerns. Breeding Range and Habitat The breeding range of the chestnut-sided warbler extends across much of eastern North America. It breeds from southeastern Canada west to the Great Lakes region and south to the Atlantic coast and Appalachian Mountains. Its breeding habitat consists of early successional forests, forest edges, old fields, and shrubby areas. The chestnut-sided…

Read More

Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are a common sight in many parts of the United States, especially in the southeast. With their dark plumage and bald heads, these carrion-eating birds are often considered creepy or a nuisance. However, black vultures play an important ecological role and are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Understanding their status and why they are protected can help people coexist with these unique birds. Are black vultures protected? Yes, black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This act makes it illegal to harm or kill black vultures, their nests,…

Read More

Bird dogs are known for their high energy and intense drive to hunt. Let’s take a closer look at why these dogs need so much activity and exercise to be happy and healthy. Bird Dog Breeds The most popular breeds used as bird dogs include: Pointer German Shorthaired Pointer English Setter Brittany Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever Vizsla Weimaraner These breeds have been selectively bred for generations to have the speed, endurance, keen sense of smell, intelligence and soft mouth needed to find and retrieve birds for hunters. Their genetics make them naturally inclined to want to hunt avidly. High Prey…

Read More

No, there are no known truly cold-blooded birds currently living. All living birds are endothermic, meaning they can generate their own body heat through metabolic processes. However, some birds like hummingbirds and swifts have extremely high metabolisms and must consume large amounts of food to maintain their high body temperatures. This makes them functionally heterothermic, transitioning between endothermy and ectothermy depending on food availability and environmental conditions. What does it mean for an animal to be cold-blooded? Cold-blooded animals, also known as ectotherms, rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. They do this through behavioral adaptations…

Read More

Hanging bird bath benefits Hanging bird baths provide several benefits for birds compared to ground bird baths. Some key advantages include: Safer from predators – Hanging bird baths positioned 3-5 feet off the ground allow birds to spot potential dangers more easily. Cleaner water – Elevated bird baths prevent dirt, leaves, etc from contaminating the water as easily. Prevent mosquitoes – Less standing water means fewer mosquito eggs can be laid. Flexible placement – Hanging bird baths can be positioned in trees or under deck/porches for more viewing angles. Take up less space – Hanging bird baths don’t require a…

Read More

Quick Answers Generally speaking, experts recommend leaving cowbird eggs in host nests for the following reasons: Removing the egg can disturb or damage the host eggs. The cowbird chick may provide extra stimulation and food for host chicks. Removing eggs goes against letting nature take its course. However, some argue removing cowbird eggs can benefit host species by: Preventing the cowbird chick from outcompeting host chicks. Allowing more host chicks to fledge. Protecting endangered songbird species. There are good arguments on both sides. Most experts say to leave cowbird eggs alone except in special cases involving endangered songbirds. The decision…

Read More

Tree Swallows are small, iridescent blue and green birds that nest in cavities across North America. They are a familiar sight in spring and summer as they swoop over fields and waterways catching insects on the wing. Tree Swallows compete fiercely for nest cavities, and the size of the entrance hole is a key factor in their nest site selection. Tree Swallows are secondary cavity nesters, meaning they do not excavate their own nest holes but rely on existing cavities or nest boxes provided by humans. They typically nest in holes created by woodpeckers in dead trees or human-made nest…

Read More

Wilson’s warblers are small, active warblers with bright yellow plumage. They are one of the most challenging warblers to identify due to their similarity to other warblers in the same genus. However, with some key identification tips, you can learn how to confidently recognize a Wilson’s warbler. Where and when to see Wilson’s warblers Wilson’s warblers breed predominantly in the western half of North America. They nest in moist coniferous forests, especially in spruce and fir trees. During migration, they can be found throughout North America near bodies of water and wetlands. The best times to spot them are during…

Read More