Birds have been around for over 150 million years, yet their fossils are extremely rare compared to other vertebrates. There are several reasons why bird fossils are not as common as we might expect. Fragile Bones The main reason bird fossils are rare is because their bones are very fragile. Bird skeletons need to be lightweight in order to fly, so their bones are thin and hollow. This makes them less likely to survive and fossilize over millions of years. Heavier bones like those of dinosaurs are more durable and resistant to decay. Bird bones are mostly full of air…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a large raptor found in North, Central, and South America. This bird of prey is known for its distinctive crown of feathers on its head and its habit of scavenging carrion. Crested caracaras occupy a variety of habitats across their extensive range, including grasslands, scrublands, open woodlands, and forest edges. Their distribution extends from the southern United States down through Mexico and Central America and across much of South America. In this article, we will examine the geographic range of the crested caracara in more detail and discuss the habitats where this adaptable bird…
Collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) are medium-sized doves that can be found across Europe, Asia and North Africa. They are a relatively new introduction to the UK, arriving in the 1950s from the Middle East and rapidly colonising the country. Collared doves are monogamous birds and once paired up they tend to mate for life. Their mating habits and behaviours have been widely studied to understand their reproduction and life cycles. When is the mating season? Collared doves can mate at any time of the year but their main breeding season is between March and October. This coincides with periods of…
Identifying bird sounds can be challenging, especially for beginners who are just learning how to bird watch. However, with the rise of technology and bird sound recognition apps, identifying bird calls and songs has become much easier. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various methods and resources available to help identify bird sounds online. Why Identify Bird Sounds? Identifying bird vocalizations serves many important purposes for birders and ornithologists: Helps document and track bird species – Recognizing bird calls allows researchers to identify species presence and distribution. Aids in bird watching – Identifying vocalizations helps birders detect and…
There are a few common pests and diseases that can attack zinnia plants and damage the flowers and leaves. Identifying the culprit can help you take the right action to get your zinnias thriving again. Some of the most likely suspects that may be eating your zinnias include spider mites, aphids, Japanese beetles, slugs and snails, powdery mildew, Alternaria leaf spot, and Botrytis blight. Keep reading to learn how to identify, prevent, and treat these zinnia problems. What are signs of pest damage on zinnias? Here are some common signs that your zinnias are under attack by pests: Holes chewed…
The bird that has a red V on the back of its neck is the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). Turkey vultures are large, blackish vultures with prominent red heads that feed mainly on carrion. The adults have a bright red, unfeathered head and neck, which can appear dull pink from a distance. When in flight, the white undersides of their wings and dark flight feathers create a sharp contrast, making a distinctive V-shape. Quick Facts About Turkey Vultures Species: Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) Family: Cathartidae Size: 27-32 inches long, 6 foot wingspan Range: Throughout the Americas from southern Canada to…
There are several types of diving water birds, characterized by their ability to dive into the water to catch prey. Some of the most common diving water birds include cormorants, loons, grebes, auks, diving ducks, and penguins. Let’s take a look at some of these diving experts in more detail. Cormorants Cormorants are medium-to-large sized water birds found worldwide, mostly along coastlines. There are around 40 different species of cormorants, including the Great Cormorant, the Double-crested Cormorant, and the Antarctic Blue-eyed Shag. Cormorants have long necks, hooked bills, and webbed feet. Their feathers are not waterproof, so after diving they…
Identifying birds can seem daunting at first, but with some simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to quickly recognize common backyard birds and start putting names to the beautiful songs and sights in your yard. The key is knowing what to look and listen for. Follow this guide to learn the best ways to identify birds by sight, sound, behavior, and habitat. Identifying Birds by Sight Visual identification is one of the most common ways to identify bird species. Here are some tips for identifying birds by sight: Size – Note if the bird is large, small, or medium-sized…
Phainopeplas are a relatively uncommon bird species found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. While not considered extremely rare, their limited range and habitat preferences make them a local specialty that birders enjoy spotting. What is a Phainopepla? The Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) is a slender, crested black bird found in desert scrub and woodland habitats. They are unique among North American songbirds for having silky-smooth feathers that appear wet or shiny. This distinctive plumage gives them an elegant, sleek appearance. Phainopeplas are about the size of a robin, around 7-8 inches long with a wingspan…
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds in the family Gruidae. There are 15 different species of cranes in the world, and they vary considerably in size and weight. As a result, crane egg sizes can range quite a bit between the different species. Average Crane Egg Size by Species Some of the smallest crane species lay eggs that are only about 2-3 inches long and weigh 3-5 ounces. The largest crane species lay eggs up to 5 inches long and weighing 8-12 ounces. Here is an overview of average egg sizes for some of the major crane species: Crane…