Owls are birds of prey that are known for their large eyes, binocular vision, sharp talons, and distinctive hoots. Their vocalizations are often associated with sounds like “hoo hoo” or “who who.” However, some owls can make sounds that resemble the yaps and whines of puppies. The Elf Owl One owl species whose calls sound distinctly dog-like is the elf owl. This tiny owl, measuring only about 5-6 inches tall, inhabits the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. While elf owls do make the typical owlish hoots, they also have a call that is described as a high,…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Doves are gentle, beautiful birds that can provide hours of enjoyment for backyard bird watchers. However, attracting these timid birds requires offering them the proper type of bird seed. There are many types of bird seed available at pet stores, so choosing the right option for doves can get confusing. This article will examine the unique nutritional needs of doves and recommend the best dove bird seed mixes to attract them to your yard. What Do Doves Eat? In the wild, doves eat a variety of small seeds, which they pick up off the ground. Types of natural dove food…
Blue footed boobies are a fascinating species of seabird known for their bright blue feet. As their name suggests, these birds have uniquely colored feet that range from pale turquoise to a vibrant cobalt blue. But where exactly do these charismatic birds live? Blue footed boobies are found along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America. Their breeding range extends from the Gulf of California southwards along the western coasts of Mexico, Central America and down to Peru. The largest populations occur around the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. Read on to learn more about the habitat…
Starlings are songbirds that are exceptionally talented at imitating sounds. Their ability to mimic goes far beyond just copying the songs of other birds – starlings can reproduce a wide range of noises, including human speech, machinery sounds, and animal noises. But why are starlings so adept at vocal mimicry compared to other bird species? The Physical Traits of Starlings Starlings have several physical adaptations that allow them to mimic sounds so well: A complex syrinx – The syrinx is the vocal organ of birds, similar to the human larynx. Starlings have an especially complex syrinx with more muscles than…
When it comes to bird baths, one of the most common questions is “How deep should a bird bath be?” The depth of a bird bath is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly impact how attractive and functional the bath is for birds. Generally speaking, a bird bath depth of 1-3 inches is recommended. However, the ideal depth depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll explore what depth is best for a bird bath and why shallow baths are preferable. We’ll also provide tips on how to create the perfect depth for encouraging birds to bathe…
Birds are some of the most diverse and spectacular animals on the planet. With over 10,000 species, birds display an incredible range of shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors. When it comes to beauty, there are many birds that stand out for their stunning plumage, elegant figures, and graceful movements. But what bird is considered the most beautiful by humans? What makes a bird beautiful? Beauty is subjective, but there are some attributes that are commonly associated with beautiful birds: Bright, vivid plumage colors like crimson, azure, emerald, gold Unique and elaborate feather patterns Long tail feathers and crests Proportional bodies…
Scavengers are animals that feed on dead organic matter, such as carrion. There are several bird species that are known scavengers, feeding on the decaying remains of other animals. Some of the most notable avian scavengers include vultures, condors, crows, ravens, seagulls, and storks. These birds play an important ecological role by consuming dead animal matter, helping to recycle nutrients back into the environment and prevent the spread of diseases. Vultures Vultures are perhaps the best known of the avian scavengers. There are over two dozen species of vulture found on nearly every continent. Some of the most widespread vulture…
Cooper’s hawks are medium-sized hawks found across North America. They are adept at hunting other birds and are common backyard birds in many areas. Cooper’s hawks can be tricky to identify, especially because they resemble other hawk species found in the same range. However, with some knowledge of Cooper’s hawk features, behavior, habitat, and range, you can confidently identify them. What are the identifying features of a Cooper’s hawk? Cooper’s hawks have several distinctive features that can help identify them: Size: About the size of a crow, 14-20 inches long with a wingspan of 24-35 inches. Coloration: Blue-gray upperparts and…
Turkey vultures are large, dark birds found throughout North and South America. Despite their name, they are not closely related to turkeys and do not taste like them. Turkey vultures are scavengers that feed mainly on carrion, or dead and decaying animals. This diet give their meat an unpleasant taste and odor, making turkey vultures generally inedible for humans. Turkey Vulture Biology Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are so named because their bald, red heads resemble the head of a male wild turkey. However, they belong to the family Cathartidae while turkeys are in the family Phasianidae. Turkey vultures range in…
Thrushes are songbirds that belong to the family Turdidae. There are around 65 species of thrushes found throughout the world, and they can be identified by their large eyes, upright posture, strong legs, and speckled breasts. Some common thrush species include the American robin, wood thrush, hermit thrush, and song thrush. Baby thrushes, called fledglings, require specialized care and feeding. If you find a baby thrush out of its nest, it likely needs human intervention to survive. Here are some quick answers about caring for and feeding baby thrush birds: Baby thrushes eat insects and fruit. Do not give them…