Woodpeckers are known for their signature drumming on trees, but they actually have a diverse repertoire of vocalizations for different purposes. Their calls allow them to communicate with mates and offspring, defend territories, and signal alarm. Understanding the various woodpecker calls can help birders identify species by sound alone. Drumming The rhythmic tapping of woodpeckers hammering on trees with their beaks is called drumming. Both male and female woodpeckers drum, but males do so more frequently and vigorously, especially during the breeding season. Drumming serves several functions: Territory announcement – Loud drumming proclaims a woodpecker’s claim to an area. Mate…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Omar and his boyfriend had been together for over a year when Omar realized something was wrong. At first, it was just a feeling Omar had that his boyfriend was acting differently. He seemed distant and less engaged in their relationship. But over time, the signs became more obvious. Omar’s boyfriend started cancelling plans at the last minute, not returning Omar’s texts and calls for hours or days, and just generally seeming less interested in spending time together. The Change in Behavior Omar thought back to when he first noticed the shift in his boyfriend’s behavior. It must have started…
Grackles make unique and interesting pets for bird enthusiasts. While grackles in the wild are opportunistic omnivores, pet grackles require a specialized diet to remain healthy in captivity. This includes a balanced mix of grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins and calcium-rich foods. When cared for properly and given plenty of toys and social interaction, grackles are clever, playful companions. What are grackles? Grackles are a medium-sized blackbird species found throughout North America. There are several different species of grackle, but the most common kept as pets is the common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula). In the wild, grackles are very social and live…
The Goliath bird-eating spider is the largest spider in the world by mass and size. Its scientific name is Theraphosa blondi and it belongs to the tarantula family Theraphosidae. These spiders are native to northern South America but are also found in Central America. Despite their name, Goliath bird-eating spiders do not typically eat birds, though they are capable of killing and eating small birds, mice, lizards, and frogs. Their diet mainly consists of insects and other invertebrates. Let’s dive into the details about how big the biggest Goliath bird-eating spider can get. Leg Span The Goliath bird-eating spider has…
Chickadees are small, active songbirds that belong to the Paridae family. While they are very common across North America, chickadees are not naturally found in the UK or Europe. Chickadee Species in North America There are seven species of chickadee found in North America: Black-capped Chickadee Carolina Chickadee Chestnut-backed Chickadee Mexican Chickadee Mountain Chickadee Boreal Chickadee Gray-headed Chickadee The most widespread and well-known species is the Black-capped Chickadee. This species has a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a gray back, wings, and tail. The underparts are soft buff to white. Their famous call sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.” Carolina Chickadees…
Chukar are a type of partridge that originate from parts of Eurasia. They have been introduced to various parts of North America for hunting purposes. When keeping chukar in captivity, it’s important to provide them with adequate space to engage in natural behaviors. Natural History Chukar are ground-dwelling birds that prefer arid, rocky slopes and canyons. Their natural range extends from Southeast Europe across Asia to Mongolia and China. Populations have also become established through introductions in parts of North America, Hawaii, New Zealand, and St. Helena. Chukar form coveys of 10-30 birds outside of breeding season. Their diet consists…
The spiny babbler (Turdoides nipalensis) is a species of bird found in Nepal and other parts of South Asia. In Nepali, it is known by several common names including काँटेदार सिसकुन (kaante dar siskun), टाँग्रे सिसकुन (taangre siskun), and काँटेदार चिल (kaante dar chil). This medium-sized babbler gets its English and scientific name from the sharp, pointed feathers or “spines” on its wings and tail. Let’s explore more about the identification, distribution, habitat, behavior, diet, and cultural importance of the spiny babbler in Nepal. Identification The spiny babbler is a relatively large, long-tailed babbler, measuring 21–24 cm in length. It…
There are a few different types of birds that can have orange bellies. The most common birds with orange bellies are various species of orioles, tanagers, and blackbirds. Orioles Orioles are medium-sized songbirds that are members of the Icteridae family. Many oriole species have vivid orange and black plumage. Some orioles with orange bellies include: Baltimore Oriole: Found in eastern North America, adult males have bright orange underparts and rump. Orchard Oriole: Found in central and eastern North America, adult males have burnt-orange underparts. Hooded Oriole: Found in southwestern U.S. and Mexico, adult males have orange breasts and bellies. Altamira…
The Bird of Paradise is a popular tropical plant known for its unique flower shape and vibrant colors. However, some Bird of Paradise owners find their plants grow slowly or seem stunted. There are several possible reasons why a Bird of Paradise may have slow growth. Common Reasons for Slow Growth Below are some of the most common causes of slow growth in Bird of Paradise plants: Insufficient Light Bird of Paradise plants need a lot of bright, direct sunlight to thrive. They prefer 6 or more hours of direct sun daily. Without enough light, growth will slow. Some signs…
The chimney swift is a small bird found across much of North America. It is known for its unique nesting behavior, roosting and nesting in chimneys and other vertical structures. But why are they called chimney swifts? The name refers to their strong association with chimneys, which they rely on for nesting and roosting. However, chimney swifts existed long before chimneys, nesting in hollow trees and cliff faces. The availability of chimneys allowed them to greatly expand their range, cementing their link to these human-made structures. Physical Description Chimney swifts are medium-sized birds, measuring 5 to 6 inches (12-15 cm)…