Blue jays are songbirds that belong to the Corvidae family, which includes crows, ravens, magpies, and nutcrackers. They are intelligent and adaptable birds found throughout eastern and central North America. Blue jays have a varied diet consisting of seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, eggs, young birds, and small animals. Cicadas are large insects that emerge from the ground in great numbers after spending many years developing underground as nymphs. Periodical cicadas emerge simultaneously in massive numbers, providing a feast for predators every 13 or 17 years. The emergence of billions of large, nutritious cicadas every decade or so is a unique…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Birds have unique body structures that enable flight. Their wings and feathers allow them to take to the skies. In this article, we will explore the key bird anatomy involved in bird flight and movement. We will look at how wings, feathers, the skeletal system, muscles, and other features have adapted over time to make flight possible. Understanding the form and function of wings and related structures provides insight into the evolution and biology of birds. What Are the Main Structures for Bird Flight? Birds have several specialized structures that enable flight: Wings – The forelimbs of birds have evolved…
Africa is home to a spectacular diversity of bird species. With over 2,000 species of birds found across the continent’s varied habitats and ecosystems, Africa is a top destination for birdwatchers from around the world. But with 54 countries spanning the second-largest continent, where offers the best birding in Africa? Some of the factors that contribute to great birding opportunities in a country include: – A high diversity of habitats and ecosystems – ideal for supporting a wide range of bird species – Availability of well-known birding sites and protected reserves – Accessible infrastructure for travelling between top birding destinations…
Birds that migrate long distances have evolved amazing abilities to undertake incredibly long journeys across oceans and continents. The length of time it takes a bird to cross an ocean depends on many factors, including the specific species of bird, weather conditions, time of year, and geographic variables. Many species of birds migrate vast distances every year, some crossing entire oceans in their annual travels between breeding and wintering grounds. While smaller birds may migrate relatively shorter distances across land, larger seabirds like albatrosses regularly traverse thousands of miles of open ocean on their migratory routes. The most incredible avian…
Muscovy ducks are a unique species of duck that originate from South America. They are popular as backyard ducks and are also farmed for their meat. One of the most distinguishing features of Muscovy ducklings is that some hatchlings have yellow or blond down feathers instead of the typical dark brown or black down. What causes the yellow color in some Muscovy ducklings? The yellow or blond color in Muscovy ducklings is caused by a genetic mutation that results in a recessive gene for plumage color. When a duck inherits one copy of the recessive blond gene from each parent,…
Hummingbird by Alex Vargas, released in 2013, prominently samples the 1972 song Mind Body & Soul by Flick Wilson. The sampled vocals from Mind Body & Soul can be heard throughout Hummingbird, providing a soulful backbone to the indie rock song. When listening to Hummingbird, the sampled vocals are immediately recognizable as coming from an older song. Alex Vargas made excellent use of the Mind Body & Soul sample, seamlessly integrating Flick Wilson’s vocals into the indie rock production. The sample adds a sense of nostalgia and musicality to Hummingbird. In this article, we will explore the origins of the…
Lake Champlain, located between Vermont, New York, and Quebec, is home to a diverse population of ducks. Throughout the year, bird watchers can spot over a dozen species of ducks that live on or migrate through the lake. In this article, we will explore the most common duck species found on Lake Champlain. Resident Duck Species Some duck species live on Lake Champlain year-round. These ducks nest and raise their young on the lake during the summer months. When winter arrives, most of these ducks will move to open sections of the lake where the water does not completely freeze…
Vieja cichlids, also known as flowerhorn cichlids, are a popular and visually stunning species of fish kept in home aquariums. One of the most frequently asked questions by owners and prospective buyers is just how large do these fish grow? The answer depends on the specific species and variety. Typical Adult Size of Vieja Cichlids Most Vieja cichlids reach between 6 and 10 inches (15-25 cm) in length when fully grown. This makes them a medium to large sized species of cichlid. Of the many different geographic varieties, some do remain on the smaller side, topping out at around 6…
Birds have some of the most elaborate and spectacular courtship displays in the animal kingdom. From fluttering flights to synchronized duets, birds use complex rituals to attract and choose their mates. Dances are a key part of avian courtship. But why do birds go to such efforts to court each other with dancing? There are several reasons why bird dances play an important role in courtship: To Assess Fitness and Compatibility Bird dances allow potential mates to assess each other’s health, stamina, coordination and cognitive skills. Fancy maneuvers like aerial displays and coordinated duets require energy, fitness and precision. A…
The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a small, vibrantly colored falcon found throughout North and South America. As cavity nesters, kestrels do not build nests themselves but rather use the abandoned nests and holes of other animals. Kestrel nests can be found in a variety of natural and man-made sites, with certain characteristics that make them attractive to these falcons. Understanding the typical features of a kestrel’s nest can provide insight into their breeding biology and ecology. Natural Nest Sites In the wild, American kestrels nest in tree cavities excavated by woodpeckers, most commonly Northern Flickers. Kestrels will also use…