Emus are large, flightless birds that are part of the ratite family, which also includes ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, and kiwis. Emus are native to Australia and are one of the most recognizable symbols of that country. While emus cannot fly, they can run up to 30 mph and are excellent swimmers as well. Emus have many uses, one of which is as a source of meat. Are emus raised for meat? Yes, emus are raised specifically for their meat in farms around the world, including Australia, North America, and Europe. Emu farming began in Western Australia in the late 1980s…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The quick answer is no, birds and poultry are not ruminants. Ruminants are mammals that have a specialized four-chambered stomach and chew a cud made of partially digested food. Birds and poultry do not have a four-chambered stomach or chew a cud, so they are not ruminants. What are ruminants? Ruminants are hoofed mammals that have a unique digestive system that allows them to digest tough, fibrous plant material that other animals cannot digest. The ruminant digestive system works by: Swallowing food without fully chewing it Storing the partially chewed food in the first chamber of the stomach (the rumen)…
The brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) is a medium-sized songbird found throughout the eastern and central United States. Though they are sometimes called brown thrashers, these birds are actually not closely related to true thrushes. Brown thrashers belong to the family Mimidae, which also includes mockingbirds and catbirds. They get their name from their reddish-brown plumage and tendency to thrash around in leaf litter while foraging for food. This secretive bird is best known for its impressive and melodious song repertoire. So in what states can you find the vocal and elusive brown thrasher? Range and Habitat The brown thrasher has…
The origami paper swan is a classic origami model and one of the most popular folds. Swans are seen as symbols of grace, beauty, and elegance. Their long necks evoke a sense of fragility while their large wingspan commands attention. The paper swan requires some intermediate folding techniques but the end result is an elegant creation that makes a wonderful gift or decoration. With a little practice, anyone can learn how to turn a simple square sheet of paper into a beautiful paper swan. What You Need Paper Origami paper, often called kami paper, is the best paper to use…
The northern cardinal is a common songbird found throughout North America. The male cardinal is known for its bright red plumage and melodious song. But what exactly does a cardinal sound like? Here we will explore the different calls and songs of the northern cardinal. Cardinal Song The most recognized sound of the northern cardinal is its loud, melodious song. Male cardinals sing to advertise their territory and attract a mate. Their songs are comprised of a series of clear whistled phrases, often described as “cheer, cheer, cheer” or “birdie, birdie, birdie.” The song typically lasts 2-3 seconds and is…
Falconry is the ancient sport of hunting wild quarry with a trained bird of prey. It has a rich history spanning thousands of years across many cultures. While many birds can be used for falconry, hawks are among the most popular choices. But not all hawks are equally well-suited to the demands of this sport. Different hawks have different attributes that determine how they can be used by falconers. The most commonly used hawks for falconry include several species in the genera Accipiter, Buteo, Falco and Harris’s hawk. What Makes a Good Falconry Hawk? When choosing a hawk for falconry,…
Invasive parrot species have become increasingly common in Spain over the past few decades. Several species of parrots, originally from warmer climates, have established breeding populations in cities across Spain after escaping captivity or being intentionally released. While beautiful and charismatic, these loud and aggressive birds are disrupting native ecosystems and even urban infrastructure. What parrot species have become invasive in Spain? The most abundant and widespread invasive parrots in Spain belong to two species: Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Monk Parakeets, native to South America, were first observed breeding in Spain in 1975 after some escaped…
Capturing a bird’s eye view of a landscape or cityscape allows you to see the world from above, giving you a unique perspective and capturing expansive vistas. There are a few key ways to capture a bird’s eye view in photography: Use a drone or remote controlled aircraft One of the most common ways photographers and videographers capture bird’s eye views today is by using drones. Drones allow you to easily fly a camera high above the ground to photograph or film from above. The advantage of drones is that you can maneuver them to compose your bird’s eye shots…
Monk parakeets, also known as Quaker parrots, are a species of parrot that is native to South America. They have established wild breeding populations in several states in the United States, including Connecticut. The monk parakeet is a medium-sized, bright green parrot with a gray breast, green wings and tail, a pale beak, and a blue forehead. They build very large nests out of sticks in trees, telephone poles, and other structures. These nests can cause damage and electrical fires. Monk parakeets were brought to the United States as pets in the 1960s and 1970s. Many escaped or were released,…
When choosing a camera to take on a trip to Antarctica, there are a few key factors to consider. Antarctica is an extreme environment, with freezing temperatures, high winds, snow, and ice. You’ll need a rugged, weather-sealed camera that can withstand cold temperatures and moisture. Bridge cameras offer a nice balance of portability, zoom range, features and price for this type of adventure. Here’s an overview of some of the best options currently available. Key Features for an Antarctica Camera First, let’s go over some of the most important features and specifications to look for when choosing a bridge camera…