Pigeons (Columba livia) are a common bird found in cities around the world. As urban birds, pigeons have adapted well to living alongside humans, nesting and roosting on buildings and scavenging for food discarded by people. However, even in the relative safety of cities, pigeons must still watch out for predators looking for an easy meal. Birds of Prey Birds of prey are one of the biggest threats to pigeons in urban areas. Birds such as peregrine falcons, Cooper’s hawks, and merlins all prey on pigeons. These agile hunters use speed and maneuverability to catch pigeons in mid-air. Peregrine falcons…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Ixtapa is a popular beach destination located on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Guerrero. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and luxury resorts, Ixtapa attracts over 2 million visitors each year. However, beyond the beaches and hotels, Ixtapa is also home to a diversity of bird species. From seabirds to songbirds, over 300 species of birds can be found in and around Ixtapa. Many birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts visit Ixtapa specifically to observe the wide variety of avian life. In this article, we will discuss some of the most commonly seen birds in Ixtapa. Understanding…
Edmonton, the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta, is home to a diverse array of bird species. With its location in central Alberta and its proximity to major river valleys, wetlands, forests, and parklands, Edmonton provides excellent bird habitat and attracts many different types of birds throughout the year. But is there one bird that stands out as the unofficial “bird of Edmonton”? Let’s take a closer look at some of the contenders. Canada Goose One bird that is very commonly associated with Edmonton is the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis). Canada Geese are ubiquitous throughout the city, inhabiting…
Vultures are scavenging birds that feed mostly on carrion – the decaying flesh of dead animals. Unlike eagles, hawks, and other raptors, vultures do not actively hunt or kill live prey. Instead, they rely on their keen eyesight and sense of smell to locate carcasses of animals that have died from other causes. Once a vulture spots a carcass, it will circle overhead before descending to feed. Vultures play an important ecological role as nature’s clean-up crew, helping to dispose of dead animals that could otherwise spread disease. Do vultures hunt live prey? While vultures occasionally kill small, weak, or…
Orioles are beautiful birds that can bring joy to any backyard bird watcher. However, finding the right oriole feeder can be a challenge. Many bird lovers have experienced the frustration of dealing with a leaky oriole feeder. The sugary nectar that orioles love can drip everywhere and attract ants or wasps. So what is the only oriole feeder that doesn’t leak? There are a few high quality options to consider. Why Do Oriole Feeders Leak? Most oriole feeders are designed as cups, jars, or reservoirs that hold the nectar and allow the orioles to perch on the edges and sip.…
Cedar Waxwings are strikingly beautiful birds that can be found across North America. With silky smooth plumage in shades of brown, gray, and yellow, accented by a dash of red wax-like tips on some of their wing feathers, it’s no wonder that these birds catch the eye of observant birdwatchers. But why do Cedar Waxwings have such a sleek, polished look compared to other birds? There are several reasons for their satiny appearance. Satin Sheen One major factor is the naturally smooth structure of Cedar Waxwing feathers. The feathers contain very little barbulation – the small hooks that normally link…
Magnificent frigatebirds, also known as man o’ war birds, are a species of large seabird found across the tropical and subtropical coasts of the Americas. Known for their large wingspans, deeply forked tails, and reddish-purple throat pouches, magnificent frigatebirds have a number of unique and fascinating characteristics. Magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens) belong to the Fregatidae family of seabirds. They are large, lightly built birds with long, slender wings and deeply forked tails. Adult males are all black with a purplish-green sheen and have a large, red throat pouch that they inflate to attract females during courtship displays. Females and juveniles…
Roosting boxes, also known as bird boxes or nest boxes, are artificial structures provided for birds to nest in or roost on. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the target species. Roosting boxes are commonly made of wood, although plastic and concrete versions are also available. They are an increasingly popular way for people to help local bird populations. But do roosting boxes actually work? In the opening paragraphs, it is important to outline the key questions around roosting boxes. Do they attract birds? Do birds successfully nest and breed in them? What factors influence…
The Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) is a large shorebird native to North America. It is known for its distinctive high-pitched, three-note call which sounds like “tew-tew-tew”. This call carries far and can often be heard before the bird is seen. The Greater Yellowlegs breeds in marshes and wet meadows across Canada and Alaska and migrates to coastal areas throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter. In this article, we will explore the unique vocalizations of the Greater Yellowlegs, how its calls are used for communication and territorial defense, and how to identify the…
Great horned owls are nocturnal birds of prey that are known for their loud, hooting calls that can often be heard at night. These large owls have prominent ear tufts, or “horns”, on their heads that give them their common name. Great horned owls are found throughout North and South America and can thrive in a variety of habitats from forests to deserts to urban areas. But why do these owls make such a racket at night? The main reasons great horned owls vocalize after dark are to communicate with mates and offspring, establish territories, and warn off potential intruders.…