Quick Answer The golden eagle is generally bigger than most vulture species. The golden eagle is one of the largest raptors with a wingspan up to 7.5 feet and weight around 12 pounds. In comparison, the wingspan of vultures ranges from 4 to 11 feet and they weigh 7 to 33 pounds. So while large vulture species like the Andean and Lappet-faced vultures can overlap in size with a golden eagle, most vulture species are smaller on average. Golden Eagle Size The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a large bird of prey that is found across the Northern Hemisphere. Here…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The tiny rifleman bird, also known as the rifleman, is a small passerine bird found in New Zealand. This lively little bird gets its name from the streaking brown plumage on its chest that resembles the uniform of a British rifleman. Despite its diminutive size, the rifleman has a disproportionately loud song and can be heard calling out from forest canopies across the islands of New Zealand. What does a tiny rifleman bird look like? The rifleman is one of New Zealand’s smallest birds, measuring only 5-6 inches in length and weighing a mere 0.2-0.5 oz. They have olive-brown upperparts,…
Birds have long been associated with romance and courtship rituals. From lovebirds to doves, many species of birds engage in elaborate displays to attract mates. But why are birds seemingly more romantic than other animals? There are several explanations that may account for birds’ association with love. Birds Form Long-Term Pair Bonds Most birds form monogamous pair bonds that can last an entire breeding season or span many years. Around 90% of birds maintain long-term relationships with a single mate rather than mating with multiple partners. Swans, cranes, eagles, condors, and albatrosses are known for bonding with one partner and…
Understanding the basics of bird anatomy To teach first graders how to draw a simple bird, it’s helpful to start by explaining the basic shapes and parts that make up a generic bird body. Birds have a round or oval-shaped body, two wings, a head, two feet, and a tail. When drawing a perched bird, the feet will be visible, but when a bird is flying often just the wings, head and tail are prominent. Some key parts of bird anatomy to highlight for young students are: Head – Circle or oval shape on top of the body Body -…
Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that have captivated people for centuries. Their ability to hover and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. Hummingbirds are also crucial pollinators that help fertilize the plants they feed from. A big part of caring for hummingbirds is providing food, typically by offering homemade nectar that provides the sugar they need for energy. Why Hummingbirds Need Sugar Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and must consume a tremendous amount of energy each day just to survive. Their wings beat up to 80 times per second, so they burn through calories rapidly. Hummingbirds get most of…
Pair bonding is an important part of the reproductive process in many species of birds. It involves the formation of a monogamous pair between a male and female bird that cooperates in raising offspring. Pair bonding allows birds to increase their reproductive success through sharing parental duties and defending resources. The exact processes involved in pair bonding can vary across different bird species, but some common elements include courtship displays, mate guarding, nest building, and feeding of young. Understanding pair bonding in birds provides insights into their social behavior, evolution, and conservation. What is pair bonding? Pair bonding refers to…
House finches are small songbirds native to the western United States that have been introduced to the eastern part of the country. They are familiar visitors to backyard bird feeders and can be found in urban and suburban areas. However, even these common birds can be frightened by things in their environment. Understanding what scares house finches can help people create an inviting space for them in their yards. Loud Noises One of the most common fears for house finches is loud, sudden noises. The sharp crack of a slammed door or clap of thunder can send these birds rushing…
Chickens make a variety of noises that have different names depending on the context. The most common noises chickens make are clucking, crowing, and squawking. Understanding the different chicken vocalizations can help poultry owners better interpret their chickens’ behaviors and needs. Clucking Clucking is the most common chicken vocalization. It is a soft, repetitive cluck sound that chickens use to communicate with each other. Mother hens cluck to their chicks, and chickens cluck among themselves to signal food, danger, and contentment. The clucking noise can have different meanings depending on how it sounds: Low, soft, rhythmic clucking indicates contentment and…
The sharptail grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) is a medium-sized prairie grouse that is a popular game bird throughout its range in the western half of North America. In Wyoming, sharptail grouse are found throughout the eastern two-thirds of the state in open grasslands, sagebrush, and agricultural areas. Finding good locations to hunt sharptail grouse requires knowing their preferred habitats, distribution, land access, and recent population trends. Preferred Habitats Sharptail grouse use a variety of habitats during the year, but generally prefer areas with a mix of native grasslands, sagebrush, and agricultural fields. Their main habitat requirements are: Breeding areas – dense…
A dipper is a type of ladle or spoon used for dipping food or liquid. In America, the term “dipper” most commonly refers to a long-handled ladle used for dipping water or other liquids. Dippers have been an essential kitchen and dining utensil in American homes and restaurants for centuries. The Origins and History of the Dipper in America Dippers have ancient origins, with ladle-like spoons being used across cultures for thousands of years. In America, the dipper evolved from the simple spoons and ladles brought by early English and European settlers. These early colonists used hand-carved wooden spoons with…