Wrens are a family of small, lively songbirds found throughout North and South America. With over 80 species, wrens are one of the most widespread groups of birds in the Western Hemisphere. Their high energy, bubbly songs and energetic behavior make them a favorite among bird watchers. But do these busy birds make their home in the Sunshine State? Quick Answer Yes, several species of wren can be found living in Florida. The most common wrens spotted in the state are the Carolina Wren, House Wren, Sedge Wren, and Marsh Wren. Overview of Wrens in Florida At least six species…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
During the winter months, the black-headed gull has strikingly different plumage compared to its breeding plumage in the summer. Here are the key features of the black-headed gull’s winter plumage: Head In the summer, the black-headed gull has a chocolate brown head. In winter, the head becomes completely white, with just a dark spot behind the eye. Body The body feathers are gray above and white below in both seasons. However, in winter the gray back and upperwing feathers have pale fringes, giving a more scaled appearance. Wings The wingtips remain black in winter, but the black area shrinks compared…
Condors and albatrosses are two of the largest flying birds in the world. Both are awe-inspiring sea birds that soar on air currents, but which species is actually bigger? In this article, we’ll look at the sizes of different condor and albatross species to see how they compare. Understanding the differences in wingspan and weight between these birds gives us a better appreciation of their adaptations for gliding over oceans to find food. Read on to learn more about the impressively large wingspans of condors versus albatrosses! Comparing Wingspans When looking at size, one of the most important measurements is…
Limpkins are a unique type of wading bird found in wetlands throughout Florida, as well as parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Their most distinguishing feature is their long, downcurved bill which allows them to forage for food in shallow water. Keep reading to learn more about the appearance of these fascinating birds! Size Limpkins are medium-sized wading birds, measuring between 25-28 inches (64-71 cm) in length with a wingspan around 36 inches (91 cm). Their height when standing upright ranges from 14-18 inches (36-46 cm). Males tend to be slightly larger than females on average. By…
The great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) is a large gull that breeds on the European and North American coasts and islands of the North Atlantic Ocean. The scientific name Larus marinus comes from Latin, where “Larus” means gull and “marinus” means “of the sea”. So the direct Latin translation for great black-backed gull would be Larus marinus. In this article, we will explore the Latin roots of the great black-backed gull’s scientific name, its taxonomy and physical characteristics, distribution and habitat, diet and feeding ecology, breeding and population status. Understanding the Latin terminology for this species provides insights into its…
Crows are highly intelligent birds that are found all over the world. Their large brains relative to their body size allow them to adapt to a wide variety of environments. But just how far do crows actually range in their daily and seasonal movements? Crow Home Ranges Most crows have a home range where they spend most of their time. The size of a crow’s home range depends on habitat quality and food availability. In areas with abundant food, crows may not need to travel very far at all. One study of American Crows in New York found they had…
Hawks are notorious hunters, equipped with sharp talons and curved beaks that make them excellent predators. Their diet typically consists of small birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects that they can swoop down and grab with their powerful feet. But when it comes to their favorite meals, what do hawks crave most? Let’s take a closer look at the dining habits of these aerial acrobats. Small Birds Are Hawks’ Staple Prey The most common prey for many hawk species are small birds like sparrows, starlings, pigeons, and doves. Hawks are well-adapted for catching bird prey on the wing. Their broad, rounded…
Chickens, like other animals, have mating rituals and dances that help them find a mate and reproduce. The mating dances and rituals of chickens are fascinating to observe and can vary slightly between different breeds and individual roosters. What is the purpose of the mating dance? A rooster’s mating dance serves several purposes in the chicken mating process. Here are some of the main reasons roosters perform mating dances: Attract hens – The mating dance helps get the hens’ attention so they know the rooster is interested in mating. Show off to competitors – The dance lets other roosters know…
Robin is a curious little bird who loves to eat all kinds of fruit. As an assistant knowledgeable about birds and nutrition, I can provide some quick answers about Robin’s favorite fruits. Berries Robins enjoy eating all types of berries. Here are some of the berries that Robin likes to eat: Strawberries Blueberries Raspberries Blackberries Berries provide Robins with essential vitamins and antioxidants. The bright colors of berries also help attract Robins to them as a food source. Why Robins Like Berries There are several reasons why Robins like to eat berries: Berries are small and easy for Robins to…
The short answer is no, kiwi birds are an endangered species and it is illegal to hunt, kill or eat them. Kiwis are flightless birds native to New Zealand and a national symbol of the country. While they may share the same name as the fuzzy brown kiwi fruit, the bird and the fruit come from completely different origins. What is a kiwi bird? The kiwi is a unique type of bird found only in New Zealand. There are five species of kiwi remaining: Great spotted kiwi Little spotted kiwi Brown kiwi Rowi Tokoeka Some key facts about the kiwi…