Birds have a strong parental instinct to care for their young after the eggs hatch. However, the length of time parents stay with nestlings varies by species. In most cases, one or both parents will remain at the nest providing food and protection for days or weeks after the chicks emerge from their eggs. When do most birds leave the nest? Many species care for chicks in the nest anywhere from two weeks to two months. Small songbirds like finches may only nest for two weeks before fledging while larger birds like hawks and eagles can remain in the nest…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Cleaning a bird cage regularly is essential for the health and wellbeing of pet birds. A clean cage prevents the spread of bacteria and diseases and allows birds to thrive in a sanitary environment. But with so many bird cage cleaners on the market, how do you know which one is best? The most effective bird cage cleaner will sanitize the cage thoroughly, be safe for birds, and efficient to use on a regular basis. How Often Should You Clean the Bird Cage? The frequency of cleaning a bird’s cage depends on the size of the cage and number of…
Lovebirds and budgies are two popular types of pet birds. Many bird owners wonder if these two species can live together peacefully. The short answer is that lovebirds and budgies are generally not compatible as cage mates. There are a few reasons for this: Size Difference Lovebirds are significantly larger than budgies. The average lovebird is 5-7 inches long while budgies are usually under 6 inches. This size disparity can lead to the larger lovebird intimidating or injuring the smaller budgie. Behavioral Differences Lovebirds are known for being aggressive and territorial, especially around other birds. They will often lunge, bite,…
Yes, whooping cranes do still exist today. However, they are considered an endangered species with only around 500 individuals left in the wild. Whooping cranes are the tallest birds in North America and are known for their iconic white plumage and red forehead. How many whooping cranes are there? The current total wild population of whooping cranes is estimated to be around 500 individuals as of 2023. This includes about 330 birds in the only self-sustaining wild flock, which migrates between Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada and Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. There are also about 75 whooping…
Bird lice are a common pest that can infest backyard chickens, pet birds, and wild birds. They are small, wingless insects that live on the skin and feathers of birds and feed on dead skin, feather debris, and blood. An infestation of bird lice can cause irritation, itchiness, feather damage, and anemia in birds. Bird owners often search for safe and effective ways to get rid of lice on their chickens, parrots, finches, etc. One home remedy that is sometimes recommended is using vinegar to kill lice. But does vinegar really kill bird lice? Let’s take a closer look. What…
Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers everywhere. Their speedy wings beat up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in midair and change direction instantly. Hummingbirds have captivated people for centuries with their beauty and aerial acrobatics. When it comes to attracting hummingbirds to your yard, a hummingbird feeder is the best way to do it. But where is the optimal place to hang your hummingbird feeder? There are several factors to consider when choosing the perfect location for your feeder including visibility, access, shade and shelter, and safety. Read on as…
Yes, birds have many of the same body parts as other vertebrate animals like mammals and reptiles. Here is a quick overview of the main body parts of a bird: Head The head contains the brain, eyes, ears, nostrils, and mouth. Birds have excellent eyesight and hearing. Their eyes are on the sides of their heads, giving them a wide field of vision. Their ears lack external flaps but have good internal hearing organs. Birds have nostrils but not a nose. Their sense of smell is not highly developed. Beak The beak replaces teeth in birds. Birds use their hardened…
Blue winged teal (Anas discors) and green winged teal (Anas carolinensis) are two closely related species of small dabbling ducks found in North America. Both species are migratory and breed in the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States and Canada during spring and summer. Their migration and wintering ranges overlap significantly, leading many bird watchers to wonder – do blue and green winged teal fly together? Quick Answers – Blue winged teal and green winged teal often flock together during migration and on wintering grounds, but tend to remain separated during the breeding season. – The two species have…
The small owl found in India is likely the Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena). The Indian Scops Owl is a small owl, with adults reaching lengths of 19-21 cm and weighing 58-106 grams. It is found across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Some quick facts about the Indian Scops Owl: – It is a small owl, about the size of a pigeon. – It has ear tufts, yellow eyes, and reddish-brown plumage with dark streaks. – It hunts insects, small mammals, and reptiles at night. – It nests in tree cavities and lays 3-5 eggs. – Its…
Quick Answer The Red-eyed Vireo is not actually a warbler, despite sometimes being called the “Red-eyed Warbler.” It is a songbird in the vireo family Vireonidae, not the wood-warbler family Parulidae like true warblers. So while it shares some similarities with warblers, the Red-eyed Vireo is taxonomically distinct and not considered a warbler by ornithologists. What is a Red-eyed Vireo? The Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) is a small songbird found throughout much of North America. Some key facts about the Red-eyed Vireo: Scientific name: Vireo olivaceus Length: 5.5-6 inches Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces Coloring: Olive upperparts, white underparts, gray crown and…