The black headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) is a medium-sized songbird found in western North America. It is a striking bird with a black head, neck, and upper breast contrasting sharply with a bright yellow-orange lower breast. The back and wings are mostly black with white patches. The male has brighter plumage than the female. Are Black Headed Grosbeaks Rare? Black headed grosbeaks are not considered rare across their range as a whole. However, they do have a patchy distribution and can be quite localized in some areas, leading them to be considered rare or uncommon in parts of their range.…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Burrowing owls are fascinating birds that live underground in burrows. Their unique lifestyle and appearance make them a popular species for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. One interesting aspect about burrowing owls is their diet. Understanding what burrowing owls eat can provide insight into their behavior and ecology. Burrowing owls are small, long-legged owls found throughout North and South America. They get their name from their habit of nesting and roosting in underground burrows, often ones dug by other animals like prairie dogs or ground squirrels. Burrowing owls have bright yellow eyes and often perch on fence posts or other…
Bald eagles are majestic birds of prey that can be found across North America. Known for their distinctive brown body and bright white head, these large raptors instill awe in those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them in the wild. Many nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers are eager to spot bald eagles, but seeing them can require careful timing and planning. The Habits and Behavior of Bald Eagles To understand when it’s best to try and see bald eagles, it helps to know a bit about their habits and behavior throughout the day and year: Bald eagles are diurnal,…
The rose breasted grosbeak is a medium-sized songbird found in North America. Male rose breasted grosbeaks are easily identified by their bright red triangle on their chest and white patches on their wings. Females have a streaked brown and white pattern on their chest. Both males and females have a large cone-shaped bill perfect for cracking open seeds and fruit. Nesting Habits Rose breasted grosbeaks build their nests in the branches of deciduous trees and tall shrubs. They prefer sites that are well-hidden by dense foliage. The nests are cup-shaped and typically 6-10 inches across. They are constructed from a…
Bird caging is a defect that can occur in drawn wire, particularly copper wire. It is characterized by transverse cracks that occur at regular intervals along the length of the wire, giving it a cage-like appearance. What causes bird caging? Bird caging is caused by stresses that develop in the wire during the drawing process. As the wire is pulled through a die, the reduction in diameter produces axial tension. This tension is usually not perfectly uniform across the cross-section of the wire. The outer layers of the wire tend to be more highly stressed than the inner core. These…
Herons are a type of large wading bird found in wetland habitats around the world. They are known for their long legs, long necks, and large wingspans. One of the most distinctive features of herons are their long, dagger-like bills that they use for spearing fish and other prey. But do herons also have claws on their feet like hawks and eagles? Let’s take a closer look at heron anatomy to find out. Anatomy of a Heron’s Foot The feet of herons, egrets, and other members of the heron family Ardeidae are called zygodactyl. This refers to the arrangement of…
The cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) is a small songbird found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. This hardy bird has evolved a number of behavioral and physiological adaptations that allow it to thrive in the harsh desert environment. The cactus wren is well-suited to the hot, dry climate of the desert. Its range extends from California and Nevada down through Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas in the United States, and south to central Mexico. Within this range, the cactus wren occupies arid habitats such as desert scrub, mesquite grasslands, arroyos, and canyons. It is found…
Birds are some of the most vocal creatures on earth. Their songs and calls are an important way that they communicate with each other. But some species of birds are much chattier than others! So which birds are the biggest chatterboxes? Read on to find out which feathered friends just won’t stop talking! What Makes Birds So Vocal? All birds use vocalizations to communicate in some way, whether it’s by singing to attract mates, calling to defend their territory, or making alarm calls to alert others to danger. But there are several factors that determine how vocal a species is:…
There are a few different species of falcons that can have white coloration. The most common white falcons are: Gyrfalcon The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the largest falcon species and comes in several color variants, including all white. The white gyrfalcon is primarily found in Greenland and Iceland. It has a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet and can weigh up to 4.5 pounds. The white gyrfalcon preys primarily on ptarmigan and other birds. Peregrine Falcon The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) also has a white color variant, although not as common as the gyrfalcon. The white peregrine falcon is mostly…
Sparrows are small songbirds that are found throughout most of the world. They are very adaptable birds that can thrive in both rural and urban environments. Sparrows build nests in trees, bushes, eaves of buildings, and even inside some birdhouses. When it comes to birdhouses specifically designed for sparrows, one question that often comes up is whether or not the birdhouse needs an internal perch. Let’s take a closer look at sparrow behavior and preferences to see if a perch is recommended for a sparrow birdhouse. Do Sparrows Use Perches in Birdhouses? Sparrows do not actually need an interior perch…