The ibis is a long-legged wading bird found in many parts of the world. With its distinctive curved beak, the ibis is easily recognized, but its role in the ecosystem is sometimes misunderstood. Is the ibis a predator that hunts for food, or is it prey for other animals? In this article, we will examine the ibis’s behavior and biology to understand where it fits in the food chain. Ibis Species There are actually dozens of species in the ibis family Threskiornithidae. Some of the most widespread and well-known species include: Sacred ibis – Found in parts of Africa, the…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Purple martins are the largest member of the swallow family in North America and a favorite among bird enthusiasts. These aerial acrobats put on quite a show, skillfully swooping through the sky to catch insects. Their musical chirps and gurgles make for a pleasant backyard soundscape. Purple martins are also loved by gardeners because they eat mosquitoes, flies, moths, and more. One study found that a colony of purple martins can consume up to 2,000 flying insects each hour! If you’d like to attract purple martins to your yard, here are some tips to get started: Provide Appropriate Housing Purple…
Pinyon Jays are medium-sized birds that belong to the Corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, and jays. They are native to the pine forests and woodlands of western North America. Pinyon Jays have diverse diets and are considered omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal material. Their feeding habits play an important role in their habitat by dispersing pinyon pine seeds and influencing pine regeneration. This article will provide an overview of the Pinyon Jay’s diet and feeding ecology. Pinyon Pine Seeds Pinyon pine seeds are the primary food source for Pinyon Jays and make up around 50-90% of…
Birds make a variety of sounds to communicate different emotions and messages. When birds are feeling content, relaxed, or excited, they often make cheerful chirps, songs, or calls. The specific sounds birds make when they are happy depends on the species. However, there are some common vocalizations birds use to express joy and excitement. Chirping One of the most common happy sounds birds make is chirping. A bird’s chirp is a short, high-pitched vocalization often made when a bird is excited, relaxed, or feeling positive emotions. Chirps are frequently heard when birds are in a flock, foraging for food, taking…
The northern bobwhite, also known as the Virginia quail or bobwhite quail, is a ground-dwelling bird native to North America. It is a popular gamebird and is known for its speedy flight and whistle-like call. Some key facts about the northern bobwhite include: Physical Description – The northern bobwhite is a relatively small quail, measuring 20-28 cm long and weighing 140-240 g. – It has a short tail and rounded wings. – Its plumage is intricately patterned in browns, black, white, and gray. The male has a white throat and eye stripe. – Northern bobwhites have a distinctive head crested…
Cliff swallows are small, graceful birds that get their name from their habit of building gourd-shaped mud nests on vertical cliffs. Measuring just 5-6 inches in length, these sparrow-sized birds have a distinctive appearance that makes them easy to identify. Size and Shape Cliff swallows have a compact, chunky body shape. Their wings are pointed and slender, well-suited for fast, agile flight. When perched, they often hold their wings tucked close against their body. The tail is short and slightly forked. As mentioned, they measure around 5-6 inches from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail.…
The L-19 Bird Dog was a liaison and observation aircraft used extensively in the Vietnam War by the United States and South Vietnamese Air Forces. It served as an artillery spotter plane, forward air controller, and cargo and personnel transport. The Bird Dog was highly valued for its ruggedness, excellent low-speed handling characteristics, and ability to take off and land in very short distances. The L-19 Bird Dog was developed by Cessna Aircraft Company in the late 1940s as a liaison and artillery spotting aircraft. Its design was based on Cessna’s successful Model 170 civilian light aircraft. The U.S. Army…
There are many reasons why people find birds fascinating. Birds have been a source of wonder, inspiration, and companionship for humankind throughout history. Their ability to fly captures our imagination; their songs and calls connect us to nature; their complex behaviors and family bonds reveal insights about our own human nature. Birds also symbolize key values like freedom, peace, and transcendence across various cultures. With around 10,000 species of birds worldwide, there is abundant diversity to appreciate. Awe at Flight One major reason people are fascinated by birds is their ability to take flight. Humans have long envied the freedom…
Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era alongside dinosaurs. They are often referred to as “flying dinosaurs” but are not technically dinosaurs. Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight. Their wings were formed by membranes of skin that stretched from an elongated fourth finger to the body. With wing spans that could reach over 30 feet, pterosaurs were the largest animals ever to take flight. While birds and bats are the only surviving flying vertebrates today, pterosaurs ruled the skies for over 150 million years before going extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period.…
Toronto offers many great locations for bird watching throughout the city. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto has a surprising diversity of bird species that can be spotted year-round. With parks, wetlands, and waterfront access, there are plenty of prime birding locations to explore. Best Parks for Bird Watching in Toronto Some of the top parks for birding in Toronto include: High Park – This 400 acre park has woodlands, ponds, and meadows that attract over 200 species including warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. Toronto Islands – Offers great lakefront birding and sightings of gulls, terns, herons, sandpipers, and waterfowl. Leslie Street…