The Grumman G-21 Goose is an amphibious aircraft that was designed by Grumman to serve as an eight-seat “commuter” transport seaplane. First taking flight in 1937, the Goose went into service in 1938 and was produced until 1945, with a total of 345 aircraft built. After World War II, many surplus Gooses found their way into commercial service. Over the decades, Goose numbers have dwindled due to accidents and retirements. Today, it is estimated that between 50 and 100 Grumman Gooses remain active worldwide. Determining a precise count is difficult due to changing registrations and incomplete records, but sources suggest…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The question “What is a black bird with a golden crown?” refers to a specific species of bird that has black plumage and a distinctive golden crown of feathers on its head. This is likely referring to the golden-crowned kinglet, a small songbird found throughout North America. The golden-crowned kinglet is known for its unique appearance, with olive-gray upperparts, white underparts, white wingbars, and a flaming orange-yellow crown stripe that is bordered by black. The crown gives this tiny bird its common name. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the golden-crowned kinglet, its identification, range, habitat, diet,…
Birds have a variety of sleeping habits and preferred roosting locations that allow them to rest safely and comfortably outside of the nest. Backyard birds that frequent bird feeders, birdbaths, and other areas near homes find creative nooks and crannies to snooze in overnight. Do birds sleep in birdhouses? Many backyard birds do sleep in birdhouses, which offer shelter and safety in addition to nesting spots. However, the species that utilize birdhouses for sleeping are limited to ones that can fit inside the cavity or hole opening. Birds also may not use birdhouses for sleeping in the non-breeding seasons. Species…
Sexual dimorphism refers to physical differences between males and females of the same species. In birds, this often manifests in differences in size, plumage coloration, ornamentation, and courtship displays between the sexes. There are many avian species that exhibit sexual dimorphism to varying degrees. Common Examples of Sexually Dimorphic Birds Here are some common examples of sexually dimorphic bird species: Peafowl – Male peafowl (peacocks) have brightly colored train feathers used for courtship displays, while females (peahens) have drab brown plumage. Birds of paradise – Males have elaborate, brightly colored plumage used in mating displays, while females are plain and…
Barn owls are fascinating nocturnal birds of prey that are found worldwide. Their distinctive heart-shaped faces and light coloring make them easily recognizable. Barn owls are voracious predators that play an important role in controlling rodent and other small mammal populations. But what exactly do these mysterious owls eat? Barn Owl Diet Overview Barn owls are opportunistic hunters and will eat just about any small animal they can capture. Their main prey items include: Rodents – Rats, mice, voles, etc. Insects – Beetles, moths, crickets Small birds Bats Reptiles – Lizards, frogs, snakes Rodents such as voles, mice, and rats…
The whooping crane is one of the most endangered species in North America. These large, white birds stand about 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of over 7 feet. Whooping cranes are known for their loud, trumpeting calls that can be heard from over 2 miles away. Once widespread across North America, whooping crane populations declined sharply in the 19th and 20th centuries due to hunting and habitat loss. By 1941, there were only 21 whooping cranes left in the wild. Conservation efforts have helped increase their numbers, but whooping cranes remain critically endangered today. One key whooping crane…
Chickadees are small songbirds that are found throughout North America. In the fall, chickadees undergo several behavioral and physiological changes to prepare for the winter months ahead. Their behaviors and adaptations allow them to survive the harsh conditions of winter. What happens to chickadees in the fall? Several key things happen to chickadees in the fall: Molting Chickadees molt and grow new feathers in the fall. Molting allows them to grow an insulating layer of feathers to keep warm in the winter. Their feathers also become more dense. The molting process usually begins in late summer and continues into early…
Roadrunners are a common bird found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Their scientific name is Geococcyx californianus. Roadrunners are known for their distinctive appearance, ability to run very fast, and their frequent appearances in cartoons and pop culture. But are roadrunners actually mean birds? Let’s take a closer look at the behaviors and characteristics of roadrunners to find out. Quick Answers Roadrunners are not generally considered to be aggressive or mean birds. Here are some quick answers about roadrunner behavior: Roadrunners are omnivores that eat a variety of small animals, insects, seeds, and fruit. They are not predatory…
Mourning doves are a common bird species found throughout North America. They are known for their soft, mournful cooing call which gives them their name. Mourning doves build flimsy nests out of twigs, grass, and sometimes pine needles, typically on the ground or in low bushes. The female lays two white eggs in each clutch and both parents take turns incubating them. But just how long do mourning doves actually sit on their eggs before they hatch? Let’s take a closer look. Incubation Period The incubation period for mourning dove eggs – the time from when the eggs are laid…
Gloster canaries are a popular breed of domestic canary known for their round, compact shape and docile temperament. They are often kept as pets due to their beautiful singing voices and friendly, gentle nature. But are Gloster canaries truly as friendly and easy to care for as their reputation suggests? Let’s take a closer look at this adorable little songbird! What are Gloster Canaries? Gloster canaries, sometimes called Gloucester or Crested canaries, originated in England in the 1920s. They are a type of Fancy canary bred specifically to have a very round, compact body shape with a flattened skull and…