Swallow nest soup, also known as bird’s nest soup, is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine that has been consumed for centuries. It is made from the saliva-cemented nests of certain species of swiftlets that are found in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. While it may seem unusual to eat bird nests, this unique soup is prized for its health benefits and as a symbol of status and wealth. What are the origins and history of swallow nest soup? The use of bird nests in Chinese cuisine dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where it was served to…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Spoonbills are a group of large, long-legged wading birds that get their name from the unique shape of their bill. Their bills are long, broad, and flat at the end, resembling a spoon or spatula. This distinctive bill shape serves a very specific purpose – it has evolved to allow spoonbills to easily feed on small aquatic creatures. How does the spoonbill use its specialized beak? Spoonbills use their specialized beak to catch food in shallow wetlands. As they wade through the water with their bills partially submerged, they swing their heads back and forth, snapping their bills shut when…
Red-headed woodpeckers are medium-sized birds known for their striking plumage. The birds have mostly black bodies, white wing patches, and a bright red head and throat. They are found across much of the eastern United States and parts of Canada during the summer breeding season. Their winter range extends farther south into Texas, the Gulf Coast, Mexico, and parts of Central America. Quick Answer Yes, there are red-headed woodpeckers in Texas, especially during the winter months when many of the birds migrate south from more northern areas. They can be found year-round in some parts of Texas but are most…
The dodo is an extinct species of flightless bird that was endemic to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Dodos became extinct during the late 17th century, less than 100 years after their discovery in 1598 by Dutch sailors. So are there any stuffed dodo specimens remaining today? When did dodos become extinct? Dodoes became extinct around 1690. Though the exact cause of their extinction is debated, it was most likely due to a combination of extensive hunting by humans and predation by invasive species that were introduced to Mauritius. With no natural predators on the island, dodos…
The song Sparrow mnemonic is a useful tool for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts to help identify the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia). Song sparrows are medium-sized sparrows found throughout North America. They are best known for their distinctive song, which sounds like a series of repeated musical notes. The song sparrow mnemonic helps birders remember the key field marks of this species. What is a mnemonic device? A mnemonic device is a memory tool that helps encode information in an easier way to remember. Mnemonics work by associating the information that needs to be recalled with something that is already…
Cedar waxwings are medium-sized songbirds that are found across North America. They get their name from the waxy red tips on their secondary wing feathers, which look like sealing wax. Cedar waxwings have a varied diet that changes depending on the season and food availability. In summer, cedar waxwings switch from eating fruit to feeding more on protein-rich insects and other invertebrates to fuel breeding and nesting. Fruits Even though cedar waxwings eat more insects in summer, fruits still make up an important part of their diet when available. They often feed on fruits just as they are starting to…
In the opening paragraph, a quick answer to the question posed in the title is that the movie where kids turn into birds is the 1996 fantasy comedy film Matilda. This movie, based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, tells the story of a young girl named Matilda who develops telekinetic powers that she uses to stand up to her cruel parents and headmistress at school. A key scene in the film shows Matilda using her powers to make her school principal Miss Trunchbull spin around in the air like a bird until she crashes out the window. More Background…
The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) is a large bird of prey that is found throughout much of the Americas. It is one of the most widespread raptors in the Western Hemisphere and is easily identified by its bare red head and black plumage. Turkey vultures are scavengers and play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up carrion. But what are the turkey vulture’s closest relatives? Let’s take a closer look at the turkey vulture’s taxonomy to find out. Taxonomy of the Turkey Vulture The turkey vulture belongs to the taxonomic order Cathartiformes, which contains just two…
The horned puffin (Fratercula corniculata) is a medium-sized seabird in the Alcidae family. It breeds on coasts and islands in the northern Pacific Ocean and depends heavily on its marine habitat for survival. Some quick facts about the horned puffin: – It has a large, colorful bill and “horns” above its eyes that give it its name. The horns are actually tufts of feathers. – Horned puffins spend most of their life out at sea, only coming on land to breed. They have evolved for a pelagic, marine lifestyle. – Their diet consists mainly of small fish, crustaceans, and other…
The great horned owl is one of the most distinctive owls in North America. With prominent ear tufts, intimidating yellow eyes, and a deep hooting voice, these large predatory birds are a popular symbol of wilderness and wildlife. But what exactly makes the great horned owl such a unique bird species? Here we will explore some key traits that set great horned owls apart from other owls and birds. Appearance The most noticeable feature of the great horned owl is its striking appearance. These owls have large heads with prominent ear tufts, giving them a distinctive silhouette. Their yellow eyes…