Hawks are territorial birds of prey that are found throughout North America. The size of a hawk’s territory can vary greatly depending on the species, habitat, food availability, and time of year. Here we will explore the factors that influence hawk territories and provide estimates for the territory sizes of several common North American hawk species. Why Do Hawks Establish Territories? Hawks establish territories for a few key reasons: Access to food – Hawks establish territories that contain sufficient prey to meet their dietary needs. Breeding – Territories provide space for nesting and raising young. The range must contain adequate…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a large seabird found across the North Pacific. With its long, narrow wings, the Laysan albatross is able to soar effortlessly for hours, riding air currents across vast stretches of open ocean. But just how well can this majestic bird fly? Can it actually get airborne and stay aloft? In this article, we’ll examine the flight capabilities of the Laysan albatross and look at some of the adaptations that allow it to fly so well. Anatomy and wingspan The Laysan albatross has several key anatomical adaptations that enable it to fly effectively: Large wingspan…
Birds of paradise are an iconic group of birds found across New Guinea, eastern Australia and the islands of the south-west Pacific. Known for their dazzling plumage and elaborate courtship displays, there are around 40 recognized species in the family Paradisaeidae. Quick Facts There are estimated to be around 40 species of bird of paradise. They are found primarily in New Guinea, with some species also occurring in eastern Australia and islands of the south-west Pacific. Birds of paradise get their name from early European explorers who thought the beautiful birds were so magnificent they must be from paradise. Many…
Iceland Gulls can be tricky to identify, even for experienced birders. However, with some practice and by looking for key identification features, you can reliably tell an Iceland Gull apart from other similar gull species. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to confidently identify Iceland Gulls. What is an Iceland Gull? The Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) is a medium-sized gull species that breeds in Greenland, Iceland, and northeastern Canada. It spends the winter along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. There are two subspecies – L. g. glaucoides breeds in Greenland and…
The bird whistle that you fill with water is called a bird warbler or warbling bird whistle. It is a small plastic or metal whistle shaped like a bird that makes chirping and warbling sounds when filled with water and blown into. The water creates bubbles inside the whistle which produces the warbling bird sounds. This type of whistle has been used for decades by bird and nature lovers to attract different species of birds. How Does a Warbling Bird Whistle Work? A warbling bird whistle is a small plastic or metal whistle in the shape of a bird or…
The Arctic tern is a small seabird that breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Arctic terns are known for their extraordinarily long annual migrations from their Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic region. This round-trip journey can cover over 70,000 km each year, making the Arctic tern the bird with the longest migration in the world. Given their extreme migratory habits, Arctic terns do not hibernate. Instead, they migrate huge distances to find abundant food and suitable breeding conditions throughout the year. Arctic Tern Breeding and Migration Arctic terns nest in the far north, above the Arctic Circle, during…
The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a medium-sized bird found across North America. With its top-heavy physique, electric blue-and-white plumage, and raucous rattling call, the belted kingfisher is a striking and instantly recognizable species. But just how rare or common is this charismatic bird? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the belted kingfisher’s range, habitat requirements, population trends, and conservation status to get a handle on how rare they truly are. Geographic Range Belted kingfishers are found throughout much of North America. Their breeding range extends from central Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland and south throughout the…
When creating decoys such as duck or goose decoys, using the right type of paint is crucial for achieving a realistic appearance that will attract birds from a distance. There are several important factors to consider when selecting paint for decoys including durability, color options, and ability to achieve a smooth finish. In this article, we will discuss the different types of paint commonly used for decoys and provide recommendations for achieving the best results. Oil-Based Enamel Paint Oil-based enamel paints are a top choice of many decoy carvers and owners. The enamel gives the paint a strong, durable finish…
Birds build a wide variety of nests that can provide clues about the species that built them. While nests share common features like a bowl-shaped platform to hold eggs, the size, shape, materials, and location of nests can help identify the bird. Expert ornithologists can often identify a bird species just by the appearance and placement of an empty nest. For amateur bird watchers, observing a nest while occupied and seeing the adult birds around it are the best ways to determine what type of bird it belongs to. What are the common features of bird nests? While nests vary…
Nuthatches are small songbirds found throughout North America. They are known for their ability to crawl up and down tree trunks and branches and nest inside cavities in trees. Nuthatches are non-migratory birds and remain in their breeding territories year-round. The timing of their nesting and breeding activities varies across their range, primarily influenced by latitude and altitude. Spring Nesting in the South In the southern parts of their range, such as the southeastern United States, nuthatches begin nesting activities in early spring. The exact timing can vary by species: White-breasted Nuthatches start nesting as early as late February or…