Sea birds following ships is a phenomenon that has been observed for centuries. There are certain species of seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, that are known to trail after ships for days at a time. This behavior most likely developed as an evolutionary advantage, allowing the birds to scavenge food scraps and waste discarded from vessels. The crossword clue “What sea birds follow ships” refers to identifying these specific types of seabirds that exhibit this trailing behavior. In this article, we will explore what types of seabirds follow ships, why they do it, and some key facts about these…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Owls, like all birds, groom themselves regularly to keep their feathers clean, tidy, and in good condition. Grooming serves several important functions for owls and is an essential part of their daily routine. Why do owls groom themselves? There are a few key reasons why owls groom themselves: Remove dirt, dust, and debris – An owl’s feathers can easily accumulate dirt, dust, debris, and parasites from the environment. Grooming helps dislodge and remove these particles to keep the feathers clean. Adjust feathers and distribute preen oil – Owls have special preen oil that they distribute from a gland near their…
Birds are fascinating creatures that exhibit a wide range of sleeping behaviors. The amount of sleep a bird requires depends on many factors, including its species, age, environment, and activity levels. Understanding bird sleep patterns provides valuable insight into avian health, behavior, and evolution. In the wild, most birds sleep between 10-14 hours per day on average. However, sleep durations vary dramatically between different species. Small songbirds tend to sleep the longest, while seabirds sleep the least. Birds in captivity generally sleep more than wild birds. This article will explore the sleeping habits of birds in depth and provide recommendations…
Chukars are a type of partridge native to Eurasia that have been introduced as game birds to many other parts of the world. They are medium-sized birds weighing around 1-2 pounds. Determining how much meat can be harvested from a chukar depends on several factors including the size and age of the bird. On average, a 1.5 pound chukar can yield approximately 12 ounces or 3/4 pound of boneless, skinless breast meat. This can vary slightly depending on preparation methods and the skills of the processor. Average Weight of a Chukar Chukars typically range in weight from around 1-2 pounds.…
Australia is home to a diverse range of bird species, some of which are known for their loud, screaming calls that can often be heard at night. The most likely culprit for a screaming noise in the night sky in many parts of Australia is the currawong – a medium-sized bird found across much of the eastern and southeastern parts of the country. However, there are a few other birds that could potentially be the source of nighttime screams as well. Currawong The currawong is a passerine bird in the Artamidae family, closely related to butcherbirds and Australian magpies. There…
White-tailed hawks are a medium-sized hawk found in the Americas. Their range stretches from southern Texas in the United States through Mexico and Central America south to Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. Quick Facts Here are some quick facts about white-tailed hawks: Scientific name: Buteo albicaudatus Other common names: Mexican hawk, Chilean hawk, pigua, etc. Length: 16-22 inches Wingspan: around 4 feet Mass: 1.1-2.2 lbs Lifespan: up to 12 years in the wild Range and Distribution White-tailed hawks can be found in the following areas: United States In the United States, white-tailed hawks range along…
Quick Answers Birds build nests during breeding season to lay eggs and raise their young. It is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to remove or disturb active nests that contain eggs or baby birds. If the nest on your balcony is currently active, it’s best to leave it alone until the babies have fully fledged and left the nest. This usually takes 2-4 weeks. Once the nest is empty, it’s safe to remove it. Nests that are not active can be taken down at any time. When doing so, wear gloves and mask to avoid direct contact with…
The musical trill is one of the most beautiful sounds in nature. Many species of birds use trilled vocalizations as part of their songs and calls. But which birds are most famous for their trilling abilities? The birds best known for their melodious trills include songbirds like canaries and finches, as well as some species of doves, hummingbirds, and even raptors. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top trilling songbirds and learn more about how and why they make this cascading sound. Canaries One of the first birds that comes to mind when thinking of vocal trills is…
The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood throughout the body to provide oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove waste products. There are some key differences between the avian and mammalian circulatory systems related to the structure and function of the heart. Birds and mammals are both vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone. However, birds are considered non-mammalian vertebrates. The avian circulatory system has adapted to meet the high metabolic demands associated with flight. In contrast, the mammalian circulatory system operates at a lower blood pressure and heart rate. Avian Heart Structure The avian heart consists of 4 chambers:…
Pigeons have excellent hearing abilities compared to humans. Their hearing range extends from below 50 Hz up to 15,000 Hz, giving them the ability to hear infrasonic and ultrasonic frequencies that are inaudible to humans. Understanding the pigeon’s impressive hearing range provides insight into their sensory capabilities and biology. The Pigeon’s Hearing Range Studies have found that pigeons can detect sounds between 0.05 kHz and 15 kHz, compared to the human range of 0.02 kHz to 20 kHz. This means pigeons can hear infrasonic sounds below 50 Hz that humans cannot detect. They are also sensitive to ultrasonic frequencies up…