A non breeding plumage Black Tern refers to the alternate plumage that Black Terns acquire outside of the breeding season. The Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) is a small tern species found across North America, Europe, and Asia. During the breeding season, adult Black Terns have a black head, underparts, and wings contrasting with gray upperparts. However, in their non breeding plumage, Black Terns appear quite different. What does a non breeding plumage Black Tern look like? In non breeding plumage, adult Black Terns have a white forehead and much more white on the sides of the head. The rest of…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The story of a boy and a bird likely refers to a common folk tale or fable that conveys an important moral lesson. Fables featuring a young protagonist and an animal companion are found in many cultures and serve as important tools for teaching values and life lessons. By examining the plot, characters, and outcome of the story, we can determine what moral or meaning the tale aims to impart. Some key questions to consider when identifying the moral include: What are the main qualities and characteristics of the boy and bird? What events transpire in their relationship or journey…
Birds that spend a lot of time on their knees are usually those that feed or nest on the ground. Some examples of birds that are often seen resting or feeding in a kneeling position include: Shorebirds Many types of shorebirds and wading birds spend time on their knees while feeding along shorelines and wetlands. This kneeling position allows them to easily probe into mud or wet sand to catch prey like worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. Examples include: Sandpipers Plovers Stilts Avocets Snipes Oystercatchers Curlews Godwits These shorebirds have long legs and bills adapted for probing into the substrate while…
The chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica) is a small bird species native to North America. These agile fliers spend most of their lives airborne, living and nesting in chimneys and other man-made structures. Their aerial lifestyle keeps chimney swifts safe from many ground predators, but they still face threats from predators able to access their roosts and nests. Understanding chimney swift predators provides important insight into their ecology and conservation. Major Predators of Chimney Swifts Chimney swifts face predation during two main phases of life: as adults and as eggs/nestlings. The main predators of adult chimney swifts are: Peregrine Falcons Peregrine…
Swans and geese are two groups of birds that belong to the family Anatidae. They are closely related and share many characteristics, which leads some people to wonder if they can interbreed and produce hybrid offspring. Quick Answers – Yes, swans and geese can hybridize and produce offspring in captivity. This has been documented in zoos and waterfowl collections. – The hybrids tend to be sterile and cannot reproduce on their own. But fertile hybrids have been reported in rare cases. – In the wild, hybridization between swans and geese is very rare. The two groups tend to remain separate…
The phrase “the bird is the word” originated as a catchphrase from the 1963 song “Surfin’ Bird” by the American rock band The Trashmen. The song became a hit single, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1964. With its repetitive lyrics and infectious surf rock sound, “Surfin’ Bird” gained popularity in the 1960s and has since become a cult classic. But where exactly did this quirky and memorable phrase come from? Let’s take a deep dive into the history and origin of “the bird is the word.” The Trashmen and “Surfin’ Bird” “Surfin’ Bird” was…
Steller’s jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) are a common species of jay found along the Pacific coast of North America. Their loud, harsh calls and striking blue, black, and white plumage make them a familiar backyard bird for many residents of the western United States and Canada. In recent years, some observers have raised concerns that Steller’s jay populations may be declining in parts of their range. This has led some to wonder – are Steller’s jays endangered? Steller’s Jay Overview Steller’s jays are a medium-sized songbird, measuring about 12 inches (30 cm) in length. They have a long, wedge-shaped tail and…
The location of the bird bath bluff trail marker is a common question for hikers exploring the trails in this area. Having clear trail markers is crucial for staying on track and avoiding getting lost. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the bird bath bluff trail marker to help hikers successfully navigate this route. Introducing the Bird Bath Bluff Trail The bird bath bluff trail is a moderate hiking trail located in the northern region of the park. It forms part of the larger trail network that extends across the park. This scenic trail is approximately…
Cuckoo clocks are a famous symbol of German craftsmanship, especially from the Black Forest region of southern Germany. These decorative clocks are known for their distinct sound of a cuckoo bird calling out the hours. But when did this iconic folk art develop? Tracing the origins and history of the Black Forest cuckoo clock can give insight into its age and evolution over time. When did cuckoo clocks first emerge? The earliest cuckoo clocks are thought to date back to the mid-1700s in the Black Forest area of Germany. This mountainous region was known for its woodworking due to the…
The White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) is a medium-sized woodpecker that lives in coniferous forests across the northern Palearctic region. Its range extends from Scandinavia across Russia to Siberia and Mongolia. In this article, we will explore the geographic distribution and habitat preferences of the White-backed Woodpecker to understand where this fascinating species makes its home. Geographic Range The White-backed Woodpecker has an extensive but localized distribution across the northern forests of Europe and Asia. Its range stretches from Norway and Sweden in the west across Russia as far as the Pacific coast. The southern limits reach into Mongolia, northeastern China,…