Birds are well known for their beautiful songs and calls. However, some birds have developed an even more impressive talent – mimicry. Mimicry is when a bird can imitate sounds from their environment, including other birds, animals, and even man-made objects. But which bird is the best mimic? The Lyrebird The lyrebird is widely considered to be the king of avian mimics. There are two species of lyrebird – the superb lyrebird and the Albert’s lyrebird. Both species are found in the forests of Australia. Of the two, the superb lyrebird is the more accomplished mimic. The superb lyrebird has…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is a medium-sized owl found throughout much of Eurasia. Its large range and stable population has led it to be classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, some local populations are in decline leading to questions around whether the tawny owl is endangered in parts of its range. This article will examine the global and local conservation status of the tawny owl and the threats facing this iconic woodland bird. Quick Facts on the Tawny Owl Scientific name: Strix aluco Other common names: Brown owl, wood owl, hoot owl Geographic range: Eurasia…
The legend of the Flying Dutchman, a mysterious ghost ship doomed to sail the seas forever, has captivated imaginations for centuries. But could this mythical vessel have a real-world basis? Some maritime historians believe the stories may have been inspired by the exploits of a notorious 17th century pirate captain who plundered ships across the Caribbean – the infamous Captain K Nuckles. The Origins of the Flying Dutchman Legend Tales of an ethereal vessel that appears and disappears across the oceans have persisted since the 18th century. Most versions describe a ghastly ship glowing with ghostly light, sometimes crewed by…
Nesting is the process by which a bird prepares for egg laying and raising young. It involves finding or building a nest, laying and incubating eggs, feeding hatchlings, and fledging young birds. Proper nesting requires following certain guidelines and rules to ensure success. As a bird owner, it’s important to understand these ground rules for nesting so you can support your birds through the breeding and rearing process. When to Allow Nesting The first rule of nesting is knowing when to provide nesting opportunities. In the wild, birds time their breeding based on cues like weather, food availability, and daylight…
Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are a common domestic duck species that originate from Mexico, Central America, and South America. They are frequently kept as pets due to their generally docile nature. However, Muscovy ducks have some specific needs when it comes to human handling that owners should be aware of. The most common question owners have is whether Muscovy ducks like to be held or not. Do Muscovy Ducks Like Being Held? The short answer is that some Muscovy ducks tolerate being held, while others do not. Muscovy ducks are not as snuggly or affectionate as other domestic duck breeds.…
What is the hypothesis of the evolution of bird flight? The evolution of flight in birds has long fascinated scientists. Birds are the only living descendants of dinosaurs that have the ability to fly. While it was once thought that flight evolved from tree-dwelling dinosaurs gliding from branch to branch, there are now several competing hypotheses for exactly how and why birds evolved the ability to fly. Some key questions surrounding the evolution of flight include: What evolutionary pressures led to the development of flight? Did flight evolve from the trees down, or from the ground up? How did feathers…
Avian influenza, commonly known as “bird flu”, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of birds. Avian influenza viruses are classified into two categories based on their ability to cause disease: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI viruses are extremely contagious, often fatal to birds, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock. Understanding the contagious nature of avian influenza is critical to controlling outbreaks and protecting poultry populations. How is avian influenza spread between birds? Avian influenza spreads between birds through direct contact with infected birds or indirectly through contact with…
The OO bird, also known as the Odd Oriole, is a small songbird that was once common throughout the tropical regions of the world. However, in recent decades, populations of the OO bird have declined dramatically, leading many experts to fear that this unique species may now be extinct in the wild. What is the OO bird? The OO bird (Scientific name: Oriolus obscurus) is a small passerine bird belonging to the oriole family. It gets its common name from its distinctive call that sounds like “ooo-ooo”. The OO bird has bright yellow and black plumage, with males being more…
Rough-legged hawks (Buteo lagopus) and ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) are two mid-sized hawks found in North America. Both are buteos, a genus of broad-winged, soaring hawks, but they differ in their appearance, habitat, diet, and behavior. This article will compare and contrast various aspects of rough-legged and ferruginous hawks to highlight the key differences between the two species. Physical Appearance Rough-legged hawks are 19-26 inches in length with a 49-59 inch wingspan. Their plumage can vary from dark brown to pale brown. The most distinctive feature of rough-legged hawks is the presence of dark wrist patches or “bands” at the…
Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls is home to over 400 exotic birds from around the world. Determining the exact number of birds at any given time can be tricky, as Bird Kingdom has breeding programs for endangered species and the number is always changing slightly. However, here is an overview of the major bird species and populations found at Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls: Parrots Parrots make up a significant portion of the birds at Bird Kingdom. Some of the parrot species include: Macaws – There are around 50 macaws at Bird Kingdom, including scarlet macaws, blue and gold macaws, green wing…