Tawny owls are known for being nocturnal birds of prey, meaning they are most active at night. Their nocturnal behavior leads many to wonder if tawny owls have special night vision abilities allowing them to see well in the dark. Yes, tawny owls do have excellent night vision Tawny owls, like many other nocturnal bird species, have a number of special adaptations that give them excellent night vision. These adaptations allow tawny owls to hunt, navigate, and function normally even in low light conditions. One key adaptation is their large eyes. An owl’s eyes are much larger relative to their…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Finding a baby grackle, also known as a grackle nestling or fledgling, can be a surprising and concerning experience for many people. Grackles are a type of blackbird found throughout North America and known for their shiny black plumage. If you stumble upon a baby grackle that has fallen from its nest or appears lost, it’s understandable to want to help it. However, there are some important things to consider before intervening. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of grackles, explain how to identify a baby grackle, give recommendations for what to do if you find one, and answer…
Woodcocks are medium-sized birds that prefer living in young forests and wetland habitats. In the opening paragraphs, I will provide a quick overview of the woodcock’s preferred habitat and habitat requirements. Quick Habitat Facts Here are some quick facts about the woodcock’s preferred habitat: Woodcocks need young forests with dense shrubbery to provide cover and nesting sites. They favor areas near wetlands, marshes, swamps, and damp woods. Ideal habitat has a mix of young trees, shrubs, and open spaces. Woodcocks avoid mature forests with tall trees that lack undergrowth. They require soft, moist soil for probing with their long bills…
The Indigo Bunting is a small seed-eating bird in the family Cardinalidae. It is not a true finch, which belong to the family Fringillidae. However, it does share some characteristics with finches. Quick Answer No, the Indigo Bunting is not a finch. It belongs to the family Cardinalidae, while true finches belong to the family Fringillidae. What is an Indigo Bunting? The Indigo Bunting, scientific name Passerina cyanea, is a small songbird native to North America. Some key facts about the Indigo Bunting: Size: 5.5-6.5 inches long with a wingspan of 8.5-10 inches Coloring: Bright blue plumage in males, brown…
Nightjars are a group of nocturnal birds in the family Caprimulgidae that are known for their characteristic “churring” or whirring calls. They have cryptically colored plumage that allows them to blend into their surroundings and long pointed wings adapted for continuous flight while catching insects on the wing. Nightjars are found around the world, often in open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. Throughout history and across many cultures, nightjars have accumulated a rich set of folklore, mythology, and superstition surrounding them. This is likely due to their haunting calls, secretive nature, and tendency to be active at…
Great Horned Owls are one of the earliest nesting birds in North America, typically laying eggs in late winter or early spring. The exact timing of egg laying can vary across their range, but generally occurs between January and April. When do Great Horned Owls lay eggs? Great Horned Owls begin nesting very early in the year while it is still winter in most of their range. Egg laying typically takes place between late January and early April. In northern regions of their range, Great Horned Owls may begin laying eggs as early as late January. For example, in Alaska…
Starlings are a type of songbird that are found throughout much of the world. They are highly social birds that travel and roost in large flocks. There has been some concern that starlings may be carriers of avian influenza (also known as bird flu), a virus that can cause illness in birds and occasionally be transmitted to humans. Here we will explore what is currently known about the potential for starlings to carry and spread bird flu. What is avian influenza? Avian influenza refers to infection with any of several types of influenza viruses that primarily affect birds. These viruses…
The whip-poor-will is a unique bird known for its distinctive vocalizations that sound like they are saying “whip-poor-will.” This nocturnal bird’s calls can often be heard in the night air during spring and summer across much of the eastern and central United States and Canada. While the whip-poor-will has a truly one-of-a-kind call, there are a few other bird species that have songs and calls that bear some resemblance to the whip-poor-will. Birds With Whistling or Whip-Like Calls Some of the birds that share vocalizations similar to the whip-poor-will include: Chuck-will’s-widow Closely related to the whip-poor-will, the chuck-will’s-widow gets its…
Baby chicks are a joy to raise for backyard chicken enthusiasts or small farm owners. However, before bringing home those cute little balls of fluff, it’s important to understand the costs involved with acquiring and properly caring for chicks in their first weeks of life. Buying chicks can range from just a couple dollars to over $10 per chick depending on breed, source, and other factors. Additionally, there are significant costs for housing, feed, supplies, and medications to keep chicks healthy and thriving. By understanding typical price ranges and costs of chick ownership, buyers can set a realistic budget and…
Finches have specific dietary needs that require a balanced diet to stay healthy. Here are some quick answers to common questions about finch food: What do finches eat in the wild? Finches are seed-eating birds that feed on small, hard seeds from grasses, weeds, and trees in their natural habitat. Their main sources of food include millet, nyjer seed, canary grass seed, oats, and uncooked rice. What kind of food should I feed pet finches? The best diets for pet finches mimic their natural diet in the wild. Look for a high-quality finch seed mix that contains millet, canary grass…