Mockingbirds are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds and songs. But do they have the capacity to remember specific humans over time? This question has long fascinated ornithologists and bird lovers alike. In this article, we’ll explore what science tells us about mockingbird memory and cognition. The mockingbird brain Mockingbirds have relatively large brains compared to other bird species. Research indicates their brains have exceptional centers for processing memory and learning new vocalizations. Studies show mockingbirds have a hippocampus region of their brain that is involved in spatial memory and caching food over time. They also have…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Varied Thrush is a medium-sized North American thrush. It breeds in coniferous forests across western North America from southeastern Alaska to northern California. The Varied Thrush winters along the Pacific Coast from southern Alaska to central California. This striking bird can be identified by its orange-banded wing, black bib, and rusty colored flank spots. Knowing where to look is key to finding this special species. Where to Find Varied Thrush in Summer The Varied Thrush breeds in mature coniferous forests across western North America. Here are some of the best places to find it during the breeding season: Pacific…
A wag envelope is a type of envelope used to send pay or wages discreetly through the mail. It gets its name from the slang term “wag” which means a person’s wage or pay. Wag envelopes allow employees to receive their pay confidentially without others knowing how much they make. They have been used for decades by companies to pay workers remotely as an alternative to checks or bank transfers. In recent years, gig economy companies like Uber have also adopted wag envelopes as a way to pay their independent contractors. History of the Wag Envelope The origins of the…
The American coot (Fulica americana) is a common waterbird found across North America. It belongs to the rail family and is closely related to moorhens and gallinules. American coots build floating nests in wetlands and lay eggs in the spring. The chicks that hatch from these eggs are known as “cooties” or “cootlets”. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about American coot babies including what they are called, their appearance, behavior and development from hatching to fledging. Keep reading to learn more about these charismatic little waterbirds! What are baby American coots called? American coot…
The spectacled Amazon parrot, also known as the spectacle Amazon or the white-fronted Amazon (scientific name Amazona albifrons), is a medium-sized parrot native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Quick Facts on the Spectacled Amazon Parrot Here are some key facts about the spectacled Amazon parrot: Genus & Species: Amazona albifrons Average Lifespan in Captivity: 40-60 years Average Lifespan in the Wild: 30-40 years Size: 10-13 inches long Weight: 225-375 grams Identifying Features: Green overall with white patch on forehead and fleshy white eye-rings Habitat: Tropical rainforests of Central and South America Typical Lifespan in the Wild…
Ontario is home to a diverse range of bird species, some of which produce calls that sound similar to a car alarm going off. When heard from a distance, the vocalizations of certain birds can bear an uncanny resemblance to the repetitive, high-pitched sound of a car alarm. Northern Flicker One bird that is well-known for its car alarm-like call is the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). This medium-sized woodpecker breeds throughout Ontario and is identified by its brownish barred plumage and black-spotted belly. The Northern Flicker’s most distinctive sound is a loud, repeating vocalization that rises and falls in pitch.…
Having a pet bird can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, cleaning up after your feathered friend can often feel like an endless chore. Bird droppings, leftover food, and feathers scattered around the cage are an inevitable part of bird ownership. While you can’t eliminate the mess entirely, there are steps you can take to keep your bird’s living space cleaner and make your cleaning routine easier. Use the right cage lining The first step in simplifying cage cleaning is choosing appropriate cage liners. The floor of the cage should be lined with sheets of paper or cage liners…
Having a bird trapped inside your house can be a distressing situation. Birds tend to panic when enclosed in an unfamiliar space, and can potentially injure themselves while attempting to escape. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to safely remove a bird from your home without harming it. Identify where the bird is located The first step is to figure out where in the house the bird is. Search room by room, listening and looking for signs of movement. Check enclosed spaces like fireplaces, closets, curtains and cupboards. Also inspect upstairs rooms and the basement or attic…
The exact temperature required for a bird egg to successfully hatch depends on the species. However, most bird eggs need to be kept at a temperature between 99-105°F (37-40°C) in order to develop properly and hatch. Overview of Bird Egg Incubation Bird eggs must be incubated at the right temperature for the duration of the incubation period in order for the embryo inside to survive and develop. The incubation temperature provides the warmth needed for the embryo’s development while the shell protects it and allows gas exchange. The incubation period, or the amount of time from when the egg is…
Birds are highly intelligent creatures that exhibit complex behavior and cognition. There has been growing interest around the topic of bird intelligence and whether birds have the capacity to play. Play behavior is thought to be an indication of intelligence and creativity. Researchers have investigated if pet birds engage in play with objects in their environment, especially toys provided by owners. What is play behavior? Play is considered voluntary behavior that is pleasurable, repetitive, and appears to have no obvious immediate benefit or purpose. Play provides enjoyment, allows animals to practice skills, and facilitates social bonding. Scientists categorize play into…