Birds have a unique way of dealing with their baby’s poop. Unlike mammals that allow their young to poop wherever, parent birds will catch their baby’s feces in a mucus-like membrane called a fecal sac. The adult birds then dispose of these fecal sacs to keep the nest clean. This behavior is common in songbirds and other altricial species where the chicks are born helpless. The fecal sacs allow the parents to maintain sanitary conditions in the nest which is important for the chicks’ health. But what exactly do parent birds do with the fecal sacs once they have collected…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Birds dance for a variety of reasons, often as part of courtship displays or territorial behaviors. Here are some common reasons why birds dance and display bizarre behaviors: Mating Displays Many birds perform elaborate dances as part of their mating rituals. These intricate movements and displays help them attract potential mates. For example, male birds-of-paradise go to great lengths to impress females with their plumes and acrobatic dances. The male displays his bright feathers, twists and turns, and makes loud calls to show off his fitness. Females observe these dances to evaluate the males and select the best partner. Other…
Yes, just like humans and other animals, birds can eat too much and become overweight or obese. However, whether a bird becomes fat depends on several factors. Why Birds Can Become Overweight There are a few key reasons why birds may eat too much and gain excess fat: Overfeeding – If pet birds are fed too much or given too many treats, they can easily eat excess calories and gain weight. Lack of exercise – Birds that are not active enough may not burn off all the calories they consume, leading to fat gain. Genetics – Some bird species are…
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect not only birds but also humans and other mammals. There are many questions around how bird flu spreads and whether it can be transmitted through the air. In this article, we’ll take a look at the evidence around airborne transmission of bird flu. What is bird flu? Bird flu refers to influenza viruses that primarily infect birds. There are many different strains of avian influenza viruses. Some strains, such as H5N1 and H7N9, have caused outbreaks in poultry and infected humans. These strains are considered to have pandemic…
An avian point count survey is a method used by ornithologists and wildlife biologists to estimate bird populations and diversity. It involves standing at a designated point, called a point count station, and recording all the birds seen or heard within a fixed radius during a set time period. What is the purpose of an avian point count survey? Avian point counts are conducted to: Estimate population sizes and densities of bird species Determine bird community composition and diversity Detect presence of threatened, endangered or rare bird species Identify changes in bird populations and communities over time Assess impacts of…
Black-chinned Hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri) are small, agile birds that are native to western North America. They get their name from the black feathers that cover the chin and throat area on the males. Black-chinned Hummingbirds have adapted to take advantage of flower nectar as their main food source, making them an important pollinator species. Quick Overview Black-chinned Hummingbirds primarily eat nectar from tubular flowers such as coral honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and firecracker penstemon. They use their long, slender beaks and tongues to reach deep inside flowers and lap up the sugary nectar. Black-chinned Hummingbirds also eat small insects such as…
Rainbird is a manufacturer of irrigation products such as sprinklers, valves, controllers and accessories. The company was founded in 1933 by Orton Englehart and currently has its headquarters in Azusa, California. Rainbird is still very much in business today, being one of the world’s leading manufacturers of irrigation equipment. Is Rainbird still manufacturing sprinklers and other irrigation products? Yes, Rainbird is still actively manufacturing a wide range of irrigation products including sprinklers, rotors, nozzles, valves, controllers, drip irrigation parts, pumps and other accessories. The company has continuously innovated and expanded its product line over its 90+ year history. Some of…
Minecraft is a popular sandbox video game that allows players to build a variety of structures and items out of textured cubes. One fun project in Minecraft is building a birdhouse to attract virtual birds to your world. Birdhouses not only add natural decorative elements but also provide a use in-game as they will spawn birds that you can collect feathers from over time. Making a birdhouse in Minecraft is relatively simple and only requires a few materials. The main considerations when building a birdhouse are location, dimensions, materials, and adding perches or other decorative elements. With a little planning…
Bird trapping is a controversial practice in Malta that involves using nets or limesticks to capture wild birds for food or profit. While trapping songbirds and larger birds is generally prohibited across the European Union, Malta maintains derogations that allow certain forms of trapping to continue legally. This has led to clashes between conservationists who want to protect migratory bird populations and trappers who view the practice as part of their culture and livelihood. Determining the legality of bird trapping in Malta requires an examination of national laws, European regulations, and the complex political debates surrounding this issue. Overview of…
Determining the ideal size for a breeding box requires considering several factors like the type and size of the animals, recommended space per animal, breeding behaviors, and goals for breeding. Having an appropriately sized breeding box helps ensure the safety, comfort and reproductive success of the animals. This article will overview key considerations and provide general guidance on optimal breeding box sizes for small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens. Key Considerations When deciding how big a breeding box should be, here are some key factors to take into account: Type of Animal The type of animal being…