Birds have amazed humans with their ability to fly for thousands of years. While all birds use their wings for flight, there are actually two distinct types of flight used by birds – flapping flight and soaring flight. Both allow birds to become airborne and cover large distances, but achieve lift and forward propulsion in different ways. What is soaring? Soaring is a type of flight where birds utilize air currents to gain altitude and remain airborne without flapping their wings. It allows birds to conserve energy as they ride rising air currents called thermals to gain height. Once at…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Owl attacks on chickens can be a frightening thing for backyard chicken keepers to witness. Owls are skilled, effective predators that can threaten the safety and lives of chickens in a coop or run. Understanding what an owl attack looks like and being prepared to prevent or stop an attack is an important part of keeping backyard chickens. In this article, we will cover what you need to know about owl attacks on chickens, including: What types of owls prey on chickens When owls are most likely to attack chickens How owls attack and kill chickens Signs of an owl…
Birds have very different sleep patterns compared to humans. While we typically sleep for 6-8 hours at night, birds tend to sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night. But how much total sleep do birds actually need? Here we dive into the fascinating science behind avian sleep. Do Birds Sleep at Night? Most birds do sleep at night, but their sleep is quite different from ours. Birds tend to sleep in short bursts rather than sleeping solidly through the night. They may sleep for just seconds or minutes at a time, alternating between short naps and brief periods…
Vermont’s state bird is the hermit thrush. This small, shy songbird was chosen as the official state bird in 1949. The hermit thrush stands out for its beautiful, flute-like song and its key role in Vermont’s forests. In this article, we’ll explore why the hermit thrush was selected and what makes it special. We’ll look at the bird’s physical features, habitat, behavior, and cultural significance. Understanding the hermit thrush provides insight into Vermont’s wildlife, natural landscapes, and state history. Physical Features of the Hermit Thrush The hermit thrush is a medium-sized thrush, measuring around 7 inches in length. It has…
The scientific name for the anhinga is Anhinga anhinga. This water bird has several common names that are used to refer to it, including anhinga, American darter, snakebird, and water turkey. The anhinga is a large blackish or brownish water bird with a long snakelike neck and sharp beak that is found across North America and South America. In this article, we’ll explore the common names used for the anhinga and discuss how it got these names based on its appearance and behavior. Common Names Anhinga The most widely used common name for Anhinga anhinga is simply “anhinga.” This name…
Maine is home to a wonderful diversity of bird species that fill the air with beautiful songs at dusk. As the sun begins to set, many birds become active and vocalize before settling in for the night. Their melodious calls create a peaceful soundtrack to the end of the day. This article explores some of the common birds that sing at dusk in Maine and the reasons behind their vocal behaviors. American Robins One of the most recognizable birds that sings at dusk in Maine is the American Robin. These familiar thrushes with reddish-orange bellies and gray backs are seen…
The black chin hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small hummingbird species found primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. This brightly colored bird gets its name from the black patch found on the chin and throat of adult males. The black chin hummingbird has a wide range stretching from southern Oregon down through California and into Baja California and Mexico. Within this range, the species occupies a variety of habitats including coastal areas, deserts, mountains, and urban environments. Understanding the extent of the black chin hummingbird’s range provides insights into its adaptability as a species. Geographic Range in the…
Hummingbirds are a family of small, brightly colored birds found only in the Americas. They get their name from the characteristic humming or buzzing sound made by their rapidly beating wings, which allows them to hover in place or fly backwards as they gather nectar from flowers. This raises an interesting question – are hummingbirds considered passerine birds? What are passerines? Passerines, often called perching birds or songbirds, are an order of birds that includes over half of all bird species. There are a few key features that characterize most passerines: Three toes pointing forward and one toe pointing backward…
A grasswing is a type of small butterfly that is found in parts of North America. Grasswings get their name from their habit of resting with their wings half-open in areas of tall grass and sedges. There are several different species of grasswings, each with unique features and behaviors. What do grasswings look like? Grasswings are small butterflies, with wingspans ranging from 1.5-3.5 cm. They have relatively long and slender wings compared to other butterflies. The upper sides of their wings are mostly brown, black, orange, and white. When they first emerge from their chrysalis, their wings are soft and…
The magnificent frigatebird is a large seabird that is found across the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Known for its large wingspan, deeply forked tail and striking plumage, the magnificent frigatebird is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. But where exactly can you see this magnificent bird in the wild? Here we provide a quick overview of the key places worldwide where you can spot the magnificent frigatebird. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador The Galapagos Islands are home to the largest breeding colonies of magnificent frigatebirds found anywhere in the world. Over 20,000 pairs nest on the…