Tanagers are a large family of brightly colored, passerine birds found mainly in the tropics of Central and South America. There are around 240 species of tanagers, exhibiting an astonishing variety of colors and sizes. When it comes to their eggs, tanagers display a similar diversity in coloration and patterning. In this article, we will explore what tanager eggs typically look like, focusing on size, shape, color, and markings. We will also examine how egg features can vary both between and within tanager species. Typical Tanager Egg Size and Shape Most tanager eggs are relatively small, averaging 18 x 13…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest and most common falcon found in North America. Also known as the sparrow hawk, this colorful raptor is a popular choice among falconers and bird enthusiasts looking to own a bird of prey. Though small, kestrels pack a predator’s punch and require specialized care. For these reasons, there is more to consider than just the upfront cost when deciding whether to purchase an American kestrel. Cost to Purchase an American Kestrel An American kestrel can cost anywhere from $100 to $800 for a captive-bred bird from a breeder. The wide price range…
The Galarian forms of the legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres were first introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC. These regional variant Pokemon have since made their way to Pokemon GO via five-star raids, but many trainers are finding them difficult to catch despite using Golden Razz Berries and excellent curveball throws. Low Base Capture Rates Like most legendary Pokemon, the Galarian birds have very low base catch rates in Pokemon GO raids. Each one has a base catch rate of only 2%, meaning that even with the maximum number of Premier Balls and Golden Razz Berries,…
Drawing a realistic hummingbird with just a pencil may seem daunting, but with some basic drawing techniques and an understanding of hummingbird anatomy, it can be done. In this step-by-step guide, we will cover everything you need to know to draw a beautiful, lifelike hummingbird. Gather Your Materials To draw a hummingbird, you will need: Drawing paper – Use thicker paper like watercolor paper that can handle layering graphite and blending. Avoid thin copy paper. Pencil – Use a set of pencils ranging from 6B (softest) to 4H (hardest). Good options are 2B, HB, and 2H pencils. Blending stump or…
Birds come in a spectacular array of colors, from flashy tropical species like parrots and toucans to more subtly patterned birds like puffins and penguins. But one of the most widespread colors among birds worldwide is the humble brown. Brown birds can be found on every continent, in habitats ranging from forests to deserts to backyard feeders. So what are some of the most common brown birds that people are likely to encounter? Let’s take a closer look at these understated but ubiquitous birds. The Sparrow Family One of the largest and most widespread groups of small brown birds is…
Many birds make sounds that resemble a high-pitched “twitter”, however there are a few specific species that are most commonly associated with this vocalization. The twitter sound is characterized by a series of short, repetitive chip notes that birds use for communication. Identifying the source of a twitter call can be challenging as the sounds may vary slightly between species. However, by learning some key details about habitat, range, and vocalizations it is often possible to narrow down the potential bird candidates. What Does a Twitter Call Sound Like? The twitter vocalization consists of a series of short, high-pitched chips…
Mourning doves are a common bird species found throughout much of North America. They are known for their mournful cooing sound and are a popular game bird. However, in recent years there have been increasing reports of large numbers of mourning doves dying off. This has raised alarm among ornithologists and conservationists. There are several potential factors that could be contributing to the declining mourning dove population: Habitat Loss One of the major threats facing mourning doves is loss of habitat. Mourning doves nest on the ground in areas with thick underbrush. As natural areas are converted to farms, housing,…
Loons are unique waterbirds that are known for their striking plumage and haunting calls. They breed on freshwater lakes across North America and spend their winters along coastlines from the southern United States to Central America. Loons have very specific habitat requirements for breeding and their reproductive activities are closely tied to the seasons. Breeding Season The breeding season for loons depends on their geographic location: Northern loons in Alaska and Canada breed from May through August. Loons in the northern United States breed between April and July. Southern loons in the Upper Midwest and Northeast breed earlier, from March…
The roc is a mythological enormous bird of prey that is often featured in Middle Eastern and Indian folklore. Stories of the roc have circulated for thousands of years, describing it as being strong enough to carry off elephants. While the roc may be a fantastical creature, legends of massive birds of prey have sparked interest in whether such a bird could have actually existed at some point. Quick Answers – The roc is a mythical giant bird of prey that dates back to ancient Middle Eastern and Indian legends. – While the roc itself is fictional, some believe stories…
Whistling thrush is the common name for several species of thrushes found across Asia, Africa, and Australia that are known for their loud, melodious whistling songs. There are around 24 recognized species of whistling thrush found in multiple genera including Myophonus, Geokichla, and Turdus. These medium-sized songbirds have predominantly grey, black, and blue plumage along with distinctive whistling vocalizations. Some of the most widespread and well-known whistling thrush species include the island thrush, grey whistling thrush, orange-headed thrush, blue whistling thrush, and shrike thrush. What are the identifying features of whistling thrush? Whistling thrushes share several common identifying features: -…