Magnolia liliiflora, commonly known as mulan magnolia or purple magnolia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Magnoliaceae. It is native to southwest China, but has been cultivated worldwide for its beautiful flowers and landscaping value. The flowers of magnolia liliiflora are large, showy, and fragrant, which has led to one of its common names – purple magnolia. The flowers have been compared by some to resemble a bird in flight, which has sparked debate and discussion among gardeners and horticulturists over the years. In this article, we will examine the key features of magnolia liliiflora flowers and…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Owls are known for their large, forward-facing eyes and rounded heads that give them an appearance of wisdom. With over 250 species of owls in the world, there are many cute and unique looking owls to choose from when deciding which is the cutest. In this article, we will explore some of the most adorable owl species and look at what makes them so cute. Physical Features that Make Owls Cute There are a few physical features shared by many owls that contribute to their cute appearance: Large, round eyes – Owls have some of the largest eyes relative to…
The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is a species of owl that is found throughout much of Eurasia. It is a medium-sized owl with striking reddish-brown plumage and large black eyes surrounded by prominent black and white facial disks. The tawny owl is a nocturnal predator that hunts small mammals, birds, and insects using its excellent low-light vision and hearing. But how did this successful predator evolve into the species we know today? When did tawny owls first appear? The fossil record indicates that the first owl-like birds appeared around 60 million years ago during the Paleocene epoch. These early owls…
The Northern Parula is a small songbird that breeds in forests across much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. In the fall, Northern Parulas migrate south to spend the winter in warmer climates. Determining exactly where different populations of Northern Parulas go in the winter has been the subject of much research and interest among ornithologists. Wintering Range and Geography In general, the winter range of the Northern Parula extends from southern Mexico down through Central America and across the Caribbean islands as far south and east as northern South America and the island of Trinidad. Within this…
Many people have noticed fewer robins in their yards and communities lately. Robins are a classic sign of spring in North America, marking the return of warmer weather with their cheerful songs and bright red breasts. However, anecdotal reports of declining robin numbers have led some to wonder – are robin populations actually declining? What do we know about robin population trends? Scientists have been tracking robin populations for decades through bird counts and surveys. Most data indicates that robin numbers are decreasing in many parts of their range. The North American Breeding Bird Survey shows a survey-wide decline of…
Hummingbirds participate in a fascinating symbiotic relationship with certain flowering plants. Symbiosis refers to two or more organisms living in close association with each other, typically to the benefit of both. In the case of hummingbirds and plants, the hummingbird gets nectar as a food source from the flower, while the plant gets pollinated by the hummingbird. This relationship allows both species to thrive. What is symbiosis? Symbiosis refers to any type of long-term interaction between two different biological species. There are three basic types of symbiosis: Mutualism – a relationship where both species benefit Commensalism – a relationship where…
Seagulls are seabirds that are known for their loud, distinctive calls. Their cries of “krraa krraa” or “keeah keeah” are familiar sounds near oceans, beaches, harbors, and dumps around the world. But why do seagulls make these raucous noises? What are they trying to communicate? Seagull Vocalizations Seagulls have a wide repertoire of vocalizations that they use to communicate different messages. Their most well-known call is probably their loud, two-note call that sounds like “krraa krraa.” This is an advertising call that seagulls use to proclaim ownership of a nesting territory and to attract a mate. It advertises the presence…
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo in Fresno, California is home to over 190 species from around the world. One of the most popular attractions is the bird show, where guests can see trained birds like hawks, owls, parrots and more up close as they perform aerial acrobatics and other behaviors. If you’re planning a trip to the Fresno Zoo, you’ll probably want to catch the bird show. So when exactly is it held? Read on for the schedule and other key details about the Fresno Zoo bird show. What is the Fresno Zoo Bird Show? The Fresno Zoo Bird Show features…
Blue herons and sandhill cranes are two distinct species of large wading birds found in North America. At a glance, they may appear somewhat similar due to their large size, long legs, and long necks. However, there are some key differences between these two bird species. Taxonomy and Classification Blue herons and sandhill cranes belong to different biological families: Blue herons are in the Ardeidae family, which includes various species of herons and egrets. Sandhill cranes are in the Gruidae family, which consists of 15 species of cranes around the world. This indicates that blue herons and sandhill cranes are…
Putting a bird bath near a bird feeder is a great way to attract more birds to your backyard. Providing birds with a water source in addition to food can help create an enticing habitat for them. However, there are some important considerations when placing a bird bath and bird feeder in close proximity. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of putting these two bird attractants together, potential drawbacks, and tips for optimal placement. Benefits of Putting a Bird Bath Near a Feeder Having a bird bath and feeder near each other offers several advantages: Convenience for birds -…