The common murre (Uria aalge) is a medium-sized seabird that belongs to the auk family. It is also known as the common guillemot. Murres are highly adapted for life in the cold waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. They have several distinctive characteristics related to their marine lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the common murre’s anatomy, breeding biology, habitat, diet, and conservation status. Understanding the murre’s adaptations and environment provides insights into the lives of seabirds. Common Murre Characteristics Appearance and Anatomy The common murre is a stocky, short-necked seabird that measures around 16-20 inches…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Introduction to Crimson Fronted Barbet The crimson fronted barbet (Megalaima rubricapillus) is a species of bird in the Megalaimidae family. It is found in forests and gardens across much of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and parts of East Asia. In Sinhala, it is known as “rathu muhuna kottoruwa”. The crimson fronted barbet gets its name from the bright red forehead and crown of the adult birds. The rest of the head, throat and breast are black, while the back and wings are green. The tail is blue and the belly is yellow. Males and females look alike. They have…
The owl is a fascinating creature that has captivated humans for millennia. With over 200 species spread across the world, owls come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors. Yet despite their prevalence across cultures and ecosystems, there remains some confusion around one simple question: is the owl truly a bird or not? In this article, we’ll examine the evidence to determine if owls qualify as avian species. We’ll look at their evolutionary history, anatomy, abilities, and role in ecosystems to help settle the debate. While they may seem mysterious and different from other birds at first…
The Baltimore Orioles are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball history. Nicknamed the O’s, they have been playing in Baltimore since 1954 when they moved from St. Louis. In their over 100+ year history, the Orioles have won 9 American League pennants and 3 World Series titles. Their last World Series victory came in 1983 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4 games to 1. This marked the end of dominance for the O’s in the 1970s and early 1980s, where they were one of the best teams in baseball. Quick Answers The last time the…
The Duck Boardwalk is a popular oceanside boardwalk located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. With its beautiful views and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place to take your dog for a walk. But is the Duck Boardwalk actually dog friendly? Let’s take a look at the rules and regulations regarding dogs at the Duck Boardwalk. Dogs are allowed at the Duck Boardwalk The good news is that leashed dogs are welcome on the Duck Boardwalk. The town of Duck does not have any ordinances prohibiting dogs along the boardwalk, so you’re free to bring your furry friend along…
Quick Answers Little Blue Herons and egrets can look very similar at first glance. Here are some quick tips for telling them apart: Size – Little Blue Herons are smaller than egrets. They reach about 22 inches in height, while egrets can grow to over 3 feet. Colors – Adult Little Blue Herons are slate-blue all over. Egrets have contrasting dark and white plumage. Bill – Little Blue Herons have a two-toned bill that is dark on top and light underneath. Egrets have an all-dark bill. Legs – Little Blue Herons have greenish legs. Egrets have black legs. Habitat -…
It’s a common question for bird owners – can I feed my bird cooked rice? The short answer is yes, birds can eat cooked rice in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when feeding rice to birds. In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of rice for birds, look at some pros and cons of feeding rice, and provide recommendations on how much and what types of rice to feed. Nutritional Value of Rice for Birds Rice is a starchy carbohydrate that is relatively low in overall nutrients…
Yes, most bird species do migrate to warmer climates for the winter. Birds migrate to take advantage of abundant food sources, suitable breeding conditions, and favorable weather conditions as the seasons change. The most common pattern is for birds to migrate from colder northern regions in the winter to warmer southern regions for the summer, although some species follow altitudinal migration patterns moving to lower elevations in winter. Why do birds migrate? There are several key reasons why birds migrate: Food availability – Birds need abundant food sources to survive. As seasons change, food becomes scarce in some areas and…
The ibis is a type of wading bird found across various regions of the world. While there are several different species of ibis, none are currently considered extinct. Ibises remain relatively widespread and can be found living in wetland habitats on multiple continents. With conservation efforts, ibises continue to maintain stable global populations despite some localized declines. Quick Answers – The ibis refers to a group of long-legged wading birds found in the tropics, subtropics, and Southern Hemisphere. – There are 28 recognized species of ibis found in regions including the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. – Well-known ibis…
Archaeopteryx is a genus of bird-like dinosaurs that lived during the Late Jurassic period around 150 million years ago. With features like feathers and wings, Archaeopteryx displays a combination of both avian and reptilian traits, making it a transitional fossil between dinosaurs and modern birds. For a long time, Archaeopteryx was seen as the first bird and the ancestor from which all modern bird species evolved. However, recent findings have challenged this notion, making the origins of birds more complex than previously thought. Key Facts About Archaeopteryx Here are some quick answers about what Archaeopteryx is: – Archaeopteryx lived around…