The spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) is a medium-sized owl native to western North America. Spotted owls are nocturnal and rely on their excellent vision and hearing to locate prey in dense forests. They have brown and white speckled plumage that provides camouflage against tree bark and they have large, dark eyes. There are three subspecies of spotted owl: northern spotted owl, California spotted owl, and Mexican spotted owl. All three subspecies have experienced population declines primarily due to habitat loss. Spotted owls are predators that feed mainly on small mammals such as woodrats, mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels. They have…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
When a woodcock is startled and takes flight from its resting place on the ground, the bird makes a very distinct vocalization. This call that a woodcock makes when flushed is often described as a loud, buzzing “peent” sound. Quick Answer The specific call that a woodcock makes when flushed is referred to as the “peent call.” It is a loud, nasal sounding vocalization that lasts for about 1-2 seconds. The peent serves as an alarm or alert call that the woodcock uses when suddenly disturbed and forced to take flight. What is a Woodcock? The woodcock is a small,…
Flightless birds are a fascinating group of avian species that have lost the ability to fly over the course of evolution. Some well-known examples of flightless birds include ostriches, emus, cassowaries, kiwis, and penguins. While these birds no longer take to the skies, they retain some anatomical features related to flight, which raises an interesting question – do flightless birds have wings? What are wings? In birds, wings are the forelimbs that have evolved for powered flight. The wing structure contains flight feathers attached to the manus (the hand/wrist) and arm bones, which attach to the bird’s shoulder. The flight…
The short answer is yes, there are a small number of plant species that are capable of trapping and digesting small animals, including birds. The most well-known example is the Venus flytrap, which can capture and consume insects and spiders. However, there are also some larger carnivorous plants that can occasionally trap small vertebrates like frogs, lizards, and even birds. Venus Flytraps The Venus flytrap is probably the most iconic carnivorous plant and the best known example of a plant that eats animals. Native to a small area of North and South Carolina in the United States, the Venus flytrap…
The Hesperornis is an extinct genus of flightless aquatic birds that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, from around 80 million years ago up until the end mass extinction event around 66 million years ago. Hesperornis fossils have been found throughout the Western Interior Seaway, which covered much of central North America at the time. These primitive birds were highly adapted for swimming and diving, and inhabited both marine and freshwater environments. Basic Facts About Hesperornis Here are some quick facts about Hesperornis: Lived during the Late Cretaceous, 80-66 million years ago Found throughout the Western Interior Seaway in North…
Birds landing on electrical wires is a common sight that many of us see on a regular basis. But have you ever wondered why birds choose to perch on wires instead of trees or other structures? There are actually several reasons why birds, especially flocks of birds, find wires to be ideal resting and lookout places. Wires Offer a Clear View One of the main reasons birds like sitting on wires is that wires provide an unobstructed view of the surroundings. Wires are elevated above the ground and clear of foliage and branches. This gives birds a wide vantage point…
Bird tails serve a variety of important functions that help birds survive and thrive. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of the main reasons birds have tails before diving into more detail in each section. Conclusion As we have seen, bird tails are complex appendages that serve a variety of critical purposes. From providing lift and thrust during flight to aiding balance and steering on the ground, tails help birds maneuver and control their movements. Tails also play important roles in communication, courtship displays, and predator defense. The unique structure and fan-like shape of feathers maximizes their…
The bird that makes a nest like a hammock is the Baltimore oriole. Baltimore orioles weave intricate hanging nests that resemble a small hammock or pouch suspended from tree branches. Their ingenious nest building skills produce remarkable structures that rock like a hammock in the breeze. Nest Description Baltimore oriole nests are meticulously woven, using natural fibers like grass, twine, hair and plant fibers. The nest starts with a base that is lashed to a tree branch. From the base, the Baltimore oriole weaves fibers downward in an enclosed pouch shape, with a side entrance for the birds to go…
Birds exhibit a variety of mating systems, ranging from monogamy (one male pairing with one female) to polygyny (one male pairing with multiple females) to polyandry (one female pairing with multiple males). The type of mating system a bird species exhibits depends on various ecological, biological and behavioral factors. Understanding the differences between monogamous and polygamous birds provides insights into avian evolution, reproduction, behavior and conservation. Definitions Monogamy refers to a mating system where one male forms a long-term pair bond with one female. The male and female cooperate in raising young. Around 90% of bird species are socially monogamous,…
Zebra finches are popular pet birds that originate from Australia. They are easy to care for and breed readily in captivity. However, proper incubation of zebra finch eggs is crucial for hatching healthy chicks. Zebra finches are small birds, so their eggs are tiny and delicate. The correct incubation temperature is vital to embryo development and hatching success. This article will examine the optimal incubation temperatures for zebra finch eggs. Natural Zebra Finch Nesting In the wild, zebra finches build small, cup-shaped nests out of grass, feathers, and other plant material. The nests are usually located in thick bushes or…