Tinamou are a family of small- to medium-sized ground dwelling birds that are found throughout Central and South America. There are around 47 different species of tinamou, ranging in size from the small, sparrow-sized dwarf tinamou to the aptly named great tinamou which can reach up to 18 inches in length. Tinamou belong to the order Tinamiformes and the family Tinamidae. Tinamou Egg Laying and Incubation Most species of tinamou lay small clutches of eggs, typically between 2-5 eggs per clutch. The eggs are glossy and oval or round in shape. Their coloration varies between species, ranging from pale pink…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The Bobolink hiking trail is approximately 5 miles long according to most sources. This moderate difficulty trail is located in the Celery Bog Nature Area in West Lafayette, Indiana and takes most hikers around 3-4 hours to complete. Trail Overview The Bobolink trail forms a loop through prairie, savanna, and woodland habitats. Highlights along the route include views of the prairie restoration project and crossing over bridges through the wetland areas. The terrain is relatively flat with only gentle elevation changes. The trail is open year round and is popular for hiking, trail running, and bird watching. Length Most sources…
Birds have extremely sensitive hearing that allows them to detect sounds at much higher frequencies than humans can. Some devices have been developed that emit ultrasonic sounds in an effort to repel nuisance birds from areas like airports, farms, and gardens. But do these ultrasonic bird repellers actually work? Let’s take a look at the evidence. How bird hearing compares to human hearing Human hearing range is generally considered to be between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The average adult can’t hear sounds above 16-18,000 Hz. Birds, on the other hand, can hear frequencies up to and beyond 20,000 Hz…
The magnificent snowy owl is one of the most sought-after birds for birders and photographers in North America. These large, white owls breed in the Arctic but irregularly move south in the winter in search of food. When they do so, they delight observers lucky enough to glimpse them with their stunning plumage and charismatic personalities. Seeing a snowy owl in the wild is an experience like no other for any lover of birds. What are snowy owls? Snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) are large, white owls that breed in the high Arctic. Adults have bright white plumage with variable black…
Vireos are a group of small songbirds that are found throughout North America. There are several different species of vireos, but some of the most common ones seen at backyard bird feeders include the Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Warbling Vireo. Quick Answers The quick answers to whether vireos come to bird feeders are: Some species of vireos will occasionally visit bird feeders, especially during migration, but they are not regular feeder birds. The vireo species most likely to come to feeders are Red-eyed Vireos and Warbling Vireos. Vireos prefer eating insects and fruit. They are not seed-eating…
A fowl is a type of bird. Specifically, the term “fowl” refers to birds that are domesticated and raised for meat and eggs, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and quail. Wild birds are not considered fowl. The term “poultry” also refers to domesticated birds raised for food, so fowl are a type of poultry. What types of birds are considered fowl? The most common fowl are: Chickens Turkeys Ducks Geese Guinea fowl Quail These birds have been domesticated and selectively bred over hundreds of years to produce meat, eggs, and feathers. Wild relatives of these fowl still…
Birds molt, or shed old feathers and grow new ones, once or twice a year. The length of the molting period depends on the species of bird. Small birds like finches may only take a few weeks to molt while larger birds like hawks can take up to six months. Here are some quick answers about how long birds molt for: Small songbirds molt for 2-4 weeks Backyard birds molt for 4-8 weeks Seabirds molt for 2-3 months Birds of prey molt for 4-6 months The molting process is carefully timed for each species to ensure they can still fly…
The white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) is a medium-sized goose species that breeds in the northernmost reaches of North America and Eurasia. There are several subspecies that are all considered white-fronted geese, though there are some key physical differences between them. Here we’ll take a closer look at the characteristics that define this goose species and what differentiates the various subspecies from each other. Physical Characteristics of White-Fronted Geese There are a few key physical features that are characteristic of white-fronted geese and set them apart from other goose species: White forehead patch – All subspecies have a distinctive white patch…
Quick Answer Ravens are mostly black in color, with some blue or purple iridescence on their feathers. Their beak, legs, and feet are also black. What colors can ravens be? The common raven (Corvus corax) is entirely black, with some blue or purple iridescence visible on the feathers in sunlight. This iridescent sheen gives their black feathers a glossy, shimmering appearance. Though their plumage appears black at first glance, it can display deep blue, violet, and greenish-purple tones when caught in the right light. The sheen comes from the structure of the feathers, which have multiple layers and change the…
Providing food for wild birds can be a rewarding experience for many people. Watching colorful feathered visitors stop by your yard for a meal can brighten up your day. However, it’s important to offer birds the right types of foods to support their nutritional needs while avoiding harm. When setting up bird feeders, consider factors like the species present in your area, the time of year, and making sure food is fresh and plentiful. With a bit of planning, you can create a healthy bird cafe that becomes a popular stopover spot for local and migrating birds alike. What Types…