Releasing a pet parrot into the wild is generally not recommended. Parrots that are raised in captivity lack many of the skills needed to survive in their natural habitats. Additionally, releasing non-native parrots could potentially harm local ecosystems. However, there may be some limited circumstances where releasing a parrot into the wild could be appropriate. Quick Answers – Pet parrots lack survival skills needed in the wild, like foraging for food, avoiding predators, and finding shelter. – Releasing non-native parrots can negatively impact local ecosystems through competition, disease transmission, etc. – Parrots form strong social bonds with owners that would…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
The elegant trogon is a brightly colored tropical bird found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. For bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, catching a glimpse of this elusive creature is a special treat. But with the elegant trogon’s limited range and secretive nature, finding one requires some strategizing. Here is a guide to the best places and techniques for spotting the elegant trogon. What is an elegant trogon? The elegant trogon (Trogon elegans) is a medium-sized bird belonging to the trogon family. It measures around 11-12 inches in length. The male has striking green upperparts and a pink belly,…
The yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) is a medium-sized songbird found in North America. Adult males have a striking appearance with a black body, bright yellow head and breast, and a white wing patch. Immature yellow-headed blackbirds look quite different and can be confused with other species. This article will provide an overview of immature yellow-headed blackbirds, discussing their identification, development, diet, behavior, habitat, range, conservation status, and more. Identifying Immature Yellow-Headed Blackbirds Immature yellow-headed blackbirds lack the bright yellow head and breast feathers of adults. Instead, their plumage is drabber and less distinctive: – Overall blackish-brown coloration on the body,…
The marbled murrelet is a small seabird that lives along the Pacific coast of North America from Alaska to central California. This unique bird spends most of its life offshore, but comes inland to nest in mature coastal forests. The marbled murrelet has declined in numbers in recent decades due to loss of nesting habitat and other threats, and is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Understanding why the marbled murrelet is important can help us protect this species and its forest home. Ecological Role The marbled murrelet plays an important ecological role in nearshore marine ecosystems. As…
Canada Goose jackets are known for their extreme warmth and high price tags. The premium down jackets can cost $500-$1500, which is out of many people’s budgets. Luckily, there are more affordable parkas that offer similar quality and warmth without the luxury brand name. Canada Goose Overview Founded in 1957, Canada Goose is a Canadian outerwear manufacturer known for their extreme weather jackets. The company uses premium materials like coyote fur trim and goose down insulation to create luxurious and durable cold weather apparel. The signature Canada Goose parka features a hip-length cut, durable Arctic-Tech shell, coyote fur ruff, and…
Hairy woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers that are common across much of North America. They can be found in forests, parks, and even suburban backyards. But do these striking black-and-white birds actually visit bird feeders? Do Hairy Woodpeckers Eat at Feeders? The simple answer is yes, hairy woodpeckers will visit feeders, especially during winter when natural food sources are scarce. However, they have some unique feeding behaviors compared to other common feeder birds: Hairy woodpeckers prefer suet over seed. They are much more likely to visit suet feeders stocked with suet cakes or suet nuggets. They tend to feed higher up…
The question of which evolved first, dinosaurs or birds, has been debated by paleontologists for over a century. Both dinosaurs and birds are archosaurs, meaning they descended from a common ancestor. The traditional view was that dinosaurs evolved first, during the Triassic period over 230 million years ago, and later gave rise to the first primitive birds during the Jurassic period around 150 million years ago. However, discoveries over the past few decades have challenged this narrative, suggesting that many bird traits evolved much earlier in small feathered dinosaurs. So did dinosaurs come first, or did bird-like dinosaurs exist alongside…
Thistle seed goes by many names, but Nyjer is one of the most common. This tiny, black seed originally gets its name from the Nyjer plant, from which it is harvested. The Nyjer plant, which is also referred to as the “Niger seed plant”, is scientifically known as Guizotia abyssinica. Despite its misleading name, the Nyjer plant is not actually related to the thistle plant. So why is its seed commonly referred to as thistle seed? The History and Origins of Nyjer Seed The Nyjer plant originated in Ethiopia and was brought to Asia and Europe in the 18th century.…
Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are a large domestic duck breed that originate from Central and South America. They are popular as backyard ducks and on small farms due to their excellent meat qualities, resistance to disease, and reputation as good foragers. However, Muscovy ducks do have some disadvantages that need to be considered before deciding if they are the right duck breed for your situation. This article will provide an overview of the main disadvantages of raising Muscovy ducks. Aggressive Behavior One of the biggest complaints about Muscovy ducks is that the males can become quite aggressive. Drakes are known…
The Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a small passerine bird that is found across Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. Its natural range extends from the British Isles across Europe and Asia to Japan and Indonesia. However, it has also been introduced to many other parts of the world, including parts of Australia, New Zealand, North America and also the Philippines. Quick Answer The Eurasian tree sparrow is not native to the Philippines. It was introduced to the country in the early 20th century and is now found across many of the major islands. The native range of this…