No, starlings are not the only birds that murmurate. Murmuration refers to the phenomenon where large flocks of birds coordinate and fly in spectacular patterns across the sky. While starlings are well known for murmurations, especially in Europe, there are several other bird species that also exhibit this behavior. What is murmuration? Murmuration refers to the synchronized, swooping flight patterns made by large flocks of certain bird species. The flock will twist, turn, expand, and contract in unison, creating mesmerizing shapes across the sky. This phenomenon is most commonly associated with European starlings. Towards dusk, starling murmurations can contain hundreds…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Great horned owls are one of the most common owls found across North America. As apex predators, their diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Like all animal species, great horned owls produce waste in the form of droppings or owl pellets. Understanding what great horned owl droppings look like, what they contain and how they help identify great horned owl habitats can provide useful information for nature enthusiasts, birders and wildlife researchers. What do great horned owl droppings look like? Great horned owl droppings can vary slightly in size, color and texture depending on the…
Great horned owls are one of the earliest nesting birds in North America. Their nesting season begins in late winter and runs through mid-spring. When do great horned owls lay eggs? Great horned owls lay their eggs in late winter to early spring. The exact timing depends on location, but they typically start laying eggs in January or February. In warmer southern regions, great horned owls may begin nesting as early as December. Further north, they usually start in January or February. The earliest documented nest with eggs was found on December 17 in Louisiana. Egg laying reaches its peak…
Logging into Hummingbird is a straightforward process that allows you to access your account and take advantage of all the platform’s great features. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step instructions for logging into your Hummingbird account, whether you’re accessing it on the website or mobile app. Prerequisites for Logging In Before you can log into your Hummingbird account, you’ll need: A valid Hummingbird account Your username and password Access to the Hummingbird website or mobile app If you don’t yet have a Hummingbird account, you’ll need to sign up first. Registration is free and only takes a couple…
Robins are known for their beautiful birdsong, but sometimes they sing more than we would like – especially at night! If you’ve been kept awake by a robin’s chirping, you’re not alone. Let’s explore some of the reasons robins sing overnight. Territory One of the main reasons robins chirp at night is to establish and defend their territory. Song is one of the primary ways robins interact with each other and stake their claim on an area. Both males and females will sing to warn other robins to stay out of their space. This territory defense is especially common during…
Budgies and lovebirds are two of the most popular types of pet birds. At a glance, they may appear quite similar – they are both small, colorful parrots. However, there are some important differences between them that potential owners should be aware of. In this article, we will compare budgies and lovebirds in terms of their physical characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and more to determine if they can be considered the same type of bird. Physical Appearance The most obvious difference between budgies and lovebirds is their size. Budgies, also known as parakeets, are generally smaller, ranging from 7 to…
Many birds chirp and sing throughout the day, especially in the spring and summer months. However, there are a few bird species in particular that are known for their constant chirping, sometimes starting as early as dawn and continuing nonstop until dusk. Identifying the bird by its song can provide clues into which species it may be. This article will explore some of the most likely culprits behind an all-day chorus of chirps. Birds That Chirp All Day House Sparrow The house sparrow is one of the most widely recognized backyard birds, easily identified by its chunky build and thick,…
The Bufflehead is a small duck found across North America. The male has a large white patch that covers the back of the head, a dark iridescent head, and a white back. The female has a gray-brown head and body. Buffleheads make a variety of vocalizations, but are perhaps best known for the male’s distinctive “bup bup bup” mating call. In this article, we will explore the different noises and vocalizations made by the Bufflehead duck. Male Bufflehead Vocalizations The male Bufflehead has several distinct vocalizations used during courtship and breeding. Bup Call The most recognizable vocalization of the male…
Yes, most bird species will sit on their eggs constantly until they hatch in order to keep them warm and protected. The parent birds take turns incubating the eggs, only leaving the nest for brief periods to eat and drink. This constant brooding behavior is necessary for successful hatching. What is egg incubation? Incubation refers to the process by which certain birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates keep their eggs warm until they hatch. In birds, body heat is transferred from the parent bird to the embryo inside the egg, allowing it to develop. The temperature must be kept within a…
Brandt’s cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) is a medium-sized seabird found along the Pacific coast of North America. They are distinguished by their dark plumage, long neck, and hooked bill. Brandt’s cormorants are colonial nesters, gathering in large breeding colonies on rocky islands and cliffs along the coast. Brandt’s cormorants feed on small fish which they catch by pursuit diving, often swimming down to depths of over 150 feet. They are most common along rocky shorelines, estuaries, and kelp beds where their prey is abundant. There has been some concern about potential threats to Brandt’s cormorant populations in recent years. Their numbers…