Scissortails are a group of birds in the genus Elanus that are known for their distinctive long, forked tails. The most widespread species is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, which can be found across parts of North and South America. But why did these birds evolve such unusually long tail feathers compared to other birds? There are a few key theories that help explain the scissortail’s signature feature. Balance and agility in flight One of the main proposed functions of the scissortail’s extra-long tail is to provide balance and increased agility in flight. The long tail feathers help the bird make quick,…
Author: Peter Knight
Reelfoot Lake is considered one of the top duck hunting destinations in the United States. Located in northwest Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake provides excellent habitat for migrating waterfowl and draws thousands of duck hunters every year. But is Reelfoot Lake really as good for duck hunting as its reputation suggests? Let’s take a closer look at what makes Reelfoot Lake such a prime duck hunting location and whether it lives up to the hype. Overview of Reelfoot Lake Reelfoot Lake is a large shallow natural lake located in the northwest corner of Tennessee. It was formed by a series of powerful…
Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become linked together in a way such that the quantum state of one particle cannot be described independently of the state of the other particles, even when separated by a large distance. This leads to correlations between the properties of the particles that defy classical explanation. There has been much interest and speculation about whether quantum entanglement could play a role in biological systems, but direct experimental evidence has been elusive. In this article, we will examine the question of whether birds might utilize quantum entanglement in…
When putting up a nesting box for barred owls, one of the most important considerations is which direction the entrance hole should face. Choosing the optimal direction can encourage barred owls to take up residence in the box and maximize their nesting success. The Importance of Box Orientation Barred owls are highly territorial birds that prefer to nest in tree cavities and abandoned woodpecker holes in mature forests. Providing an artificial nest box is a great way to attract a breeding pair, as suitable natural nest sites have declined due to forest fragmentation and competition with other cavity nesters. Barred…
The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird symbol of the United States of America in 1782 because of its majestic beauty, great strength, long life, and because it was indigenous to North America. The golden eagle, while also a powerful bird of prey, was not chosen for several reasons. Brief History of the Bald Eagle as National Bird The bald eagle was chosen as the emblem of the United States of America in 1782 after much debate among the Founding Fathers. Several designs were considered, including the turkey, dove, and eagle. The eagle was chosen because it symbolized…
The phrase “Black Hawk is down” is most commonly associated with the 2001 film Black Hawk Down, which depicts the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu during the Somali Civil War. In the film, it is used to indicate that one of the American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters has been shot down by Somali militia fighters. However, the phrase has origins that pre-date the film and has become part of military vocabulary to indicate more generally that a military aircraft has been shot down or crashed. Origins of the phrase The phrase “Black Hawk is down” is derived from the Sikorsky UH-60…
The timing of when birds build nests and breed in the UK varies by species, but generally occurs in spring and summer months. This is because spring and summer provide the best conditions for raising young, with increasing daylight, warming temperatures, and abundance of food. However, different species begin nesting at different times due to factors like migration patterns and specific food requirements. When do birds start nesting? Most birds in the UK start building nests between March and June. Here is an overview of when common UK breeding birds begin nesting: – March – early nesting birds like blackbirds,…
This is an interesting question that relates to the anatomy and behavior of birds. To fully answer it, we need to look at the size and shape of birds’ beaks, their feeding behaviors, and how deeply they are able to insert their beaks into crevices and openings. Some key factors that determine how deeply a bird can mouth a rafter include the size and curvature of its beak, the strength of its jaw muscles, and the presence of sensitive nerve endings in its beak that provide tactile feedback. Small songbirds with thin, pointed beaks will only be able to insert…
Sparrows typically have two to three broods per breeding season, which takes place between March and August. The exact timing of nesting and egg laying varies by species and location, but here is a general overview of when sparrows breed and raise their young: March – April – Sparrows start scouting for nesting sites and building nests. House sparrows and tree sparrows are early nesters and may start nesting activities as early as late February in warmer climates. – Egg laying typically begins in March through April depending on the species and climate. – The first clutch is usually 3-5…
Birds have been kept as pets by humans for thousands of years. Providing the proper housing for pet birds is an important responsibility for any bird owner. One of the key considerations when choosing a bird cage is the shape – is a round or square cage better for a bird? There are pros and cons to both round and square cages that need to be weighed when making this decision. Quick Summary There is no definitive answer to whether birds prefer round or square cages. Both cage shapes have advantages and disadvantages. Some key points: Round cages provide more…