The snowy owl is a large and powerful owl species that breeds in the Arctic tundra. With its white plumage and yellow eyes, the snowy owl has captivated people’s imaginations for centuries and featured prominently in myths and legends across many Northern cultures. Origin of the Snowy Owl in Mythology The snowy owl’s striking appearance and mysterious behaviors have inspired awe and fascination. As a result, indigenous Arctic peoples like the Inuit developed myths and folktales to explain the snowy owl’s significance and connection to the spirit world. In Inuit mythology, the snowy owl is a messenger from the afterlife…
Author: Peter Knight
The osprey is a large bird of prey that is found on every continent except Antarctica. With its white underparts, brown upperparts, distinctive brown head markings, and long, bent wings, the osprey is unmistakable in flight. Though it shares characteristics with both eagles and hawks, the osprey is in a taxonomic class of its own. Osprey Classification The osprey, whose scientific name is Pandion haliaetus, is the only living member of the Pandionidae family. This places it in the order Accipitriformes, which includes many diurnal birds of prey including eagles, kites, buzzards, and hawks. However, the Pandionidae family is distinct…
Birds migrate for a variety of reasons, usually to find more favorable environments and food sources as seasons change. Some species migrate only short distances while others embark on epic journeys spanning thousands of miles. When it comes to the longest migratory routes, small birds punch well above their weight class and undertake some of the most incredible migrations in the animal kingdom. What factors enable small birds to migrate long distances? Many small bird species, like warblers, sandpipers, and plovers, are capable of migrating enormous distances despite their tiny size. So what enables them to pull off such feats?…
France is home to a wide variety of important bird areas that provide critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds. According to BirdLife International, there are 285 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) that have been identified in France as being globally important for the conservation of birds and other biodiversity. What criteria are used to identify an important bird area? The criteria used to identify an important bird area (IBA) include: Sites that hold significant numbers of one or more globally threatened species Sites that hold a significant component of a group of species whose breeding distributions define…
The loggerhead shrike is a small predatory songbird found across North America. This striking black, white, and gray bird has experienced concerning population declines in recent decades, leading many to wonder about its conservation status. Quick Answer The loggerhead shrike is considered a species of conservation concern but is not currently classified as endangered or threatened at the federal level in the United States. However, some local populations and subspecies have been listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in certain states and provinces. Loggerhead Shrike Overview The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a passerine bird in the shrike…
Woodpeckers are medium to large sized birds that belong to the family Picidae. They get their name from their distinctive behavior of pecking on tree trunks with their strong and pointed beaks. Woodpeckers have a number of special adaptations that allow them to peck away on tree bark to find food and create nesting cavities. There are over 200 different species of woodpeckers that can be found worldwide, except in Australia and Antarctica. Woodpeckers come in a wide range of sizes, ranging from the tiny piculets that are only 3-4 inches long to the large woodpeckers which can grow up…
Birds are an incredibly diverse and fascinating group of animals that provide great opportunities for scientific study. Here are some of the key reasons why ornithology, the study of birds, is such an important field. Birds are ideal model organisms Many types of scientific research require model organisms that can be easily studied in a controlled environment. Birds make excellent model organisms for many reasons: There are over 10,000 species of birds worldwide, exhibiting huge diversity in morphology, physiology, and behavior. Many bird species are easy to observe and capture for study. Birds are sensitive indicators of environmental conditions, a…
Cedar Waxwings are medium-sized songbirds found throughout North America. They are highly social birds often found in large flocks. Cedar Waxwings get both their common name and scientific name, Bombycilla cedrorum, from the waxy red tips on some of their secondary flight feathers, which look like sealing wax. These colorful and gregarious birds have a varied diet, feeding on fruit, berries, and insects. But when it comes to drinking, what exactly do Cedar Waxwings prefer to drink? Do Cedar Waxwings drink water? Yes, Cedar Waxwings do drink water. While they get much of the moisture they need from the fruits…
Birds have the amazing ability to fly long distances using their powerful wings and lightweight bodies. But just how far can they go on a single flight? The answer depends on the species, weather conditions, and other factors. What Are Some Record-Setting Migratory Flights? Some of the most incredible avian feats of endurance come from migratory birds that complete extraordinarily long seasonal journeys. Here are a few record-holding migratory flights: The artic tern flies from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again each year, covering around 44,000 miles roundtrip. The bar-tailed godwit flies non-stop for 6,800 miles from Alaska…
Introduction Kingfishers are a family of small to medium-sized brightly colored birds found in a wide range of habitats across most of the world. There are over 90 different species of kingfishers that inhabit forests, woodlands, wetlands, coastal areas and even urban environments. While kingfishers are found on every continent except Antarctica, not all kingfisher species are found in Australia. So are there kingfishers in Australia and if so, which species can be seen there? Overview of Kingfishers Kingfishers belong to the family Alcedinidae and are distinguished by their large heads, long, dagger-like bills, stubby tails and short legs. Their…