The scientific name for the American Crow is Corvus brachyrhynchos. The genus name Corvus is Latin for “crow” and the species name brachyrhynchos comes from the Greek words brachy meaning “short” and rhynchos meaning “bill”, referring to the crow’s short, thick beak. Quick Facts on the American Crow Here are some quick facts about the American Crow: Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos Other Common Names: Common Crow, Eastern Crow Average Length: 17-21 inches Average Wingspan: 33-39 inches Average Weight: 11-21 ounces Lifespan: 7-8 years in the wild, over 20 years in captivity Conservation Status: Least Concern Key Identifying Features: Completely black…
Author: Peter Knight
Quail and chukar are two types of game birds that are often confused with one another. At a glance, they may appear quite similar with their stout bodies and short tails. However, there are some key differences between quail and chukar that distinguish them as separate bird species. In this article, we will take a close look at the characteristics of each bird and highlight what sets them apart. Understanding the differences between quail and chukar is important for hunters, birders, and anyone else interested in learning to identify game birds accurately. What is quail? Quail refers to a group…
Dinosaurs represent a diverse and widely successful group of vertebrates that dominated terrestrial ecosystems for much of the Mesozoic era, from approximately 230 to 65 million years ago. During this long span of time, dinosaurs evolved into an incredible array of forms, ranging from massive long-necked sauropods and plated stegosaurs to ferocious meat-eating tyrannosaurs and bird-like dromaeosaurs. Although non-avian dinosaurs became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, they are closely related to two living groups of reptiles that survive today – crocodilians and birds. Determining which of these two groups is more closely related to dinosaurs has long…
Buying a pair of swans is not something most people consider on a regular basis. However, for those interested in owning these unique and beautiful birds, knowing where to source them is important. Swans are wild animals, so they cannot simply be purchased at a pet store. There are some limited options available though for those who’d like to own a pair of swans. With some research and preparation, you may be able to find an ethical source to purchase swans. Reasons People Want Swans There are a few key reasons why someone may want to own a pair of…
Chukars (Alectoris chukar) are a type of partridge found in parts of Eurasia and North America. They are a popular game bird and have been widely introduced outside their native range, including to the United States. There has been some debate over whether certain populations of chukars in the US should be considered native or introduced. This article will examine the evidence and arguments surrounding the native status of chukars in North America. Quick Answer Most authorities consider chukars to be non-native to the United States. Chukars are native to parts of Eurasia and were likely introduced to the US…
There are a number of birds that have black and white plumage. Small songbirds like chickadees, titmice, and juncos display these colors, as do larger birds like magpies, mockingbirds, and pied currawongs. To identify a specific bird based on this description, we need some more details about size, location, behavior, and other distinctive features. Broadly speaking, some good candidates for black and white birds of small size include the Black-capped Chickadee, Juniper Titmouse, Dark-eyed Junco, Eurasian Magpie, Northern Mockingbird, and Willie Wagtail. Let’s explore each of these birds in more depth. Black-capped Chickadee The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a…
Kingfishers are brightly colored birds known for their fishing ability. They often perch on branches overhanging water and plunge headfirst to catch fish and other aquatic prey. This leads some people to wonder – do kingfishers ever get stuck in trees? Kingfisher Anatomy and Hunting Strategy Kingfishers have several anatomical adaptations that allow them to hunt from perches without getting stuck. Their short legs are set far back on their bodies, giving them a low center of gravity and helping them cling securely to branches. Their toes are arranged in zygodactyl fashion with two pointing forward and two pointing backward.…
The red-cockaded woodpecker is an endangered species native to the southeastern United States. In 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed a new rule under the Endangered Species Act to update the protections for the red-cockaded woodpecker. This proposed rule has generated significant interest from various stakeholders, including the timber industry, conservation groups, and landowners. Background on the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker The red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is a small woodpecker native to pine forests in the southeastern United States. It gets its name from the red streak on each side of its black cap on the male birds. This…
Quick Answer Tundra swans migrate north in the summer to their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra of Alaska, Canada, and Russia. They spend their summers nesting and raising young before migrating south again for the winter. The tundra swan is a large migratory waterfowl species that breeds in the Arctic tundra during the summer months. In the fall, tundra swans migrate south to spend the winter in wetlands and estuaries along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Their annual migration covers thousands of miles between their Arctic breeding grounds and their more temperate wintering habitat. But where exactly do tundra…
The cattle egret has several common names that it is known by apart from just “cattle egret”. This medium-sized heron has a wide distribution across the warmer parts of the world and has adapted well to human-altered environments. In this article, we will explore the various names that this bird goes by in different parts of its range. Common Names Some of the common names for the cattle egret are: Western cattle egret – This name refers to the populations found in the Americas. Eastern cattle egret – Used for the populations in Asia, Australia and further east. Buff-backed egret…