Birdsong is one of the most joyful sounds of nature. Listening to the melodious calls of our feathered friends can lift our spirits and connect us with the natural world. But with many bird populations in decline, it’s becoming harder to hear birdsong, especially in urban areas. By taking some simple steps, anyone can create an environment where birds feel welcome and safe to sing. Read on to learn top tips for attracting singing birds and truly listening to their music. Why Listen to Birdsong? There are many benefits to taking time to listen to birdsong: It reduces stress and…
Author: Peter Knight
Many people wonder about the survival rates of baby birds. How many actually make it to adulthood? The answer depends on many factors. Nestling mortality rates Nestling mortality can be quite high for many species of birds. One study examined nestling survival rates for 34 species of open-cup nesting birds. They found an average nestling mortality rate of 28% prior to fledging. Rates ranged from 12% to 58% depending on the species. Similar nestling mortality rates have been found across numerous other studies. There are many causes of nestling mortality including: Starvation Exposure to extreme weather Predation Parasitism Disease Accidents…
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small songbird that breeds across Canada and the northern United States. It migrates south for the winter, where it can be found throughout much of the southern and western United States, Mexico and Central America. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is known for its active foraging behavior, constantly fluttering through trees and shrubs in search of insects and spiders. Its tiny size, olive-green plumage and bold white eye ring make this bird stand out. But the real showstopper is the male’s brilliant red crown patch, which is usually concealed but pops into view when he’s agitated or…
Yes, loons are excellent divers and spend much of their time underwater hunting for fish. Loons have several adaptations that allow them to dive and swim efficiently, including solid bones to help them dive, legs placed far back on their bodies for swimming, and webbed feet. Some key questions about loon diving abilities include: How deep can loons dive? How long can loons stay underwater? How do loons catch fish while diving? What adaptations help loons dive well? How deep can loons dive? Loons are able to dive to depths of up to 200 feet in search of food. The…
Birds build nests for a very important reason – to lay eggs and raise baby birds! However, once the chicks are grown and able to fly on their own, the parents will leave the nest behind. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating reasons behind this behavior. Birds Build Nests to Lay Eggs The primary function of a bird’s nest is to provide a safe place for the female to lay her eggs. Different species build different types of nests based on their sizes, locations, and materials available. Small birds like hummingbirds may build a tiny cup of plant down…
Purple Martins are beautiful swallows that are widely sought after by bird enthusiasts to have nest on their property. These aerial acrobats put on dazzling displays as they swoop and dart after insects. Their gorgeous iridescent plumage flashes in the sunlight as they wheel through the sky. Many people love seeing them around and will go to great lengths to attract them by putting up special ‘martin houses’ for them to nest in. An old flagpole can potentially be repurposed into one of these unique birdhouses. Converting a flagpole into a Purple Martin abode is an innovative way to reuse…
Teal are small freshwater ducks that are found in areas with shallow water across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are omnivorous birds and eat a varied diet consisting of both plant and animal matter. Some of the main things that teal like to eat include: Aquatic Plants Teal will feed on the leaves, stems, roots, and seeds of aquatic plants that grow in the shallow marshes and wetlands where they live. Some common aquatic plants consumed by teal include: – Pondweeds – Wild celery – Bulrushes – Bur reeds – Arrowheads – Smartweeds Teal use their small serrated bills…
Birds have played an extremely important role in Chinese culture and folklore for thousands of years. They are seen as symbols, omens, and messengers between heaven and earth. Birds have influenced everything from art and literature to idioms and superstitions in China. The Symbolism of Birds in Chinese Culture In Chinese culture, birds are used to symbolize many virtues and ideals. Some of the key symbolic meanings associated with different types of birds include: Phoenix (fenghuang) – representing virtue, grace, and prosperity Crane – longevity, wisdom, and nobility Mandarin ducks (yuan yang) – conjugal affection and fidelity Owl (xiao) -…
Birds feeding other birds that are not their own offspring is a phenomenon that has been observed in various species. However, the frequency and motivations behind this behavior vary between different types of birds. In this article, we will explore whether birds commonly feed birds other than their own young, the potential evolutionary benefits of this behavior, and some examples of bird species that exhibit feeding of non-kin. Do birds commonly feed other birds that are not their offspring? While feeding their own offspring is a common and essential behavior for parent birds, regurgitating food for or actively bringing food…
The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a common and widespread songbird of North America. This species shows extensive geographic variation, with some authorities recognizing over 40 subspecies. Song Sparrows are medium-sized sparrows with a long, rounded tail. Their plumage is brown above and heavily streaked, with a dull white underbelly and a dark brown spot in the middle of the breast. Song Sparrows can live up to 11 years in the wild. Given their widespread distribution across North America and high numbers, it is likely that Song Sparrows have achieved maximum lifespans of 12-15 years or more. However, accurately documenting…