Sunbathing is a common behavior seen in birds, especially parrots. It involves birds sitting in a patch of sunlight and spreading out their wings and feathers. Sunbathing may look like a leisurely activity, but it serves several important purposes for avian health and comfort. In moderation, sunbathing can be quite beneficial for pet birds. However, overdoing it can also pose some risks. Understanding the pros and cons of sunbathing can help bird owners provide safe sunbathing opportunities for their feathered friends. What are the benefits of sunbathing for birds? Here are some of the main benefits birds can derive from…
Author: Peter Knight
Meadowlarks are songbirds found in grasslands across North America. Their musical calls can often be heard cascading across open fields and prairies. Meadowlarks have complex and varied diets that change with the seasons, but sunflower seeds can be an important part of their nutritional intake at certain times of the year. In this article, we’ll explore what meadowlarks eat, when they eat sunflower seeds, and how these small black-and-white birds utilize sunflowers in the wild. To begin, let’s answer the title question directly: Yes, meadowlarks do sometimes eat sunflower seeds as part of their overall diet. Sunflower seeds provide important…
Quick Answer Inca doves can be legally hunted during dove season in Texas with some restrictions. The season runs from September 1 to November 12 in the North Zone and September 20 to November 12 in the South Zone. Hunters need a valid Texas hunting license and dove stamp. The daily bag limit is 15 doves in the aggregate which can include no more than 2 white-winged doves, 2 white-tipped doves, and 2 mourning doves. Inca doves have no limits within the aggregate bag. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Overview of Inca Dove in Texas…
The backwards looking bird is a mythical creature that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. While no physical evidence exists of its existence, legends and stories about this unusual bird have persisted across cultures and time periods. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings behind the backwards looking bird, and why it continues to fascinate us even today. What are the earliest known legends about the backwards looking bird? References to a bird that flies backwards or looks behind itself date back thousands of years in multiple cultures across the world. In Ancient Egypt, there…
Wild turkey is a popular type of game meat that is lean, flavorful and nutrient dense. Many hunters enjoy cooking and eating wild turkey, but may wonder about the calorie and nutrition content of canned turkey. Canned wild turkey allows you to enjoy the taste of wild game out of season. This article will provide the calorie count and nutritional value per serving of canned wild turkey, and how it compares to other canned meats. The most common size of canned wild turkey is a 12 ounce can. But how many calories are actually in 12 ounces of canned wild…
Cardinals are striking red songbirds found across North America. The bright red plumage of the male cardinal against the snowy winter landscape makes these birds easy to spot and enjoy. Cardinals are active, noisy birds, singing throughout the year, especially in the spring. Their melodious songs bring cheer and excitement as spring approaches. But what does a cardinal’s song signify? Let’s explore some of the meanings behind the cardinal’s melodies. Cardinals Sing to Attract a Mate One of the primary reasons cardinals sing is to attract a mate. Male cardinals begin singing as early as late January or February to…
Titmouse birds are a group of small passerine birds found throughout North America. There are several different species of titmice, including the tufted titmouse, black-crested titmouse, bridled titmouse, oak titmouse, and juniper titmouse. Titmice are active, social birds that live in mixed flocks with chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. But one question that often comes up is – are titmice territorial? What does it mean for a bird to be territorial? Territoriality refers to aggressive behavior used by animals, including birds, to defend an area. Territorial animals will actively try to repel or attack intruders that enter areas they consider their…
Bird populations around the world are in decline. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 13% of the world’s approximately 10,000 bird species are threatened with extinction. This is a serious concern for the health of global ecosystems, as birds play critical roles in pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, controlling insect populations, and more. There are many factors driving the loss of birds. The two greatest threats facing birds are habitat loss and degradation, and climate change. As natural areas are converted for human use, birds lose their homes and food sources. Climate change is shifting temperature and…
Caves can be exciting places to explore, but they also pose many risks that cavers need to be aware of. Some of the main risks of caving include: Falling Rocks/Collapse One of the most dangerous risks in caves is falling rocks or cave collapse. Caves are constantly changing environments with unstable rock formations. Rockfalls can happen at any time without warning. Large sections of caves can also collapse, trapping or crushing anyone inside. Some things that can cause cave collapse include: – Earthquakes or seismic activity – This can destabilize cave structures. – Rainwater – Makes cave rock and soil…
Many people enjoy seeing colorful birds like the Summer Tanager visiting their yards and gardens year after year. A common question is whether these birds will return to the same location annually or move around to different areas. Let’s take a closer look at the patterns of Summer Tanagers and whether they exhibit site fidelity. Do Summer Tanagers return to the same breeding grounds each year? Yes, Summer Tanagers do tend to come back to the same general breeding area each spring. These birds spend the winter in Central and South America and then migrate north to their breeding grounds…