Bird strikes, or birds colliding with aircraft, are a surprisingly common occurrence in aviation. Every year, thousands of bird strikes are reported to aviation authorities worldwide. While most bird strikes do not result in damage to the aircraft or harm to passengers, they can occasionally cause emergencies and even fatal crashes. Understanding the frequency and risks associated with bird strikes is an important part of improving aviation safety. How many bird strikes happen each year? According to statistics from aviation authorities, there are thousands of reported bird strikes worldwide every year. For example: In the United States, the Federal Aviation…
Author: Peter Knight
Harris’s hawks are a fascinating species of raptor found in the southwestern United States and parts of Central and South America. One of their most intriguing behaviors is their tendency to stack themselves on top of each other, forming tall columns of birds. This peculiar habit has puzzled ornithologists and bird enthusiasts for years. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind this unique stacking behavior exhibited by Harris’s hawks. The Harris’s Hawk The Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) is medium-sized raptor characterized by reddish-brown plumage on their upper body and white on the underside with black markings. They have…
Sparrows are small passerine birds that are found throughout most of the world. There are over 140 different species of sparrows, but some of the most common types include the House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, and Chipping Sparrow. Sparrows are known for their chirping vocalizations, but each species has its own distinct sound. The unique calls of sparrows are important for communication between individuals, especially when defending territories or attracting mates. While many people refer to sparrow vocalizations generally as “chirping,” more specific terms are used to describe their various cries. Some key terms used to identify sparrow calls include:…
The ruffed grouse is a popular game bird found throughout much of eastern North America. Choosing the best habitat is crucial for ruffed grouse survival and reproduction. Ruffed grouse rely on specific forest types and structures to meet their needs for feeding, nesting, brood-rearing, loafing, and escape cover. Understanding ruffed grouse habitat requirements at different life stages allows land managers to make informed decisions that benefit ruffed grouse populations. What are the key habitat components for ruffed grouse? Ruffed grouse need a mix of forest types and structures to meet their seasonal habitat requirements. These key habitat components include: Young…
Birds with red feet come in many different species. The red coloration is caused by carotenoid pigments obtained from their diet of fruits, seeds, and insects. While several taxonomic groups contain red-footed species, some of the most common examples include gulls, wading birds, blackbirds, and finches. Gulls Many gull species have bright red feet. This includes: Ring-billed Gull California Gull Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Black-headed Gull Franklin’s Gull Gulls are shorebirds in the family Laridae. They are highly aerial and typically found in coastal habitats or around lakes and rivers. Gulls have webbed feet with three front toes and…
Crows and blue jays are two common backyard birds found throughout much of North America. They both belong to the Corvid family, which includes ravens, magpies, and jays. Despite their similarities, crows and blue jays have a complex relationship that features both cooperation and conflict. In this article, we’ll explore the interactions between these intelligent birds and try to answer the question: do crows and blue jays get along? Basic facts about crows and blue jays Before diving into their relationship, let’s review some quick facts about crows and blue jays: Crows There are several species, the most common being…
Great Horned Owls are one of the most common owls found across North America. These large, powerful owls are known for their deep hooting calls and fierce hunting abilities. When it comes to nesting, Great Horned Owls do not build their own nests. Instead, they rely on nests built by other large birds or nesting boxes provided by humans. If you want to attract Great Horned Owls to your property, providing an artificial nesting box is a great way to do it. However, it’s important that the nest box is appropriately sized for the owls. An owl box that is…
Birds have existed on Earth for over 150 million years, with the earliest bird fossils dating back to the Jurassic period. In that time, many species of birds have gone extinct due to natural causes or human activity. When we think of extinct birds, a few particularly famous examples come to mind. The Dodo The dodo is perhaps the most well-known extinct bird. This large, flightless pigeon was native to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It lived in the forests of Mauritius, eating fruits that fell from trees. The dodo had no natural predators on Mauritius and…
Birdseed ornaments are a popular craft for the holidays – they allow you to decorate your tree or home with cute shapes made of birdseed that you can later take outside for the birds to enjoy. But an interesting question arises – do birds actually eat these birdseed ornaments if you hang them on your tree? In this article, we’ll take a look at the evidence and research to find the answer. What are birdseed ornaments? Birdseed ornaments, sometimes called birdseed wreaths or garlands, are a fun craft project. To make them, you form a shape or design out of…
Burrowing owls are small, long-legged owls that live in open, treeless areas. They get their name because they nest and roost in burrows in the ground. Burrowing owls are found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts and urban landscapes throughout western North America. Where do burrowing owls live? Burrowing owls live in open habitats with short vegetation and little tree cover. Some of the areas they inhabit include: Prairies Grasslands Rangelands Agricultural fields Deserts Airports Golf courses University campuses Parks Disturbed sites Burrowing owls are found throughout much of western North America. They range from Canada to Mexico and can…