Installing wooden duck boxes is a great way to attract ducks to your property and provide them with safe nesting sites. With some basic tools and materials, you can easily set up duck boxes in your yard, field, or wetland area. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wooden duck box installation. What are the benefits of installing duck boxes? There are several key reasons why installing duck boxes can be very beneficial: Provides safe nesting sites – Ducks look for cavities in trees near water to build their nests. However, suitable natural sites…
Author: Peter Knight
Telling a golden eagle apart from a juvenile bald eagle can be tricky for birders. Both are large, brown raptors with similar markings. However, there are some key differences in size, shape, behavior, range and habitat that can help you distinguish these two species. Quick Identification Tips Golden eagles are larger and stockier than bald eagles. Golden eagles hold their wings straight when gliding, while bald eagles hold a slight bend in the wings. Golden eagles are more likely to be found in open habitats like grasslands, whereas bald eagles mainly occur near water. The bald eagle has a brown…
Magpies are highly intelligent and social birds that are part of the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, ravens, and jays. Understanding what animals magpies get along with requires looking at their natural behaviors and interactions with other species. Magpies Are Highly Territorial Magpies are highly territorial birds that are aggressive in defending their nesting and feeding areas. A magpie’s territory may range from 2 to 20 acres in size. During breeding season, magpie pairs become even more defensive of their territory and nests. They will swoop down to scare away or attack intruders, including other magpies, predators, and humans.…
Birds rolling around in dirt or dust is a common behavior that has several potential explanations. Here are some of the main reasons why birds might be seen having a dust bath: Removing parasites One of the primary reasons birds take dust baths is to remove external parasites like mites, lice, fleas, and ticks. As birds scratch around in dry dust or dirt, it dislodges parasites on their feathers and skin. The dust also helps absorb excess oils on their feathers that parasites feed on. Birds will deliberately seek out areas of loose, dry dirt on the ground and roll…
The largest woodpecker species in the red-headed woodpecker group is the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus). This species can reach lengths of 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) with wingspans of 15-18 inches (38-46 cm). The Red-headed Woodpecker is found throughout eastern North America and is easily identified by its striking red head and upper neck. Physical Description The Red-headed Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with the following physical features: Adults have a bright red head, neck, throat and upper breast The back and wings are black with large white patches The belly is white The tail is black with white outer tail…
Birds build nests for a variety of reasons, but most importantly to lay and incubate eggs and raise their young. Nests provide shelter, warmth, and protection for developing eggs and chicks. Different species of birds build different types of nests depending on their sizes, behaviors, locations, and available materials. However, there are some common features that most bird nests require in order to be functional and successful for raising young. Nesting Materials The materials used to build nests are incredibly varied across bird species. Smaller birds like hummingbirds may build tiny nests out of plant down, spider webs, lichens, and…
Arizona is home to a variety of quail species that thrive in the diverse habitats found across the state. Quail are a popular game bird and an important part of Arizona’s wildlife. This article will provide an overview of the different quail species found in Arizona, their identifying features, habitat, diet, breeding, and conservation status. Overview of Quail Species in Arizona There are five main species of quail that inhabit Arizona: Gambel’s Quail Scaled Quail Montezuma Quail California Quail Masked Bobwhite The most common and widespread quail in Arizona is the Gambel’s Quail. Other species have more restricted ranges within…
Bowerbirds are renowned for building elaborate structures called bowers to attract mates. These bowers are decorated with colorful objects that the male bowerbird collects from its environment. But what exactly do bowerbirds collect to decorate their bowers? Birds, berries, blossoms and beyond Bowerbirds collect all manner of colorful and interesting objects to decorate their bowers. These include: Flowers – Bowerbirds love colorful blossoms and will gather a wide variety to adorn their bowers. Fruits – Berries and other small fruits add a pop of color and can be used as decoration. Feathers – Shed feathers from other birds are collected…
Quick Answer It is highly unlikely that a bald eagle would be able to pick up and fly away with a live small dog. While bald eagles are large birds of prey, their size and strength are not sufficient to lift a typical small dog breed weighing 10-25 lbs off the ground. Small dogs are outside the normal prey size range that bald eagles target. There are a few isolated anecdotal reports of eagles picking up small dogs or cats, but these appear to be very rare exceptions, likely involving especially small, light or injured animals. Overall, small dogs are…
Lovebirds are popular pet birds that are known for forming strong bonds with their mates. Many lovebird owners wonder how many of these affectionate birds can be kept together without issues. The number of lovebirds that can coexist peacefully depends on several factors. How Many Lovebirds Can Live Together? Most experts recommend keeping lovebirds in pairs or bonded groups. Generally, 2-6 lovebirds can live together in the same cage or aviary. Here are some guidelines on ideal lovebird numbers: Pairs Keeping lovebirds in pairs is ideal for their social and emotional well-being. Lovebirds form monogamous bonds and mate for life.…