The northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata) is a common and widespread duck species that can be found across North America, Europe, and Asia. This duck gets its name from its large, spoon-shaped bill that allows it to more efficiently filter food from the water as it swims along the surface. The northern shoveler has a distinct and colorful plumage, making it easily identifiable. In terms of size, the northern shoveler is considered a medium-sized duck. Read on to learn more about the typical dimensions of this waterfowl species. Average Length On average, the northern shoveler reaches a body length of about…
Author: Peter Knight
Bald eagles are powerful birds of prey found throughout North America. With wingspans up to 7 feet, these majestic raptors are capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves. A common question that arises is how big of a dog can a bald eagle realistically pick up and fly away with? The Strength and Size of Bald Eagles With thick, muscular legs and oversized talons, bald eagles are equipped for seizing and carrying large prey. Their gripping strength has been measured at over 400 pounds-force, which is strong enough to lock onto large fish, birds, and mammals. However, the…
Birds have some clear signs and behaviors that indicate they are ready to mate. By understanding what these mating behaviors look like, bird watchers and breeders can better predict when mating is likely to occur. Seasonal Timing Most birds only mate during certain times of the year. The mating season coincides with a time when resources are abundant to feed their young. For example, many songbirds in temperate climates mate in the spring, so their offspring hatch in early summer when insects and other foods are readily available. Some examples of typical mating seasons for birds include: Spring migrants like…
Birds can become stunned for varying lengths of time after hitting a window. The severity of the impact, the size and species of the bird, and other factors all contribute to how long a bird may remain dazed or unconscious after a collision. What causes birds to become stunned after window strikes? When birds fly into windows, the impact can cause trauma to their bodies and brains that results in stunning or knock out effects. Some of the potential causes of stunning include: Concussion or other head trauma from the force of the blow against the window. Temporary damage or…
Birds rely heavily on their feet for critical life functions like perching, walking, catching prey, and grooming. So when a bird sustains an injury to its foot, it can definitely impair its ability to survive in the wild. However, the extent to which the injury affects the bird’s survival depends on several factors: How severe is the injury? Minor scrapes or scratches may heal on their own with little impact. But more severe injuries like broken bones, damaged tendons/ligaments, or lost toes/nails can cause debilitating, long-term effects. The more severe the injury, the lower the bird’s chances of survival. Which…
The rose-breasted grosbeak is a medium-sized songbird found in North America. Males have a distinctive red triangle on a white breast, while females have a streaked chestnut and white breast. They are migratory birds that breed in northeastern United States and southeastern Canada before migrating to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for winter. Rose-breasted grosbeaks prefer forest edges, woodlands, swamps, and semi-open areas. Their melodious warbling song and bright plumage make them a favorite among birdwatchers. If you want to find rose-breasted grosbeaks, here are some tips. When to look Rose-breasted grosbeaks are summer residents…
Eagles are some of the fastest birds on the planet, with the ability to reach incredibly fast speeds during flight. Their speed allows them to effectively hunt prey and evade predators. Different eagle species have different top speeds, but the fastest eagles in the world can reach speeds over 200 mph while diving. What is the fastest speed of an eagle in flight? The Peregrine Falcon is widely considered to be the fastest bird, and has been clocked at speeds of over 200 mph during its characteristic hunting dive known as a stoop. However, some large eagle species can reach…
Chickadees are a group of small, active songbirds that belong to the paridae family. There are seven species of chickadees in North America, including the black-capped chickadee, the carolina chickadee, and the chestnut-backed chickadee. But why are these tiny, acrobatic birds called chickadees? The Origins of the Name “Chickadee” The name “chickadee” has its origins in the bird’s simple but distinctive spring call – “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”. This familiar sound gives chickadees their onomatopoeic name, which mimics their vocalizations. The word first appeared in writing in the 18th century, when naturalists began documenting and classifying different bird species. Over time, “chickadee” became…
Dove is a type of migratory game bird that is popular among hunters in the United States. There has been some debate over whether dove should be classified as an upland game bird or a migratory game bird. In this article, we will examine the characteristics of dove, how it is currently classified, and the reasoning behind this classification. We will also look at the arguments for and against considering dove an upland game species. With nearly 20 million dove hunted each year in the U.S., this is an important issue for hunters and wildlife managers alike. What is Dove?…
The Mayo Clinic is a renowned not-for-profit academic medical center based in Rochester, Minnesota. The clinic is known for its innovative patient care, medical research, and education programs. What many people may not know is that the Mayo Clinic is also home to a special group of feathered residents – peregrine falcons! For over a decade, peregrine falcons have made their home atop the iconic Plummer Building at the Mayo Clinic’s Saint Marys Hospital campus. These spectacular raptors are a beloved part of the Mayo Clinic community and their nesting site has become a popular attraction for staff, patients, and…