The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. In Florida, burrowing owls were once a common sight in grasslands, pastures, and disturbed areas across the state. However, in recent decades, the burrowing owl population in Florida has declined dramatically. This article will examine what has happened to the burrowing owls in Florida and discuss the major threats contributing to their disappearance. What are burrowing owls? Burrowing owls are small owls, measuring about 7 to 10 inches in length with a wingspan of 20 to 24 inches. They have long…
Author: Peter Knight
The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek, elegant bird found across North America. With their distinctive crest, black mask, and yellow-tipped tail, Cedar Waxwings stand out wherever they occur. Though they breed across much of the continent, these sociable birds tend to be most numerous in certain parts of their range. By looking at the habitats and food sources Cedar Waxwings prefer, we can get a better understanding of where they are most abundant. What are Cedar Waxwings? Cedar Waxwings are medium-sized songbirds that measure 15–18 cm (5.9–7.1 in) in length and weigh roughly 30 g (1.1 oz). They have a…
Indigo Buntings are small migratory songbirds that breed across most of the eastern and central United States and southeastern Canada during the summer. They migrate south to spend the winter in Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. Their annual migrations can cover thousands of miles, requiring remarkable navigational abilities to travel between their breeding and wintering grounds each year. Do Indigo Buntings use stars for navigation during migration? Yes, research has shown that Indigo Buntings use stars to help guide their navigation during migration. They are able to determine their latitude and longitude by observing the positions of…
California condors are one of the largest flying birds in North America. With wingspans of up to 10 feet, these majestic birds are an impressive sight to behold. However, one thing that often surprises people is that despite their large size, California condors are remarkably quiet birds. Vocalizations of California Condors While they don’t make loud calls like some other bird species, California condors do have a voice. Here are some of the noises and vocalizations they can produce: Hissing – California condors will hiss when they feel threatened or are defending a carcass. The hiss is produced by air…
Bangladesh is home to a diverse array of bird species. The country’s varied landscapes, including forests, wetlands, coastlines, and urban areas, provide habitats for both resident and migratory birds. Determining the exact number of bird species in Bangladesh is an ongoing effort by ornithologists as new species continue to be identified. Overview of Birds in Bangladesh Bangladesh has over 700 recorded species of birds according to recent estimates. The number was closer to 670 species according to a 2015 checklist of the birds of Bangladesh published by the Zoological Society of Bangladesh. However, new species continue to be added as…
The gyrfalcon is considered to be one of the rarest birds of prey in the world. There are several reasons why gyrfalcons can be considered rare: Limited Geographic Range Gyrfalcons have a very limited natural geographic range compared to most other raptor species. They are found mainly in the Arctic regions of North America, Greenland, Iceland, northern Scandinavia, and Russia. The harsh conditions of their high Arctic breeding grounds restrict them to relatively few areas with adequate food sources and nesting sites. Their restricted range means gyrfalcons exist in relatively small total numbers. There are estimated to be only about…
Bird songs come in an astounding variety, from the simple chips of sparrows to the melodious warbling of thrushes. With over 10,000 species of birds in the world, each with their own distinctive songs, it can be difficult to determine which avian vocalizations are the most pleasing to our ears. In this article, we will explore some of the most beautiful birdsongs and examine what makes them so melodic. What makes a sweet bird song? There are a few key characteristics that make certain birdsongs especially sweet to our ears: Melody – Songs with a clear melody, often consisting of…
Birds are a diverse group of vertebrate animals that have feathers, wings, beaks, and lay hard-shelled eggs. There are around 10,000 known species of birds alive today. Birds are found worldwide and in all types of environments, from deserts to rainforests to the Arctic. Birds are an important part of many ecosystems and provide benefits such as pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and controlling pests. Scientists classify birds into different groups based on their evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics. The classification helps organize the diversity of birds and understand how different species are related. Below is an outline of the classification…
The quick answer to the question “What is a white water bird with a red face?” is the roseate spoonbill. The roseate spoonbill is a large wading bird found in coastal areas of North America, South America, and the Caribbean. It gets its name from its distinctive spoon-shaped bill and the pink to reddish coloration on parts of its plumage. Description of the Roseate Spoonbill The roseate spoonbill is a striking bird that stands out thanks to its unique features. Here are some key facts about its appearance and anatomy: Size: 28-32 inches tall with a wingspan of 50-60 inches…
Bird chest disorder, also known as pectus excavatum, is a condition characterized by a sunken or caved-in chest. It is caused by an abnormal formation of the ribs and sternum (breastbone). What causes bird chest disorder? The exact cause of pectus excavatum is not known, but it is thought to be due to overgrowth of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. This overgrowth causes the sternum to grow inward, resulting in a concave chest deformity. Pectus excavatum is sometimes an inherited condition and can affect multiple members of the same family. What are the symptoms of bird…