The term “chicken gun” refers to a device used to test the impact resistance of various materials. It works by firing dead chickens at high speeds towards the material being tested. The use of chickens in these impact tests led to the nickname “chicken gun”. The chickens used in chicken gun testing are specially bred and raised for this purpose. They are not meant for human consumption as food. The meat from these specialized test chickens would be tough, stringy, and flavorless – making it unsuitable for cooking and eating. Background on Chicken Guns Chicken guns originated in the aviation…
Author: Peter Knight
The dodo was a large, flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Dodos went extinct in the late 17th century, within less than 100 years after humans first arrived on Mauritius. The dodo’s rapid extinction has led many to conclude that these birds lacked adequate survival instincts to cope with the threat posed by humans and invasive species. However, the dodo’s evolutionary history suggests a more nuanced perspective. Quick Answers Did dodos have predators before humans arrived? Yes, dodos likely evolved with some native predators on Mauritius, such as the extinct Mauritian giant skink.…
The little bird poem, also known as “A little bird told me”, is a common English idiom used to convey receiving insider information or gossip from an undisclosed source. The exact origins of the phrase are unclear, but it has been used in English literature and conversation for over a century. While the literal meaning refers to an actual bird whispering a secret, it is generally understood metaphorically to indicate learning something from a private or anonymous informer. The Poem Itself The full poem goes: A little bird told me Some secrets that I’ll not repeat, I’ve kept them quiet,…
Antique train sets can be worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the rarity, condition, brand, model, age and desirability of the set. Some of the most valuable antique train sets are pre-war Lionel and American Flyer, but even more modern train sets from the 1950s-1970s can also fetch decent prices from collectors if they are in good condition. What makes an antique train set valuable? There are several factors that determine the value of an antique train set: Age – Sets made before World War 2 (pre-war) are generally more valuable…
The ringed kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is a medium-sized kingfisher that lives in tropical regions of the Americas. This striking bird has a bright blue-green back, white underparts, and a collar of rufous feathers around its neck, giving it a “ringed” appearance. Ringed kingfishers are found from southern Mexico through Central and South America to Argentina and Chile. They inhabit rivers, streams, lakes, lagoons, mangroves, and coastal areas up to 2000 meters above sea level. Geographic Range The ringed kingfisher has a very large range in the Americas. Its distribution extends from southern Mexico through Central America and much of South…
The common phrase “the early bird gets the worm” refers to the idea that the earlier one starts something or arrives somewhere, the greater the advantage or reward. This brief expression alludes to a fuller traditional saying that provides more context. In this article, we will explore the origins and full meaning behind the classic proverb “the early bird catches the worm.” What is the full traditional saying? The earliest known recorded version of this traditional proverb can be traced back hundreds of years to a collection of sayings published in 1670: “The early bird catches the worm.” Over time,…
Owl cafes have become an increasingly popular attraction for travelers visiting Japan in recent years. Getting the rare opportunity to interact with owls up-close while enjoying a drink or snack in a cafe setting is an experience not found in many other places around the world. But visiting one of these unique cafes often comes with a hefty price tag. So just how much does it cost to visit an owl cafe in Japan? Let’s take a closer look at the typical prices and what factors into the high costs of operating these specialty animal cafes. Upfront Costs at Owl…
This is an interesting question that may seem simple on the surface, but actually has some nuance to it. To properly answer whether a duck is in or on the water, we need to first define what we mean by “in” and “on” in this context. We also need to consider factors like the duck’s behavior, buoyancy, and context. Defining “In” vs. “On” the Water When we say something is “in” the water, we generally mean it is fully submerged or surrounded by water. For example, a fish is in the water. On the other hand, when something is “on”…
Martins and barn swallows are two types of birds that are often confused with each other. At a glance, they may appear quite similar, leading some to believe that they are the same species. However, martins and barn swallows actually belong to different genuses within the avian family Hirundinidae. While they share some physical traits and behaviors, there are distinct differences between martins and barn swallows in terms of their taxonomy, physical characteristics, habitat preferences, migration patterns, nesting habits, and more. This article will compare martins vs. barn swallows to clarify how they are unique bird species. Taxonomy Martins belong…
A broken wing is a serious injury that requires prompt medical attention. Birds rely on their wings for flight, balance, and completing day-to-day activities. When a wing is broken, it can cause severe pain, affect the bird’s ability to fly and function normally, and if left untreated, lead to complications. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a broken wing is crucial for bird owners to identify this injury and get veterinary help as soon as possible. Causes of a Broken Wing There are several potential causes of a broken wing in birds: Falling or crash landing – Birds can break…