Purple finches are a species of finch native to North America. They are known for their bright purple-red plumage which gives them their name. Though they can be found throughout much of North America, purple finches are considered rare in some parts of their range. Quick Answers Are purple finches rare? The answer depends on where you are located. Overall, purple finches are fairly common across much of North America. However, their numbers can fluctuate from year to year, so in some regions they may be considered uncommon or even rare during certain time periods. Population Status of Purple Finches…
Author: Peter Knight
Pelicans are large water birds known for their distinctive long beaks and large throat pouches used for catching fish. They are found in coastal areas around the world, often seen sailing majestically over the ocean or perched on piers. Many people see pelicans on a regular basis but may not know what to call them beyond “pelican.” When observing these birds up close or needing to differentiate between specific pelicans, having names to call them can be useful. This article explores what makes a good pelican name and suggests some creative and descriptive names that capture the essence of these…
Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus are two of the most influential figures in jazz history. Monk, with his unique piano style and compositions, helped define the bebop era in the 1940s and 50s. Mingus gained fame as an upright bassist, composer and bandleader in the 1950s and 60s. Their music continues to inspire jazz musicians and listeners today. Monk’s Early Years Thelonious Monk was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1917 and grew up in New York City. As a teenager, he began playing piano professionally, drawing influence from the emerging bebop style of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.…
Warblers are a group of small, active songbirds that belong to the family Parulidae. There are over 100 different species of warblers worldwide, with the majority found in North and South America. Warblers are known for their colorful plumages and their habit of constantly flitting through branches and foliage in search of insects. Many warbler species are migratory, traveling huge distances every year between their breeding and wintering grounds. While their constant motion can make them challenging to observe, warblers reward patient birdwatchers with lovely songs and bright flashes of color. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about these…
Bald eagles are one of the most recognizable birds in North America, known for their large size, white head and tail feathers, and majestic flight. As the national bird symbol of the United States, bald eagles attract significant public interest regarding their behavior and ecology. One question that often comes up is whether bald eagles perform any kind of mating dance or ritual. The answer is yes, bald eagles do engage in a mating “dance” of sorts, though it may not match the elaborate breeding displays of other bird species. Courtship Displays The mating rituals of bald eagles begin sometime…
Birds sitting on the backs of buffalo is a phenomenon that has been observed and photographed by wildlife enthusiasts for many years. While an unusual symbiotic relationship, there are several reasons why birds, especially cattle egrets, find buffalo to be a convenient perch and source of food. In this article, we will explore the primary theories and advantages behind this surprising animal behavior. Theory 1: Picking Parasites One of the most well-documented explanations is that birds sit on buffalo to pick off and eat the ticks and other parasites that live on the buffalo’s skin. Cattle egrets in particular are…
Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He had an illustrious 13-year career in the NBA, playing solely for the Boston Celtics. Bird won 3 NBA championships and 3 MVP awards during his time in the league. Since retiring as a player in 1992, Bird has gone on to have a successful career as a coach and executive in the NBA. He is currently serving as President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers. Larry Bird’s Background Larry Joe Bird was born on December 7, 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He had a…
The chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) is a striking gamebird with a controversial name. Known for its speedy flight through mountainous terrain, this bird is nicknamed the “devil bird” in parts of its range. But why is this medium-sized partridge saddled with such a sinister moniker? The chukar partridge is a rotund gamebird in the pheasant family. It has a grayish body, barred black-and-white wings, a black band around its face, and a black-tipped red bill. The legs are yellow and unfeathered. Chukars are found across parts of Eurasia and have been widely introduced in North America. They inhabit rocky, mountainous…
Birds spend a lot of time preening themselves – using their beak to tend to their feathers. This helps keep their plumage in good condition. But birds also often preen each other. This social preening has a few different functions. What is social preening? Social preening, also known as allopreening, is when one bird grooms another bird by running its beak through the other’s feathers. It will gently nibble and tweak the other bird’s feathers to remove dirt, old feathers, parasites and anything else that shouldn’t be there. Social preening helps keep a bird’s feathers in good condition. A bird…
Scaled quail are a unique and interesting game bird found throughout the arid regions of the southwestern United States. With their distinctive scaly plumage and sociable nature, scaled quail provide a fun challenge for birders and hunters alike. By understanding their habitat, behavior, diet, and seasonal patterns, you can increase your chances of locating and observing these birds. What is the Scaled Quail? The scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) is a mid-sized upland game bird. It gets its common name from the distinctive scales on its breast and back feathers. These scaly markings provide excellent camouflage in the open desert scrub…