Crossword puzzles are popular word games that challenge solvers to fill in answers based on clues. Many crossword clues relate to specific topics, and this can include clues about animals or birds. If a crossword clue asks for a bird in the starling family, it is likely referring to one of the many species in the Sturnidae family of birds. Some quick research can help identify the specific bird being clued. What is the Starling Family of Birds? The starling family Sturnidae is a family of small to medium-sized passerine birds found in the Old World. There are over 100…
Author: Peter Knight
Many well-known companies and organizations use birds in their logos. Some examples include Twitter (blue bird), NBC (peacock), Airbnb (birdhouse), Southwest Airlines (heart), and USA Network (eagle). Birds can make for effective logos because of what they represent and their visual appeal. Let’s explore some key reasons why a company might choose a bird for its brand logo. Birds represent freedom and inspiration One major reason birds get used in logos is that they symbolize freedom and inspiration. A bird can fly anywhere it wants without restrictions, representing independence and limitless opportunity. Using a bird in a logo evokes the…
The Eastern screech owl (Megascops asio) is a small owl found in woods across much of eastern North America. Screech owls are known for their eerie, shivering calls, which have led to their common name. These compact owls have prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, and mottled gray and brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. Eastern screech owls are widespread across eastern North America but their populations are declining in some areas. Loss of woodland habitat is reducing available nesting and roosting sites for these cavity-nesting birds. However, Eastern screech owls are still fairly common over much of…
Bird watching, also known as birding, is a hobby that involves observing and identifying wild birds in their natural habitats. It may seem like a simple pastime, but bird watching can actually teach you a lot about the world around you. Here are some of the key things you can learn from this rewarding hobby. Appreciation of Nature One of the most basic but profound things birding teaches is an appreciation of nature. When you begin noticing and identifying the birds around you, you gain a stronger awareness of the natural world. You observe the behaviors and interactions of wild…
No, vultures do not typically have red beaks. Most vulture species have beaks that are dark gray, black, or ivory-colored. The coloration of a vulture’s beak is related to its feeding habits. As scavengers that feed on carrion, vultures need beaks that are strong enough to tear meat off carcasses and access internal organs. A red beak would not be ideally suited for this purpose. However, there are some vulture species that can have reddish or orange facial skin, which creates the impression that their beaks are red. But the beaks themselves are still dark-colored horn. Vulture Beak Colors and…
The mute swan’s common name is simply “mute swan.” This large, white swan is known for its graceful beauty and quiet nature, in contrast to other swan species that are known for their vocalizations. The mute swan gets its name from the fact that it is less vocal than other swan species, though it is not actually completely silent. Its Latin name is Cygnus olor. What does the mute swan look like? The mute swan is known for its distinctive all-white plumage. It has an elegantly long, S-curved neck and an orange bill with a black base. Adult mute swans…
When a Barred Owl hoots at night, it can have several different meanings depending on the context. Barred Owls are nocturnal birds, so hearing their calls at night is not unusual. However, the specific vocalizations and behaviors can give insight into what the owl is doing or communicating. Territorial Calls One of the most common reasons Barred Owls hoot at night is to establish their territory or attract a mate. Barred Owls are highly territorial and use their distinctive hoots to warn other owls away. A solo Barred Owl will make the classic “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for…
Installing a bird bath in your yard is a great way to provide birds with a source of drinking and bathing water. But where is the best location to place a bird bath to attract the most birds? Here are some tips on choosing the optimal bird bath placement in your yard. Bird Bath Location Tips When deciding where to put a bird bath, keep these key tips in mind: Place it near trees, shrubs, or other foliage to give birds shelter and places to perch as they wait to bathe. Position it in a somewhat open area so birds…
Turkeys are large birds that are native to North America and are a popular centerpiece for holiday meals and celebrations. While most people are familiar with eating turkey, there are many unique and fascinating facts about turkeys that make them a truly remarkable bird. In this article, we’ll explore what makes turkeys so special from their unique anatomy and behavior to their cultural significance and more. Whether you’re curious to learn more about that big bird on your table or just want to impress your family at the next holiday gathering, read on to find out what’s so special about…
This is certainly an unusual question! The idea of a bird large and strong enough to carry a goat in flight seems fantastical. However, by analyzing the clues in the question, we can make some deductions about what bird could potentially perform such a feat. Looking at Birds of Prey Capable of Lifting Large Prey First, we know this must be a bird of prey, as these are the only birds that actively hunt and kill other animals for food. Second, it must be an exceptionally large and powerful bird to lift a creature as heavy as a goat. Goats…