The Canada jay, also known as the gray jay, whisky jack, or gorbe-à-dos-gris, has long been a bird surrounded by controversy when it comes to its name. This medium-sized songbird with fluffy plumage is found across Canada and the northern United States. But whether to call it the Canada jay or gray jay has been debated for decades. In this article, we’ll look at the history behind each name, arguments from bird experts for and against each one, official name changes, and what name is commonly used today. By the end, you should have a good understanding of this naming…
Author: Peter Knight
Shelducks are a group of large ducks belonging to the genus Tadorna. There are around 10 species found across Eurasia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In South Africa, there are two species of shelduck that reside or migrate through the country: the South African Shelduck (Tadorna cana) and the Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea). Shelducks are known for their large size compared to many other duck species. Their exact dimensions can vary based on sex, age and geographic location. In this article, we will look at the typical body measurements of South African Shelducks and Ruddy Shelducks found in South Africa.…
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect birds and some mammals. There are many different strains of bird flu viruses that vary in how severe they are and how easily they can spread between birds and other animals. The most well-known bird flu strain, H5N1, is highly pathogenic and has caused major outbreaks in domestic poultry and wild birds around the world. What is bird flu? Bird flu is caused by influenza type A viruses that infect birds. There are many different subtypes of the virus, classified based on two proteins on the…
Tennessee offers excellent bird hunting opportunities for a variety of species. Some of the most popular game birds pursued by hunters in Tennessee include mourning doves, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, and waterfowl. Tennessee has a long tradition of bird hunting that draws hunters from within the state and beyond. With ample public and private land open to hunting, liberal season lengths, and healthy game bird populations, Tennessee provides bird hunters with diverse hunting experiences across a range of landscapes and habitats. Mourning Dove Hunting in Tennessee Mourning doves are one of the most popular game birds targeted by hunters in…
Snowy owls are large, white owls that live in the Arctic tundra. They are a popular and iconic bird that many people hope to see when visiting northern regions. But with their camouflage white feathers and remote habitat, snowy owls can often be difficult to locate. Here we’ll look at some of the factors that determine how hard or easy it is to find snowy owls. Where do snowy owls live? Snowy owls live in the tundra regions of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Siberia. The tundra habitat consists of flat, treeless plains that have very little vegetation. It’s not…
Purple Martins are a species of swallow found across North America. They are large, dark purple-black birds known for their speed and agility in flight. Purple Martins are highly social birds that nest in colonies, often utilizing man-made nest boxes or housing. One of the most distinctive features of Purple Martins is the beautiful blue-green eggs they lay. But why are Purple Martin eggs this unique color? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Purple Martin egg coloration, some theories on why their eggs are blue-green, and how this egg color may benefit the species. Typical Purple Martin…
Oregon is home to a diverse array of bird species that nest in a variety of locations, including chimneys. Chimneys provide sheltered, dry locations for birds to build their nests and raise their young. The most common species that nest in Oregon chimneys include Chimney Swifts, European Starlings, and House Sparrows. Chimney Swifts The Chimney Swift is a small, cigar-shaped bird that is well adapted to utilizing chimneys for nesting and roosting. Chimney Swifts are aerial insectivores, meaning they catch and eat insects while in flight. They construct bracket-shaped nests on the inside walls of chimneys using twigs gathered in…
Blue bird feathers are prized possessions for crafters, artists, and collectors alike. Their bright blue hue is unmistakable and sought after. But with blue birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, collecting their feathers in the wild is illegal without proper permits. The good news is that you can farm raise blue birds and collect their naturally molted feathers. This allows you to obtain these beautiful feathers ethically and legally. Selecting Blue Bird Species There are three main species of blue birds found in North America that can be farmed for their feathers: Eastern Bluebird The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia…
The Falcon air rifle is manufactured by Gamo Outdoor USA. Gamo is a Spanish company that was founded in the 1960s and is one of the largest airgun manufacturers in the world. They are known for producing high-quality and innovative air rifles that are popular for recreational shooting, pest control, and small game hunting. History of the Falcon Air Rifle The Falcon air rifle was first introduced by Gamo in the 1990s. It quickly became one of their most popular air rifle models and has been produced continuously since then with updated models and variations. The earlier Falcon models were…
Harlequin ducks are beautiful sea ducks that inhabit rocky coastlines in the northern hemisphere. They are known for their striking plumage pattern of blue, white, chestnut and black. Harlequins belong to the genus Histrionicus and are a vulnerable species with declining populations. Their lifespan in the wild is not well documented, but estimates generally range between 5-15 years. Captive Harlequins have lived up to 20 years, but their longevity in a natural setting is likely much lower due to predation, disease and other hazards. In this article, we will take a closer look at the typical lifespan of Harlequin ducks…