The winter wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) is a small North American songbird that produces a surprisingly loud and complex song for its tiny size. Measuring only 4-5 inches in length, the winter wren has earned a reputation for having one of the loudest songs per unit volume of any bird. The male’s song is a cascade of trills, warbles, and gurgling sounds that carry well through its forest habitat. This article will explore the characteristics of the winter wren’s song, when and why it sings, and how to identify it by ear. What does the winter wren’s song sound like? The…
Author: Peter Knight
Both falcon fruit and light fruit have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to nutrition, taste, availability, and uses. By exploring the key features of each fruit, we can better understand which may be ‘better’ overall based on different criteria. Nutritional Value When comparing the nutritional profiles of falcon fruit and light fruit, there are some clear differences: Nutrient Falcon Fruit Light Fruit Calories 70 per 100g 60 per 100g Protein 1.5g per 100g 1.2g per 100g Fat 0.3g per 100g 0.1g per 100g Carbohydrates 17g per 100g 15g per 100g Sugar 12g per 100g 9g per 100g Fiber…
When out at sea, whether sailing or on a cruise, one of the most exciting parts of the journey is spotting marine wildlife. Birds that spend most or all of their lives out at sea are called seabirds. There are many different species of seabirds that can be seen across the world’s oceans. Some of the most commonly sighted seabirds include gulls, terns, petrels, albatrosses, and pelicans. In this article, we will discuss what seabirds you are most likely to spot on a trip out to sea and how to identify them. Reasons seabirds are often seen at sea There…
The Veer Towers are located in the CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip. They are a condo-hotel development featuring two 37-story towers – the West Tower and East Tower – designed by architect Helmut Jahn. The towers are an iconic part of the Las Vegas skyline, known for their striking curved glass design leaning at a 5 degree angle. Quick Answers The cost of a condo at the Veer Towers varies considerably based on the size, floor level, view, and amenities. Here are some quick answers on Veer Towers condo prices: Studio units start around $300,000 One bedroom units…
The crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a large, impressive bird of prey found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and most of South America. As a long-lived bird of prey, the crested caracara has a lifespan that can reach up to 20 years in the wild. Its lifestyle as both a predator and scavenger allows this adaptable bird to thrive across a wide geographic range. Understanding the typical lifespan of the crested caracara provides insight into the biology and ecology of this fascinating raptor. Typical Lifespan in the Wild The crested caracara inhabits an extensive range stretching from…
Screech owls are known for their eerie, shrill calls in the night. Unlike the deep hoots of many other owl species, the vocalizations of screech owls are comprised of rhythmic, quavering trills. These trills serve several important purposes for these small raptors. Screech owls produce trills for communicating with other screech owls. The trills help screech owls find mates, defend territories, warn of threats, and maintain contact with their mate or offspring. Additionally, the acoustic structure of screech owl trills is specially adapted for being localized by other screech owls. Screech Owl Species There are three species of screech owl…
The barred owl has a very distinct call that has been described in many different ways by people who have heard it. Here is a quick overview of what the barred owl’s call sounds like: Barred Owl Call Description The most common sound made by the barred owl is sometimes described as sounding like “who cooks for you, who cooks for you aaaaaalllll”. It is a series of 8-9 hoots that get progressively louder and lower in pitch towards the end. The first part of the call sounds like “who cooks for you” and the second part drags out into…
The canvasback (Aythya valisineria) is a species of diving duck found in North America. The males (drakes) and females (hens) have distinct plumage differences that can be used to tell them apart. Canvasbacks are large diving ducks with long, sloping bills and elongated necks and bodies. They are found primarily in the Prairie Pothole region of North America. Canvasbacks feed by diving and consume aquatic vegetation, seeds, mollusks, and crustaceans. They nest in emergent aquatic vegetation. Identification There are several key differences between drake and hen canvasbacks: Plumage Drake canvasbacks have a distinctive brownish-red head and neck. Their back is…
The Dickcissel (Spiza americana) is a sparrow-sized songbird found primarily in the grasslands and agricultural fields of central North America. It is a medium-sized bird with a grey face, yellow breast, and distinctive black “bib” on its throat. The Dickcissel breeding range spans across the Great Plains and Midwest, from Texas up through the Dakotas, with highest densities in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and eastern Colorado. During winter, most Dickcissels migrate south to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Determining the full range of this migratory songbird provides important information about its habitat needs and conservation status. What is the…
Broad-winged Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks are two similar-looking species of Buteo hawks found in North America. Both species have reddish-brown immature plumages that can make differentiating between the two difficult for birders. However, there are some key physical differences between immature Broad-winged Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks that can help with identification. In this article, we will compare the field marks, size, shape, flight style, habitat, range, diet, and vocalizations of immature Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks. Becoming familiar with the subtle differences between these two raptors takes practice, but being able to distinguish immatures of these species is an important ID…