Birds have excellent vision that allows them to find food, avoid predators, and navigate through their environment. One unique aspect of avian vision is that many species, including owls, songbirds, and raptors, can move their eyes independently. This means each eye can look in a different direction at the same time. So do both bird eyes move independently? The short answer is yes, for many bird species their eyes can swivel and rotate freely to allow for a wide field of binocular vision. Anatomy of bird eyes To understand how bird eyes move independently, it helps to first look at…
Author: Peter Knight
Deciding whether to live in London or Ireland is an important decision that requires comparing the two locations across a variety of factors. Both London and Ireland have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to aspects like cost of living, job opportunities, culture and lifestyle. This article will analyze key considerations around housing, employment, travel, entertainment, culture and more to help determine which location may be a better fit for different lifestyles and preferences. Housing Costs One of the biggest factors when deciding where to live is the cost of housing. London is one of the most expensive cities…
Snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) are large, white owls that live in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. They are known for their stunning white plumage and yellow eyes. Snowy owls have captured the fascination of people for centuries, but one question that often arises is – are snowy owls friendly? Quick Facts about Snowy Owls Here are some quick facts about snowy owls: Snowy owls are medium to large sized owls, with females reaching lengths of 23 inches and wingspans up to 5 feet. They have bright yellow eyes, round heads without ear tufts, and sharply hooked black…
Molting is a natural process that parakeets go through where they shed old feathers and grow new ones. This usually happens once or twice a year. There are some signs you can look for to tell if your parakeet is molting. Increased preening One of the first signs you may notice when your parakeet starts molting is that it spends more time preening itself. Your parakeet will use its beak to pick at and pull out old feathers to make way for new feathers coming in. You may see your parakeet preening multiple times a day during molting season. Feathers…
Bird watching, also known as birding, is a popular hobby around the world. India, with its incredible diversity of bird species, is a paradise for bird watchers. There are many excellent bird watchers across the country, but a few names stand out as being among the very best. What makes a great bird watcher? A great bird watcher needs a combination of skills and traits. Some of the key requirements are: Extensive knowledge of birds – their identification, calls, behavior, migration patterns, habitats etc. Patience to spend long hours in the field observing and identifying birds. Sharp eyesight and hearing…
The toucan is a brightly colored bird that is well known for its large, colorful bill. Toucans are found in the tropics of Central and South America. But are they found in Mexico? Let’s take a closer look at the natural history and distribution of toucans to find out. What are toucans? Toucans are members of the family Ramphastidae. There are over 40 different species of toucans, characterized by their large, colorful bills. The bill is the largest bill relative to body size of any bird. Toucans use their bills to reach fruit on branches that are too small to…
The purple martin is a migratory bird species that spends its summers breeding in North America and winters in South America. Purple martins are the largest species of swallow in North America and known for their speed, agility, and aerial maneuvers. They have glossy-blue or purple-black plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. Here we will explore the purple martin’s habitat range, nesting locations, migration patterns, and conservation status. Purple Martin Habitat Range Purple martins breed in two primary regions of North America – east of the Rocky Mountains and along the Pacific Coast. The specific states and provinces where they…
Birds jumping on each other’s backs is a fascinating behavior that serves several important purposes. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why birds do this and what benefits they get out of it. Mating Rituals One of the most common reasons for birds jumping on each other’s backs is as part of mating rituals. Male birds will often hop on a female’s back and hold on with their feet while flapping their wings to maintain balance. This behavior demonstrates the male’s physical fitness and coordination skills to the female. Jumping on a potential mate’s back allows the male to…
Many people believe that seeing a cardinal has spiritual or symbolic significance. Cardinals are bright red songbirds with a distinctive crest on their head. They stand out against winter landscapes, which is why spotting one is thought to be lucky or a good omen. But is there any truth to the cardinal superstitions? Keep reading to learn more about cardinal folklore, symbolism, and whether they really are good omens. What does it mean when you see a cardinal? Here are some of the common superstitions and meaning associated with seeing cardinals: A visiting loved one One of the most widespread…
Thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, refers to a fungal infection in the mouth caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. The most common type of thrush is pseudomembranous thrush, which is characterized by white patches and plaques on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or throat. Thrush is quite common, especially in newborns, infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Understanding the causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for the most common thrush can help identify and properly manage this condition. What Causes the Most Common Thrush? Pseudomembranous thrush is most often caused by an…