Butterfly wings and bird wings serve the same purpose of enabling flight, but have some key differences in their anatomy and development. Determining whether they are homologous (derived from a common ancestral structure) or analogous (independently evolved structures with similar form and function) requires an examination of evidence from embryology, anatomy, and genetics. Homology refers to structures in different species that are derived from the same feature present in their last common ancestor. These structures may not appear similar or serve the same function, but their shared evolutionary history can be determined through anatomical comparisons and embryological studies. Analogous structures…
Author: Peter Knight
The Western tanager is a medium-sized songbird found in western North America. With its bright yellow body and red head, wings, and tail, the male Western tanager is an eye-catching bird. However, identifying the Western tanager is not always straightforward, especially because females and immature birds have a greener coloration overall. This article will discuss the physical features, song, habitat, range, diet, and behavior that can help you confidently identify a Western tanager. Physical Features The male Western tanager has a bright yellow body and black wings and tail. The wings have two distinct white wing bars. The head, throat…
There are a few birds that have the remarkable ability to walk or run across the surface of water without sinking. This feat requires highly specialized adaptations that allow them to distribute their weight and avoid breaking the water’s surface tension. The Basics of Walking on Water Normally, the weight of an object is too much for the surface tension of water to support, so the object sinks. For an animal to walk on water without sinking, its legs and feet need special properties to allow it to distribute its weight over a large surface area and avoid puncturing the…
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large, white wading bird found across temperate and tropical habitats in North America. As an elegant, slow-moving hunter, the Great Egret falls prey to a number of different predators that share its wetland habitats. Birds of Prey One of the main predator groups of the Great Egret are birds of prey. Species such as the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) all hunt the Great Egret. Their powerful talons allow them to seize and kill the large waterbird. Bald Eagles are opportunistic…
Birds live in a variety of habitats across the world. Their preferred habitat depends on factors like the species of bird, climate, vegetation, food sources, and nesting needs. When looking at habitat preferences across all bird species, several key trends emerge. Forest Habitats Many bird species prefer forest habitats. Forests provide important resources for birds including food, shelter, nesting sites, and protection from predators. According to the Audubon Society, over 300 bird species in North America rely on forest habitats for breeding alone. Forest dwelling bird species span a range of types including songbirds, woodpeckers, owls, vultures, and birds of…
Birding and bird-watching are two popular hobbies that involve observing birds in their natural habitats. At a glance, they may seem like the same activity. However, there are some key differences between birding and bird-watching. Birding Birding refers to the hobby of identifying and observing wild birds. Birders often keep detailed records of the species they encounter, including location, date, and time. Serious birders actively pursue new sightings and try to expand their “life lists” of unique birds spotted. Here are some quick characteristics of birding: Goal is to identify and record as many species as possible Often involves travel…
Mourning doves are a common bird species found throughout North America. They are known for their soft, mournful cooing calls, which are most frequently heard in spring and summer during the breeding season. Mourning doves build flimsy nests out of twigs, grass, and sometimes pine needles. The female lays two white eggs in the nest and incubates them for about two weeks before they hatch. Both parents take turns sitting on the eggs. Sometimes, mourning dove eggs are abandoned by the parents before they hatch. There are a few reasons why this might occur: Predation One of the most common…
Kiwis are flightless birds found in New Zealand. They are small, brown, and furry with a long beak. Kiwis are unusual birds in many ways, including their ability to see. Kiwi Eyesight Basics Kiwis do have eyes and the ability to see, but their eyesight is not as good as some other birds. Here are some key facts about kiwi eyesight: Kiwis have small eyes compared to the size of their body. Their eyes are only about 1 cm wide. Their eyes are positioned towards the sides of their head, which gives them good peripheral vision but poorer binocular vision.…
Bird-like dinosaur fossils are the remains of ancient creatures that had traits similar to modern birds. These dinosaurs walked on two legs, were covered in feathers, and likely had wings. The most famous example is Archaeopteryx, discovered in Germany in 1861. Archaeopteryx lived about 150 million years ago during the Jurassic Period and had feathers and wings, but also teeth and a long bony tail, unlike any modern bird. When and where have bird-like dinosaur fossils been found? In addition to Archaeopteryx, hundreds of other bird-like dinosaur fossils have been discovered all over the world. Important specimens have been found…
The first day of spring, also known as the spring equinox or vernal equinox, is an important day to discuss with first grade students. It marks the beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere and provides a perfect opportunity to teach students about seasons, weather, plants, animals, and other spring-related topics. When is the First Day of Spring? The spring equinox usually falls on March 20th or 21st in the Gregorian calendar. However, the exact date shifts slightly each year due to the differences between the calendar year and astronomical year. In 2023, the spring equinox will occur…