The canyon towhee (Melozone fusca) is a medium-sized sparrow found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. This towhee gets its name from its preference for rocky canyons, where it builds its nest and forages for food. Canyon towhees are non-migratory, meaning they stay in the same general area year-round. They can be identified by their gray bodies, rusty colored crowns and tails, and white spotting on their wings. Read on to learn more about where canyon towhees typically build their nests. Nesting Habitat Canyon towhees nest in a variety of habitats across their range, but…
Author: Peter Knight
Blue jays are a common backyard bird found throughout much of North America. They are known for their bright blue plumage and loud, raspy calls. Blue jays exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females have slightly different physical characteristics. One of the most notable differences is that female blue jays tend to be darker in color than males. This has led to the question of whether female blue jays are in fact darker than their male counterparts. In this article, we will examine the evidence regarding plumage differences between male and female blue jays. We will look at feather…
The Ford Thunderbird, colloquially called the T-Bird, was a personal luxury car produced by Ford from 1955 to 1997 over eleven distinct generations. The original Thunderbird was a two-seat convertible sports car produced from 1955 to 1957. Later generations expanded to four seats and gained a fixed roof coupe body style alongside the original convertible. The final generation of the Thunderbird was produced from 1989 to 1997. When was the last Ford Thunderbird model produced? The eleventh and final generation of the Ford Thunderbird was produced from 1989 to 1997. This generation brought back the two-seat configuration for the Thunderbird,…
Gannets are large seabirds that are known for their spectacular dives into the ocean to catch fish. Their streamlined bodies and powerful wings make them excellent fliers and divers, but can they actually swim as well? In this article, we’ll take a close look at gannet anatomy and behavior to determine if these birds are able to propel themselves underwater. Gannet Anatomy Gannets have several adaptations that enable diving and underwater hunting, but also present some challenges for swimming. Here are some key features of gannet anatomy: Streamlined body shape reduces drag while diving. Long, narrow wings provide thrust for…
The razorbill (Alca torda) is a species of seabird that belongs to the auk family. It is a medium-sized black and white bird with a large, heavy head and bill. Razorbills are found across the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, breeding in colonies on rocky cliffs and islands. Here is a quick overview of the razorbill’s distinctive appearance: Size and Shape Razorbills are stocky, short-necked seabirds growing to about 38–43 cm (15–17 in) in length with a wingspan of 60–73 cm (24–29 in). Their body shape is adapted for diving and swimming underwater. Razorbills have a rounded head, short tail,…
Barred owls are medium-sized owls native to North America. They get their name from the distinctive bars or stripes across their chest feathers. Barred owls have broad, rounded wings and large, dark eyes. They are nocturnal hunters known for their distinctive “who cooks for you” call. But how much can these mysterious forest owls actually lift with their strong talons? How heavy are barred owls on average? The average weight of a barred owl is between 489-1,200 grams (1.1-2.6 lbs) for males and 605-1,450 grams (1.3-3.2 lbs) for females. Females tend to be larger and heavier than males on average.…
The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) is a species of seabird in the auk family. It is also known as the common puffin or simply puffin. The Atlantic puffin is the only puffin species found in the Atlantic Ocean. It breeds in coastal cliffs and islands in the colder northern areas of the Atlantic, like Iceland, Norway, Greenland, Newfoundland and parts of Maine. The Atlantic puffin is a distinctive bird with black upper parts, white underparts, and a large triangular bill that is bright orange with a pale blue base and yellowish stripes. It spends most of its life at sea,…
There are a number of different black birds that have yellow beaks. To identify the specific bird being referred to, we need some additional context clues about the bird’s size, shape, habitat, and other distinctive features. Some possibilities for a black bird with a yellow beak include: Common Grackle The Common Grackle is a large black bird with a long tail that is found throughout much of North America. The male has a shiny black plumage with purple-blue iridescence on the head and neck. Females are slightly smaller and duller in color. Both males and females have a long, dark…
Hummingbirds are neither bees nor true birds, but they have characteristics of both. Hummingbirds are in the avian family Trochilidae, making them a unique type of bird. However, they share some traits with bees, like their ability to hover and their dependence on flower nectar. So while hummingbirds may seem like a mix between a bird and an insect, they are technically birds. The confusion comes from their diminutive size, speedy flight patterns, and reliance on flowers to survive. Let’s dive into the details of what exactly makes a hummingbird a bird and not a bee. Appearance Hummingbirds look like…
Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are large, lanky vultures found throughout much of North and South America. Despite their name, turkey vultures are not closely related to turkeys, nor do they prey on them specifically. So why are turkey vultures called “turkey” vultures? There are a few theories behind the origin of their common name. Theories on the “Turkey” Name Their Bald, Red Heads Resemble the Head of a Male Turkey One of the most popular theories is that early European colonists thought the bald, red head and neck of the turkey vulture looked similar to the head and neck of…