Birds are able to fly without flapping their wings by utilizing various aerodynamic principles. The main way they achieve sustained flight without flapping is through a process called soaring. There are different types of soaring flight including thermal soaring, ridge soaring, convergent soaring, and dynamic soaring. What is Soaring? Soaring is a specialized form of flight where birds utilize vertical air currents to gain altitude and remain airborne without needing to flap their wings. By taking advantage of rising warm air thermals, wind deflection off ridges, wind convergence zones, and differences in wind speed and pressure, birds can gain height…
Author: Peter Knight
Whooping cranes are one of the rarest and most endangered species of birds in North America. Once widespread across North America, whooping cranes were driven to the brink of extinction by habitat loss and overhunting. By 1941, only 21 whooping cranes remained in the wild. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, there are now over 500 whooping cranes, though they still face threats from habitat loss and climate change. Fact 1: Whooping Cranes are the Tallest Birds in North America One of the most distinguishing facts about whooping cranes is their immense size. Standing at nearly 5 feet tall, whooping cranes…
Bird pecking on trees can be a frustrating problem for homeowners and gardeners. Birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and sapsuckers peck trees for food and to create nesting or roosting holes. While this is natural behavior for birds, it can damage or even kill trees over time. There are several effective solutions to deter birds from pecking that are harmless to both birds and trees. Why Do Birds Peck on Trees? Birds peck on trees for a few reasons: Food – Birds drill holes in tree bark to get to insect larvae and sap underneath. Nesting – Cavities created by pecking…
Most birds have relatively short lifespans compared to humans. However, some species can live exceptionally long lives in captivity. The longest-lived bird ever recorded was a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Cocky Bennett who reached the age of 92 years old. In the wild, large bird species tend to have the longest lifespans, with albatrosses, parrots, and raptors often living into their 60s and 70s. Here are some of the birds that can live to 90 years or more: Macaws Macaws are long-lived members of the parrot family that are native to Central and South America. In captivity, macaws have been known…
Quick Answer Kiwi birds are found exclusively in New Zealand. They are a national symbol of the country and an important part of New Zealand’s natural heritage. Kiwi are forest birds, so the best places to find them are in native bush reserves, national parks, and protected offshore island sanctuaries across New Zealand. Some key places to spot kiwi in the wild include: North Island: Tongariro National Park, Trounson Kauri Park, Little Barrier Island South Island: Fiordland National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Stewart Island Captive breeding centers like Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua. Where is the Kiwi Native To?…
Least Terns are small, graceful shorebirds with distinctive black caps and white foreheads. They have gray backs, white undersides, yellow legs and bill, and a forked tail. Least Terns are the smallest members of the tern family found in North America. Size and Physical Description Least Terns are petite birds, measuring around 9 inches in length with a wingspan of 20 inches. They typically weigh between 1.5 to 2 ounces. Their slender bodies, narrow pointed wings, and forked tails give them a swift, buoyant flight style. Here is a table comparing the size dimensions of Least Terns to other common…
Wild turkeys are large, heavy birds that do not seem well-suited for flight. However, they are capable of brief flights to escape predators or reach roosting areas. Wild turkeys cannot sustain long flights like birds that migrate annually. Their wings are designed for short bursts of speed and maneuverability rather than soaring. In this article, we will examine the flight capabilities of wild turkeys in detail. We will look at how their bodies and wings are adapted for flying short distances, how far and fast they can fly, how they take off and land, and how their flight ability compares…
Making homemade nectar for hummingbirds is a great way to attract these beautiful birds to your yard. Many people use plain white sugar or cane sugar to make hummingbird food, but some prefer using brown sugar instead. So is it OK to make hummingbird nectar with brown sugar? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons. The main questions around using brown sugar are: Is brown sugar bad for hummingbirds? Does brown sugar have any benefits for hummingbirds? How does brown sugar nectar compare to white sugar nectar for hummingbirds? The short answers are: No, brown sugar does not…
Quick Answer Rock ptarmigan do eat grass and other vegetation in addition to their primary diet of willow buds and leaves, flowers, berries, insects, and seeds. As an omnivorous bird, the rock ptarmigan supplements its diet with grasses and sedges when its preferred food sources are scarce. Do Rock Ptarmigan Eat Grass? Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) are a species of grouse found in arctic and alpine tundra regions of North America and Eurasia. They are a medium-sized bird with feathered feet for walking on snow and camouflaged plumage that changes from brown in summer to white in winter. As omnivores,…
Eastern bluebirds are widespread songbirds native to North America. They are commonly found in open habitats like fields, meadows, pastures, parks, and gardens. Bluebirds are cavity nesters and rely on holes in trees or nest boxes to raise their young. They are popular birds at backyard feeders due to their bright blue plumage and melodious song. But do Eastern bluebirds actually visit bird feeders? Do Eastern Bluebirds Eat Birdseed? Eastern bluebirds are omnivores and get most of their nutrition from insects and spiders. However, they do supplement their diet with seeds and berries. Bluebirds will sometimes visit platform feeders with…