Sparrows are a familiar sight across much of North America, hopping around backyards, parks, and gardens. But when fall arrives, some of these birds disappear from their summer homes. So do sparrows migrate in the fall? Do all sparrows migrate? Not all sparrow species migrate. Of the dozens of sparrow species found worldwide, some are year-round residents in their breeding ranges, while others migrate variable distances to their wintering grounds. In North America, there are two main groups of migratory sparrows: White-throated Sparrows migrate from Canada down through the eastern and central United States to wintering grounds in the southern…
Author: Peter Knight
Birds and Windows It’s common for birds to fly into windows or peck at them. This happens for a few reasons: Birds see reflections in windows and think it’s an object or another bird. Windows can appear invisible to birds when they are clear or reflective. Birds might see food, nesting sites, or other birds inside. Up to a billion birds die in window collisions each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. So it’s understandable that you might be concerned when a bird pecks at your window. Common Reasons Birds Peck Windows While…
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in forests across North America. Like other woodpeckers, sapsuckers create a unique sound through drumming behaviors that serve multiple functions from claiming territory to attracting mates. The patterns, tempo, pitch and overall acoustics of a sapsucker’s drumming can reveal key details about the bird and its motivations. Understanding the drumming sounds of the yellow-bellied sapsucker provides insights into the hidden world of these fascinating birds. What Is a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker? The yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a medium-sized woodpecker that measures about 7-8 inches in length with a wingspan of 13-16 inches.…
Birds are amazing creatures that can perform all sorts of impressive tricks and behaviors. From parrots that can talk to hummingbirds that can hover in midair, birds have evolved many unique abilities that allow them to thrive in their environments. In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating tricks that different bird species are capable of doing. Flight One of the most incredible things about birds is their ability to fly. Flight allows birds to travel long distances, evade predators, find food, and perform elaborate mating rituals in the air. The aerodynamics of avian flight are complex,…
Woodpeckers are fascinating birds that have captured people’s imagination for ages. With their colorful plumage, energetic drumming, and unique abilities, it’s no wonder woodpeckers are associated with many symbolic meanings spiritually. In this article, we’ll explore what woodpeckers represent in various spiritual and mythological contexts. Woodpeckers as Symbols of Determination and Persistence One of the most recognizable traits of woodpeckers is their tendency to constantly peck and drill into trees in search of food and to create nesting cavities. The relentless drumming and hammering of their strong beaks against solid wood represents determination and persistence in overcoming obstacles. In many…
Seagulls are well known for their loud, shrill screams. When a flock of seagulls descends upon a beach or parking lot, their constant squawking can quickly become annoying or distracting. So what is the proper term for the noises that seagulls make? Here’s a quick overview of seagull vocalizations and the terms used to describe them. Seagull Screeching and Squawking The most common seagull noises are screeches, squawks, and calls. Screeching refers to their loud, high-pitched cries. Seagulls screech for a variety of reasons, including communicating with other birds, expressing alarm, and defending their territories. The screech of a seagull…
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a massive open world game set in the Wild West, featuring a huge variety of animals to hunt across its vast landscapes. Egrets are a type of large, white heron that can be hunted and skinned for useful items like flight feathers. But with such a huge world to explore, you may be wondering – where are the best places to find and hunt egrets in RDR2? Here are some of the top locations and tips for bagging your limit of these elegant birds. Bayou Nwa One of the very best areas for egret hunting…
When putting up a bluebird house, one of the most important considerations is which direction the entrance hole should face. The ideal direction to face a bluebird house entrance varies depending on location, but generally faces an open area away from prevailing winds and intense sun. Face the Entrance Away from Prevailing Winds Bluebirds are small birds that can be buffeted by strong winds. Facing the bluebird house entrance into the prevailing winds makes it more difficult for bluebirds to enter and leave the box. Winds can also blow rain into the box, making the interior cold and wet. To…
Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls are two very similar species of small finches found throughout the northern regions of Eurasia and North America. They belong to the genus Acanthis in the finch family Fringillidae. Telling Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls apart can be challenging for many birdwatchers because of their similar appearance and behaviors. However, there are some key differences between these two species in terms of size, plumage, song, habitat, and range that can help identify them. How to Identify Redpolls Redpolls are streaky brown finches with red on their heads. The males have bright pinkish-red crowns, breasts, and rumps while…
The yellow-billed cuckoo is a medium-sized bird found throughout much of North America. This cuckoo species gets its name from the yellow lower mandible on its bill. Yellow-billed cuckoos breed in a variety of semi-open habitats across their range, including woodlands, shrublands, and riparian areas. Their specific breeding habitat requirements and preferences can provide insight into the ecology and conservation needs of this species. Understanding where and how yellow-billed cuckoos breed can help guide management efforts for this declining bird. What vegetation types are preferred? Yellow-billed cuckoos most commonly breed in habitats with a dense woody component interspersed with open…