The American black duck (Anas rubripes) is a large dabbling duck found in eastern North America. The male has a dark body and light grey face, while the female is brown. The American black duck produces a variety of vocalizations, the most recognizable being the loud “quack” of the female and the raspy “raeb” of the male. Understanding the different duck calls and what they mean can help birders identify this common duck in wetlands across eastern North America. Female “Quack” Call The female American black duck has a loud, nasal “quack” call that is often repeated multiple times in…
Author: Peter Knight
Parrots are an extremely diverse and fascinating group of birds that have captivated humans for centuries. There are over 350 different parrot species that inhabit tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Parrots belong to the biological order Psittaciformes and are characterized by their curved beaks, zygodactyl feet, and prominent, hooked upper and lower mandibles. Most parrots have brightly colored plumage and the ability to mimic human speech and other sounds. What makes parrots so special? There are several key traits and abilities that make parrots stand out from other bird species: High intelligence – Parrots have relatively large brains…
The common redpoll (Acanthis flammea) is a small songbird in the finch family. It is known for its distinctive trilling flight call. This call is often given by redpolls when they are in flight, such as when they are migrating in flocks or displaying during courtship. What does a common redpoll flight call sound like? The common redpoll’s flight call is a high-pitched, raspy trill that sounds like “chili-chili-chili”. It consists of a long series of very rapid high and low-pitched notes that create a buzzing, electric, or vibrating quality. The trill is mechanical and consistent, lasting about 2-3 seconds.…
The red knot is a medium-sized shorebird that makes one of the longest yearly migrations of any bird species. Every year, red knots undertake an arduous journey from their breeding grounds in the Canadian Arctic to wintering grounds as far south as Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. This annual trip can cover over 18,000 miles (29,000 km) roundtrip! What are red knots? Red knots (Calidris canutus) are robin-sized shorebirds that breed in the Arctic during the summer months. Their breeding plumage features distinctive reddish feathers on their head, breast, and belly. The rest of their…
Bird leg bands, also known as bird rings, are small bands that are attached around a bird’s leg to identify individual birds. Leg bands allow researchers and conservationists to track migration patterns, life spans, population numbers, and behavior of birds. There are a few main types of leg bands used for birds: aluminum, steel, colored plastic, and PVC. The type of band used depends on the species of bird and the specific purpose of the banding. Why are birds banded? Bird banding serves several important purposes: Tracking migration routes and patterns. By recording where and when a banded bird is…
Quick Summary Nightbird was the stage name used by Jane Marczewski when she auditioned for season 16 of America’s Got Talent in 2021. Marczewski wowed the judges with her incredible singing voice and poignant backstory as a cancer survivor, quickly becoming a fan favorite contestant that season. Though she did not win the competition, her appearances on AGT brought widespread attention to her musical talents. Introducing Nightbird In June 2021, a singer named Nightbird appeared on the audition stage of NBC’s popular talent competition series America’s Got Talent. She delivered a stunning performance of her original song “It’s Okay” that…
The Merlin sleep suit is a popular sleep aid that helps babies sleep better by providing a snug, weighted feel. While it can be very effective, there are some situations where a Merlin suit may not be appropriate. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss when and why you may want to avoid using a Merlin sleep suit with your baby. If your baby can roll over One of the most important times to stop using a Merlin sleep suit is as soon as your baby shows signs of being able to roll over. The Merlin suit is designed to keep…
Quick Answer House finch chicks typically stay in the nest for 12-18 days after hatching before fledging and leaving the nest. The exact length of time can vary based on factors like food availability, weather conditions, nest location and predation risk. How Long Do House Finch Eggs Take to Hatch? House finches lay clutches of 3-6 eggs which take 11-14 days to hatch. The eggs hatch over a period of several days, not all at once. Once the first egg hatches, both parents share brooding and feeding duties for the hatchlings. The incubation period from the laying of the first…
Maya Angelou’s autobiographical novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings explores many important themes related to her childhood and coming of age as an African American girl in the American South during the 1930s and 1940s. Some of the central messages conveyed through her poetic and poignant writing style include: The power of words A predominant theme in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the remarkable power that words can have, both in oppressing and uplifting individuals. As a child, Angelou experiences firsthand how words like racial slurs can be used to demean and control. For instance,…
The magnificent frigatebird and great frigatebird are two similar yet distinct species of seabirds in the Frigatebird family. They are large, black birds with long, pointed wings and deeply forked tails. Frigatebirds are found across tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. Both magnificent and great frigatebirds exhibit remarkable aerial abilities and spend most of their lives soaring high above the ocean. However, there are some key differences between these two frigatebird species when it comes to their size, distribution, breeding behaviors, and conservation status. This article will explore the similarities and differences between magnificent and great frigatebirds in depth.…