Downy woodpeckers are small birds that are common across much of North America. They get their name from the soft white feathers covering their backs. While they may look cute and harmless, downy woodpeckers do in fact make noise as part of their normal behavior. Downy woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) are the smallest woodpeckers in North America. They are only about 6-7 inches in length. Their backs are covered in soft white feathers, giving them a “downy” appearance. The wings are checkered black and white. Males have a red spot on the back of their heads. Downy woodpeckers are found in…
Author: Peter Knight
Mr Bowerbird is a men’s fashion brand that offers premium jeans, shirts, jackets, and other apparel. The company was founded in 2010 in Los Angeles, California by entrepreneur Arthur Bower and designer Jessica Bird. Since its launch, Mr Bowerbird has developed a reputation for producing high-quality clothing with unique, fashion-forward designs. But is Mr Bowerbird truly a premium brand, and what exactly does this mean? What is a premium brand? A premium brand is one that consumers associate with superior quality, prestige, and exclusivity. These brands target affluent customers and price their products higher than standard brands. Features of premium…
Scarlet tanagers are strikingly beautiful songbirds that stand out with their bright red bodies and black wings. They are a welcome sight for birdwatchers and backyard enthusiasts who want to attract more varieties of birds. However, tanagers can be elusive, as they tend to stay concealed high up in tree canopies much of the time. With the right techniques though, you can successfully attract these stunning birds to your yard. What do scarlet tanagers eat? Tanagers mainly eat insects and fruit. Their diet consists largely of bees, wasps, beetles, moths, butterflies, and dragonflies. Berries and fruit make up the bulk…
Nebraska is home to a variety of finch species. The most common finches found in the state include the House Finch, American Goldfinch, Purple Finch, Cassin’s Finch, Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak, and Eurasian Tree Sparrow. Finches are small passerine birds in the family Fringillidae. There are around 265 species of finch worldwide, with at least 7 species found regularly in Nebraska. Finches are social, gregarious birds that often move and feed in flocks. They have strong, conical beaks adapted for cracking seeds and nuts. While finches are found across Nebraska, they are most abundant in forested areas, woodlands, suburban backyards,…
Bird houses have become increasingly popular over the years as more people look to attract birds to their yards and gardens. A well-designed and properly placed birdhouse provides birds with a safe place to nest and raise their young. With growing interest in birdwatching and creating backyard wildlife habitats, many homeowners wonder if bird houses can also provide a supplemental income stream through sales. The bird house market offers opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, but producing and selling these products profitably depends heavily on various factors. Do Bird Houses Sell Well Overall? In general, quality bird houses do sell relatively well…
The Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is the smallest owl in North America, measuring only about 5-6 inches tall and weighing 1.5-2 ounces as adults. They are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite their tiny size, Elf Owls can live upwards of 6-8 years in the wild. Their lifespan is relatively long compared to other small owl species. In this article, we will explore the typical lifespan and longevity of the Elf Owl in more detail. Typical Lifespan in the Wild The typical lifespan of an Elf Owl in the wild is approximately 6-8 years. However, there are…
The whooping crane is one of the most endangered species in North America. As of 2023, there are only about 500 whooping cranes left in the wild. Their population has been slowly recovering thanks to extensive conservation efforts, but they still face many threats. This article will explore the current status of whooping cranes and where they can be found today. What is a whooping crane? The whooping crane (Grus americana) is the tallest bird in North America, standing at over 5 feet tall. They have snowy white plumage except for black wingtips, a red crown, and a long dark…
The solitary sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) is a small shorebird that breeds in North America and migrates long distances to wintering grounds in South America. Solitary sandpipers exhibit interesting behaviors related to breeding, feeding, migration, and defense. Their solitary nature gives them their name, as they are usually found alone rather than in flocks or groups. In this article, we will explore some of the key behaviors and traits of the solitary sandpiper. General Overview The solitary sandpiper is a medium-sized sandpiper species, measuring around 8-9 inches in length with a wingspan of about 18 inches. They have brown upperparts, white…
Martins are a type of swallow that often nest in man-made martin houses. Attracting these beneficial insect-eating birds to your yard can be rewarding but requires some knowledge about martin behavior and preferences. This article will provide tips on where to place martin houses, what kind of houses martins prefer, and how to manage the houses from season to season. Where should you place a martin house? Choosing the right location is key to attracting martins to nest in your martin house. Here are some things to consider about placement: Mount the house 15-20 feet high – This allows easy…
The Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) is a small, streaky brown finch found throughout North America. Like many songbirds, the Pine Siskin uses its song to communicate with other birds and attract mates. The Pine Siskin’s song is a distinctive rising and buzzy trill that birdwatchers often liken to the sound of a sewing machine. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of the Pine Siskin’s song, when and why they sing, regional variations, and how to identify the Pine Siskin by song alone. What Does the Pine Siskin’s Song Sound Like? The Pine Siskin’s song is a fast-paced, raspy…