The lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is a species of prairie grouse found in the grasslands of the central and southern Great Plains of North America. It is a relatively small chicken-like bird, with barred plumage and feathered feet adapted for life on the open prairie. Lesser prairie-chickens play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit and have cultural significance to many Native American peoples. However, habitat loss and degradation have caused the lesser prairie-chicken population to decline sharply since the late 19th century. The species is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Quick Facts Scientific Name:Tympanuchus…
Author: Peter Knight
Ibises are wading birds found in wetlands, marshes, and muddy shorelines around the world. As omnivores, ibises have a varied diet that includes insects, crustaceans, fish, frogs, small reptiles, seeds, and plants. What do ibises eat in the wild? Ibises are opportunistic feeders that forage for food while wading through shallow water. Their long, curved bills are specialized for probing into mud or sand to catch prey. An ibis’s diet depends on its habitat and what food sources are readily available. Some of their common wild foods include: Insects – Crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, flies, dragonflies, caterpillars, and larvae Worms -…
No, a bushtit is not a titmouse. The bushtit is a small songbird in the family Aegithalidae, while titmice are songbirds in the family Paridae. Though they may look similar at first glance, bushtits and titmice belong to different taxonomic families with key differences between them. Some quick facts about bushtits and titmice: – Bushtits are tiny birds, only 4-6 inches long and weighing 4-10 grams. Titmice are larger, 5-7 inches long and weighing 11-21 grams. – Bushtits build hanging nests out of plant material. Titmice nest in tree cavities or nest boxes. – Bushtits constantly forage in large flocks,…
The Tampa Bay spoonbill rookery is located on an island near St. Petersburg in Tampa Bay, Florida. Spoonbills are large wading birds with long, spatulate bills that they use to feed by swinging their heads back and forth in shallow water. They build nests and form breeding colonies called rookeries. The Tampa Bay spoonbill rookery is an important site for these unique birds. Spoonbills are a type of wading bird found in coastal areas in North America, South America, and Europe. There are 6 species worldwide, but only 2 are found in North America – the roseate spoonbill and the…
Anna’s hummingbirds (Calypte anna) are small, colorful birds that are found along the west coast of North America. The males are known for their iridescent throat feathers that shine in brilliant magenta and rose-pink when the light hits them just right. This coloration makes them one of the most striking and recognizable backyard birds in their range. But did you know that the colors of the male Anna’s hummingbird actually change throughout the year? Unlike some other bird species that molt into a less colorful non-breeding plumage, Anna’s hummingbirds undergo changes in their vibrant throat feathers as the seasons change…
The kookaburra is a large kingfisher bird native to Australia and New Guinea. It is known for its loud, distinctive call that sounds like loud laughter, which has led to nicknames like “laughing kookaburra” and “laughing jackass”. Kookaburras are a common sight and sound across many parts of Australia, and they have become an iconic part of the country’s wildlife and folklore. The Kookaburra Song There is a popular children’s rhyme and song about the laughing kookaburra. The song typically goes: Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree, Merry merry king of the bush is he. Laugh, Kookaburra laugh, Kookaburra,…
The Altamira Oriole (Icterus gularis) is a medium-sized songbird found in the southern United States and Mexico. It gets its name from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, where the city of Altamira is located. The Altamira Oriole has a range that spans from southern Texas down through eastern Mexico. This bright and beautiful bird occupies a variety of habitats across its range. Geographic Range The Altamira Oriole has a relatively limited geographic range in comparison to some other oriole species. Its breeding range centers around the Tamaulipas province of northeastern Mexico. From there, it stretches northwards into southern Texas and…
Quick Answers Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds are two small, brightly colored hummingbird species found along the west coast of North America. The main differences between them are: Plumage color – Rufous hummingbirds are bright orange on the back and belly, while Allen’s have green backs and rufous bellies. Range – Rufous hummingbirds breed farther north, up into Alaska and Canada, while Allen’s just breed along the Pacific Coast. Habitat – Rufous hummingbirds use a wider variety of habitats, including meadows and forests, while Allen’s prefer scrub and chaparral. Behavior – Allen’s hummingbirds are more aggressive and territorial than rufous hummingbirds.…
The blue heron is a large wading bird found across North America. With its distinctive blue-gray plumage, yellow bill, and long, spindly legs, the blue heron is a familiar sight around wetlands, marshes, streams, lakes, and shorelines. But is spotting a blue heron truly a rare occurrence? Or are these iconic birds more common than we realize? Let’s take a closer look at the blue heron’s range, population sizes, and habitat to determine just how unusual it is to observe one of these long-legged, long-necked beauties. Blue Heron Range and Population The blue heron has an extensive range across North…
Birds primarily use their wings for flight. However, wings serve a variety of other important functions for birds beyond just flying. Wings play a key role in mating displays, provide balance, aid in temperature regulation, and help a bird swim or walk. Understanding the many ways birds utilize their wings provides insight into avian anatomy, behavior, and adaptation. Balance and Posture A key function of wings is to provide balance and help maintain posture in birds. Wings act as a counterbalance to a bird’s body, extending sideways from the center of mass. This helps stabilize a bird whether perched on…