Seagulls have developed a strong preference for chips and other human foods due to a combination of factors: Availability and Accessibility With the proliferation of beachside restaurants, food stands, and people eating outside near coasts and harbors, seagulls now have easy access to discarded food like chips. This reliable food source has led seagulls to associate areas of high human activity with easy meal opportunities. High Fat and Salt Content Chips and other fried or salty foods like fries, pretzels, and popcorn have flavors and textures that are appealing to a seagull’s physiology and food preferences. The high fat and…
Author: Peter Knight
The white part of bird droppings is called uric acid or urate. Birds, unlike mammals, do not produce urine. Instead they excrete excess nitrogen as uric acid in combination with feces. This makes bird droppings white and allows them to conserve water. What is Uric Acid? Uric acid is a product of protein metabolism in birds. It is similar to urea which mammals produce, but is less toxic and requires less water to excrete. When combined with feces, uric acid forms a white paste or solid lump. Chemically, uric acid is a heterocyclic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen.…
Pygmy nuthatches (Sitta pygmaea) are tiny songbirds found in western North America. These tiny birds weigh only about 10 grams and are just 10-12 cm long from beak to tail. Despite their small size, pygmy nuthatches are highly energetic and acrobatic. They live year-round primarily in coniferous forests of pine, fir, and spruce at mid to high elevations. Their range extends from southern British Columbia down through the Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevada into Baja California. Pygmy nuthatches excavate nesting cavities in dead snags and live in small social groups that cooperate to raise young and defend territory. Let’s take…
Yes, many species of birds do have oil glands. Oil glands, also known as uropygial glands, are holocrine glands found near the base of a bird’s tail. These glands produce an oily secretion that birds use to coat and waterproof their feathers and skin. Oil gland secretions help birds in a few key ways: Waterproofing – The oily coating helps repel water and keep feathers from getting waterlogged. Conditioning – The oil helps keep feathers flexible and conditioned. Antimicrobial – Substances in the oil help inhibit the growth of feather-degrading bacteria and fungi. Pheromones – Some components may transmit chemical…
Spotted sandpipers (Actitis macularius) are a small shorebird found across most of North America. They are named for the white spots on their backs and wings during breeding season. Spotted sandpipers are somewhat uncommon birds, but they are not considered rare or endangered. Quick Facts on Spotted Sandpipers Here are some key facts about spotted sandpipers: There are estimated to be 1.5 million spotted sandpipers in North America. They have a large range across most of North America. Spotted sandpipers have a stable population trend and are classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. They…
Bird netting is an effective and humane way to keep birds away from areas where they are unwanted. Whether you are trying to protect your garden, stop birds from nesting in unwanted places, or keep them safe from hazards, bird netting can help. But with so many types and options for bird netting on the market, how do you know which is the best choice? This comprehensive guide will walk through the key factors to consider when selecting bird netting and provide recommendations for some of the top-rated bird netting products. Read on to learn what you need to know…
This is a common question many bluebird enthusiasts find themselves asking as the weather turns cold. While leaving up bluebird houses over winter may seem like a nice gesture to support local bird populations, there are a few important factors to consider before making a decision. Do bluebirds use birdhouses in winter? Bluebirds do not use birdhouses in winter. Bluebirds are migratory birds that head south to warmer climates as winter approaches in the northern parts of their range. The eastern bluebird’s winter range extends from southern Missouri all the way to Central America and Mexico. Mountain bluebirds and western…
The mountain plover is a medium-sized bird found in the grasslands and shrub-steppe regions of western North America. This unique bird has seen a dramatic population decline over the past few decades due to loss of habitat and is currently considered a species of conservation concern. What is the mountain plover? The mountain plover (Charadrius montanus) is a medium-sized shorebird that belongs to the plover family Charadriidae. It is pale brown in color with a white underside. The mountain plover has long legs, a medium-length black bill, and brown patches on either side of its breast. Some key facts about…
Wild birds have different dietary requirements depending on the species. Providing food that meets their nutritional needs is important for their health and survival, especially during harsh winters when natural food sources may be scarce. When choosing bird food, there are a few key things to consider to ensure you are offering quality nutrition for your garden visitors. What do wild birds eat? Wild birds are omnivores and eat a variety of foods depending on the species. Common foods include: Seeds and grains – Attracts smaller birds like finches, tits, sparrows. Fruit – Enjoyed by blackbirds, thrushes, robing. Nuts -…
For many people, having a pet bird can be a rewarding experience. Birds can be fun, loving companions that bring joy into their owners’ lives. When considering getting a pet bird, one of the most important factors is choosing a species that makes for a good companion. The best birds for companionship are those that bond strongly with their owners, are affectionate and social, enjoy human interaction, and are relatively easy to care for. What Makes a Good Companion Bird? There are several qualities that make for an ideal companion parrot: Bonding Ability Some bird species are much more likely…