The mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) was officially designated the state bird of Idaho in 1931. This medium-sized thrush has captivated the hearts of Idahoans with its beautiful blue plumage and melodious song for generations. But why exactly was the mountain bluebird chosen to represent the Gem State? The mountain bluebird’s deep ties to Idaho The mountain bluebird is a year-round resident of Idaho that can be found across most of the state. These birds thrive in the open, mountainous habitats that cover much of Idaho. They nest in tree cavities in both coniferous and deciduous forests up to 10,000 feet…
Author: Peter Knight
Woodpeckers are medium-sized birds that use their chisel-like beaks to drill holes in tree trunks to find food and create nesting cavities. There are over 200 species of woodpeckers that can be found worldwide, with around 23 species native to North America. Arizona is home to several species of woodpeckers that can be identified by their distinct vocalizations. When trying to identify a woodpecker by sound alone, it helps to understand their different calls and drumming patterns. Woodpeckers communicate using a variety of vocalizations and drumming sounds. Drumming serves several purposes, including establishing territory, attracting a mate, and communicating with…
Birds are a group of endothermic vertebrates that are characterized by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweight skeleton. Birds live worldwide and range in size from the 5 cm (2 in) bee hummingbird to the 2.75 m (9 ft) ostrich. There are about ten thousand living species, which makes them the most numerous tetrapod vertebrates. Birds are the closest living relatives of crocodilians. Feathers Feathers are a feature characteristic of birds. They facilitate flight, provide insulation that aids in thermoregulation, and are used in display,…
Rain Bird rotors are a popular type of sprinkler head used in residential and commercial irrigation systems. They spray water in a rotating, circular pattern and are designed to cover large areas of lawn or landscaping. Properly adjusting your Rain Bird rotors is important to ensure even water coverage and prevent issues like dry spots or water runoff. There are a few key things to check and adjust when setting up or troubleshooting Rain Bird rotor sprinklers. Check the nozzle The nozzle at the top of the Rain Bird rotor determines the watering pattern. Make sure the correct nozzle is…
Respiratory infections are common in chickens raised for food production. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Some of the most common bacterial respiratory infections in chickens include mycoplasmosis, infectious bronchitis, and colibacillosis. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial respiratory infections in chickens. Choosing the right antibiotic is important for effectively treating the infection. Some factors to consider when selecting an antibiotic include the causative pathogen, antibiotic sensitivity testing, penetrance into respiratory tissues, and prevention of residues. Common Bacterial Respiratory Infections in Chickens Mycoplasmosis Mycoplasmosis is caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae bacteria. These bacteria…
Quick Answer Grouse and ptarmigan are very closely related game birds that belong to the same genus, Lagopus. However, they are considered separate species. The main differences between grouse and ptarmigan are: Plumage – Ptarmigan are the only species in the genus that turn white in winter. Grouse retain their brown plumage year-round. Habitat – Ptarmigan inhabit arctic and subarctic tundra regions. Grouse are found in more temperate forests and moorlands. Distribution – Ptarmigan have a more northerly distribution, while grouse range further south. So in summary, grouse and ptarmigan are closely related but separate species with some key differences…
When putting up a purple martin birdhouse, one of the most important considerations is which direction the house should face. Properly orienting a martin house is key to attracting these migratory birds and ensuring their nesting success. In this article, we will go over the optimal direction to face a purple martin birdhouse, the reasons behind it, and other orientation tips to keep in mind. Face east/southeast The recommended direction to face a purple martin birdhouse is east or southeast. This eastern exposure helps create warm, sunny conditions inside the birdhouse that purple martins prefer. Here are some of the…
Kea birds (Nestor notabilis) are large, intelligent parrots that are endemic to the alpine regions of New Zealand’s South Island. They are known for their inquisitive nature and tendency to investigate new objects and environments. Kea have been observed attacking and eating sheep, which has led to controversy regarding their conservation status. Do kea birds attack sheep? There are many documented reports of kea attacking and feeding on live sheep. They usually target sheep that are sick, injured, or have open wounds. Kea mainly feed on the fat deposits around the kidneys and loins of the sheep by digging into…
Black Falcon Pier is a popular waterfront destination in Boston, Massachusetts that offers beautiful views of the harbor and skyline. However, many visitors wonder about the costs associated with parking at Black Falcon Pier. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the parking rates, policies, and options for those looking to drive and park at Black Falcon Pier. Whether you are a Boston local or coming from out of town, understanding the parking situation at Black Falcon Pier is key to having an enjoyable and stress-free visit. Parking Rates The main parking facility at Black Falcon Pier is the…
Rara avis is a legendary monster in Monster Legends that was introduced in April 2020. It is a cosmic type monster with the book and magic elements. Rara avis has some interesting skills and stats that make it a viable monster to use in the game. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into rara avis to understand its strengths and weaknesses to evaluate how good it really is in Monster Legends. Stats Here are the base stats for rara avis at level 100: Life:36,535 Power:3,855 Speed:3,395 Stamina:305 As you can see, rara avis has decent life and power.…