Quick Answer No, a blue jay is not considered a kingfisher. Blue jays belong to the family Corvidae, which includes crows, ravens, magpies, and other jays. Kingfishers belong to a different family called Alcedinidae. While both blue jays and kingfishers are colorful birds that eat fish and other aquatic prey, they have a number of key differences. What is a Blue Jay? The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird in the Corvidae family native to eastern and central North America. Here are some key facts about blue jays: They are medium-sized birds at 22–30 cm (9–12 in) in…
Author: Peter Knight
The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large, flightless bird that is native to Australia. With its distinctive brown feathers and long legs, the Emu is a familiar sight across much of the Australian landscape. But is this iconic bird actually Australia’s official national bird? Let’s take a closer look at the Emu and its standing as a national symbol for Australia. What is a National Bird? A national bird is an official symbol and representative of a country. Much like a national flag or emblem, it is meant to encapsulate something iconic or meaningful about that nation and its values.…
The common loon (Gavia immer) is a fascinating waterbird found across Canada and the northern United States. Loons are known for their striking black and white plumage and their eerie, wavering calls that echo across lakes and ponds. One of the most distinctive features of the common loon is its varied vocalizations. Loons utilize a complex repertoire of vocalizations to communicate with other loons and defend their territory. There are four major types of vocalizations, or “calls”, used by the common loon: the wail, the yodel, the tremulant, and the hoot. The Wail The most familiar and iconic call of…
Broad-winged hawks (Buteo platypterus) are medium-sized raptors found throughout eastern North America. These secretive forest-dwelling hawks have experienced significant population declines in recent decades, leading to their current classification as a species of conservation concern. There are several key factors contributing to the endangerment of broad-winged hawks. Habitat Loss The primary threat facing broad-winged hawks is loss of habitat. As their name suggests, broad-winged hawks require extensive forests to meet their ecological needs. They build nests high up in mature trees and hunt small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians among the forest understory. Unfortunately, forests have been heavily logged and…
Birds that flock together are given specific names depending on the species. This helps identify different groups of birds in nature and in literature. Many people are curious about the various terms used to describe flocks of birds. What do you call a group of birds? There are many different terms used to describe groups of birds, depending on the species. Some common terms include: A flock of geese A murmuration of starlings A skein of geese A deceit of lapwings A kettle of hawks or vultures The specific names given to groups of birds can get quite creative and…
House Finches are small songbirds native to western North America. The average House Finch is about 6 inches (15 cm) long and weighs around 0.6 ounces (18 grams). Their size can vary slightly depending on sex, age, and region. Quick Facts on House Finch Size Length: 5.5 – 6.5 inches (14 – 16 cm) Wingspan: 8.5 – 11 inches (22 – 28 cm) Weight: 0.5 – 0.9 ounces (15 – 25 grams) Males are slightly larger than females Western populations tend to be larger than eastern ones In the sections below, we’ll go into more detail on the typical length,…
Opening Paragraph The bird with a leaf as its symbol refers to the olive branch. The olive branch has been used as a symbol of peace and harmony for thousands of years across different cultures. It is most commonly associated with the dove, which is often depicted in art and literature carrying an olive branch in its beak. The olive branch symbolism stems from the story of Noah’s Ark in the Bible, where a dove returns to the ark with an olive branch to show that the flood waters have receded and land is visible again. Ever since, the olive…
The Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) is a small North American diving duck known for its distinctive blue bill and habit of rafting in large flocks on open water. Scaup have a fairly complex life cycle that revolves around breeding, migration, molting, and wintering in different habitats across North America. What are the identifying features of the Lesser Scaup? Lesser Scaup are medium-sized ducks with a length of 16-20 inches and weight of 1.5-2.4 pounds. The adult males have a rounded head with a purple sheen, black feathers on the back and tail, a white side panel, and a light blue…
Buff tracking addons are incredibly useful tools in World of Warcraft that allow players to monitor their buffs, debuffs, and other status effects in an organized and customizable interface. With so many buffs, debuffs, and effects in WoW, it can be easy to lose track of what’s currently active on your character. Buff tracking addons solve this problem by providing an always-visible window that neatly lists out all your character’s current buffs and debuffs. Why Use a Buff Tracking Addon? There are a few key reasons why a buff tracking addon can be extremely helpful in WoW: Monitor buff and…
There are a few signs that can indicate a bird is getting ready to lay an egg. Birds generally show consistent behaviors and physical changes as they prepare for egg laying. Being aware of these changes can help bird owners, breeders, and rescuers know when to expect eggs. This allows them to prepare the nesting area and provide extra calcium and protein to support egg production. The timeline varies between species, but the process takes 24-36 hours on average. Changes in behavior Birds about to lay eggs often exhibit nesting behaviors. They may become more territorial and defensive of their…