The Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) is a medium-sized woodpecker found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are 19-22 cm long and characterized by their brownish-grey plumage, barred black and white markings on their back, and reddish crown. Gila Woodpeckers inhabit desert regions dominated by saguaro cacti and nest in cavities that they excavate in these and other large cacti species. Their diet consists mainly of fruit, insects, lizards, and eggs taken from other birds’ nests. As a cavity nester, the Gila Woodpecker plays an important ecological role in providing nesting sites for other species once they are done…
Author: Peter Knight
Hawk houses provide a safe place for hawks to nest and raise their young. Installing a hawk house in your yard or property can help encourage these amazing birds of prey to take up residence. Having hawks around offers free and natural rodent control, as hawks prey on mice, voles, rats, and other pests. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to build and install your own DIY hawk house. We’ll cover picking the right location, choosing materials, constructing the house, and tips for attracting hawks after setup. With a little time and effort, you can create an ideal…
The California Valley quail (Callipepla californica) is a ground-dwelling bird native to the western United States and Mexico. They are easily identified by the topknot of feathers on their heads and their bluish gray bodies. Valley quail typically live in grasslands, open woodlands, and brushy foothills. Their range extends from southern Oregon to Baja California and east into Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. In this article, we will explore the preferred habitat and geographic distribution of the California Valley quail. Preferred Habitat Valley quail thrive in areas with a mix of grasslands, brushy cover, and open woodlands. They…
Bird migration patterns are driven by environmental cues that signal the changing of the seasons. As autumn approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, decreasing daylight hours and cooling temperatures prompt many bird species to embark on their annual southward migrations to warmer climates for the winter. Some key factors that explain the extensive migratory activity we’re observing right now include: Seasonal Shifts Most migratory bird species rely on changing day length as their primary cue to begin migrating. As days get shorter in the late summer and early fall, hormone changes stimulate hyperphagia (increased appetite and fat storage) in preparation for…
The summer tanager is a medium-sized songbird found in North America. It is known for its beautiful red-orange plumage and distinctive vocalizations. The male summer tanager’s song is often described as a buzzy “pir-ik” or “chick-burr.” In this article, we will explore the unique qualities of the summer tanager’s song and what it tells us about this bird. What does the summer tanager look like? The summer tanager is a striking bird with bright plumage. Adult males are deep red-orange overall, with a slightly darker red-orange on the wings and tail. Females and immature birds are yellowish on the undersides…
Wrens are small, energetic songbirds with a surprisingly loud and complex song for their diminutive size. Among the various vocalizations wrens make, the trill stands out as one of the most distinctive. What is a trill? A trill is a series of rapid, repetitive notes that sound almost like a whirring or purring. Wrens may trill when singing or calling. The trill often consists of 20 or more notes per second, all on the same pitch. To human ears, the trill blurrs together into a continuous, buzzing sound. Wrens use trills in different contexts. Singing males incorporate trills into their…
Blue jays are colorful songbirds that can be found across much of North America. They have bright blue feathers on their back and wings, with a white and black pattern on their face. Blue jays are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their natural diet consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and sometimes small animals like frogs or mice. While blue jays are excellent at spotting predators and sounding alarm calls, they do face threats from a variety of predators. Birds of prey One of the most common predators of blue jays are birds of prey, also known…
Barred owls (Strix varia) are medium-sized owls native to North America. They get their name from the horizontal brown and white barred pattern on their chest and belly feathers. Barred owls are nocturnal birds, meaning they are most active at night. When do barred owls wake up? Barred owls typically wake up around sunset when daylight starts to fade. Their large eyes and excellent low light vision allow them to see well in the dark. As nocturnal hunters, barred owls want to be awake and alert when their prey also becomes active. At sunset, small mammals like mice, voles, and…
Quick Answer Bird beaks are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and fingernails. Keratin is very strong yet lightweight, making it ideal for the functions of a bird’s beak. The inner structure of the beak contains bone and cartilage for support. What is Keratin? Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that makes up the outer layer of skin, hair, nails, horns, hooves, claws, and bird beaks and feathers. It provides strength, rigidity, and waterproofing. Keratin is formed by tough, insoluble fibers interlinked by cystine cross-bonds, which gives it a resilient structure. The cystine cross-links are…
Birds flying in heart shapes is a phenomenon that has captivated people for generations. When a flock of birds takes to the sky in an organized V-shape, with some pairs splitting off to complete the heart shape, it’s a beautiful sight to behold. But why do they form these intricate shapes in the first place? There are several theories that may explain this behavior. Theories on Why Birds Fly in Heart Shapes Formation Flying for Efficiency One of the most popular theories is that birds fly in formation, including heart shapes, because it is more aerodynamically efficient. When birds fly…