House wrens are small, busy songbirds that can be found across much of North America. They get their name from their tendency to nest around human homes and structures. House wrens build nests in all sorts of nooks and crannies around houses, barns, garages, sheds and more. But what exactly are their nesting habits and preferences? Nesting Sites House wrens are very adaptable when it comes to choosing nesting sites. They will nest in natural cavities like old woodpecker holes, as well as a wide variety of human-made sites. Some of their favorite nesting spots around homes include: Holes and…
Author: Peter Knight
Steller’s jays and blue jays are two types of jays found in North America. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between these two birds in terms of their appearance, behavior, habitat, range, diet, and more. Quick Facts Here is a quick overview of the differences between Steller’s jays and blue jays: FeatureSteller’s JayBlue Jay Scientific nameCyanocitta stelleriCyanocitta cristata Size12-13 inches long9-12 inches long ColorDark blue and black with white streaks on headBlue, white, and black with a blue crest RangeWestern North AmericaEastern and central North America HabitatConiferous forestsVarious woodlands and suburbs DietOmnivorous – eats insects, seeds, nuts,…
Rock pigeons, also known as common pigeons or city pigeons, are a familiar sight in urban areas around the world. These sturdy birds are well adapted to living alongside humans in cities, often nesting on building ledges and scavenging for food left behind by people. Though rock pigeons are sometimes viewed as pests, they also provide benefits to city ecosystems. However, large populations of rock pigeons can cause some problems too. What are rock pigeons? Rock pigeons (Columba livia) are a domesticated variety of pigeon that originally lived on cliffs and crevices in rocky coastal regions. Over time, these nimble…
Being chased by an aggressive magpie can be a scary experience. Magpies are highly intelligent birds that are known for their swooping behavior during nesting season. While a magpie attack is unlikely to cause serious injury, they can still give a nasty peck or scratch. Knowing how to react and prevent magpie attacks can help reduce your risk of being swooped. Why do magpies swoop? Magpie swooping occurs when the birds are guarding their nests and young chicks. Swooping peaks between August and October when the magpie breeding season is at its height. They will aggressively defend their nest by…
The great grey owl is a fascinating bird of prey that lives in the northern forests of North America and Eurasia. It is the largest owl species by length, though not by weight. The great grey owl has many special adaptations that allow it to survive and thrive in the harsh northern climate. Physical Features The great grey owl has striking physical features that set it apart from other owls. With a length of 24-33 inches, a wingspan of 54-60 inches, and a weight of 1.4-4.2 pounds, it is one of the largest owl species in the world. Its most…
The bald eagle is the national bird symbol of the United States of America. With its snowy-feathered (not bald) head and white tail, it is unmistakable in the sky. But how did this regal bird end up with the name “bald” eagle? Read on to find out the origins of the bald eagle’s name and learn more about its history as a national symbol. The Origins of the Name “Bald Eagle” The bald eagle gets its name from an old English word “balde” meaning white, not hairless. The white head and tail feathers led early European settlers in America to…
The grey partridge is a medium-sized gamebird native to Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East. It has been introduced in some parts of North America as well. Grey partridges are known for their distinctive gray and brown plumage and have a reputation as one of the tastiest gamebirds around. But what exactly does a grey partridge taste like? In short, the grey partridge has a mild, delicate flavor that is often compared to chicken, with a slightly gamier taste. Flavor Profile The meat of the grey partridge is lean and fine-grained. When properly prepared, it has a mild…
The Northern Goshawk is considered a rare bird of prey in many parts of its range. However, the rarity of this species is somewhat debatable and depends on the specific region and habitat. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Northern Goshawk, its status, population trends, and conservation to determine just how rare this elusive forest raptor truly is. Quick Facts on the Northern Goshawk Here are some key facts about the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis): The Northern Goshawk is a large, secretive hawk that inhabits forested regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It has a Holarctic distribution,…
The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is a large seabird in the frigatebird family Fregatidae. Frigatebirds are known for their large wingspan and deeply forked tails. Males have a distinctive bright red inflatable throat pouch that they can puff out to attract females. Magnificent frigatebirds are widely distributed across the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are usually found within about 500 km of breeding colonies and coastlines. Breeding Range Magnificent frigatebirds nest in colonies on islands and coastal cliffs throughout the tropics. Major breeding populations are found in: The Caribbean – Countries like Cuba,…
The California condor is one of the largest flying birds in North America and a conservation success story. Once on the brink of extinction, condor populations are now slowly recovering thanks to massive recovery efforts. Read on to learn more fascinating facts about these iconic vultures. California Condors Were Nearly Wiped Out in the 20th Century The California condor is North America’s largest flying land bird with a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet. These scavengers once ranged throughout the West Coast from British Columbia to Mexico. However, condor populations plummeted in the 1900s. Lead poisoning, habitat loss, poaching, power…