Bird feeding is a popular hobby for many people who enjoy watching birds up close. When setting up bird feeders in your yard, an important consideration is what color feeder will attract the most birds. The color of a bird feeder can make a big difference in how many birds visit your yard. Birds have color vision and color preferences just like humans do. Choosing feeders in colors that appeal to birds can increase the number of feathered visitors to your backyard. So what are the best colors to use when selecting or painting a bird feeder? How a Bird…
Author: Peter Knight
Birds use calls and songs to communicate with each other and defend their territories. The specific number of calls or repeats in a bird vocalization can be an important identifier of the species. So if you hear the same call repeated three times, what bird could it be? Birds That Call 3 Times There are a few common backyard and urban birds that vocalize in groups of three repeats. Here are some of the likely options: Northern Mockingbird Tufted Titmouse Common Nighthawk Eastern Wood-Pewee Cedar Waxwing Let’s take a closer look at each of these birds that commonly call or…
Quick Answer Yes, the Great Egret is considered a type of heron. The Great Egret belongs to the Ardeidae family, which consists of various heron species. What is a Great Egret? The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large, white wading bird found in wetlands and along coastal areas in many parts of the world. Some key facts about the Great Egret: It has all white plumage, a yellow bill, and black legs and feet. It measures 37-47 inches (94-120 cm) in height with a wingspan of 52-67 inches (132-170 cm). It can weigh between 1.5-3.6 lbs (0.7-1.6 kg). Its…
Steller’s jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) are medium-sized, crested jays found in coniferous forests of western North America. Their range extends from southern Alaska through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and into parts of Nevada and New Mexico. Steller’s jays are intelligent, adaptable birds that have thrived alongside humans, taking advantage of backyard feeders and nesting sites provided by landscaping. But do they make their home in the Evergreen State of Washington? Let’s take a closer look at the range, habitat, identification and behavior of Steller’s jays to find out. Steller’s Jay Range and Habitat Steller’s jays…
Quick Answer In a hypothetical fight between a bald eagle and a hawk, the bald eagle would likely emerge victorious due to its larger size, powerful talons, and razor-sharp beak. However, factors like the age, health status, environment, and specific species of each bird could influence the outcome. Comparing Physical Traits When comparing a bald eagle to a hawk, there are several key physical differences that give the advantage to the bald eagle: Size Bald eagles are significantly larger than most hawk species. Bald eagles have an average wingspan of 6-7.5 feet and weigh 8-14 pounds. In comparison, red-tailed hawks…
Yes, burrowing owls do live in the United States. The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. Burrowing owls are well known for nesting in underground burrows, especially those dug by prairie dogs and ground squirrels. They can be found in grasslands, deserts, prairies, agricultural fields, and even golf courses across much of the western and southern United States. Quick Facts About Burrowing Owls Here are some key facts about burrowing owls in the US: Scientific name: Athene cunicularia Average length: 7.5-10 inches Wingspan: 21-24 inches Weight: 4.4-8.6 ounces…
Starlings and robins are two common bird species found across much of North America and Europe. They often share the same habitats, especially in urban and suburban areas. But do these two species actually get along when they interact? Here is a closer look at the relationship between starlings and robins. Competition for Resources There is some evidence that starlings and robins may compete with each other for food and nesting resources. Both species are primarily insectivores during the breeding season, consuming insects like beetles, caterpillars, ants, and flies. They also eat fruit when it is available. So there can…
Cats and lovebirds can potentially get along, but there are some important factors to consider when introducing them. Lovebirds are small parrots that can be kept as pets. While they make endearing companions, their small size means they can be seen as prey by feline housemates. Responsible pet owners have an obligation to ensure safe interactions between different animal species sharing a home. With proper precautions, cats and lovebirds can coexist without stress or harm. The key is taking things slow, never leaving them unsupervised together, and being alert to any signs of trouble. Lovebird traits and temperament To understand…
Verdi’s Requiem is one of the most famous and powerful requiems in the classical repertoire. A requiem is a Catholic mass for the dead, and Verdi’s is unusual for its grand operatic scale and dramatic intensity. Though called a Mass, Verdi’s Requiem differs significantly from the standard Mass settings of the late Classical and early Romantic periods such as those by Haydn, Mozart, and Hummel. Specifically, Verdi uses a standard text with interpolations from the “Dies Irae” sequence in the Catholic funeral mass and other sources. Verdi wrote the Requiem in 1873 as a tribute to the famous Italian poet…
The royal golden eagle is a rare and majestic bird found in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. With its large size, powerful talons, and golden brown plumage, the royal golden eagle has captivated humans throughout history. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the royal golden eagle has real material value due to its rarity and cultural significance. So exactly how much is a royal golden eagle worth? The monetary value of a royal golden eagle depends on several factors: its age, health condition, origins, and purpose. A young, healthy golden eagle caught from the wild and sold for falconry…