The yellow breasted chat (Icteria virens) is a songbird species native to North America. It gets its name from the bright yellow breast and belly of the male bird. They are medium-sized songbirds measuring around 6.3 to 7.5 inches in length. Yellow breasted chats belong to the wood-warbler family Parulidae but are placed in their own genus Icteria due to their distinct characteristics. They have a stout bill and long tail compared to other warblers. Their habitat includes open woodlands, shrublands, overgrown fields, forest edges and hedgerows across the central and eastern United States. During summer they can be found…
Author: Peter Knight
The Gadwall is a medium-sized dabbling duck that is found across North America, Europe, and Asia. Male Gadwalls have gray bodies with black tails and wings, while females have mottled brown plumage. One distinguishing feature of the Gadwall is its feet, which have a unique coloration compared to other duck species. So what color are Gadwall feet? Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy and plumage of this interesting duck to find out. An Overview of Gadwall Ducks The Gadwall (Mareca strepera) is a common duck species that breeds in the northern areas of North America, Europe, and Asia.…
The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest species of parrot in the world. Known for their brilliant cobalt blue plumage, hyacinth macaws are native to central and eastern South America. These striking birds have several other common names besides their primary scientific name, including: Blue macaw Hyacinthine macaw Lear’s macaw Great-billed macaw Hyacinth macaws are highly desired as pets due to their beauty, intelligence, and ability to mimic speech. However, they are difficult to breed in captivity and as a result have become endangered in the wild due to poaching for the illegal pet trade. Understanding the various names…
As a pet owner, one of the most enriching activities you can provide for your cat is interactive playtime. Cats have strong natural hunting instincts, so toys that move and behave like real prey provide important mental and physical stimulation. When searching for the perfect cat toy that flies, there are a few key factors to consider. Why Do Cats Like Toys That Fly? Cats are natural hunters, so they are strongly motivated to chase, catch, and “kill” prey. When a cat sees something moving quickly through the air that resembles prey like a bird or bug, their instincts tell…
Budgies, also known as parakeets, are popular pet birds that display interesting behaviors. One common behavior owners may notice is budgies lowering their heads or ‘bowing’ down. This seemingly strange action actually has several potential explanations. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help owners better care for their feathered friends. Showing Affection or Bonding One of the most common reasons budgies lower their heads is to show affection or bond with their owners. Budgies are highly social and intelligent birds. When they feel comfortable and trusting with their human caretakers, they will display bonding behaviors. Lowering the head is…
The scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) is a fascinating bird known for its extremely long, forked tail. As the name suggests, the bird’s very distinctive tail resembles an open pair of scissors. This acrobatic insectivore gets its name from the noise its primary flight feathers make when the male performs its incredible territorial display flights. The scissor-tailed flycatcher makes a variety of sounds, though most known for the scissoring, fluttering noise of its tail feathers and Primary song chirps and whistles. Physical Description The scissor-tailed flycatcher is relatively large for a flycatcher, measuring approximately 14-18 cm (5.5-7 in) from head to…
Red-winged blackbirds are a common sight across much of North and Central America. They are found in open, wet habitats across most of the United States and Canada during warmer months. Read on to learn more about the range and habitat of these familiar blackbirds with bright red shoulder patches. Quick Facts Here are some key facts about where red-winged blackbirds live: Found across much of North and Central America Live in open, wet habitats like marshes and wet meadows Summer range extends across Canada and most of the continental United States Some populations migrate south for winter, while others…
Birds have fascinated humans for millennia. Their ability to fly captures our imagination; their songs brighten our mornings. Birds connect us to nature in a unique way. When we see a bird take flight, spreading its colorful wings and soaring into the sky, it’s easy to wonder – what are they thinking about up there? Where are they going, and why? In this article, we’ll explore what’s going on in the mind of a bird in flight. Recent scientific research has uncovered intriguing clues into how birds experience the world from on high. We’ll also imagine the inner world of…
Sparrows are a common type of small songbird found throughout much of the world. While telling the difference between male and female sparrows can sometimes be tricky for casual bird watchers, there are some key physical characteristics to look for. Size The most noticeable difference between male and female sparrows is size. Male sparrows tend to be slightly larger than females. The size difference may only be a few centimeters, but male sparrows generally have longer wings, bigger feet, and larger overall body mass. This size dimorphism is common among bird species where the male is the more colorful or…
The downy woodpecker mating dance is an elaborate courtship ritual performed by male downy woodpeckers to attract females during breeding season. Downy woodpeckers are small birds native to North America that get their name from the soft white feathers covering their bodies. While they may look cute, these birds have a complex mating ritual that is fascinating to observe. When does the downy woodpecker mating season occur? The downy woodpecker breeding season generally aligns with springtime. It often begins in March and runs through June, though the exact timing can vary by region. Mating activities tend to ramp up in…