Why do birds poop on cars? There are a few main reasons why birds tend to poop on cars: Opportunistic feeding Many birds like pigeons and seagulls are opportunistic feeders. They will look for easy sources of food wherever they can find it. Cars often have bits of food, crumbs, and insects on them that attract birds. When the birds land on the car to eat, they also end up pooping. Tall perches Birds like high perches to survey their surroundings and look for food. For birds like pigeons and seagulls in urban areas, cars often provide some of the…
Author: Peter Knight
Birds, like mammals, need to excrete waste products from their bodies. The main waste products that need to be excreted are nitrogenous compounds like uric acid, which comes from the breakdown of proteins. However, unlike mammals, birds do not produce liquid urine. Instead, they excrete uric acid in the form of a semi-solid paste. This adaptation allows birds to conserve water, which is important since they do not have access to fresh water as readily as land mammals. So in summary, birds do excrete uric acid, which is the equivalent of urine in mammals, but they excrete it in a…
Western screech-owls are a species of small owl found throughout western North America. Despite their name, these owls don’t actually “screech” but rather produce a range of whistles, trills and whinnies. Screech-owls are well-known for being tolerant of humans, often nesting and roosting in close proximity. But does their tolerance equate to friendliness? In this article, we’ll explore the screech-owl’s reputation and characteristics to determine if they can rightly be considered friendly birds. Screech-owl Natural History The western screech-owl (Megascops kennicottii) is a small owl, measuring about 7-10 inches in length with a 18-24 inch wingspan. As their name implies,…
Finding an owl feather can be an exciting event for any nature lover. Owls are mysterious, beautiful birds that captivate the imagination. Holding one of their feathers makes you feel connected to these majestic creatures. However, before keeping an owl feather you happen upon, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations around collecting them. There are laws in place to protect owls and their habitats. This article will provide a thorough overview of the legalities of keeping owl feathers in order to help you make an informed decision. Is it illegal to keep owl feathers? The short answer is:…
The common raven (Corvus corax) is a large, black passerine bird found across the Northern Hemisphere. Ravens belong to the family Corvidae, which includes crows, jays, magpies, and other corvid species. Corvids are known for their intelligence and adaptability, and the common raven is no exception. The raven is the largest member of the genus Corvus, and one of the largest passerines in the world. Its size, distinctive jet black plumage, and deep, resonant croaking call make the raven an unmistakable bird. Ravens have long captured the human imagination, appearing in folklore, myths, and literature across cultures. But what exactly…
The peregrine falcon is one of the most majestic and impressive birds of prey. Known for its speed and aerial acrobatics, it has captivated humans throughout history. Peregrines have been used in the ancient art of falconry for centuries, prized for their hunting ability, intelligence, and trainability. But are peregrines truly the best falconry bird? Let’s take a closer look at the natural history, attributes, and suitability of peregrines for falconry. What are peregrine falcons? Peregrines are a medium-sized falcon found on every continent except Antarctica. There are 19 subspecies, including the familiar North American peregrine (Falco peregrinus anatum), which…
Yes, barred owls do leave behind pellets. Owls in general regurgitate pellets as a way to get rid of indigestible material like bones, fur, and feathers after eating their prey. Barred owls are no exception and will produce pellets after meals. What Are Owl Pellets? Owl pellets are the regurgitated remains of an owl’s meal. After swallowing their prey whole, owls later cough up pellets which contain bones, fur, feathers, bills, claws, and teeth. The owl’s gizzard compacts and molds the indigestible contents into a pellet shape. The owl then regurgitates the pellet through its mouth. Owl pellets provide a…
Swans are graceful waterfowl known for their long necks, serene appearance, and iconic sound. While there are several species of swan found around the world, the most familiar type in North America is the majestic trumpeter swan. This all-white swan has long held significance in many cultures as a symbol of love, fidelity, and beauty. But while they may seem delicate, swans are also hardy birds capable of adapting to a range of environments. This raises the question – in addition to captive flocks, are there truly wild, naturally sustaining populations of swans living in California? Quick Answer Yes, there…
The Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a small passerine bird that is native to Europe and Asia. Its range stretches from the British Isles in the west to the Pacific coast in the east. Here is a look at where Eurasian tree sparrows live and their preferred habitats. Native Range The Eurasian tree sparrow has an extremely large native range that covers most of Europe and temperate Asia. Its breeding range extends from Ireland in the west to Kamchatka in the Russian Far East in the east. The northern boundary of its range runs through Scotland, southern Sweden, Estonia,…
Flycatchers are small passerine birds in the family Muscicapidae that are characterized by catching insects in flight. With over 300 species, flycatchers are found on every continent except Antarctica. Identifying flycatchers can be challenging due to their similarities in size, shape and behavior. However, with some key identification tips, you can learn to recognize the flycatchers found in your area. What are the general characteristics of flycatchers? Most flycatchers share some common physical features that aid in identification: Small, slender songbirds ranging from 4-8 inches in length Large, flat heads with upright postures Short, triangular beaks suited for catching insects…