The spruce grouse, scientifically known as Falcipennis canadensis, is a medium-sized grouse species that is found across the boreal forests of North America. Their range extends from Alaska across Canada and into the northern parts of the contiguous United States. In Wisconsin specifically, spruce grouse are found primarily in the northern and central forested parts of the state. Quick Answer Yes, there are spruce grouse populations found in Wisconsin, mainly in the northern and central forested regions of the state. Spruce Grouse Overview The spruce grouse is a medium-sized grouse, measuring 15-19 inches in length and weighing 1-1.5 pounds. They…
Author: Peter Knight
Quick Answers Birds will often use bowls and other containers filled with water as makeshift bird baths. The key factors that determine if a bird will use a bowl for bathing are: – Location – It needs to be somewhere they feel safe from predators. Elevated location is better. – Water Depth – Birds prefer shallow water, usually 1-3 inches deep. This allows them to stand in the water. – Water Quality – Fresh, clean water is essential. Stagnant water will deter birds. – Size – Bowls with larger surface areas allow more birds to bathe. – Platform or Landing…
Regurgitation is a natural behavior for lovebirds where they feed their mate or chicks by bringing up food from their crop. However, pet lovebirds will often try to regurgitate on their owners as a sign of bonding and affection. While it’s important not to discourage this bonding behavior completely, excessive regurgitation can be messy and unhealthy for your bird. Luckily there are some steps you can take to reduce regurgitation from your lovebird. Why Do Lovebirds Regurgitate? In the wild, lovebirds form monogamous bonds with a mate and work together to raise their young. Lovebirds will regurgitate food to feed…
The mysterious bird that appeared repeatedly throughout the TV show Lost was one of the most enduring enigmas of the series. First seen in the pilot episode, the bird sparked much fan speculation and debate over its meaning and symbolism within the show’s complex mythology. Even by the end of the series, the true nature and purpose of the bird remained ambiguous and open to interpretation. Initial Appearances The bird first appears at the beginning of the pilot episode, when Jack Shephard startles awake in the bamboo forest after the plane crash. As Jack runs through the jungle, disoriented and…
Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and Boreal Chickadees (Poecile hudsonicus) are two similar looking bird species found in North America. They belong to the chickadee family Paridae and have overlapping ranges across Canada and parts of the northern United States. While they may look almost identical at first glance, there are some key differences between these two species when it comes to their appearance, habitat, range, diet, behavior, conservation status and more. Appearance In terms of appearance, Black-capped Chickadees and Boreal Chickadees have quite a few similarities but also some distinguishing features: Size and shape: Both species are small songbirds, around…
The pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is the largest woodpecker in North America and is an iconic bird of mature forests. With its striking red crest, black and white plumage, and loud, distinctive call, the pileated woodpecker is unmistakable. Once common across North America, pileated woodpecker populations have declined significantly in parts of their range due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Though still relatively widespread, they are listed as endangered, threatened, or a species of special concern in several U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Understanding why the pileated woodpecker is endangered can help guide conservation efforts for this magnificent bird. Why…
Purple martins are beautiful birds that are beloved by many people. However, attracting these aerial acrobats to your yard requires providing proper housing. Purple martins are colonial cavity nesters, meaning they prefer to nest in multi-compartment birdhouses or gourds that are placed in open areas near open water. When installing purple martin housing, there are some key factors to consider regarding placement and setup. Height One of the most important considerations when putting up purple martin gourds is the height. Purple martins prefer their housing to be placed very high up. The minimum recommended height for purple martin gourds is…
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized hawk found in eastern North America. It gets its name from the reddish-orange patches on its wings when in flight. Red-shouldered Hawks are a common sight soaring over fields and forests in search of prey. But how long does it take for one of these raptors to fledge and leave the nest? Red-shouldered Hawk Nesting Red-shouldered Hawks breed between March and mid-July across most of their range. Courtship displays like aerial maneuvers and calling begin a few weeks before egg laying starts. The nest is usually built high up in a tall tree by…
Birds throwing their chicks or eggs out of the nest is a phenomenon that has puzzled and disturbed many observers. However, it is important to understand the reasons behind this behavior, which is often a matter of survival for the parent birds. In this article, we will explore the main reasons why birds may forcibly eject or abandon their young, looking at the evolutionary drivers as well as specific situations that can lead to this. While it may seem cruel or careless to human eyes, this behavior is simply part of the difficult decisions birds need to make to ensure…
Yes, there are two species of roadrunner birds that can be found in the state of Arizona – the Greater Roadrunner and the Lesser Roadrunner. Roadrunners are iconic birds of the desert southwest and are well known for their incredible running speed and zany antics. Quick Facts About Roadrunners Here are some quick facts about roadrunner birds in Arizona: Roadrunners belong to the cuckoo family (Cuculidae). There are two species found in Arizona – the Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) and the Lesser Roadrunner (Geococcyx velox). Roadrunners can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour while running. They prefer…