Bird seed is a common food used to feed pet birds. It typically contains a mixture of seeds, grains, dried fruits and nuts. Many popular bird seed blends contain peanuts or peanut pieces as a protein source for birds. For people with peanut allergies, this raises an important question – is bird seed safe to handle and be around? Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. It affects over 6 million children and adults in the U.S. [1] People with peanut allergy must avoid peanuts and foods containing peanuts or traces of peanuts to prevent a life-threatening…
Author: Peter Knight
The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a common bird found throughout most of North America. Despite being abundant and well-known, there has been some debate around its legal protections and conservation status. Quick Answer The American Crow is not considered a threatened or endangered species at the federal level in the United States. However, it receives protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which makes it illegal to harm or kill American Crows without a permit. Legal Protections for American Crows Here are some key facts about the legal protections for American Crows in the United States: The American Crow…
House sparrows are highly social birds that do live in groups throughout the year (H2)Social Nature of House Sparrows House sparrows form flocks that allow them to find food, avoid predators, and breed successfully. They live in close association with other house sparrows and communicate through vocalizations and social behaviors. Here are some key facts about house sparrows living in groups: Flocks – House sparrows form flocks that consist of multiple pairs of mated birds along with some unmated males and juveniles. Flock sizes vary based on habitat and range from a dozen to over 100 birds. Roosting – At…
What to do if you find an injured bird If you find an injured bird, here are some quick steps to take: Carefully capture the bird with a towel and place it in a box or pet carrier. Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet space to minimize stress. Do not try to handle the bird or give it food/water. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian as soon as possible. Wild birds are very fragile, so it’s important not to exacerbate any injuries by improperly handling or transporting the bird. The best thing you can do is contain…
Cockatiels are energetic and often noisy birds that can occasionally get worked up or stressed. As cockatiel owners, it’s important to understand what causes this behavior and how to help calm our feathered friends. By making some simple changes to their environment and routine, providing plenty of enrichment, and using training techniques, we can dramatically reduce anxiety and excitement in cockatiels. Why Do Cockatiels Get Worked Up? There are several common reasons cockatiels may seem agitated, calling out loudly, pacing, fluffing their feathers, or engaging in repetitive behaviors: Lack of sleep – Cockatiels need 10-12 hours of darkness each night…
Quick answers in opening paragraphs Killdeer are medium-sized shorebirds that are known for their loud, piercing cries. They get their name from the sound of their call, which is often described as sounding like “kill-dee, kill-dee”. Killdeer are active both during the day and at night, so it is not unusual to hear their cries after dark. There are a few main reasons why killdeer vocalize at night: Territory defense – Male killdeer will call out to defend their breeding and nesting territories. Their cries help scare away intruders. Mate attraction – Both male and female killdeer may cry out…
Birds have a variety of strategies for dealing with hot weather. Their main priority is preventing overheating, but they also need access to food and water sources. The specific actions a bird takes to stay comfortable in the heat depends on the species and individual circumstances. Finding Shade and Cooler Areas One of the simplest things birds do is seek out cooler microclimates. Shaded areas, whether from trees, buildings, or other structures, give birds respite from the blazing sun. Birds may also frequent cooler areas near sources of water, like ponds, streams, puddles, and bird baths. Wetlands, lakeshores, and coastlines…
Chimney swifts are small birds that are uniquely adapted to spend most of their lives on the wing. Unlike many other bird species, chimney swifts can sleep while flying! Here’s an overview of how chimney swifts are able to sleep during flight: Do chimney swifts really sleep while flying? Yes, chimney swifts have the remarkable ability to sleep while flying. They are able to enter short periods of deep sleep lasting up to 10 seconds while airborne. Chimney swifts spend the night flying actively and can sleep while flying to get the rest they need. How are chimney swifts able…
Golden eagles are large birds of prey that inhabit open country across much of the Northern Hemisphere. They have long, broad wings and a wingspan that can reach over 7 feet wide. Golden eagles are opportunistic hunters and will prey on a variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles and even young deer. However, there has been some debate over whether golden eagles also take lambs from sheep farms. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence around golden eagles predating lambs and evaluate the different perspectives on this issue. Do Golden Eagles Hunt Lambs? There are certainly documented cases…
Halo Infinite offers players an unprecedented amount of customization options for their Spartan. From armor cores to coatings, visors, stances, and more, there are tons of ways to make your Spartan your own in Halo Infinite’s multiplayer. One of the many customization options are armor trims. Armor trims allow you to change the accent colors on different parts of your Spartan’s armor, allowing for even more personalization. However, with so many armor trims to choose from, it can be hard to keep track of which ones you have unlocked. This guide will go over how you can find and view…