The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a species of bird that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It was introduced to North America in the late 19th century and has since become one of the most numerous songbirds on the continent. But there has been much debate over whether European Starlings should still be considered an invasive species today. What makes a species invasive? A species is generally considered invasive if it is not native to an ecosystem and its introduction causes or is likely to cause economic, environmental, or human harm. Some key characteristics of invasive species…
Author: Peter Knight
Heron fish, also known as wolf herrings, are a family of medium-sized predatory fish found in marine environments around the world. While not as popular as other fish like salmon or tuna, heron fish can be eaten and are considered good eating by many. However, there are some important factors to consider before eating heron fish. Are heron fish safe to eat? Yes, heron fish are generally considered safe to eat. There are no special precautions or restrictions for consuming heron fish. As with any fish, proper handling, preparation and cooking are important to prevent illness. Heron fish do not…
The California condor belongs to the New World vulture family Cathartidae. This family contains seven extant species in four genera that are all found in the Americas. The California condor is the only surviving member of the genus Gymnogyps. Quick Facts on the California Condor Here are some quick facts about the California condor: Scientific name: Gymnogyps californianus Average wingspan: 9.5-10.5 feet Average weight: 17-25 pounds Average lifespan: 50-70 years Diet: Carrion Range: Western coastal mountains of North America (California, Mexico, Arizona) Conservation status: Critically endangered The California condor is the largest land bird in North America. It went extinct…
Chipping Sparrows are small, slender songbirds that are very common across North America. They get their name from their distinct “chip” call that they make repeatedly while foraging for food. Chipping Sparrows are identified by their reddish brown cap, gray face, black line through the eye, and dark-streaked back. Their underparts are pale gray, and they have a long dark tail with white outer feathers. Chipping Sparrow Nesting Chipping Sparrows build open, cup-shaped nests out of grass, weeds, twigs, rootlets and lined with hair and fine grasses. They often place their nests in coniferous trees or shrubs, 2 to 10…
Sparrows are small brown birds that are very common in urban and suburban areas. While their chirping can be pleasant to hear, sparrows can quickly become a nuisance if they take up residence in or around your home. Their nests can clog gutters and downspouts, they can damage exterior surfaces with their droppings, and their constant noise can become annoying. If sparrows have moved into your area, there are some effective and humane ways to encourage them to leave. Why are sparrows attracted to your property? Sparrows are attracted to properties that provide suitable nesting spots, abundant food sources, and…
The mythical bird known for hunting elephants is called the Roc. The Roc is a gigantic, powerful bird of prey that dates back to Persian and Arabic folklore. Stories about the Roc have been passed down for centuries and the legend of this massive bird still captures the imagination today. What does the Roc look like? The Roc is most commonly described as being enormous, eagle-like bird with wings large enough to block out the sun. It is said to have feathers that range in color from white to golden to reddish-yellow. The Roc’s beak is sharp and curved like…
Grouse is a type of game bird that is hunted and eaten in many parts of the world. The French word for grouse is “tétras”. This refers to several species of grouse that are native to France and other parts of Europe. What types of grouse live in France? There are three main species of grouse that inhabit the mountains, forests, and moors of France: Black grouse or “tétras lyre” (Tetrao tetrix) Capercaillie or “grand tétras” (Tetrao urogallus) Hazel grouse or “tétras bonasia” (Bonasa bonasia) Of these, the black grouse is the most widespread and commonly hunted species in France.…
Hummingbirds are known for their small size, beautiful plumage, and ability to hover in midair. They are found only in the Americas. Of the over 300 species of hummingbirds, some are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their feeding grounds from intruders. This raises the question – which hummingbird species is the most territorial? What does it mean for a hummingbird to be territorial? Territoriality refers to aggressive behavior used to claim and defend an area. Territorial hummingbirds will try to chase away and attack other hummingbirds that enter their territory. They will perform intimidating displays and vocalizations to ward…
Starlings are a type of bird found across much of North America. They are known for their dark, iridescent feathers and their noisy chattering calls. While starlings can be found across North America throughout much of the year, their migratory patterns and year-round presence vary by region. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the seasonal patterns of starlings and whether they are present all year long in different areas. What are starlings? Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are a medium-sized songbird native to Europe and Asia. They were introduced to North America in the late 1800s and have since…
Pennsylvania is home to a diverse array of bird species, some of which are characterized by their long, slender necks. Birds that have elongated necks are able to reach food sources that are inaccessible to other birds with shorter necks. Their specialized neck anatomy allows them to hunt in shallow waters for fish and other aquatic prey. Some long-necked birds are also adept at spearing frogs, small rodents, and other animals in marshes and wetlands. Great Blue Heron One of the most widely recognized long-necked birds in Pennsylvania is the great blue heron (Ardea herodias). As North America’s largest heron,…