Cutting down a tree that has an active bird’s nest is illegal in many places. Birds and their nests are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, the Wildlife Act in the UK, and similar legislation in other countries. There can be legal consequences for removing or destroying an active nest. Is it illegal to cut down a tree with a bird nest? In the United States, it is illegal to remove or destroy an active nest of any bird species that is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This includes all native bird species.…
Author: Peter Knight
The tri-colored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) and the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) are two similar looking yet distinct species of blackbirds found in North America. Both belong to the family Icteridae and are medium-sized songbirds with predominantly black plumage and red or yellow wing markings. However, there are several key differences between these two species when it comes to their physical appearance, habitat, diet, breeding behavior, conservation status and more. This article will provide a detailed comparison of the tri-colored blackbird vs the red-winged blackbird to highlight how they are unique in their own ways. Physical Appearance The most noticeable difference…
The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a large bird of prey that is found on every continent except Antarctica. Ospreys are known for their ability to hunt live fish by diving into water feet first. They have several adaptations that help them catch fish, including reversible outer toes, closable nostrils to keep out water, and backwards facing scales on their talons to help grip slippery fish. Ospreys build large nests high up on platforms near water, where they raise their young. Though ospreys are found in many habitats globally, they thrive around clean rivers, lakes, and coastal areas that provide ample…
Birds chirping is a common sound, especially in the morning hours when many species are most vocal. But why do birds chirp, and what effects does this noise have? Bird song plays an important role in territory defense and mate attraction. The sounds can also affect humans in various ways. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind bird vocalizations and their diverse impacts. Why Do Birds Chirp? Birds chirp for several key reasons: Territory Defense Many birds sing to claim their territory and ward off intruders. Their songs communicate that the area is occupied. Some species use complex tunes…
The dove has been a symbol of Jesus Christ for over 2,000 years. Images of doves appear frequently in Christian art and iconography as a representation of the Holy Spirit. But why exactly was the dove chosen as a symbol for Christ? There are a few key reasons: The baptism of Jesus One of the main Biblical stories that links the dove to Christ is the account of his baptism. All four gospels describe the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus “like a dove” after his baptism in the Jordan river by John the Baptist: “As soon as Jesus was baptized,…
Boobies are a group of seabirds in the genus Sula that are known for their ability to dive from great heights into the ocean to catch fish. The speed at which boobies hit the water has fascinated scientists and bird enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will explore what’s known about how quickly different booby species can dive. What are boobies? There are six species of boobies found across tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. They are large seabirds with long tapered wings and short legs that are well-adapted for diving. Their plumage is typically brown, white, or black and white.…
Black swifts are a fascinating migratory bird found along the Pacific Coast and in the Rocky Mountains. Every year, they make an incredible journey from their breeding grounds in western North America to their wintering grounds in South America. But exactly where do black swifts go when winter approaches in the north? Let’s take a closer look at the winter range and migration habits of these aerial acrobats. Overview of Black Swifts Black swifts (Cypseloides niger) are medium-sized birds around 7 inches long with sooty black plumage, long curved wings, and short tails. They are members of the swift family,…
Birdhouses provide safe nesting sites for many species of birds that nest in cavities. Cavity-nesting birds cannot excavate their own nesting cavities in trees or other natural sites, so providing an artificial cavity in the form of a birdhouse gives them a place to raise their young. There are dozens of bird species that will readily use birdhouses, including chickadees, nuthatches, bluebirds, swallows, flycatchers, and wrens. Choosing the right type of birdhouse, placing it in a suitable location, and properly maintaining the birdhouse will increase the chances of attracting nesting birds. What are cavity-nesting birds? Cavity-nesting birds are species that…
Birds can often become problematic when they congregate in large numbers, especially in urban environments. Large flocks of birds like pigeons and seagulls can cause noise, mess, and damage to infrastructure. That’s why dispersing birds is sometimes necessary. However, it needs to be done humanely and legally. Why do birds congregate in large groups? There are several reasons why birds tend to form large flocks: Safety in numbers – Being part of a large flock helps protect individual birds from predators Social interaction – Birds are highly social creatures and like to be among others of their own species Finding…
Birds have a unique method of feeding their young called regurgitation. This is the process where parent birds will swallow food, partially digest it, and then regurgitate the food back up to feed their chicks or nestlings. Regurgitation allows parent birds to efficiently provide their young with the nutrients they need to grow and develop. What is regurgitation? Regurgitation refers to the method of birds bringing up food from their crop and feeding it to their chicks. The crop is an enlarged portion of the esophagus where food is stored before being passed on to the stomach for digestion. When…