The Tufted Titmouse is a small songbird that is a familiar sight at bird feeders across eastern and central North America. They are identifiable by their prominent crest or tuft of feathers on the top of their head. Their name “titmouse” refers to this tuft, with “tit” meaning small and “mouse” referring to the gray coloration of their body. The word “tufted” again points to the crest of feathers on their head. But do all Tufted Titmice actually have a tuft? Read on to learn more about the defining feature of this charismatic backyard bird. Physical Description of the Tufted…
Author: Peter Knight
The peregrine falcon is a remarkable bird of prey that can reach speeds of over 200 mph when diving for prey. However, due to the effects of pesticides, especially DDT, peregrine falcon populations plummeted in the middle of the 20th century. By the 1960s, the species was endangered throughout much of its range. Through dedicated conservation efforts, peregrine falcons have made an incredible recovery, although they are still rare in some areas. The Natural History of the Peregrine Falcon The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) has one of the most extensive natural ranges of any bird species in the world. It…
Lovebirds are small parrots that make wonderful pets. They are energetic, affectionate, and very intelligent birds. Like all parrots, lovebirds require a balanced diet to stay healthy and active. Seeds should only make up a small part of a lovebird’s diet, but they do provide important nutrients. Here is an overview of the best and healthiest seeds for lovebirds. Why Seeds Are Important for Lovebirds While a lovebird’s diet should consist mostly of high-quality pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds do serve a valuable purpose. Seeds provide lovebirds with essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, seeds…
Taxidermy refers to the art of preserving an animal’s body via mounting or stuffing for the purpose of display or study. Birds are a popular choice for taxidermy thanks to their beautiful plumage and diverse species. When considering what birds can be used for taxidermy, the main factors are the bird’s size, legal status, and feasibility of preservation. What Are the Size Requirements? When it comes to taxidermy, the size of the bird is an important factor. Very small birds, such as hummingbirds, can be incredibly challenging to preserve well due to their tiny size and delicate features. Larger birds…
Vancouver is a beautiful city located in British Columbia, Canada. Known for its mild climate, natural beauty, and multiculturalism, Vancouver is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Among the many bird species found in and around Vancouver are wrens, charming little songbirds from the family Troglodytidae. But which wrens can be spotted in Vancouver? Are there many different species, or just a handful? And where are the best places to try and catch a glimpse of these tiny birds? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at wrens in Vancouver and find out if they can be readily…
Condors are large vulture-like birds found in North and South America. There are six living species of condor, with wingspans ranging from 3 feet to over 10 feet wide. Condors are scavengers that feed primarily on carrion. Their large size allows them to easily feed on large carcasses. Despite their intimidating appearance, condors are generally not aggressive towards humans or other animals. However, their behavior can sometimes appear aggressive as they compete for food. Here we’ll take a closer look at condor aggression and what contributes to it. Do condors attack humans? Condors do not typically attack humans. They are…
Kingfishers are a group of small to medium-sized brightly colored birds in the family Alcedinidae. There are around 90 species of kingfishers found worldwide, mostly in the tropics and subtropics. Kingfishers have a distinctive shape with a large head, long bill, short legs, and stubby tails. They are known for their spectacular dives into water to catch fish and other aquatic prey. While kingfishers are not considered threatened as a family, some individual species are endangered or declining due to habitat loss and other threats. Kingfisher Classification Kingfishers belong to the order Coraciiformes, which also includes bee-eaters, rollers, todies, and…
Baltimore orioles are brightly colored songbirds that can be found in the eastern and central United States during the spring and summer months. With their bright orange and black plumage, male Baltimore orioles are especially eye-catching. These sociable birds build pendulous nests and forage for insects, fruit, and nectar. But when it comes to their breeding habits, do Baltimore orioles mate for life? Quick Answer No, Baltimore orioles do not mate for life. They are serially monogamous, meaning they have a new mate each breeding season. However, a mated pair will stay together throughout one breeding season to cooperate in…
Archaeopteryx is an ancient bird that lived around 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period. It is considered to be one of the earliest known birds, and its discovery provided important evidence for the evolution of birds from dinosaurs. Here is a quick overview of what Archaeopteryx is: Discovery of Archaeopteryx The first Archaeopteryx fossil was discovered in 1861 in southern Germany. It consisted of a single feather. In the late 19th century, several full skeletons of Archaeopteryx were found, also from quarries in southern Germany. These fossils showed a creature with features of both birds and reptiles.…
Mourning doves are a common backyard bird found throughout most of North America. They get their name from their mournful cooing sound. These petite grayish-brown birds with white wing bars and a long tapered tail are a joy to watch as they strut across lawns and perch on telephone wires. Mourning doves don’t actually excavate cavities to build nests like woodpeckers do. Instead, they rely on pre-existing cavities or artificial nest boxes provided by humans. Offering mourning doves an artificial nest box is a great way to attract a breeding pair to your backyard. But it’s important to provide a…