When making homemade toys for pet birds, it’s important to carefully choose materials that are safe for them to chew and play with. Certain materials can be toxic or pose ingestion hazards, while others are perfectly bird-safe. Here are some quick guidelines for selecting proper materials for bird toys: Wood Untreated, bird-safe woods like pine, maple, birch, poplar, and other hardwoods are excellent materials for bird toys. Avoid using softwoods like cedar and redwood, as the oils they contain can be toxic to birds. Stay away from painted, stained, or treated wood, as birds may chew off and ingest the…
Author: Peter Knight
The tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small songbird found throughout much of eastern and central North America. Its natural range extends from southern Ontario and Quebec in the north, southwards through the eastern United States as far as northern Florida and the Gulf Coast states. To the west, the tufted titmouse’s range reaches across the Great Plains states into eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. Quick Facts About the Tufted Titmouse Here are some key facts about the tufted titmouse: Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor Average length: 5.5-6.3 inches Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 inches Weight: 0.5-0.8 oz Lifespan: 2-3 years…
Green-winged teal are small ducks that are found across North America. They get their name from the bright green patches on their wings that are visible in flight. Green-winged teal have a diverse diet and feed on a variety of plant and animal foods. Their small size allows them to forage in shallow water and reach food sources that are inaccessible to larger ducks. In this article, we will explore the diet of green-winged teal ducks in depth. Plant Foods Green-winged teal consume a wide variety of plant foods including seeds, leaves, stems, and aquatic vegetation. These make up the…
Quick Answer Yes, a duck is considered a bird. Ducks belong to the biological family Anatidae, which includes swans, geese, and other waterfowl. All members of Anatidae are classified as birds. Ducks share many common characteristics with other bird species, including feathers, wings, a beak, and an endoskeleton. So biologically speaking, there is no question that a duck is a type of bird. What defines a bird? Birds are a type of animal that is characterized by certain features, including: Feathers – All birds have feathers which provide insulation and allow for flight. Wings – Wings provide the ability for…
Guinea fowl are a type of bird that originate from Africa. They are known for their unique spotted plumage and loud, distinctive calls. Telling the difference between a male and female guinea fowl can be tricky for beginners. However, there are some key physical characteristics and behaviors that can help you distinguish males from females. In this article, we will go over the following questions: What are some key physical differences between male and female guinea fowl? What vocalizations or calls are unique to male guinea fowl? How does male guinea fowl behavior differ from females? At what age can…
The phrase “the vulture is a bird of prey” refers to the fact that vultures are predatory birds that feed on carrion. Vultures play an important ecological role as nature’s clean-up crew, consuming dead animal remains and helping to prevent the spread of diseases. While the behavior of vultures may seem off-putting to some, they provide a valuable service in the environments they inhabit. This article will examine the meaning behind describing the vulture as a bird of prey and provide an overview of vulture characteristics and behavior. Defining Birds of Prey Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include…
The song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a small American sparrow with a distinctive and complex song. Its call, often described as sounding like a jumbled warble, is a familiar sound across much of North America. But what exactly does a song sparrow call sound like? Here we’ll explore the song sparrow’s vocalizations and how to identify them, according to sources like the Audubon Society. The Song Sparrow’s Call The song sparrow is aptly named for its melodious call. The male’s song consists of a mix of repeated notes, whistles, and trills. It often includes phrases that are repeated several times,…
The Eastern Phoebe and the Wood pee Wee are two small songbirds found in North America that belong to the flycatcher family. Though they are similar in some ways, there are key differences between these two species in terms of appearance, voice, habitat, range and behavior. Understanding how to distinguish between the Eastern Phoebe and the Wood pee Wee can be useful for birdwatchers looking to identify these birds in the wild. Appearance The Eastern Phoebe is a plump songbird with a large head and short legs. Adults have dark grayish-brown upperparts and paler underparts that are whitish on the…
Bycatch refers to the incidental catch of non-target species in fisheries. This occurs when fishing methods are non-selective and unable to differentiate between target and non-target species. Bycatch is a major concern as it can negatively impact non-target species populations, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Understanding what the most common bycatch species are can help fisheries better mitigate bycatch through improved fishing strategies and technologies. What is bycatch? Bycatch is defined as the incidental catch of non-target species in a fishery. This includes both commercial and recreational fisheries. Bycatch can include fish, marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles, and other species. It occurs…
Providing water for birds is an important way to help our feathered friends survive, especially during hot, dry periods. Birds need to drink water just like humans and other animals do. Having a reliable water source available helps attract birds to your yard or garden and gives them the hydration they need. When it comes to what you can put water in for birds, there are many inexpensive, easy to find options that work well. In this article, we’ll explore different containers that can be used effectively as bird baths and bird water stations. Plastic or Ceramic Bird Baths Traditional…