The wood stork is a large wading bird found in wetlands of the southeastern United States. Once facing potential extinction, the wood stork has made a remarkable recovery in recent decades. However, its future remains uncertain and it is still classified as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Quick Facts on Wood Storks Here are some key facts about wood storks: Scientific Name: Mycteria americana Average Height: 40 inches Wingspan: 60 inches Average Weight: 4 to 7 pounds Lifespan: 10 years in wild Diet: Fish, insects, frogs, reptiles Breeding Season: Late winter to spring Nesting Sites: Cypress swamps,…
Author: Peter Knight
Zebra finches are a common pet bird known for their singing ability. Male zebra finches in particular are prolific singers who use song to attract mates and defend their territory. But do female zebra finches also sing? And what exactly constitutes “singing” in these small Australian grassland birds? We’ll explore the vocalizations of zebra finches and examine the evidence on whether both sexes can truly be said to sing. What is bird song? Bird song is more complex than just any vocalization a bird might make. Songs are longer, more intricate vocalizations used for specific purposes like courtship and territorial…
Sparrows are a common type of small songbird found all over the world. While most sparrows have brown, grey, or black feathers, some species and subspecies exhibit bright reddish plumage. The reasons for this colorful anomaly have intrigued ornithologists and bird enthusiasts for many years. Genetic Mutations One of the primary explanations for red coloration in sparrows is genetic mutations. Birds inherit their feather pigmentation from their parents, encoded in their DNA. Random mutations can occur during reproduction that result in the expression of different pigments. If a mutation causes increased production of the red pigment phaeomelanin, a sparrow may…
Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) are small passerine birds found throughout North America. They build gourd-shaped mud nests on vertical surfaces like cliffs, under bridges, and on buildings. Their nests have a fascinating structure that allows them to be securely attached to vertical surfaces. What is a cliff swallow? The cliff swallow is a member of the swallow family Hirundinidae. They are sparrow-sized birds about 5-6 inches long with a wingspan of 12 inches. Cliff swallows have blue-black upperparts, a buffy forehead, throat, and rump, and a rusty orange face and collar. The tail is slightly forked. Cliff swallows breed across…
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large, white waterbird found across much of the world. Though it is still a fairly common species in many areas, the Great Egret has experienced significant population declines due to a variety of factors, and is now considered an endangered species in certain parts of its range. Understanding why the Great Egret is endangered can help inform conservation efforts for this elegant bird. What is the Great Egret? The Great Egret is a tall, long-legged wading bird that measures around 90–100 cm (35–39 in) in length and weighs approximately 700–1500 g (1.5–3.3 lb).…
Wild birds have some fascinating sleeping habits that may seem strange to us humans. While most birds do not actually sleep fully upside down, many wild birds do sleep in positions that may appear upside down or unusual. How Birds Sleep Most birds do not have the same sleep cycles as humans. They tend to sleep in short bursts throughout a 24 hour period, rather than sleeping for one long stretch. Wild birds need to be alert to danger at all times, so they usually sleep very lightly and can awake at any sign of a threat. Their sleep is…
Red hair is a unique trait that only 1-2% of the population possesses. This distinct hair color is the result of a genetic mutation in the MC1R gene that causes the production of a reddish pigment called pheomelanin instead of the more common black-brown pigment eumelanin. While redheads stand out with their fiery locks in youth, many wonder if red hair grays in the same way as other hair colors with age. When do redheads start to go gray? Redheads, like all people, begin to go gray as they age. However, when gray hairs first start to appear can vary…
Secretary birds are large terrestrial birds of prey that are found across sub-Saharan Africa. They get their name from their distinctive feather crest on the back of their heads that resembles the old hairstyle worn by secretaries. Secretary birds are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. During the breeding season, secretary birds go through elaborate courtship rituals to attract and bond with a mate. Physical Attributes Secretary birds have several physical features that make them attractive to potential mates. Their most distinctive feature is the crest of long quill-like feathers on the back of their heads. This crest can be…
The Bufflehead duck (Bucephala albeola) is a small diving duck that is native to North America. It goes by several other common names including “butterball,” “bufflehead,” “spirit duck,” “dipper duck,” and “butter-box.” Understanding the various names for the Bufflehead duck provides insight into its appearance, behavior, and habitat. Butterball One of the most common alternate names for the Bufflehead duck is “butterball.” There are a few theories as to why this small duck earned this name: The male Bufflehead has large white patches on its wings that could resemble globs of butter when it is flying. The coloring of the…
The Iowa Hawkeye is a hawk, which is a type of bird. Specifically, it is based on the red-tailed hawk, which is a common hawk species found throughout North America. Quick Facts About the Iowa Hawkeye Here are some quick facts about the Iowa Hawkeye: It is the mascot for the University of Iowa athletics teams. It was chosen as the mascot in 1898 after an article referred to Iowa football players as “Hawkeyes.” The current costumed mascot is named Herky the Hawk. He wears a black and gold jersey with the number 1. Hawkeyes are known for their excellent…