Song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) are a common songbird found throughout North America. They get their name from their melodious song, which can be heard in spring and summer as the males sing to defend their territories and attract mates. Song sparrows build cup-shaped nests low in shrubs and on the ground in which they lay speckled brown-and-gray eggs. But how long does it take for those eggs to hatch into chirping hatchlings? Let’s take a look at the song sparrow’s breeding biology and nesting habits to find out. Song Sparrow Breeding Season Song sparrows can raise multiple broods per breeding…
Author: Peter Knight
Condors are large vultures native to North and South America. They are some of the world’s largest flying birds, with wingspans of up to 10 feet. Condors build nests on cliff ledges and in cavities like caves or large tree hollows. Their nests are relatively simple structures made of sticks, twigs, and other plant material. Here’s a closer look at what condor nests typically look like: Nest Locations Condors nest on cliffs and rocky outcroppings, usually 50-200 feet above the ground. They prefer ledges that are large enough to accommodate their large bodies and wide wingspans. Ideal nesting sites provide…
The domestication of birds is a fascinating topic that has captivated historians and archaeologists alike. Birds have been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years, providing food, feathers, and companionship. But when did this close relationship between birds and humans first develop? When were birds first domesticated? The First Steps Towards Bird Domestication The domestication of birds likely began over 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic period, when human societies first transitioned from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture. This major change in human subsistence patterns created new opportunities for animal domestication. As humans cultivated cereal grains, they…
The olive sparrow (Arremonops rufivirgatus) is a small songbird found in the Americas. Measuring between 4.7 to 5.5 inches (12 to 14 cm) in length and weighing 0.4 to 0.6 ounces (12 to 17 grams), the olive sparrow is a tiny bird. Its size can be compared to common sparrows found in backyards. In this article, we will explore the key physical traits and size measurements of the olive sparrow to understand just how small this songbird is. Weight The olive sparrow weighs between 0.4 to 0.6 ounces (12 to 17 grams) on average. This makes it a very lightweight…
Muscovy ducks are a unique species of duck that are known for their large size, bright red facial skin, and distinctive tail-wagging behavior. Unlike most other ducks, Muscovies do not quack – they hiss, puff, and wag their tails instead. This unusual tail-wagging habit has sparked the curiosity of many duck enthusiasts and backyard poultry keepers over the years. Tail Wagging as Communication For Muscovy ducks, tail wagging serves an important communicative function. Male and female Muscovies wag their tails in specific patterns and contexts to convey different information to other members of their flock. Researchers have identified several distinct…
Bird strikes are a serious aviation hazard and can cause severe damage to aircraft. This article will examine what happens when a bird collides with an airplane windshield and the potential consequences. What is a bird strike? A bird strike occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft. This usually happens during takeoff or landing phases of flight when planes are flying at low altitudes. Aircraft most often collide with birds near airports, over land, or along migratory routes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines a bird strike as: “A bird strike is strictly defined as a collision between a…
Wood thrushes are medium-sized songbirds found in forests across much of North America. They are known for their beautiful, flute-like songs, which are often described as sounding like an ethereal bell ringing through the trees. But when exactly do wood thrushes sing their melodic songs – is it only during the day, or can their calls also be heard after dark? Quick Answer Wood thrushes typically do not sing at night. Their songs are most often heard during the daytime hours from late spring through summer. There are a few exceptions when wood thrushes may vocalize a bit after dusk,…
The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a medium-sized owl found throughout Iceland. It gets its name from the small, barely noticeable ear tufts on the top of its head. The short-eared owl is known for its distinctive hunting behavior and amazing migratory journeys. In Iceland, the short-eared owl can be found in open habitats like marshes, grasslands, shrublands, and tundra during the spring and summer breeding season. This owl is considered a rare breeder in Iceland with an estimated population of only 100-300 pairs. While scarce, the short-eared owl plays an important role as a top predator in Iceland’s ecosystems.…
Sandhill cranes are large birds that are known for their distinctive jumping behavior, where they leap vertically into the air over and over again. This jumping is a normal part of sandhill crane behavior and serves several important functions for the birds. In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to provide some quick answers to the question of why sandhill cranes jump repeatedly. The main reasons these cranes jump up and down are: Social communication Coordination of group movements Aggression and territory defense Predator awareness Exercise and play Sandhill cranes jump for a variety of reasons related to their social behavior,…
Quick Answer The herring gull typically lays 2-3 eggs per clutch. The eggs are laid over a period of several days, with each egg incubated for around 28 days before hatching. Herring gulls have one brood per mating season. Herring Gull Overview The herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large gull species that lives across much of the Northern Hemisphere. It breeds across northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Some key facts about herring gulls: Length: 20-26 inches Wingspan: 50-65 inches Weight: 2-3 pounds Lifespan: Up to 30 years Conservation Status: Least Concern Herring gulls are omnivorous and…