The upturned wing tip seen on many soaring birds like eagles, hawks, and vultures is called the alula. It is a small feathered projection on the leading edge of the wing near the wrist joint. The alula plays an important role in helping soaring birds utilize columns of rising air called thermals to gain altitude and remain aloft while expending minimal energy. What is the alula? The alula is a thumb-like projection found on the front margin of the wings of most birds. It consists of 3-5 feathers that can be moved independently of the rest of the wing. In…
Author: Peter Knight
The ptarmigan is a medium-sized game bird in the grouse family. It lives in mountainous and arctic regions and is known for its camouflage plumage that changes color to match its surroundings. While not as popularly consumed as chicken or turkey, ptarmigan meat is prized by hunters and gourmands for its unique, delicate flavor. But what exactly does ptarmigan taste like? Quick Overview of Ptarmigan The ptarmigan is a plump-bodied bird with feathered feet and a short, rounded tail. There are three main species: Willow ptarmigan – Lives in northern forests and tundra Rock ptarmigan – Lives in rocky mountainsides…
Birds are amazing creatures that exhibit a wide range of abilities when it comes to flight. One of the most impressive aspects of avian flight is the incredible speed at which some birds can flap their wings. The swiftness of a bird’s wing beats allows it to propel itself through the air and perform aerial acrobatics that seem to defy physics. When observing birds in flight, it’s clear that some species are capable of much faster wing flapping than others. Small songbirds often beat their wings at a leisurely pace, while large birds of prey may flap slowly and powerfully.…
Robins are a common bird found throughout North America. In California, robins can be found year-round across most of the state. Robins thrive in a variety of habitats from urban areas to forests and woodlands. Here is an overview of where robins live and nest in the diverse regions of California. Central Valley and Coastal Regions The Central Valley which runs down the interior of California is an important habitat for robins. The valley has a Mediterranean climate which robins prefer. The warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters allow robins to breed and find food year-round. Robins build their…
House wrens (Troglodytes aedon) are small, active birds that inhabit backyards, parks, and open woodlands across North America. Their loud, bubbly songs are a familiar sound in spring and summer. But why are house wrens so vocal? Their frequent calling serves several important functions related to communication, territory defense, and mating. Male house wrens sing to attract mates and repel rivals from their breeding territories. Their complex songs communicate their identity and fitness as potential partners. Females seem to prefer males with larger repertoires of song types. The male’s persistence in singing—repeating phrases hundreds of times per day—shows his willingness…
The Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a small songbird native to North America. These birds are very common across the United States and Canada during the breeding season. Baby Chipping Sparrows hatch in the summer months and rely on their parents to provide food in the first few weeks after hatching. Understanding the diet of baby Chipping Sparrows can provide insight into their nutritional needs for healthy development. What do adult Chipping Sparrows eat? The diet of adult Chipping Sparrows consists primarily of seeds and insects. Their favorite seeds include those from grasses, sedges, and herbs. Chipping Sparrows also opportunistically…
Birds, like all animals, need water to survive. Water is essential for birds to maintain proper bodily functions, regulate body temperature, and prevent dehydration. Most wild birds get the majority of the water they need from their food sources, but they also drink water regularly. Providing a fresh water source is an important part of caring for pet birds and birds in captivity. Understanding birds’ need for water can help people better care for their feathered friends. Do birds need to drink water? Yes, birds need to drink water regularly to survive. Like all living creatures, birds’ bodies are made…
The Summer Tanager is a medium-sized songbird that breeds in the southeastern United States. Tanagers are known for their bright red plumage during the breeding season, which gives rise to their common name “Summer Tanager”. These birds build open cup nests in the branches of trees, often high up near the tops of canopy trees. The nest placement, materials, and construction provide important clues into the breeding ecology and behavior of this species. Understanding where and how Summer Tanagers build their nests can help efforts to monitor and conserve these birds. What kind of habitat do Summer Tanagers prefer? Summer…
The Brown Creeper, also known by its scientific name Certhia americana, is a small songbird found throughout North America. It is known for its distinctive brown plumage and slender curved bill, which it uses to probe under bark crevices searching for insects. Though this inconspicuous bird blends into tree trunks, it has another more descriptive name that reveals its unique foraging behavior – the Tree Creeper. Tree Creeper The most common alternate name for the Brown Creeper is the Tree Creeper. This name refers to the bird’s habit of methodically creeping up the trunks of trees in search of food.…
Cardinals are one of the most beloved and recognizable backyard birds in North America. The bright red plumage of the male northern cardinal is a vivid splash of color against the winter landscape. However, yellow cardinals are exceptionally rare. So why are yellow cardinals so uncommon compared to the ubiquitous red cardinal? What Makes a Cardinal Yellow Cardinals owe their red coloration to carotenoid pigments obtained from their diet of seeds and fruit. The most common carotenoid in cardinals is astaxanthin, which produces a vibrant red hue. However, yellow cardinals get their distinctive color from a different carotenoid called lutein.…