When it comes to flight speed, birds are the champions of the animal kingdom. While most birds fly at speeds between 30-50 mph, some are capable of truly astounding velocities. So which birds can propel themselves through the air at 70 mph or more? The World’s Fastest Birds Only a handful of bird species have been clocked flying at speeds above 70 mph. Here are some of the world’s fastest birds and their recorded top airspeeds: Peregrine Falcon – 200 mph Golden Eagle – 120-200 mph White-throated Needletail – 105 mph Eurasian Hobby – 100 mph Frigatebird – 95 mph…
Author: Peter Knight
Red-tailed hawks are common raptors found throughout much of North America. They are easily identified by their distinctive red tail feathers. As their natural habitat has declined, these hawks have adapted to live around humans in suburbs, cities, and on farms. While their adaptability is remarkable, it sometimes brings red-tails into conflict with people. This leads to the question: Can you relocate a problem red-tailed hawk? Quick Answers – Relocating red-tailed hawks is highly regulated under federal and state laws. – In most cases, a permit is required from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to trap and relocate a…
When embarking on a bird watching trip in Costa Rica, having an experienced and knowledgeable guide can truly make or break your experience. With over 900 species of birds across a diversity of habitats, you’ll want someone who can help you find and identify the incredible birds that call this country home. But with so many bird guides to choose from, how do you decide who is truly the best? Here are some tips for choosing the right guide, along with our top recommendations for the best bird guides in Costa Rica. How to Choose the Best Bird Guide in…
Capturing sharp, clean images of birds in flight requires fast shutter speeds, which often means shooting at high ISO settings. This can lead to noise, the grainy, speckled look that detracts from image quality. While high ISO performance of cameras continues to improve, noise is still a fact of life, especially when photographing fast-moving subjects like birds. Fortunately, there are steps you can take both in-camera and during post-processing to reduce noise for cleaner images of your avian subjects. Use the Lowest ISO Possible The most basic thing you can do to reduce noise is use the lowest ISO setting…
A gyrfalcon is a large falcon species that breeds in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The name “gyrfalcon” comes from the Old French “gerfaucon”, derived from the Late Latin “hierofalco”, meaning “hawk of the sacred”. But why is this majestic bird of prey called a gyrfalcon? In this article, we will explore the origins and meaning behind the name of the largest falcon in the world. What is a gyrfalcon? The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the largest falcon species, with body lengths up to 25 inches and wingspans over 4 feet. They have stocky, powerful bodies…
Quick Answers Parrots can suffer from dry, cracked feet just like humans do. There are several safe and effective options for moisturizing and protecting your parrot’s feet. Aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and pet-safe paw balms are gentle, soothing products to apply to dry feet. Covering perches with vet wrap or fleece fabric can also cushion your parrot’s feet. Be sure to monitor for any signs of irritation when trying new products on your bird’s feet. With some trial and error, you can find the right solution to keep your parrot’s feet healthy and happy. Why Do Parrots Get…
Birds have a respiratory system that is uniquely adapted for flight. Unlike mammals, birds have a complex system of air sacs that work together with their lungs to facilitate respiration. While birds do have lungs, their respiratory system also contains 9 interconnecting air sacs that play a key role. Summary In summary, birds have both lungs and air sacs as part of their respiratory system: Birds have lungs that are similar to mammal lungs but are smaller and more rigid. In addition to lungs, birds have a system of 9 air sacs located throughout their body. Air flows continuously through…
Bird watching, also known as birding, is a popular hobby that involves observing wild birds in their natural habitats. It requires patience, knowledge about birds and their behavior, and the right equipment. One piece of equipment that birders often consider is a monocular. But is a monocular actually a good choice for bird watching? What is a Monocular? A monocular is a small telescope that you hold in one hand and look through with only one eye. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. Monoculars come in a range of magnifications, typically from 5x to 12x, allowing you…
Owls are known for being solitary birds that hunt and live alone or in mating pairs. However, some owl species can and do live in groups for at least part of the year. So can owls live in groups? The answer is yes, some owl species do congregate in groups, though the composition and purpose of these groups can vary by species. Do owls live in flocks? Most owl species do not live in flocks like many other bird species. Owls are territorial and typically only socialize for breeding purposes. However, there are a few exceptions where owls may congregate…
Kingfishers are a group of small to medium-sized birds in the family Alcedinidae. There are around 90 species of kingfisher that are found throughout the world, except for Antarctica. Kingfishers are best known for their bright, colorful plumage and elongated beaks that are well-adapted for catching fish, their primary prey. Kingfisher Appearance One of the main things kingfishers are known for is their striking appearance. Kingfishers have compact bodies, short legs, large heads, and long, dagger-like beaks. Their most distinctive feature is their vibrant plumage in shades of blue, green, orange, and red. The feathers on a kingfisher’s back and…