Birds can be a nuisance around homes, leaving droppings, pecking at siding, waking you up early with their songs, and more. While you may enjoy seeing colorful birds visiting your yard, you likely don’t want them nesting on or near your house. There are several effective methods to humanely keep birds away from your home. Why Do Birds Come to Your House? Birds are attracted to houses for several reasons: Food sources – Accessible trash, pet food bowls, etc. Nesting sites – Shrubs, eaves, attic vents, etc. Water – Bird baths, ponds, etc. Shelter – Trees, overhangs, and covered areas…
Author: Peter Knight
Yes, father birds do feed their babies in most bird species. The extent to which father birds participate in feeding babies depends on the species. In some species, father birds take equal or even greater responsibility for feeding chicks compared to the mother. But in other species, the father’s role is more limited. Why Do Birds Feed Their Babies? Parent birds feed their chicks for the simple reason that baby birds cannot feed themselves. Hatchlings are completely dependent on their parents for food and protection. They do not yet have the ability to fly, forage, or hunt for food on…
The tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) is a medium-sized seabird in the auk family. It is easily distinguished by its black body, white face and bright orange bill. Tufted puffins spend most of their lives out at sea, only coming to land during breeding season to nest. They nest in large colonies on coastal cliffs and remote islands, making them a spectacular sight for bird watchers. But finding a place to reliably see these charismatic birds can be a challenge. This article will provide a quick overview of the tufted puffin’s range and habitat preferences before highlighting the best places in…
It’s a common phenomenon to see large flocks of grackles descending on yards and open areas, leaving many homeowners wondering why there are suddenly so many of these noisy birds around. Grackles are a type of blackbird that can become seasonally abundant in certain areas. There are a few key reasons why grackles may congregate in large numbers in your yard or neighborhood. Grackles Are Highly Social Grackles are highly gregarious birds that flock together, especially during winter months. They form large communal roosts at night that can contain thousands or even millions of birds. During the day, these roosting…
Many people who live in apartments love birds and want to be able to feed them right outside their windows. Bird feeding allows you to connect with nature and watch beautiful birds up close. However, there are some important factors to consider before putting up a bird feeder at your apartment. In this comprehensive guide, we will go over everything you need to know about having a bird feeder at an apartment, including the pros and cons, rules and regulations, types of feeders, and tips for success. The Pros of a Bird Feeder at an Apartment There are many benefits…
Quick Answer: Yes, rock dove pigeons can make great pets! They are relatively easy to care for and have friendly, social personalities. However, there are some important things to consider before getting a pet pigeon, such as their need for space, special diet, and veterinary care. Overall, rock doves can be a rewarding companion pet for someone willing to put in the time and effort to properly care for them. What is a Rock Dove Pigeon? The rock dove (Columba livia) is a member of the pigeon and dove family Columbidae. They are also known as the rock pigeon or…
Quail egg hatching season typically coincides with the spring and summer months when the weather becomes warmer. The exact timing of when quail are hatched depends on the quail species and can vary by region. However, there are some general guidelines for when to expect quail eggs to hatch in the wild and in captivity. When Wild Quail Nest and Hatch Most wild quail species nest and hatch their eggs in the spring and summer. Here is an overview of hatch times for some common wild quail species: Northern Bobwhite Quail – Late April through September California Quail – April…
Bird dander lung disease, also known as bird fancier’s lung (BFL), is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by exposure to avian proteins found in bird excreta, feathers and serum. It is an occupational lung disease most commonly seen in bird breeders, pet shop workers and pigeon fanciers. BFL causes inflammation of the lung parenchyma and airways resulting in cough, dyspnea and impaired pulmonary function. This article will provide an overview of bird dander lung disease including the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic workup, treatment and prevention. Epidemiology BFL is the most common type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, accounting for about…
Birds face many dangers in the world today. Habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and direct persecution by humans are some of the major threats. In this article, we will explore the different dangers birds encounter and how they impact bird populations. Habitat Loss Habitat loss is one of the biggest dangers facing birds worldwide. As human populations grow and land is cleared for agriculture, housing, and industry, birds’ natural habitats disappear. Deforestation, wetland drainage, and the expansion of commercial development have all contributed to substantial habitat loss over the past century. Birds rely on specific habitats for nesting, food, and…
Providing adequate warmth and shelter is crucial for birds that remain in your area over the winter. While some species fly south for warmer weather, others tough it out through freezing temperatures and snow. Having an insulated and weatherproof birdhouse can help local birds survive the coldest months. This article will provide tips on keeping your birdhouse warm and comfortable all winter long. Why Do Birds Stay in Cold Climates? Not all birds migrate to warmer regions for the winter. Species like chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and juncos are year-round residents across much of the northern United States and Canada. These…