The giant bird-like Titan that appears in Godzilla: King of the Monsters is known as Rodan. Rodan is a pterosaur-like Kaiju that first appeared in the 1956 Japanese film Rodan, produced by Toho Studios. Rodan went on to appear in numerous Godzilla films over the decades, often as an ally or sometimes an enemy of Godzilla. In Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Rodan is awakened from hibernation in a volcanic nest in Mexico. Along with Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah, Rodan is one of the ancient Titans being awakened across the globe. Rodan wreaks havoc with sonic booms and shockwaves…
Author: Peter Knight
Birds produce a variety of vocalizations, from songs to squawks to screeches. Some birds are well known for their loud, harsh screams, while others emit softer calls. But which bird species truly screeches the loudest? Determining the loudest bird screech is not straightforward, as there are several factors to consider. In this article, we will explore some of the loudest bird screeches and what makes them so ear-piercing. We will also look at some of the reasons why certain birds screech so loudly in the first place. Join us as we investigate the complex world of bird vocalizations and determine…
Birds, like many other animals, require certain nutrients to remain healthy. One of these is sodium, an electrolyte which helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function. While sodium is available from food sources, some species have also been observed supplementing their intake by visiting natural salt licks or consuming man-made salt and mineral blocks. This has raised questions around whether providing artificial salt licks is beneficial or even necessary for wild and domesticated bird species. Do wild birds use natural salt licks? Some bird species are known to regularly visit natural salt licks to consume the sodium and minerals found…
Wilson’s storm petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) and Leach’s storm petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) are two similar looking species of small seabirds in the storm petrel family Hydrobatidae. They can be challenging to tell apart in the field due to their overall similarity in appearance and behavior. However, upon close inspection, there are some key differences between these two species in terms of size, plumage, breeding habitat, migration patterns, and vocalizations. Understanding these differences is important for properly identifying and distinguishing between Wilson’s and Leach’s storm petrels. What are storm petrels? Storm petrels are a group of small seabirds in the order Procellariiformes.…
Purple Martins are the largest species of swallow in North America. These aerial acrobats have steel-blue feathers on their back that look dark purple in flight. Their scientific name is Progne subis. Martins are extremely social birds that nest in colonies, with several pairs often sharing a single nesting site. While they once nested in tree cavities, they have readily adapted to using human-provided nest boxes. Indeed, properly installed and maintained Martin housing is one of the keys to attracting these birds. What do Purple Martins eat? Purple Martins are insectivores, meaning they eat only insects. Their diet consists mainly…
This is certainly an unusual question! At first glance, it seems highly improbable that a hawk would ever pick up a dog. However, there are some rare circumstances where this could conceivably occur. Let’s break this question down and look at some quick answers: – Could a hawk physically pick up a small dog? Yes, large hawks like eagles and condors are capable of picking up and carrying animals heavier than themselves. The world record for heaviest animal carried by an eagle is a 15 pound mule deer fawn. – Would a hawk try to pick up a dog? No,…
Wings is a song originally released by English singer-songwriter Birdy in 2011. It was the lead single from her debut studio album, Birdy. The song achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 in Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Many other artists have covered Wings since its release, putting their own spin on the track. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular covers of Wings and examine how each artist made the song their own. Birdy’s Original Version Birdy’s version of Wings was released in 2011 when she was just 14…
Monk parakeets, also known as Quaker parrots, are small to medium-sized parrots that originate from South America. They are popular as pets and have also become established as an invasive species in areas like the United States, Europe, and Japan. One of the factors that contributes to their success as an invasive species is their prolific breeding habits. Monk parakeets typically build large, communal nests and lay multiple clutches of eggs each year. This allows their populations to grow and spread rapidly. In this article, we will explore how often monk parakeets lay eggs in both their native range and…
The art of origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, can be used to create an astounding variety of birds. Origami artists have devised ways to fold paper into shapes that resemble familiar backyard birds, exotic tropical species, imaginary fantasy birds, and more. With just a square piece of paper, origami artists use precise folds and creases to coax flat sheets into three-dimensional avian shapes. While origami can represent any type of bird, certain species lend themselves especially well to this art form. Graceful birds like cranes and swans have flowing lines that translate beautifully into folded paper. Origami…
House finches are small songbirds native to the western United States that have become widely distributed across North America over the last century. As their name suggests, they often build nests on or near houses, as well as in natural sites like trees and shrubs. A common question many people have about house finches is whether they reuse their nests from season to season or build a new one each time. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at house finch nesting behavior to find out if they reuse nests or build new ones each year. Do House Finches…