Burrowing owls are a species of small owl that live in open, treeless areas like grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields. They get their name from the fact that they nest and roost in abandoned burrows dug by ground squirrels, prairie dogs, armadillos, and other animals. The burrowing owl is listed as a species of special concern in Florida, where much of its habitat has been lost to development. One place the owls still thrive is in the city of Cape Coral. Why are there burrowing owls in Cape Coral? Cape Coral has a large population of burrowing owls due to…
Author: Peter Knight
Bluebirds are small, colorful songbirds found throughout much of North America. They are known for their bright blue plumage and melodious songs. Bluebirds are cavity nesters, meaning they build their nests in the cavities of trees, nest boxes, or other structures with holes. During the day, bluebirds are active foragers, constantly on the hunt for insects and other small prey. But what do bluebirds do at night? Do they sleep in their nests like many other birds? Or do they exhibit different nocturnal behaviors? In this article, we’ll explore what is known about bluebird sleeping habits and their nighttime activities.…
When it comes to keeping pet birds, one of the most important considerations is the size of the bird cage. There is a lot of debate among bird owners about how big a cage pet birds need. Some argue that bigger is always better when it comes to cages, while others believe that the minimum recommended sizes are sufficient. In this article, we’ll look at the different factors that go into determining the ideal cage size for pet birds. Minimum cage size recommendations Many pet stores and bird experts recommend minimum cage sizes based on the size and species of…
The cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) is one of the largest flying birds in the world. This massive bird of prey has a wingspan of 2.7-3.1 m (8.9-10 ft) and can weigh up to 14 kg (31 lbs). Despite its imposing size, the cinereous vulture is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. The global population is estimated at 4,500-10,000 mature individuals and is suspected to be undergoing a moderate decline. There are several reasons why this iconic vulture is endangered and facing an uncertain future. Habitat Loss Habitat loss and degradation have been major threats to the cinereous…
Birds swallowing fish is not a common occurrence, but it does happen from time to time. Generally, only large bird species are capable of swallowing small fish whole. The ability to swallow fish depends on the size and characteristics of a bird’s throat and digestive system. Some key questions around birds swallowing fish include: What types of birds swallow fish? The bird species most likely to swallow fish are seabirds, wading birds, birds of prey, and other large bird species. Examples include pelicans, herons, egrets, gulls, ospreys, eagles, owls, storks, and cormorants. These birds have large throats and digestive systems…
The Eastern Kingbird is a medium-sized songbird found across North America. This feisty flycatcher is best known for aggressively defending its nesting territory and its distinctive habit of perching upright on branches and wires while scanning for insects. With its black head and back, white underparts, and bright white tips on the outer tail feathers, the Eastern Kingbird has a striking appearance. But is this common backyard bird actually rare? Range and Population The Eastern Kingbird has an extremely large range across North America. Its breeding range stretches from central Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland, and south throughout the eastern…
Birds are remarkable creatures that can fly in a variety of weather conditions. However, extremely cold temperatures can pose challenges for birds when it comes to flying. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect a bird’s ability to fly in cold weather and examine if there is a point when it becomes too cold for birds to take flight. How do birds fly? Before looking at the effects of cold on flight, it’s helpful to understand the mechanics behind how birds fly. There are four physical forces that enable birds to fly: Thrust – produced by the flapping…
The independent variable in the bird beak lab is the type of food provided to the birds. The bird beak lab is designed to simulate how differences in beak structure impact a bird’s ability to acquire food. Students will use tools resembling bird beaks to pick up different types of “food” to understand how beak adaptations are favored by natural selection. The independent variable is the type of food provided, as this is what researchers manipulate to test the effects on the dependent variable, which is the amount of food acquired. Background on the Bird Beak Lab The bird beak…
Flamingos are instantly recognizable for their vibrant pink plumage and long, elegant legs. But have you ever wondered what a flamingo’s tongue looks like? Flamingos have some unique adaptations in their tongues that allow them to feed efficiently in the water and mudflats where they live. In this article, we’ll take a close look at flamingo tongue anatomy and what makes them well-suited for the flamingo lifestyle. Flamingo Tongue Adaptations Flamingos are filter feeders, meaning they filter small food items like algae, tiny crustaceans, and insect larvae out of the water as they feed. Their tongues play an important role…
Wood ducks are one of the most beautiful and colorful waterfowl species in North America. Their iridescent colors make them a highly sought-after game bird for hunters. Hunting wood ducks requires special techniques and equipment to be successful, especially when hunting them on rivers. Rivers provide excellent wood duck habitat but also present unique challenges for hunters. With the right approach, hunter can have an exciting and rewarding wood duck hunt on a river. Understanding Wood Duck Behavior The first step to successfully hunting wood ducks on a river is understanding their behavior and habitat preferences. Wood ducks prefer forested…