Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are large, carrion-eating birds found throughout most of North and South America. They are easily recognizable by their large wingspan, bald red heads, and habit of circling overhead in groups. But what exactly do we call a group of turkey vultures? Read on to learn more about the collective nouns used for these intriguing birds. The Basics on Turkey Vultures Before diving into group names, let’s review some key facts about turkey vultures: Turkey vultures are scavengers that feast mainly on the carcasses of dead animals. Unlike other vultures, turkey vultures have a keen sense of…
Author: Peter Knight
The “birds and bees” is a euphemistic metaphor commonly used to explain issues relating to human sexuality and reproduction to younger children. Books about the birds and bees provide age-appropriate information to help kids understand where babies come from, the changes their bodies will go through during puberty, and related topics. These books use kid-friendly language, engaging stories, and colorful illustrations to teach children about sexuality and growing up in a way that is honest, easy to understand, and not too overwhelming. What do kids’ books about the birds and bees teach? Here are some of the key topics that…
Acorn woodpeckers are medium-sized birds found in oak woodlands of western North America. They get their name from their habit of storing acorns in holes they drill into trees. But acorns are not the only thing acorn woodpeckers eat. These social birds have a varied diet that includes insects like ants. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the eating habits of acorn woodpeckers and whether ants factor into their diet. Overview of acorn woodpeckers Acorn woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus) are black and white birds about 8-10 inches long. They have a black head, back, wings and tail, with…
Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) are large birds of prey that are found on every continent except Antarctica. They live near waterbodies like rivers, lakes, and coastlines and build large nests high up in trees, on man-made structures, and on cliffs. Ospreys are excellent fishers and dive into the water feet-first to catch fish swimming near the surface. Their long, curved talons help them catch slippery fish as they plunge into the water. One interesting question that often comes up regarding ospreys is whether they can take off from the water after catching a fish. Unlike ducks and other waterfowl, ospreys do…
Red-tail hawks are one of the most common and widespread hawks in North America. They are large, broad-winged birds of prey that can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, farms, highways, and suburban areas. Red-tails go through several distinct life stages on their journey to adulthood. Here is an overview of the red-tail hawk’s development and how long it takes them to reach their full size. Egg Stage The egg stage begins when a breeding pair of red-tail hawks construct a nest of sticks high up in a tree or on a cliff ledge. The female hawk…
Birds can develop a strong attachment to their owners and may start screaming when left alone as a way to get attention or express anxiety at being separated. While some occasional vocalizations are normal, excessive screaming can be frustrating and suggest an underlying issue that needs to be addressed through training and environmental changes. Why Does My Bird Scream When I Leave? There are several common reasons why birds scream when their owners leave the room: Separation Anxiety Birds are social creatures that bond strongly with their human caregivers. If a bird is overly dependent on one person for social…
Plain chachalacas are medium-sized birds that belong to the Cracidae family. They are found in south-central Texas in the United States through eastern and southern Mexico and Central America to Panama. Plain chachalacas typically inhabit forests, woodlands, and scrublands. Their range covers a variety of habitats and elevations, from sea level up to around 5,000 feet. Understanding where plain chachalacas live provides insights into their ecology and conservation. Geographic Range The geographic range of plain chachalacas stretches from southern Texas in the United States through Mexico and Central America. Their range includes: Southern Texas – Small populations are found in…
The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird found throughout much of North America. It is the largest heron in North America and one of the most widespread heron species on the continent. The great blue heron belongs to the genus Ardea, which contains several other heron species found around the world. Determining the great blue heron’s species name within this genus can provide insights into its evolutionary relationships with other herons. Overview of the Great Blue Heron The great blue heron is a tall, long-legged bird with blue-gray plumage, a white head, and a heavy yellow…
A ferruginous body is a type of inclusion body that can be found inside some cells. The term “ferruginous” refers to its rusty, reddish-brown color. But how exactly do you pronounce this medical term? Breaking Down the Pronunciation Let’s start by breaking the term “ferruginous body” into its two parts: “Ferruginous” – This adjective means rusty red in color. In terms of pronunciation, it contains three syllables: fer-RU-gin-ous. “Body” – A familiar English word pronounced with one syllable: BAH-dee. When you put the two parts together, the full pronunciation is: fer-ROO-jin-us BAH-dee The emphasis is on the first syllable “FER”…
Yes, hawks do sometimes raid bird nests to eat eggs and nestlings. Hawks are birds of prey that hunt small animals like mice, voles, rabbits, snakes, and birds for food. While they primarily hunt live prey, hawks will opportunistically raid bird nests when the chance arises. Some species like the Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk specialize in hunting other birds. Most hawks raid nests in the spring and summer when parent birds are busy incubating eggs and feeding nestlings. The eggs and nestlings provide a concentrated source of nutrition for hawks. However, not all hawks frequently raid nests. Larger hawks…