A duck with a white head is likely to be one of several duck species that commonly have white feathers on the head. Some possibilities include the Pekin duck, the Aylesbury duck, the Rouen duck, and the Cayuga duck. All of these duck breeds are domesticated ducks that are commonly raised on farms and homesteads for eggs, meat, and as pets. They all share the trait of having white plumage on the head and neck, which helps distinguish them from wild duck species. Pekin Duck The most common domestic duck with a white head is the Pekin duck. Pekin ducks…
Author: Peter Knight
Chimney swifts are small birds that nest in chimneys. While their chirping and fluttering may be charming, their nests can cause problems like chimney blockages and unsanitary droppings. Luckily, there are some natural ways to deter chimney swifts and prevent them from nesting in your chimney. Why do chimney swifts nest in chimneys? Chimney swifts get their name from their habit of nesting and roosting in chimneys. They prefer chimneys because they provide the ideal conditions for nesting: Dark and enclosed space Vertical surface to affix their nests Heat rising from the chimney Protection from predators Chimneys are a substitute…
Birds and mammals are two of the most familiar and well-loved types of animals. At a glance, they may seem quite similar – they are both vertebrates, warm-blooded, have hair or feathers, and nurse their young with milk. However, they are actually very different in their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolutionary history. Here we will explore 5 key differences between these two animal classes: Difference 1: Bone Structure Mammals have a skeletal structure that is optimized for stability and load-bearing. Their bones are dense and heavy. The mammalian skeleton is built around a solid spinal column that provides strong anchor…
The common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is a medium-sized sea duck that breeds across the Northern Hemisphere in boreal forests. Their diet consists primarily of aquatic invertebrates and occasionally small fish. Common goldeneyes have a diverse diet that varies based on habitat, time of year, and availability of food sources. In this article, we will explore the typical diet of wild common goldeneyes throughout the year. Spring Diet In spring, common goldeneyes feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates to rebuild energy reserves after winter and prepare for breeding season. Some of their main food sources include: Aquatic insects – Common…
Counting birds in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding hobby. With some preparation and the right techniques, you’ll be able to get accurate counts of the feathered friends visiting your yard. This allows you to track populations over time and compare diversity between seasons. Follow these tips to start monitoring your backyard birds! Why Count Birds? There are several great reasons to count the birds in your backyard: It’s fun! Birdwatching is an engaging activity and seeing the variety of birds that visit your yard can be exciting. It helps conservation. The data you collect can be submitted…
Telling the difference between a common tern and an arctic tern can be challenging when viewing these seabirds in flight, as they share similar silhouettes and plumage characteristics. However, with careful observation and by focusing on key identification points, it is possible to distinguish these two species. Size and Structure The most noticeable difference between common and arctic terns is their size. Common terns measure 28–35 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. They have a lightweight, elegant appearance in flight, with long, narrow wings and a deeply forked tail. Arctic terns are noticeably larger, measuring 33–39 cm…
Keeping your bird’s cage clean is an essential part of providing a healthy home for your feathered friend. However, cleaning the cage can be a tedious and time-consuming chore. With some simple tips and tricks, you can make cleaning your bird cage much easier. Use the right cage material The material your bird cage is made of can make a big difference in how easy it is to clean. Metal cages with powder-coated finishes are the easiest to clean. The smooth, non-porous surface prevents grime, food, and waste from sticking. Plastic cages can work too, but watch for scratches that…
Budgies, also known as parakeets, are popular pet birds that are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and ability to mimic speech. However, budgie owners may notice their bird jerking or twitching their head frequently. This unusual head movement can be concerning for owners and a sign that something may be wrong with their beloved pet. There are several potential causes for a jerking budgie head that owners should be aware of. Possible Causes There are a few possible explanations for head jerking or twitching in budgies: Mites Mites are tiny external parasites that can infest a budgie’s feathers and skin.…
The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a medium-sized blackbird native to North America. Adult males are shiny black all over with iridescent purple, blue, and green sheens on the head, neck, and breast. This iridescence is a striking feature of male grackles and leads to the question – are Common Grackles iridescent? What is iridescence? Iridescence refers to the phenomenon where an object appears to change color when viewed from different angles. It is caused by microscopic structures on the surface of an object that refract and reflect light at different wavelengths. This optical effect results in a shimmery, rainbow-like…
Putting your Birddogs in the dryer is generally not recommended. Birddogs are a type of clothing item that is designed to be lightweight and breathable. The materials and construction that make Birddogs so great for wearing can often be damaged by the high heat and tumbling action of a clothes dryer. However, there may be some specific instances where machine drying Birddogs could work. This article will go over the pros and cons of putting Birddogs in the dryer and provide some best practices for caring for your Birddogs. The Potential Risks of Putting Birddogs in the Dryer Here are…