Orioles are songbirds known for their black and orange plumage. As striking as their appearance is, orioles have become symbols with powerful meanings for many cultures. Orioles signify joy, positivity and new possibilities in many symbolic traditions. Their migratory habits and colorful feathers have inspired rich cultural associations over time. Joy and Positivity Orioles are best known for their cheerful, welcoming songs and bright plumage. This has led them to be symbolic of joy, positivity and cheerfulness in many cultures. The sight and sound of an oriole are thought to be an uplifting, happy omen. They can represent the arrival…
Author: Peter Knight
The hermit thrush is a medium-sized North American thrush. It is a solitary songbird that breeds in coniferous and mixed forests across Canada, Alaska, and the western and northeastern regions of the United States. The hermit thrush is not currently considered a rare bird, but its populations have declined in some areas, leading to conservation concerns. Quick Facts on the Hermit Thrush Scientific NameCatharus guttatus Other Common NamesSwamp Robin Identifying FeaturesBrown upperparts, white underparts with brown spotting, short tail Length6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm) Wingspan10.2-11.8 in (26-30 cm) Weight0.8-1.1 oz (24-32 g) LifespanUp to 10 years Population Status19 million IUCN StatusLeast…
Grackles are a group of medium-sized blackbirds found throughout North and South America. Most people are familiar with the common grackle, which has glossy black feathers with purple or blue iridescent tones. However, some species of grackle can have white or light-colored plumage. So can grackles be white? The short answer is yes, some grackle species and hybrids do have white or light-colored plumage. The great-tailed grackle is one species that can have a light color morph with mostly white feathers. Hybridization between great-tailed grackles and boat-tailed grackles can also result in offspring with white plumage. Additionally, leucistic common grackles…
Reddish egrets are a beautiful type of heron found along the coastlines of North America, the Caribbean, and South America. Their bright pink breeding plumage makes them stand out amongst other wading birds. Quick Facts About Reddish Egrets Here are some key facts about reddish egrets: Scientific Name: Egretta rufescens Conservation Status: Least Concern Length: 22-26 inches Wingspan: 38-46 inches Weight: 1.1-1.8 pounds Lifespan: 10 years in wild Range and Geographic Distribution Reddish egrets have a large range across the Americas. Their breeding range extends along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States, through Mexico and Central America,…
Bird whistles have a long and fascinating history. For thousands of years, humans have been making and using whistles to interact with birds in various ways. From hunting to keeping birds as pets, whistles have allowed us to attract birds, mimic their calls, and even control their behavior. When were bird whistles first used? The earliest evidence of bird whistles dates back over 30,000 years to the Paleolithic era. Archaeological digs have uncovered bone and wood whistles from this time period that were likely used while hunting birds. The design of these early whistles suggests they were used to mimic…
House sparrows are found throughout most of the United States and Canada. They are non-migratory birds that do not travel long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. Instead, house sparrows typically stay in the same general area year-round. Do house sparrows migrate for winter? No, house sparrows do not migrate for winter. They are resident birds that remain in the same range throughout the year. Some local movements may occur between breeding and wintering sites, but house sparrows generally do not undertake long migrations. Why don’t house sparrows migrate? There are several reasons why house sparrows do not migrate: They…
The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a medium-sized bird found across North America. It is the only member of the kingfisher family found in most of North America. The Belted Kingfisher has several distinctive physical features that help it thrive as a fisher. Size and Weight The Belted Kingfisher has an average length of 11-14 inches (28-35 cm) with a wingspan of 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). It weighs between 113-178 grams (4-6 oz). The female kingfishers are larger than the males. Females average 128 grams compared to 117 grams for males. The kingfisher has a large head relative to its…
When it comes to spelling the name of the herring bird, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, ‘herring’ refers to a type of small sea fish, not a bird. The bird in question is more properly called a ‘heron’. Secondly, there are several different species of heron, each with slightly different spellings. The most common heron species in many parts of the world is the Grey Heron, which would be spelled ‘Grey Heron’ or ‘Gray Heron’. Quick Answer The most commonly used spelling for the heron bird is ‘Grey Heron’ or ‘Gray Heron’. What is…
Petco is a popular pet store chain that sells a variety of birds. Some of the most common types of birds sold at Petco include parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, finches, canaries, and parrotlets. Knowing the specific names and characteristics of these birds can help customers make informed decisions when purchasing a bird from Petco. Parakeets Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or budgies, are a type of small, long-tailed parrot. They are one of the most popular pet birds in the world and are commonly sold at Petco. Some specific types of parakeets sold at Petco include: English Budgies – These parakeets…
Dartmoor National Park is located in the county of Devon in southwest England. Known for its wild, untamed landscape and granite tors, Dartmoor provides excellent habitat for a variety of bird species. The open moorlands, blanket bogs, woodlands, and river valleys of Dartmoor support a diversity of breeding birds throughout the spring and summer months. This article explores what bird species nest and raise their young in Dartmoor and when peak breeding season occurs. What is the breeding season for birds in Dartmoor? The breeding season for most birds in Dartmoor runs from late March through August. Some species begin…