Therizinosaurus was a prehistoric creature that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago. It was a large theropod dinosaur that could grow up to 10 meters long and weigh over 3 tons. Therizinosaurus had many unique features that made it well adapted for herbivory, despite being descended from carnivorous theropods like Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor. What did Therizinosaurus eat? Therizinosaurus is believed to have been an obligate herbivore, meaning it only ate plant matter. It had a small skull with leaf-shaped teeth, suggesting it bit off and chewed foliage. The front limbs were elongated, ending in huge…
Author: Peter Knight
Feathers are a unique feature of birds, providing them with the ability to fly and keeping them warm. But how exactly are feathers attached to a bird’s body? The attachment mechanism is complex but important for enabling flight and thermoregulation. Feather Basics Feathers are made up of a central shaft called a rachis. Thin structures called barbs extend out from the rachis, forming the vane of the feather. The barbs have even smaller structures called barbules that have tiny hooks that allow the barbules to zip together, creating a unified vane surface. There are different types of feathers that serve…
Pigeons are a common type of bird found in many cities around the world. They are known for their gray and white coloration, rounded bodies, and cooing vocalizations. But what exactly is the size of a typical pigeon? Here is a quick overview of the key physical dimensions of these birds. The most common type of pigeon is the Rock Pigeon, also known as the Rock Dove. This is the classic city pigeon that many people are familiar with. On average, Rock Pigeons are about 11 inches (28 cm) from beak to tail. Their wingspan ranges from 34-38 inches (86-96…
Herons are wading birds in the family Ardeidae that can be found around the world near water sources like rivers, lakes, and coastlines. While many heron species are quite common, there are a few that have small and dwindling populations that put them at risk. Understanding which herons are rare and why can help support conservation efforts for these unique birds. What makes a heron rare? There are a few key factors that contribute to a heron species being considered rare or threatened: Small population size – Species with very low total numbers are more vulnerable to extinction from threats…
Birds flying into plane engines is a relatively rare but serious occurrence in aviation. When it does happen, the results can range from no damage to the plane having to make an emergency landing. Understanding the factors that lead to bird strikes and the safety measures in place can help put this risk in perspective. Quick Answers – Yes, there have been many instances of birds getting struck by plane engines throughout aviation history. This is known as a “bird strike”. – Bird strikes happen most often during takeoff and landing when planes are flying at low altitudes. The birds…
Knowing when a bird’s crop is full is an important part of caring for pet birds. The crop is an expandable food storage pouch located at the bottom of a bird’s neck. When birds eat, food passes through the esophagus and into the crop before continuing on to the rest of the digestive system. A full crop is a sign that your bird has eaten enough during the current meal. What is the crop? The crop is a thin-walled expandable pouch located between a bird’s esophagus and proventriculus. Its main functions are to: Temporarily store food and water after swallowing…
Ants are one of the most abundant insects on earth, with over 12,000 known species. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica and occupy a wide range of habitats from deserts to rainforests. Birds also occupy diverse habitats worldwide and rely on insects, including ants, as a food source. But are ants helpful or harmful to birds? The answer is complex and depends on the species of ant, the species of bird, and the context of their interaction. Ways ants may be harmful to birds There are a few ways ants might be harmful to birds: Stinging/biting -…
Juncos and sparrows are two common backyard birds that often flock together in the winter months. At first glance, they may look quite similar – both are small, brown, streaky birds that hop around on the ground searching for seeds. However, juncos and sparrows actually belong to different scientific families. Juncos are in the Emberizidae family, while sparrows belong to the Passeridae family. So while they may look alike, juncos and sparrows are not closely related. What is a Junco? Juncos are small, sparrow-like songbirds in the genus Junco. There are several different species of juncos that inhabit various parts…
Birds can cause significant damage to plants in a variety of ways. Their feeding behaviors, waste elimination, nesting habits, and other activities can harm plants both directly and indirectly. Understanding how birds interact with vegetation can help gardeners and land managers prevent or mitigate bird damage. Direct Physical Damage from Feeding Many types of birds directly consume parts of plants as they forage. While most bird species mainly eat insects, berries, seeds, or nectar, some are more destructive feeders that can ravage fruits, flowers, buds, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds of desired plants. Some examples of bird species that can…
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a condition where the aortic valve, located between the left ventricle and the aorta, has only two leaflets instead of the normal three. This can lead to problems with valve function and aortic dilatation or dissection later in life. There is evidence that BAV runs in families, indicating a genetic component to the condition. What is a bicuspid aortic valve? The aortic valve controls the flow of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta. A normal aortic valve has three leaflets or cusps that open and close with each heartbeat. A bicuspid aortic valve…