Both the broad-winged hawk and the red-tailed hawk are medium-sized hawks that are common across North America. However, there are some key differences between these two species when it comes to their size and appearance. Quick Comparison of Sizes In general, the red-tailed hawk is larger and more powerful than the broad-winged hawk. Some key size comparisons: Length: Red-tailed hawk: 19-25 inches Broad-winged hawk: 13-17 inches Wingspan: Red-tailed hawk: 49-57 inches Broad-winged hawk: 34-42 inches Weight: Red-tailed hawk: 2-3 pounds Broad-winged hawk: 1-2 pounds As you can see, the red-tailed hawk is noticeably larger than the broad-winged hawk in terms…
Author: Peter Knight
Bird’s nest soup is a delicacy in many Asian cuisines, known for its unique texture and purported health benefits. The main ingredient, bird’s nest, is made from the saliva of swiftlets and is rich in nutrients like proteins and minerals. However, bird’s nest often needs to be soaked and prepared properly before cooking to get the best texture and flavor. What is Bird’s Nest? Bird’s nest refers to the nests built by small birds called swiftlets using their saliva, which hardens into thin strands that they use to build their nests. The nests are constructed primarily using the birds’ saliva,…
What to do if you find an injured bird Finding an injured or fallen bird can be alarming. Your first instinct may be to rush over and pick it up, but this could do more harm than good. Here are some tips on how to safely handle an injured bird and get it the help it needs: Assess from a distance If you come across a fallen bird, observe it from several feet away first. Look for any obvious signs of injury like bleeding, broken wings or legs, or heavy breathing. Also note if the bird is able to hop…
Tundra swans are large white waterfowl that breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate long distances to overwinter in temperate climates. As migratory birds that travel thousands of miles every year, tundra swans have evolved various defenses to protect themselves from predators and survive the harsh conditions along their migration routes. Physical adaptations Tundra swans have several physical adaptations that help protect them from predators: Large size – Tundra swans can grow up to 4-5 feet long with wingspans over 6 feet wide. Their large size makes them challenging prey for many predators to catch and subdue. Powerful wings -…
Many bird owners dream of having a talking pet bird. While some species like parrots and mynah birds are known for their talking abilities, any bird can potentially learn to mimic speech. With time, patience and consistent training, you may be able to teach your feathered friend to say hello, whistle tunes, or even have basic conversations. What bird species talk the best? Certain bird species are more adept at mimicry and speech than others. Some of the best talking pet birds include: African Grey Parrots – Considered one of the most accomplished talkers. Can learn hundreds of words and…
The phrase “as happy as a lark” is a common simile in the English language. It is used to describe someone who is extremely joyful or cheerful. But where does this expression come from? And what is it about larks that makes them a symbol of happiness? In this article, we will explore the possible origins of this phrase and look at how it became part of our everyday vocabulary. We will also examine the cultural associations of the lark that contribute to its meaning. Understanding the background of “as happy as a lark” provides insight into both language and…
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League (AL) East division. As of October 19, 2023, the Orioles are nearing the end of the 2022 MLB regular season. With just a few games left to play, their place in the AL East standings and overall MLB standings has largely been determined. In this article, we will look at where the Orioles currently stand in the divisional and league standings, analyze how they got to this point, and discuss their outlook for the…
The peregrine falcon is a magnificent bird of prey that is found across Michigan. As a species, the peregrine falcon has made an incredible recovery after nearing extinction just a few decades ago. Now, peregrine falcons can be found nesting and breeding in both urban and wilderness habitats across the state. Quick Facts on Peregrine Falcons in Michigan Here are some key facts about the peregrine falcon population in Michigan: There are an estimated 200-250 breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in Michigan as of 2022. The majority of peregrine falcons in Michigan nest in urban areas like Detroit, Grand Rapids,…
Blue-winged warblers are small songbirds found in North America. As their name suggests, the wings of these birds have a distinctive blue-gray color. But what causes their wings to be this hue? Blue Structural Coloration in Feathers The blue color of blue-winged warblers is produced by structural coloration in their wing feathers. Structural coloration is caused by microscopic structures in feathers that reflect specific wavelengths of light. In the case of blue-winged warblers, their wing feathers contain a nanostructure that reflects blue light. There are no blue pigments in the feathers of blue-winged warblers. If you look at a blue-winged…
For bird photographers, the focal length of their lens is one of the most important considerations. Longer focal lengths allow you to capture frame-filling shots of distant birds without having to get too close and disturb them. However, long super-telephoto lenses can be extremely heavy, bulky, and expensive. So an important question many aspiring bird photographers ask is: is 400mm enough for bird photography? The Benefits of 400mm for Bird Photography There are several benefits to using a 400mm focal length lens for bird photography: More affordable and portable than 500mm or 600mm lenses Still allows you to capture detailed…