Birds sit on their eggs before they hatch for several important reasons. The main reasons are to keep the eggs warm, protect the eggs from predators, and allow embryos to develop properly. Sitting on the eggs is an instinctive behavior in most bird species that ensures their young have the best chance of surviving after hatching. Keeping Eggs Warm One of the most vital functions of a bird sitting on its eggs is to keep them warm. Bird embryos need consistent, relatively high temperatures to develop correctly. The temperature under the brooding parent provides ideal conditions for embryos to grow.…
Author: Peter Knight
Quick Answer Ruffed grouse and spruce grouse are two species of forest grouse found in North America. While they occupy similar habitats and have some overlapping range, there are several key physical differences that allow birders and hunters to distinguish between them: Size – Ruffed grouse are larger, about 16-19 inches long compared to 11-15 inches for spruce grouse. Color – Ruffed grouse are more boldly patterned with barring and mottling in brown, black, and white. Spruce grouse are more uniformly brownish-gray. Tail – Ruffed grouse have a broad, fanned tail with a subterminal black band. Spruce grouse tails are…
With duck hunting season underway across much of the United States, many waterfowl enthusiasts are wondering about the future of Mallard populations. The Mallard is one of the most popular and abundant duck species pursued by hunters, but various factors have caused Mallard numbers to decline in recent years. In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to quickly summarize the key questions around Mallard restoration: What has caused Mallard populations to drop? How significant are the declines? What restoration efforts are underway or proposed? Answering these questions upfront will orient readers and provide helpful context for the detailed discussion to follow.…
New Hampshire’s diverse range of habitats – from the White Mountains to coastal wetlands – support over 300 species of birds. Providing the right kinds of food is crucial for attracting and sustaining healthy backyard bird populations throughout the year. Here are some key questions and answers to help determine the best bird food for New Hampshire: What are the most common backyard birds in New Hampshire? According to the New Hampshire Audubon Society, some of the most common backyard birds in New Hampshire include: Black-capped Chickadee Downy Woodpecker Blue Jay Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Northern Cardinal Song Sparrow Dark-eyed…
The sharptail grouse is a medium-sized prairie grouse found in open grasslands throughout much of North America. Males perform elaborate mating displays in order to attract and court females during the breeding season. Their ritualized dances and physical adaptations allow them to produce loud sounds and visual displays to impress watching females. Understanding how male sharptail grouse attract mates provides insight into their reproductive strategies and behavior. When is the breeding season for sharptail grouse? The breeding season for sharptail grouse occurs in spring, usually starting in April and running through May. The exact timing varies slightly across their range…
Redheads, also known as people with natural red hair, have often been portrayed throughout history and popular culture as fiery, passionate, and fierce. This stereotype even extends to their perceived pain tolerance and strength. But is there any truth to the idea that redheads are able to withstand more pain or lift more weight than people of other hair colors? Let’s explore what science and physics have to say. The Physics of Anchors An anchor is a heavy object that is attached to a boat or ship by a cable or chain and is dropped overboard so it will grip…
When it comes to eggs, most people think of chicken eggs as the standard edible egg. Chicken eggs are a common ingredient found in many dishes across cultures. However, there are actually a wide variety of bird eggs that can be eaten besides just chicken eggs. Types of Edible Bird Eggs Many types of bird eggs are edible and suitable for human consumption. Some of the most common types of edible bird eggs include: Chicken Eggs – The most popular and widely consumed eggs. Chicken eggs have white shells and yellow yolks. Duck Eggs – Often have a richer, gamier…
Can I Remove a Bird’s Nest from My House? Yes, in most cases you can legally remove a bird’s nest from your house. However, there are some important factors to consider before doing so. Laws Protecting Nesting Birds In the United States, nesting birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This federal law makes it illegal to remove or destroy the nests of any wild migratory bird species while they are occupied with eggs or young. Disturbing an active nest could result in fines and penalties. There are around 1,000 species of birds covered under the…
It can be worrying to notice your bird losing feathers. However, feather loss is perfectly normal and natural as part of the molting process. The key is being able to distinguish between molting and abnormal feather plucking behavior. What is molting? Molting is the natural, periodic shedding of old feathers and growth of new feathers. It allows birds to replace worn feathers and maintain healthy plumage. All healthy birds molt at some point, though frequency and timing varies by species: Small birds like finches and canaries molt once or twice per year. Parrots, cockatoos and macaws molt once a year,…
Loons are large diving birds found across North America. Known for their unique calls and diving ability, loons spend much of their life in the water. However, loons do take flight and can travel long distances when migrating. A key factor in a loon’s ability to take flight is the length of runway they need to build up enough speed and generate lift for takeoff. In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that determine how long of a runway a loon needs to successfully take to the air. Wingspan A loon’s wingspan plays a major role in how much…