Introduction The ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) is a medium-sized gull that breeds in northern North America. It is migratory and winters further south in North America. The ring-billed gull gets its name from the black ring around its bill. It is one of the most numerous and familiar gulls in North America. Breeding Range The ring-billed gull breeds across northern North America. Its breeding range stretches from Alaska across northern Canada to Newfoundland. Some key details about the ring-billed gull’s breeding range: Alaska – Breeds along the coast of mainland Alaska and the Aleutian Islands Canada – Breeds across northern…
Author: Peter Knight
The Swainson’s hawk is a medium-sized raptor found across western North America. With its long, pointed wings and dark belly band, the Swainson’s is a distinctive bird in flight. However, with variable plumage and similarities to other hawks, positively identifying a Swainson’s hawk can be tricky for beginning birders. This article will cover the key field marks, flight style, habitat, range, and vocalizations to help you confidently distinguish a Swainson’s hawk. Plumage Swainson’s hawks display light and dark color morphs. In both morphs, adults have long, pointed wings and a dark belly band contrasting with a light breast and underwings.…
Kingfishers are a group of small to medium-sized brightly colored birds in the family Alcedinidae. There are around 90 different species of kingfisher that are found throughout the world, except for Antarctica. In the United States, there are eight species of kingfishers that can be found. These include the belted kingfisher which is found throughout North America, the ringed kingfisher found along the southern border states, the green kingfisher found in south Texas, the Amazon kingfisher found in south Texas, the green-and-rufous kingfisher found along the Rio Grande in south Texas, the American pygmy kingfisher found in south Texas, the…
Quick Answers The lesser goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch are two similar looking birds found in the western United States. The main differences between them are: Range – The lesser goldfinch is found across the southwest and into Mexico, while Lawrence’s goldfinch is limited to a small area of southern California and northern Baja California. Size – Lawrence’s goldfinch is slightly larger than the lesser goldfinch. Bill Color – Male Lawrence’s goldfinches have a pink bill, while lesser goldfinches have a grey bill. Breeding Plumage – Male Lawrence’s goldfinches have a complete black cap, while male lesser goldfinches have a black…
When we think of fast birds, the peregrine falcon is one that often comes to mind. With its pointed wings and streamlined body, the peregrine is built for speed and capable of reaching velocities up to 200 mph when diving from great heights to strike prey. But the peregrine is not the only bird that can hit such fast speeds in a dive. Here are some other birds that can dive at 200 mph or more. Peregrine Falcon As mentioned, the peregrine falcon is renowned as one of the fastest birds on Earth. When diving from great heights, they can…
Quail are small game birds that can make a fun and rewarding backyard pet. With proper care and housing, raising quail can be an enjoyable experience. Here is what you need to know about keeping quail on your property. Are quail legal to own? In most areas of the United States, it is legal to keep quail as pets. However, some municipalities may have restrictions, so check your local ordinances first. Most states require permits to propagate quail or release them into the wild. But just keeping a small number of quail as pets typically does not require special licensing.…
Black-chinned hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri) are a small species of hummingbird found primarily in western North America. They are known for their iridescent green and purple feathers and their ability to hover in midair while feeding on flower nectar. An interesting aspect of black-chinned hummingbird behavior is their mating and pair bonding habits. Do black-chinned hummingbirds form lifelong pair bonds, or do they have a different mating strategy? Quick Answers – Black-chinned hummingbirds do not mate for life. They have a polygamous or promiscuous mating strategy. – Males and females both mate with multiple partners each breeding season rather than forming…
Tree swallows are small, migratory songbirds found throughout North America. They are aerial insectivores, meaning they catch insects while flying. Identifying tree swallows is easiest during summer when they are most widespread across the continent. Their key identifying features include their glossy, iridescent plumage, white undersides, and narrow, pointed wings. What do tree swallows look like? Tree swallows are petite songbirds, measuring around 5-6 inches in length with wingspans of 11-13 inches. They have slender, streamlined bodies and long, pointed wings. Their tails are slightly forked. Tree swallows exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different plumage. Adult males…
There are a number of bird species that have white or partially white beaks. The color of a bird’s beak can provide clues about its diet and lifestyle. Birds with white beaks tend to be carnivorous or piscivorous, using their beaks to catch fish and other prey. However, some species also use their pale beaks to probe for seeds and fruits. Read on to learn more about some of the most notable bird species with white or whitish beaks. Pelicans Pelicans are large waterbirds known for their throat pouches used for catching fish. The most widespread pelican species, the American…
The feathers of a turkey have significance both in nature and in human culture. In the wild, a turkey’s feathers serve many important functions including insulation, water resistance, camouflage, courtship displays, and flight. For native cultures of North America, turkey feathers held symbolic meaning and were used in rituals, ceremonies, clothing, tools, and more. In modern times, turkey feathers continue to hold cultural significance and are often used as decorations during holidays. Functions of Turkey Feathers Turkey feathers serve a variety of critical functions for the birds in the wild. The most basic function is to provide insulation. Turkeys are…