Yes, there are several species of falcons that can be found in the United States. Falcons are birds of prey that belong to the genus Falco. They are known for their speed, keen eyesight, and aerial hunting abilities. Some of the most common falcon species found in the U.S. include the American kestrel, peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, and merlin. Types of Falcons in the U.S. American Kestrel The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. It is found in a variety of open habitats including meadows, grasslands, deserts, and parks. The American kestrel…
Author: Peter Knight
Burrowing owls are small, long-legged owls that live in open, treeless areas. They get their name from their habit of nesting in underground burrows, which are often dug out and abandoned by small mammals like ground squirrels or prairie dogs. Burrowing owls are found in grasslands, prairies, agricultural areas, and desert environments across North and South America. Two subspecies are recognized in North America – the Western burrowing owl and the Florida burrowing owl. Burrowing owls have distinctive brown and white plumage. The feather tips are white with brown bars, giving the owl a spotted and streaked appearance. The facial…
The barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) is a medium-sized goose species that breeds in the Arctic regions of Europe and winters in Northern Europe. Barnacle geese are highly social birds that form lifelong pair bonds and live in flocks of up to several thousand individuals. Their lifespan ranges on average between 15-25 years in the wild. Average Lifespan The average lifespan of a barnacle goose is around 15-25 years. However, there are records of barnacle geese living over 30 years in captivity. The average lifespan allows them several breeding seasons to reproduce and raise young. Some key factors that influence barnacle…
The dancing bird with a long beak is most likely referring to a hummingbird. Hummingbirds are small birds that are native to the Americas. They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air and fly backwards, as well as their long slender beaks. When feeding on nectar from flowers, hummingbirds rapidly flap their wings, appearing to “dance” as they move from flower to flower. Physical Characteristics of Hummingbirds Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, with most species measuring only 3-5 inches in length. Their long, slender beaks allow them to reach nectar at the base of long…
Mourning doves are a common backyard bird found throughout North America. With their soft coos and gentle nature, they may seem like docile creatures. However, mourning doves can exhibit aggressive behaviors in certain situations, particularly when defending their nests and young. In the opening paragraphs, it is important to provide quick answers to key questions readers may have: – Do mourning doves get aggressive? Yes, mourning doves can become aggressive in some situations, such as when defending their territory or protecting their nest. However, they are generally placid birds. – When do mourning doves get aggressive? Mourning doves may show…
The relationship between birds and dinosaurs is a topic of great interest and debate among paleontologists. Many lines of evidence suggest that birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic period, and that primitive birds coexisted with non-avian dinosaurs for millions of years. However, some scientists argue that the evidence is inconclusive and that birds may have evolved earlier, before the rise of the dinosaurs. Here we review the evidence surrounding this question and examine the arguments on both sides of the debate. Evidence that birds evolved from dinosaurs There is a substantial body of evidence indicating that birds evolved…
Quick Answers The Vaux’s swift and chimney swift are two very similar bird species found in North America. The main differences between them are: Range – Vaux’s swifts are found along the western coast of North America, while chimney swifts are found in central and eastern North America. Size – Vaux’s swifts are slightly larger than chimney swifts. Color – Vaux’s swifts are a more uniform dark color, while chimney swifts have a contrasting pale throat. Habitat – Vaux’s swifts nest in hollow trees, chimney swifts nest in chimneys and other man-made structures. Taxonomy – Vaux’s swifts and chimney swifts…
The Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) is a small songbird found in the southeastern United States. It gets its name from its brown cap and tendency to “hatch” seeds by wedging them into tree bark. Brown-headed Nuthatches are active, agile birds that crawl along branches and tree trunks in search of insects and seeds. They make high-pitched squeaky calls as they move through the trees. Brown-headed Nuthatches live in pine forests across the southeastern United States. Their range extends from southeastern Virginia down through eastern Texas. They are found in areas with significant pine tree coverage, especially pine woodlands with mature,…
The house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small songbird native to western North America. Originally only found in the southwest United States and Mexico, house finches were introduced to the eastern United States in the 1940s and their range expanded rapidly. For decades, house finch populations thrived across North America. However, in recent years there are indications that house finch numbers may be declining in parts of their range. What are house finches? House finches are small-bodied finches with a domed head and short, conical bill. Males have bright red plumage on their heads, breasts, and rumps. This red coloration…
The Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) is a small dabbling duck that breeds across the Northern Hemisphere. They are highly migratory and some populations undertake remarkably long migrations. Green-winged Teal are considered common in parts of their breeding range but are scarce or rare elsewhere. Their global population is estimated to be between 3.8 and 4.6 million birds. What is a Green-winged Teal? The Green-winged Teal is a small, compact duck with a short neck and bill. Males have grey heads with bold green and white stripes behind the eyes. Their breast is pinkish-buff with thick dark vertical barring. The rest…