Turnstones are small shorebirds that are found on coastlines worldwide. They get their name from their interesting feeding behavior – they use their short bills to flip over rocks, shells, seaweed and other objects to find food underneath. Turnstones are omnivores and eat a wide variety of small invertebrates and plant material. Invertebrates Turnstones feed on a wide variety of invertebrates including insects, crustaceans, mollusks and marine worms. Some of the main invertebrate prey items in their diet include: Insects – flies, beetles, dragonflies, damselflies Crustaceans – amphipods, isopods, shrimp, crabs Mollusks – snails, limpets, mussels Worms – polychaetes, nematodes,…
Author: Peter Knight
The Dickcissel is a small songbird found in grasslands and agricultural fields across central North America. Measuring 15–18 cm in length and weighing 18–27 g, it is a rather plain bird with a grey face, yellowish breast, and dark grey wings. But what the Dickcissel lacks in colorful plumage, it makes up for with its loud, distinctive song. The male sings a melodic “dick dick” song from elevated perches during the breeding season to establish its territory and attract females. Dickcissels are primarily seed eaters, feeding on the seeds of grasses, sedges, and forbs. During the breeding season, they mainly…
The Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) is a bird species native to North America. They are medium-sized songbirds that belong to the family Mimidae, which also includes mockingbirds and catbirds. Brown Thrashers are year-round residents throughout much of the eastern and central United States, wintering in southern areas and moving north for the warmer summer months. An interesting aspect of Brown Thrashers biology is their breeding and nesting habits, including the timing of egg laying. In this article, we will explore the question: What month do Brown Thrashers lay eggs? Brown Thrasher overview Brown Thrashers are slender songbirds approximately 11-14 inches…
The double-headed bird with a crown flag is the national emblem of Albania. It is known as the Albanian eagle or shqiponja. The black double-headed eagle on a red background appears on the Albanian national flag and coat of arms. The use of the double-headed eagle as a symbol of Albania dates back centuries and carries heavy meaning regarding the country’s history and national identity. Origin and History The double-headed eagle emblem has ancient origins as a heraldic symbol used across Europe and Asia. One theory suggests the image represented dominance over both East and West. The emblem’s use is…
Trumpeter swans are the largest native waterfowl species in North America. These graceful birds stand nearly 5 feet tall, with wingspans over 7 feet wide. Their all-white plumage and long, straight necks make them unmistakable. Trumpeter swans breed during the summer across parts of Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. However, as winter approaches, freezing waters force trumpeter swans to migrate south to more temperate climates. Their winter grounds stretch from the Pacific Northwest south into California and east to the Midwest and along the Atlantic Coast. Why Do Trumpeter Swans Migrate? Trumpeter swans migrate to escape harsh winter…
The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a wading bird species that can be found throughout Florida. Glossy ibis are medium-sized birds with long, curved bills that they use to probe for food in shallow wetlands. Their plumage is dark brown overall, with metallic green, purple, and bronze iridescence on the wings and body. Glossy ibis are considered common to locally abundant in Florida, especially in the southern and coastal regions of the state. However, their populations can fluctuate from year to year depending on water levels and habitat conditions. In this article, we will look at population estimates, range, habitat…
This is an interesting question that many people wonder about when they see a bird hovering in place in the air. The most likely bird that is able to achieve this feat is the hummingbird. Hummingbirds have the unique ability to fly in place by rapidly flapping their wings back and forth. This allows them to stay suspended in one position while they feed on the nectar from flowers. How do hummingbirds hover in place? Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards, upside down, and in place. They have a specialized shoulder joint that allows their wings to…
The ability to sleep while flying is a remarkable adaptation found in some species of birds. Known as “unihemispheric slow-wave sleep,” this phenomenon allows birds to rest half their brain while keeping the other half awake for flight. There are a few different types of birds capable of sleeping on the wing, but the common swift is particularly well-known for this ability. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the common swift can sleep while airborne and the advantages this grants the species. We’ll also examine some of the other avian species capable of in-flight slumber. The…
Flycatchers are small- to medium-sized birds belonging to the passerine family Tyrannidae. With over 400 species, the Tyrannidae is the largest family of birds in the Americas and also one of the most diverse in the world. Flycatchers are insectivorous and are adept at catching insects on the wing, which gives rise to their common name. They have small, flattened bills and rictal bristles around their mouths to help them snare flying insects. Physical characteristics of flycatchers As a family, flycatchers share some common physical traits while still demonstrating a wide range of variation between different species. In general, flycatchers…
Quick Answer Chimney swifts typically use the same chimney year after year for nesting and raising their young during the breeding season. The breeding season usually runs from May through July. They will stay in the chimney through this period until the young fledge and leave the nest. This is usually a period of 2-3 months. Chimney Swift Breeding Season Chimney swifts are small birds that nest and roost in chimneys. They migrate from their wintering grounds in South America to North America every spring to breed. The chimney swift breeding season typically runs from May through July, though exact…