The common gallinule, also known as the common moorhen, is a medium-sized waterbird that is part of the rail family (Rallidae). They are found in freshwater wetlands throughout much of North and South America. With their dark plumage and distinctive red frontal shield on their forehead, common gallinules are a familiar sight to bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. A common question that arises regarding common gallinules is whether or not they have the ability to fly. As a species of bird, one would naturally assume they can take to the air. However, their small wings and stocky bodies seem better…
Author: Alan Hernbroth
Making birds out of air dry clay is a fun and easy craft that anyone can do. Air dry clay is an easy material to work with and dries without the need for baking in an oven or kiln. This allows you to make simple decorative objects like birds that don’t require high heat firing. With just a little bit of clay, some basic sculpting tools, and paint, you can create beautiful clay birds to display in your home or give as gifts. What is Air Dry Clay? Air dry clay, also called modeling clay, is made of natural materials…
Hummingbirds are well known for their love of nectar feeders, but it turns out that many other bird species will also visit hummingbird feeders to sip the sweet nectar inside. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common birds, besides hummingbirds, that are attracted to hummingbird feeders and why they are drawn to the sugary treats. Orioles Orioles are a very common sight at hummingbird feeders during spring and summer in many parts of North America. These brightly colored black and orange birds have a real sweet tooth and enjoy sipping on the nectar from…
Arctic terns are seabirds that breed in the Arctic and subarctic regions. They migrate long distances to spend the northern winter in warmer climates. Arctic terns build nests each spring when they return to their Arctic breeding grounds. The nests provide a place for the terns to lay and incubate their eggs and raise their chicks. What are Arctic terns? Arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea) are medium-sized seabirds in the family Laridae, which includes gulls, terns, and skimmers. They have a wingspan of about 75-85 cm and are around 33-37 cm long from bill to tail. Adult Arctic terns have pale…
When it comes to speed, birds in Alberta can really get up and go. There are a few contenders for the title of fastest bird in the province. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the quickest birds in Alberta and see which one comes out on top. Key Factors in Bird Speed There are a few key factors that allow certain bird species to achieve incredibly fast flight speeds: Wing shape – Long, pointed wings optimize aerodynamics for speed. Body size – Smaller birds tend to be faster than larger birds. Powerful flight muscles – More…
The large extinct flightless birds referred to in the title question are a group of species belonging to an order called the ratites. The ratites were a diverse group of flightless birds that inhabited parts of the world up until their extinctions within the last several hundred years. The most well-known ratites include the ostrich, emu, cassowary, rhea, kiwi, and the famously extinct dodo and elephant bird. These large flightless birds filled an important ecological niche in their environments and had unique adaptations that enabled their flightless lifestyles. While most ratites are now extinct, the ostrich, emu, cassowary, rhea and…
Boston is a great city for birding, with numerous parks, nature reserves, and coastal areas that attract a wide variety of resident and migratory birds throughout the year. Deciding on the best spots depends on what types of birds you hope to see, the season, and your personal birding style and accessibility needs. Best Overall Birding Location If you had to pick one prime birding destination in Boston that offers a bit of everything, most experts agree it would be the Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Mattapan. This urban wilderness covers 67 acres along the Neponset River and…
The House Wren is a small, energetic songbird that can be found across much of North America. Weighing only 10-12 grams, this tiny bird packs a lot of personality into its tiny body. House Wrens are known for their loud, complex songs, which they sing almost constantly during spring and summer. However, when agitated or defending their territory, House Wrens make a very different set of sounds – harsh, scolding calls that sound distinctly angry to human ears. In this article, we’ll explore the various vocalizations of the House Wren, with a special focus on what an angry House Wren…
House finches are small, sociable songbirds that are native to the western United States but have expanded their range significantly in the last century. They are now found across most of North America, including parts of Georgia. So the quick answer is yes, house finches do live in Georgia. House finches are adaptable birds that thrive in urban and suburban areas. They were originally only found in western states like California, but in 1940 a small number of finches were released on Long Island, New York. From this small introduction, house finches spread rapidly across the eastern United States and…
The bottom of a bird cage is a very important part of the cage that requires careful consideration. The flooring inside the cage needs to be safe for birds, easy to clean, and provide traction so birds don’t slip and injure themselves. There are a few main options for cage bottoms that balance these factors in different ways. Wire Mesh Wire mesh is one of the most common materials used for the floors of bird cages. It is made of thin, closely spaced metal wires that allow droppings and debris to fall through the cage bottom, helping keep the cage…