Juvenile grackles can have a variety of eye colors, from light yellow to dark brown. The specific eye color depends on the species and age of the bird. Newly hatched grackles have closed eyes that do not open until several days after hatching. Once the eyes open, the iris color continues to change over the first few months of life. This article will examine the iris color of juvenile grackles in different species and at different developmental stages. Grackle Species with Yellow Juvenile Eyes Two species of grackle can have yellow irises as juveniles – the Great-tailed Grackle and the…
Author: Katie Lawler
There are a few potential reasons why your bird may be closing one eye: Eye infection or injury Limited vision in that eye Blockage of the eye by debris or a foreign object Discomfort or irritation in that eye Neurological issue affecting the eye muscles or nerves Eye Infection or Injury One of the most common reasons for a bird to close one eye is that the eye is infected, irritated, or injured in some way. Just like humans, birds can develop eye infections or injure their eyes. An eye infection may be bacterial, viral, or fungal. Common symptoms include:…
The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is a unique bird native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Roadrunners have evolved a variety of morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations that allow them to thrive in their hot, arid habitat. Roadrunners are ground-dwelling members of the cuckoo family that can reach up to 24 inches in length. Their most distinctive feature is their long legs and feet, which allow them to run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour to chase down prey. Roadrunners are able to survive in desert environments thanks to specialized adaptations related to their…
Both peregrine falcons and eagles are incredibly fast birds of prey. When diving down towards their target, peregrine falcons are the fastest animal on the planet, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph. Eagles are also adept at diving swiftly towards prey, although their top speeds don’t quite match those of the peregrine. But which bird is truly the speed king – the peregrine falcon or the eagle? Peregrine Falcon Top Speed The peregrine falcon is renowned for its diving speed, also called its stoop. As the falcon spies its prey from high above, it tucks in its wings and…
The Christmas Bird Count is an annual bird census organized by the National Audubon Society to assess the health of bird populations. Volunteers across North America take part in the effort each year between December 14 and January 5. The Christmas Bird Count provides critical data on bird population trends and is the longest running wildlife census in the world. When did the Christmas Bird Count start? The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 as an alternative to the holiday tradition of hunting birds. Prior to 1900, people would participate in a Christmas “side hunt” where teams competed to see…
The Great Crested Flycatcher is a medium-sized insectivorous bird that breeds in eastern North America and migrates to southern North America, Central America, and the Caribbean in winter. Flycatchers are aerial foragers that catch insects on the wing. Attracting them to your yard or garden can be rewarding but takes some planning and effort. What is the Great Crested Flycatcher? The Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) is a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. It is approximately 6.3–7.5 in (16–19 cm) in length with a wingspan of 11.0–13.0 in (28–33 cm) and weighs 0.95–1.41 oz (27–40 g). Adults have…
The song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley is one of his most famous and iconic songs. It was released on the 1977 album Exodus and also as a single. The song has an upbeat, feel-good vibe and sends the message to not worry about problems because “every little thing is gonna be alright.” But there’s more to this classic tune than just those feel-good vibes. Here’s a deeper look at the story behind “Three Little Birds” and why it remains so popular after all these years. What are the lyrics and meaning of Three Little Birds? The lyrics to…
Bird strikes are a major concern for the aviation industry. These collisions between birds and aircraft can cause severe damage, especially to engines. But do bird strikes always destroy jet engines? Let’s take a closer look at the effects of bird strikes on engines. What happens when birds hit jet engines? Jet engines operate by sucking in large volumes of air. This airflow is compressed and ignited to generate thrust. So when birds get sucked into engines, the results can be catastrophic. At high speeds, birds become dangerous projectiles. Strikes can bend fan blades, damage compressor blades, and leave dents…
Many people are familiar with chickens as prolific egg layers, but there are actually several other species of birds that also lay eggs daily. While the most common domesticated egg-laying birds are chickens, ducks, geese, and quail, other wild bird species lay eggs on a daily basis as well. Small Songbirds Many small songbirds lay eggs daily during their breeding seasons. Species like canaries, finches, budgies, and lovebirds can produce an egg a day when they are ready to breed. For example: Budgies can lay up to 6 eggs per week during breeding season. Cockatiels may lay up to 2…
Typical Lifespan The typical lifespan of a parakeet from Petco is 5-10 years on average. However, with proper care and a healthy environment, parakeets can live upwards of 15-20 years. Some key factors that influence lifespan include: Diet Having a balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for a long and healthy life. Feed a high quality seed mix as the dietary staple, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid excess treats and unhealthy human foods. Cage Size Petco parakeets need room to fly around and get exercise. A minimum cage size of 18x18x18 inches is recommended, but bigger is…
