A bird’s eye view perspective refers to viewing something from above, as if you were a bird looking down. This perspective gives you an overview of the whole scene and allows you to see relationships between things that would not be visible from ground level. Some key things to know about the bird’s eye view perspective: It provides a broad overview The main advantage of the bird’s eye view is that it lets you see the big picture. When you look straight down on something from overhead, you can observe how different elements relate to each other spatially. This perspective…
Author: Katie Lawler
Birds bob their heads for a variety of reasons. Head bobbing is a normal behavior that serves different functions depending on the species and context. Some common reasons birds bob their heads include: Foraging and Feeding Many birds bob their heads while foraging on the ground for food. The head bobbing allows them to get a better look at potential food sources. For example, pigeons bob their heads back and forth to help see seeds and insects in the grass more clearly. Chickens also bob their heads to maintain visibility while pecking at the ground. Birds may also bob their…
Mourning doves are a common sight across much of North America and are known for their soft, plaintive cooing calls. But when are these birds most active during the day? Here is an overview of mourning dove behavior and activity patterns throughout the day. Mourning Doves Are Most Active in The Early Morning and Late Afternoon Mourning doves are most vocal and visible during the peak hours of dawn and dusk. This crepuscular pattern of activity allows them to take advantage of cooler temperatures and lower light levels that provide more cover from predators. During the early morning hours just…
The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is a medium-sized owl native to the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest in the United States. They range from southern British Columbia through western Washington and Oregon to northern California. Northern spotted owls are non-migratory, meaning they stay within their home range year-round rather than migrating to different areas seasonally.Physical DescriptionNorthern spotted owls have brown feathers with white spots. Their underparts are lighter in color with more pronounced spots. They have dark brown eyes and a hooked yellow beak. Northern spotted owls are midsized for an owl, with a length of…
The TikTok bird trend refers to a viral dance challenge on the social media platform TikTok where users flap their arms like a bird while dancing to the song “Chicken Wing Beat” by artist Ricky Desktop. The trend started in late 2022 and has since spread widely across TikTok, with millions of videos using the hashtag #chickenwingdance. Origin of the TikTok bird trend The exact origins of the TikTok bird trend are unclear, but it appears to have started gaining popularity in November 2022. Some of the earliest videos using the chicken wing dance moves were posted by TikTok users…
Hummingbirds are some of the smallest birds found in nature, but don’t let their tiny size fool you – they are fierce, fast, and have surprisingly few natural predators. However, that doesn’t mean they are invulnerable. Hummingbirds still face threats from a variety of predators. In this article, we’ll take a look at what preys on hummingbirds and how these tiny birds avoid becoming a meal. Birds of prey One of the main predators of hummingbirds are raptors – birds of prey. Birds like falcons, hawks, and owls will opportunistically hunt hummingbirds if given the chance. The following birds are…
Determining the sex of a warbler can be tricky for beginning birders. However, with some knowledge of warbler biology and behavior, as well as close observation of physical characteristics, you can identify whether you’re looking at a male or female of most warbler species. Plumage Differences For many warbler species, the males and females have distinct plumages (feather patterns and colors). In particular, males often have brighter, bolder, or more complex patterns than their duller female counterparts. For example, in the common yellowthroat, the male has a striking black face mask which is grayish or absent in the female. Male…
Birds have evolved a variety of adaptations that allow them to fly, including hollow or porous bones. There are several reasons why this bone structure provides an advantage for avian flight: Weight Reduction The primary advantage of hollow bones is that they are much lighter than solid bones. Weight reduction is critical for flight, as every extra gram requires more energy to get airborne and to stay aloft. By hollowing out their bones, birds reduce skeletal weight without sacrificing strength. Bird bones are hollowed out in two main ways. In most species, the bones contain air pockets within their interior…
Pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) are a species of jay found in the pine forests of western North America. They are highly social birds that depend on pinyon pine nuts for much of their diet. In recent decades, some ornithologists have expressed concern that pinyon jay numbers may be declining in some parts of their range. However, conclusive evidence for a population decline is still lacking. Pinyon jays are members of the Corvidae family, making them relatives of crows, ravens, magpies and other jays. They have blue and white plumage with a wispy crest on the top of their head. They…
The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is a large falcon species that has a circumpolar distribution across the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for its speed and powerful hunting ability, the gyrfalcon is highly prized in falconry and has long been a cultural icon. Understanding the geographic range and habitat preferences of the gyrfalcon can provide important insights into the ecology and conservation needs of this magnificent bird of prey. Global Range The gyrfalcon has the most extensive natural distribution of any falcon species. Its breeding range covers a vast circumpolar area spanning northern North America, Greenland, Iceland,…