Doves are commonly thought of as being white, however their coloration is actually more complex. The color of doves can range from white to grey to brown, depending on the species. Types of doves and their coloring There are over 300 species of doves and pigeons, which all belong to the bird family Columbidae. Some of the most common species and their typical coloring include: Rock Pigeon – Shades of gray, blue, or white. Mourning Dove – Light grey or brownish-grey overall with black spots on the wings. Common Ground Dove – Pinkish tan or greyish body with a scaly…
Author: Maya Brodwin
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds known for their bright plumage and long, pointed bills adapted for catching fish. They are found worldwide near rivers, lakes, and coasts. Kingfishers are territorial and will aggressively defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders. But just how territorial are they? Let’s take a closer look at kingfisher territoriality and what factors influence it. What is a territory? A territory is an area that an animal defends against others of its species. Territories contain the resources necessary for survival and reproduction, like food, water, shelter, and mates. The territories of kingfishers center around bodies of…
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is a large, crow-sized woodpecker native to forests of North America. With its striking red crest, black and white plumage, and loud, resounding calls, the Pileated Woodpecker is one of the most recognizable and remarkable woodpeckers on the continent. Though typically elusive as it moves through the forest canopy, the Pileated Woodpecker’s appearance in flight offers bird enthusiasts some of the best opportunities to admire this magnificent bird’s beauty. When taking to the air, the Pileated Woodpecker reveals its bold black and white wing pattern, as well as a glimpse of its bright red crest…
Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) are a fascinating species of upland game bird found primarily in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Though closely related to other quail species like Gambel’s quail and California quail, scaled quail stand out due to the distinctive scaly markings on their undersides that give them their name. These medium-sized birds thrive in desert grasslands and scrublands, traveling in large coveys and feeding on seeds, leaves, and insects. But are scaled quail actually native to the state of Texas? Quick Answers Yes, scaled quail are considered native to parts of Texas.…
The presence of northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) in Hawaii has puzzled ornithologists and bird enthusiasts for decades. As a species native to North America, how did these bright red songbirds end up thousands of miles away on a remote Pacific island chain? In this article, we’ll explore the history behind Hawaii’s cardinal population and discuss some theories on how they arrived and adapted to the island habitats. Cardinals are Not Native to Hawaii The northern cardinal is considered a non-native species in Hawaii. Cardinals naturally occur across much of the eastern United States and parts of Mexico, Central America, and…
The red knot is a medium-sized shorebird that undertakes one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. These birds breed in the Arctic and subarctic regions and migrate huge distances to wintering grounds in the southern hemisphere. Unfortunately, red knot populations have declined substantially in recent decades due to a variety of threats along their migration routes and in both their breeding and wintering habitats. However, many conservation initiatives aim to protect this remarkable migratory bird. What are red knots? The red knot (Calidris canutus) is a stocky sandpiper distinguished by its reddish underparts and pale yellow face during…
Parrots belong to the biological order Psittaciformes, which includes all parrots and cockatoos. There are approximately 399 species of parrots divided into 3 main families: Psittacidae – True Parrots The Psittacidae family contains the true parrots and includes popular pet species like budgerigars, cockatiels, Amazon parrots, macaws, conures, parakeets, and lovebirds. There are over 370 species in this family. They have characteristic curved beaks and zygodactyl feet with two toes facing forward and two facing backwards for easily gripping perches. Key Features of Psittacidae Hooked upper and lower beaks with a movable upper beak Strong feet with zygodactyl toe arrangement…
The national bird of Papua New Guinea is the Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise. This colorful bird is found only in New Guinea and some nearby islands. It was officially declared the national emblem of Papua New Guinea in 1971. Quick Facts About the Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise Here are some quick facts about this unique national symbol of Papua New Guinea: Scientific name: Paradisaea raggiana Also known as: Raggiana’s Bird-of-Paradise Found in: New Guinea and nearby islands Habitat: Lowland and mountainous rainforests Diet: Fruits, berries, insects Length: Up to 43 cm long Weight: Around 200 g Distinctive features: Bright red and yellow plumage, long…
Orioles are colorful songbirds found in many backyards in the eastern and central United States. Their striking black and orange plumage makes them a delight to watch, especially when they visit bird feeders. Orioles have a reputation for enjoying treats like orange halves, grape jelly, and nectar. But will they eat peanut butter? Quick Answer Yes, orioles do eat peanut butter. While jelly and nectar are their preferred sugary foods, peanut butter can also attract orioles to a feeder. The key is to offer it in a way that appeals to an oriole’s tastes. Do Orioles Like Peanut Butter? Orioles…
The scientific name of Bulbul is Pycnonotus cafer. Bulbuls belong to the family Pycnonotidae, which contains small to medium-sized songbirds found across Africa, tropical Asia, and islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The word “bulbul” comes from the Persian word for nightingale. There are around 140 different species of bulbul, with various common names like Red-vented Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, and White-eared Bulbul. Bulbuls are recognizable by their distinct vocalizations, often described as bubbly ortwittering songs. Their plumage is quite colorful, with soft and puffy feathers. Common colors and markings include yellow, white, orange, black, and brown. Some species have crests…