Cassandra Cain is a beloved comic book character who made her big screen debut in the 2020 film Birds of Prey. However, fans noticed some key differences between the comic book version of Cassandra and the one portrayed in the movie. Cassandra has a very unique backstory and personality in the comics that help explain why she acts and communicates differently than most people. The film changed many aspects of her character, leading to an essentially original character who just shares the same name. Understanding the original Cassandra from the comics helps highlight why fans found her portrayal in Birds…
Author: Maya Brodwin
What are sapsuckers? Sapsuckers are woodpeckers that drill holes into the bark of trees to feed on the sap that flows out. There are four species of sapsuckers in North America: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-naped Sapsucker Red-breasted Sapsucker Williamson’s Sapsucker Of these, the yellow-bellied and red-naped sapsuckers are the most likely to damage ornamental and fruit trees. Sapsuckers drill holes in neat, horizontal rows and feed on the sap as it oozes out. They often return to the same tree day after day to feed. While sapsuckers don’t actually eat the tree bark, the repeated damage can stress the tree, expose…
The answer to the question “What wading bird is also called a courlan?” is the limpkin. The limpkin (Aramus guarauna) is a wading bird in the family Aramidae that is also commonly known as the courlan or crying bird. The limpkin gets its name from its distinctive limping gait. Its scientific name Aramus guarauna comes from the Tupi (a South American indigenous people) words arama meaning macaw and una meaning black, referring to its similarities to the macaw in coloration. Limpkin likely refers to its limping walk, while courlan and crying bird refer to its loud territorial calls that sound…
Birds can definitely feel cold just like humans and other animals. However, birds have evolved several adaptations that help them deal with cold weather and avoid hypothermia. Do birds have a constant body temperature? Yes, like mammals, birds are endothermic, meaning they maintain a constant internal body temperature independent of the external temperature. The normal body temperature for most bird species is around 104-113°F. How do birds stay warm in cold weather? Birds have several behavioral and physiological adaptations to help them retain body heat when it’s cold outside: Fluffing up their feathers creates insulating air pockets. This can increase…
Swallow nests are mud nests built by barn swallows and other swallow species on the exterior of buildings and structures. While swallows themselves are harmless and even beneficial insect-eating birds, their nests can sometimes cause damage to houses. This article will examine whether swallow nests actually damage houses, look at the potential types of damage they can cause, and provide recommendations on dealing with swallow nests on your home. Do Swallow Nests Damage Houses? The short answer is swallow nests can potentially cause damage to houses, but the damage is usually minor or cosmetic in nature. The mud nests are…
The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States and holds an important place in our nation’s history and culture. This majestic bird was once threatened with extinction due to the use of the insecticide DDT, which caused their eggshells to thin and resulted in reproductive failure. In 1972, DDT was banned in the United States, marking a turning point for bald eagle recovery. Since then, bald eagle populations have rebounded significantly across North America. This article will explore what happened to bald eagle populations after the banning of DDT in 1972. We’ll look at population trends, the…
There are a number of bird species that have distinctive feathers on their heads. The type of feather headpiece can vary from small crests to large, elaborate plumes. These specialized feathers likely serve a variety of functions for the birds, including communication, camouflage, and attracting mates. In this article, we will explore some of the most recognizable birds with feathered heads and what purpose their unique plumage serves. Birds with Crests Some birds have a crest of feathers on the top or back of their heads. These crests are made up of short, specialized feathers and are often used for…
There are many species of medium sized grey birds found around the world. When most people think of medium sized birds, they imagine something around the size of a pigeon or dove. However, there is actually a fair bit of variation in what ornithologists consider a “medium” sized bird. In general, medium sized birds range in length from 10-20 inches (25-50 cm) and weigh between 4-16 ounces (110-450 grams). This covers a wide variety of bird species, from crows and magpies, to mockingbirds and thrashers. To narrow it down, this article will focus specifically on medium sized grey colored birds.…
Monogamy, defined as pairing with a single mate for at least an entire breeding season, is quite common in birds. However, truly lifelong monogamy, where a pair remains together until one mate dies, is less common. The degree of monogamy varies greatly across different bird species. Why Do Birds Mate for Life? There are several evolutionary theories as to why some bird species form lifelong pair bonds: In birds that raise altricial young (born helpless), having two parents increases the chance of offspring survival. The male can help feed and protect the young. Remaining with one partner removes the need…
Barred Owls are majestic birds of prey that can often be enticed to take up residence in a nest box, if provided with a suitable home. Determining the optimal height to hang a Barred Owl nest box is important to attract a prospective nesting pair. The height should allow the owls to feel safe from predators and human disturbance, have a clear flight path to/from the nest, and mimic natural nest sites. Typically a height of 10-30 feet is recommended, but considering the specific trees and landscape around your nest box location will ensure the best chance of occupancy. What…