The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a small owl found in North America. These owls are nocturnal and mostly eat small mammals like mice, voles and shrews. Saw-whet owls are known for their distinctive “tooting” territorial call that sounds like “too-too-too”. Understanding the typical lifespan of these owls can provide insight into their biology and ecology. Typical Lifespan in the Wild In the wild, Northern Saw-whet Owls typically live between 1 to 5 years. However, some individuals have been known to live up to 10 years in the wild. Here are some key facts about their typical wild lifespan:…
Author: Megan Holzman
Making homemade fat balls or suet cakes for birds is a great way to provide essential nutrients for birds during the winter months when natural food sources may be scarce. The high fat and calorie content helps provide birds with the energy they need to maintain body heat and survive cold temperatures. While traditional fat ball recipes often call for ingredients like lard or suet, some people prefer to use butter for its convenience, availability, and milder flavor. But is butter an appropriate ingredient to use in fat balls for birds? The Benefits of Using Butter in Fat Balls Butter…
The Common Nighthawk is a medium-sized bird found across much of North America. It is best known for its loud “peent” call and acrobatic flight displays given at dusk and dawn. Like many other bird species, Common Nighthawks are migratory and move between breeding grounds in temperate North America and wintering grounds farther south. Their impressive migrations take them on journeys of thousands of miles each way. Where do Common Nighthawks breed? Common Nighthawks breed during the spring and summer months throughout much of North America. Their breeding range extends from southern Canada through the United States and into parts…
Roadrunners are iconic birds of the American Southwest that are known for their speedy running and humorous appearances in cartoons. However, while roadrunners are adept runners, they also have the ability to fly despite rarely doing so. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at roadrunners’ flying abilities, anatomy, and behavior to understand if and when roadrunners take to the skies. Quick Facts on Roadrunners Roadrunners are a ground-dwelling cuckoo bird found in deserts of the American Southwest and Mexico. They can run up to 20 miles per hour to chase prey like snakes, lizards, and insects. Roadrunners grow…
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include species of bird that primarily hunt and feed on vertebrates that are large relative to the hunter. Examples of birds of prey include eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, and harriers. Raptors are characterized by keen vision that allows them to detect prey during flight and powerful talons and beaks to kill and tear prey. There are over 500 species of raptors found on every continent except Antarctica. Major Groups of Birds of Prey There are five major groups of raptors: Accipitridae Family (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, Harriers) The Accipitridae family of birds of…
No, a peregrine is not an eagle. The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) belongs to the Falconidae family, while eagles belong to the Accipitridae family. Though they share some similarities, peregrines and eagles are distinctly different types of birds of prey. Key Differences Between Peregrines and Eagles Here are some of the key differences between peregrines and eagles: Family: Peregrines belong to Falconidae, eagles belong to Accipitridae Size: Peregrines are smaller, max length around 20 inches. Eagles are larger, max length around 40 inches. Build: Peregrines have slender, streamlined bodies for speed. Eagles have broad wings and large feet for soaring…
The Pectoral Sandpiper gets its name from the distinctive coloring on its chest or “pectoral” region. Here’s a quick overview of where this bird’s name comes from: What is a Pectoral Sandpiper? The Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia. It migrates long distances to wintering grounds in South America. This species is named for its colorful “pectoral” or chest region. Description of the Pectoral Sandpiper During breeding season, the Pectoral Sandpiper has distinctive rust-colored feathers on its chest and belly. This rich, reddish-brown coloration extends up from…
Quick Answer No, mourning doves do not hoot at night. Mourning doves are known for their distinctive “cooing” sound, which is most frequently heard at dawn and dusk. The mourning dove’s call is soft and mournful, consisting of a series of coos lasting about 2 seconds each. While mourning doves may vocalize a bit at night, they do not produce loud hoots or hoots like owls. What sound does a mourning dove make? The mourning dove is known for its simple, plaintive cooing call. Here are some key facts about the mourning dove’s vocalizations: – The call consists of a…
Swans are known for their graceful movements across water and their unique mating rituals. One of the most recognizable behaviors of mated swans is when they curve their necks together to form a heart shape. This “heart pose” is an endearing symbol of swan courtship and pair bonding. But why exactly do swans do this heart thing? The reasons are rooted in swan biology and social dynamics. Courtship Display The heart pose is primarily a courtship display between male and female swans. Swans are monogamous birds that mate for life. In order to attract and bond with a mate, male…
The white ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a medium-sized wading bird found throughout the southeastern United States, parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Known for its brilliant white plumage and distinct downcurved bill, the white ibis is a highly adaptable species that thrives in a variety of wetland habitats. Ibises employ a diverse range of foraging techniques to take advantage of numerous food sources, making them opportunistic feeders. Their specialized bill allows them to probe the mud and probe prey items out of cracks and crevices. A closer look at the feeding ecology and foraging behavior of the white…