The saying “bird is the word” originated in the 1963 song “Surfin’ Bird” by the American rock band The Trashmen. The song features repetitive lyrics about a bird being “the word”, leading to it becoming a popular cultural catchphrase and meme in subsequent decades. In this article, we will explore the history behind the song, its rise to popularity, and its enduring presence in pop culture. Quick answers: – The saying comes from the 1963 song “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen. – It became popular due to the song’s repetitive lyrics about a bird being “the word”. – “Surfin’ Bird”…
Author: Megan Holzman
World Redhead Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on May 26th. The day was originally created by sisters Danelle and Michelle Fowler in 2015 to celebrate people with natural red hair, also known as “gingers”. Since its inception, World Redhead Day has grown into a global event with celebrations happening across the world. But when and how did this quirky holiday get started? The Origins of World Redhead Day World Redhead Day was founded in 2015 by sisters Danelle and Michelle Fowler. The sisters came up with the idea as a way to combat bullying against redheads. Growing up…
The bird beak experiment refers to a series of studies conducted in the 1970s by biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant on Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos Islands. The Grants were interested in studying evolution in action and focused their research on finch beak size and shape in response to environmental changes. Their findings provided important evidence for natural selection and evolution. The Galápagos finches are well-suited for the study of evolution. There are 13 species descended from a common ancestor. They live on different islands with varying food sources, and their beaks have adapted to their specific diets. For example,…
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is an organisation founded in 1932 for the study of birds in the United Kingdom. It is an independent charitable body that relies on the efforts of volunteer birdwatchers to carry out its ornithological surveys. The BTO aims to advance our understanding of ornithology and use that knowledge to influence policy-makers and inform decisions affecting bird populations. What does the BTO do? The BTO carries out a range of activities focused on bird monitoring, recording and research. Some of their key activities include: Organising nationwide surveys – The BTO runs large-scale surveys across the…
The question “What bird flies upside down?” is an intriguing one that captures people’s curiosity about the natural world. While most birds fly with their bodies upright, there is one bird that is known for its ability to fly upside down: the Common Swift. In this article, we will explore the reasons why the Common Swift can fly upside down, how it achieves this aerial maneuver, and what advantages upside down flight offers this aerial acrobat. We’ll also look at some other birds that are able to fly inverted for short periods of time. So read on to learn all…
Quick Answer Brown pelicans have feathers that are mostly brown in color, hence their name. However, the shade of brown can vary from a light tan to a darker chocolate brown. The feathers on their head and neck are often a lighter whitish-brown. Their large throat pouches are pinkish in color. So in summary, brown pelicans live up to their name with feathers dominated by earthy brown tones. Brown Pelican Description The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a large aquatic bird found along the coasts of North, South, and Central America as well as the Caribbean islands. Here are some…
Merlin bird ID by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a free mobile app that helps identify birds. The app has advanced image recognition technology and machine learning algorithms to provide instantaneous and accurate identifications. Merlin bird ID does not require an internet connection, making it useful for identifying birds in areas with limited connectivity. The app has a massive database of over 6,000 bird species from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Merlin bird ID is available for free download on both iOS and Android devices. How Merlin Bird ID Works Merlin bird ID allows users…
Parrots are popular pets that are known for their intelligence, vocal abilities, and colorful plumage. Keeping parrots as pets requires providing them with adequately sized cages that allow them to engage in natural behaviors. However, quality parrot cages can be quite expensive, especially for larger parrot species. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the high costs of parrot cages. The Importance of Proper Parrot Housing Parrots are active, high-energy birds that need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. In the wild, parrots spend most of their time flying over large distances in flocks and foraging for…
Weaver birds are a family of small passerine birds that get their name from their elaborately woven nests. There are over 100 species of weaver birds, predominantly found in Africa but also Asia and parts of Australia. Weaver birds are well known for their unique mating behaviors and intricate courtship displays. Nest Building The most recognizable feature of weaver birds is the large, intricately woven nests the males build to attract a mate. The nests vary in shape and size depending on the species, but they often hang suspended from branches and resemble a teardrop-shape with a long entrance tube…
Terns are seabirds in the family Laridae that are found across the world. There are around 45 species of terns that range greatly in size and coloration, making identification challenging. However, there are some key features to look for when identifying terns. What are the main physical features of terns? Terns share some common physical traits that aid in identification: Slender bodies Long, pointed wings Forked or notched tails Sharp, pointed bills Webbed feet Terns are lighter-bodied than gulls and have longer, more angular wings. Their bills are usually sharper and more stiletto-like compared to gulls. The tail shape is…