There are a number of birds that build nests that float on water. The most well-known of these is the grebe. Grebes are aquatic birds found around the world that build nests that float on the surface of lakes and ponds. The nests allow grebes to breed successfully while avoiding predators. Other birds that build floating nests include coots and some species of waterfowl like ducks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the fascinating nest building abilities of grebes and how their floating nests help them thrive. Grebe Nests Grebes construct nests called “rafts” that float on…
Author: Megan Holzman
The blue jay is a common backyard bird found throughout much of North America. With its bright blue plumage and loud, scolding call, the blue jay is a familiar sight to many. But beyond its recognizable appearance, the blue jay has come to symbolize a variety of traits and meanings. Read on to learn more about what this iconic bird represents. Blue Jay Symbolism and Meaning Intelligence The blue jay is known for being one of the most intelligent backyard birds. Blue jays have relatively large brains compared to other birds, with scientists estimating their intelligence to be on par…
Swifts are small migratory birds that belong to the Apodidae family. They are known for their speedy and agile flight, and for spending most of their lives airborne. Swifts get their name from the Old English word “swift”, meaning “to move quickly”. However, they are also sometimes referred to as “devil birds” due to some of their strange behaviors and associations. Appearance and Behavior Swifts have very aerodynamic bodies that allow them to fly for long periods without landing. Their wings are long, curved and pointed, resembling a crescent or a boomerang shape when extended. Their tails are short and…
