The elephant bird was a species of giant flightless bird that was endemic to Madagascar until its extinction around 1000–1200 CE. Elephant birds were members of the Aepyornithidae family and the largest birds to have ever lived, with some species estimated to weigh over 500 kg (1,100 lb) and stand up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. Their egg remains provide insight into the elephant birds’ biology and evolution, indicating that they were most closely related to kiwi and emus. The exact taxonomical classification and number of elephant bird species remains debated among scientists. However, the most widely supported classification…
Author: Megan Holzman
The mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) is a perching duck species native to East Asia. The male is one of the most colorful ducks with its bright plumage. Mandarin ducks can be found in ponds, lakes, rivers and marshes across Japan, including in Tokyo. While they are not native to the city, several parks and gardens in Tokyo provide good opportunities to spot these beautiful ducks. Best Places to See Mandarin Ducks in Tokyo Imperial Palace East Garden The Imperial Palace East Garden is one of the most popular places to see mandarin ducks in Tokyo. This large garden features several…
The swift is a small bird known for its speedy and agile flight. Swifts are found worldwide and are known by many names including Common Swift, Chimney Swift, and White-throated Swift. Swifts spend most of their lives in flight, only landing to nest and raise their young. Their ability to stay airborne for long periods of time is quite impressive. But just how long can a swift stay aloft before needing to rest? Let’s take a closer look at the flight capabilities of these aerial acrobats. Swifts Have Many Adaptations for Continuous Flight Swifts have several anatomical and physiological adaptations…
The Mississippi Kite is a small raptor found primarily in the southern and central United States. Despite its name, the Mississippi Kite is not closely related to true kites in the family Accipitridae. Instead, it is a member of the genus Ictinia in the family Falconidae, making it more closely related to falcons. The Mississippi Kite’s diet and hunting behavior have led many to classify it as a bird of prey or raptor. In this article, we will examine the characteristics and habits of the Mississippi Kite to determine if it qualifies as a true bird of prey. What are…
Snakes play an important role in desert ecosystems, but they also face many predators. In the harsh desert environment, snakes must avoid predators in order to survive. Several apex predators regularly hunt and kill snakes in the desert, using their speed, size, and hunting techniques to their advantage against these slippery prey. Understanding which animals kill snakes can provide insights into desert food chains and the challenges snakes face for survival. Birds of Prey Many birds of prey are skilled snake hunters that thrive in desert landscapes. Their excellent eyesight and sharp talons make them adept at swooping down and…
Quick Answers Yes, you can take your bird on a road trip with proper planning and preparation. The key things to consider are: Get a secure travel cage or carrier Prepare food and water for the trip Make sure the temperature in the car is comfortable Plan for frequent stops so the bird can get fresh air Never leave the bird alone in the car With some simple precautions, road trips can be safe and enjoyable for pet birds. Proper restraints, supplies, regular breaks, and monitoring during the drive are important. Additionally, finding pet-friendly lodging at stopovers can make longer…
Both loons and coyotes are well-known for their distinctive calls. Loons are waterbirds found across North America, while coyotes are canids found throughout much of the continent. Though they occupy different habitats, their ranges overlap across large portions of the United States and Canada. This prompts the question – does a loon sound anything like a coyote? Let’s take a closer look at the vocalizations of each species. The Loon’s Call The Common Loon is renowned for its loud, wavering call that evokes images of northern lakes. Here are some key facts about the loon’s vocalizations: – Loons have four…
The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a common species of heron found across much of the world. Despite their name, cattle egrets are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of prey. Here is a quick overview of some of the main predators and prey species of cattle egrets: Predators Some of the main predators of cattle egrets include: Large birds of prey – Hawks, eagles, owls Mammalian predators – Foxes, coyotes, bobcats Reptiles – Large snakes Other egrets/herons – Will sometimes prey on eggs and young chicks Birds of prey are able to catch adult cattle egrets on…
The tufted titmouse is a small songbird that is native to North America. It gets its name from the cute tuft or crest of feather on the top of its head. With its gray body, white belly, and perky crest, the tufted titmouse is a charming little bird. If you enjoy watching titmice, you may wonder what other birds are similar so you can look for new species to observe. There are several species closely related to the tufted titmouse that have similar physical features and behaviors. Quick Answer The birds most similar to the tufted titmouse are other titmice…
Birds can injure their wings in a variety of ways – hitting windows, fences or cars, attacks by predators, or even getting caught in something sharp. As a pet owner or wildlife rehabilitator, you may find yourself needing to bandage a bird’s injured wing. Properly bandaging an avian wing requires special techniques and materials to stabilize the injury without causing further harm. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about bandaging a bird’s wing. What supplies do you need to bandage a bird’s wing? Before you start bandaging, make sure you have all the necessary…