Kori Bustard (Ardeodis kori) This large bodied bird is native to the deserts and savannas of southern Africa. Standing at a height of about three feet and males weighing up to 40 pounds, they are the heaviest flying bird on earth. The kori bustard is a cryptically colored ground bird consisting mostly of browns and…
While walking in a park you notice a killdeer just ahead flyup and away a few feet. It’s dragging its wing along, calling in alarm and seems to be injured, you follow it to get a better look to see what’s wrong but it keeps going farther away as you approach. After following it for…
Winter is a tough time for birds, and different species choose different ways of dealing with the seasons harsh conditions. With colder temperatures and less easily accessible food sources many species choose to migrate further south. While others stay and use other adaptations to survive, either by stashing food or changing their main food source….
I believe to truly understand and appreciate how unique birds are you must know what makes a bird a bird. What makes up each and every species no matter what they are. To know what makes them so different you must see what makes them similar. And from there you can really appreciate what makes…
Rose breasted grosbeak This large songbird is a showstopper when they show up at backyard bird feeders. The males plumage is a striking combo of red white and black. Males are identified by their black head and back, white underside and a bright red chevron patterned patch of feathers on their chest trailing down to…
Owls are broken up into two different families, Strigidae (true owls) and Tytonidae ( barn owls). The family Strigidae consists of around 220 species and is found almost worldwide, on every continent except antarctica. Characterised by circular facial disks, cryptic coloring and many species possessing ear tufts. Like tytonidae they also have feathered legs, powerful…
Found throughout all but the northernmost parts of North America and parts of South America, this large stocky owl is well recognised by many as it is one of the most common owls on the continent. Characterised by its large ear tufts, mottled brown-gray plumage and white throat patch their color can vary depending on…
It’s the one thing that no other living group of species has, feathers. They are viral for a birds survival, they provide insulation, flight, and aid in courship. From feathers you can tell an individuals species, and sometimes its age and sex. They can form patterns and affect what their body shape looks like, to…
The first saturday of September is international vulture awareness day! While these birds may not be everybodies favorite birds, they still fill a very important niche in the environment. They are the clean up crew! When an animal dies, scavengers like vultures will take care of the body. But the deceased animal could be carrying…
Beaks are an important part of a birds anatomy. Like many of the parts of a bird, they have evolved and adapted to help them survive in their chosen environment and niche. They are key to helping a species thrive by making the most of the food available to them. Just as there is a…