Male birds are often flashy looking during mating season. The idea has always been that deep and bright colors let the ladies know these guys are very healthy and would make a good catch. The right diet and overall tiptop health has been believed to enable them to pack loads of carotenoids into their feathers to flash […]
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Shorebirds embody the word “superlative” in almost every way. As a species, they make some of the toughest and longest distance migrations in the world. And now, a new official record for marathon non-stop flight has been set by a satellite tagged Bar-tailed Godwit who recently made a 12,000+ km (7,500 miles) migration with a small flock […]
You don’t need to go outside to get to know birds: Try drawing them instead. David Sibley, the ornithologist who wrote and illustrated The Sibley Guide to Birds, created a video for Audubon that shows how to sketch a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Get out a piece of paper and a pencil or crayon and try it yourself! Check out […]
Ever wonder why shorebirds have different colored legs? It’s not by accident! Nature has a plan for shorebirds to be able to see where they are going no matter where they are walking. Sound intriguing? Listen to this BirdNote piece! Yellowlegs; Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Photo Credit: Deborah Rivel Birds beaks have to be tough, durable, super lightweight and made to exactly fit the job they are designed to do. So, what are they made from anyway? Listen to Birdnote to find out.
What’s Cool About Raptors Birds of prey, or “raptors” are a group of birds including hawks, eagles, vultures, falcons, and owls. They share two key characteristics: all have hooked beaks for tearing flesh, and sharp talons for grasping prey. These birds are an important part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem by feeding on insects, rodents, […]