Category: Wild Birds

The ruby-throated hummingbird is a small, yet dazzling bird that can be found across much of North America during the spring and summer months. Identifying these tiny dynamos requires familiarity with their distinctive features, behaviors, range, habitat, and vocalizations. With a little practice, anyone can master ruby-throated hummingbird identification. Physical Features for Identification The ruby-throated…

Ospreys are large raptors that are found near waterways across many parts of the world. With their distinctive white undersides, brown upperparts, and crooked “M”-shaped wings, ospreys are unmistakable birds of prey when seen in flight. For birders who want to identify ospreys, there are some key field marks and behaviors to look for. In…

Cooper’s hawks are medium-sized hawks found throughout North America. With their striking plumage and swift flying skills, these accipiters are a delight to observe in the wild. Properly identifying a Cooper’s hawk takes patience and knowledge of key identification markers. This guide will explore tips and tricks for positively identifying Cooper’s hawks in the field.…

Finches and sparrows are two types of small songbirds that are often confused with each other. However, there are some key differences between finches and sparrows that can help identify them. What are Finches? Finches are small- to medium-sized birds that belong to the family Fringillidae. There are over 100 different species of finches found…

Vultures are unique and fascinating birds that play an important ecological role as nature’s clean-up crew. While they may not be the most beloved birds, vultures are incredibly interesting creatures worthy of appreciation. Let’s dive into 20+ fun facts about these underrated scavengers! An Introduction to Vultures Vultures belong to the family Cathartidae, which consists…

Flamingos are iconic tropical birds that instantly conjure images of exotic beaches and vibrant pink feathers. But beyond their recognizable appearance, flamingos have many surprising traits and behaviors. Here are 20 fun and fascinating facts about these unique birds! Why Are Flamingos Pink? The pink or reddish color of flamingos comes from their diet, which…

North America is home to an incredibly diverse population of bird species. From songbirds to raptors, shorebirds to waterfowl, there are over 1,000 species that can be found across the continent. Of these many birds, some species stand out as the most popular and beloved by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Here we will explore the…

Owls are mysterious and captivating birds that have fascinated humans for millennia. With over 250 species found worldwide, owls demonstrate incredible diversity in size, coloration, habitat, and behaviors. From tiny elf owls to large eagle owls, this ancient bird family contains species adapted to environments ranging from dense forests to open deserts. Join us on…

Ducks are a diverse and fascinating group of waterfowl birds found all over the world. There are over 120 different duck species, ranging from the tiny bufflehead to the massive trumpeter swan. Some ducks are dabbling ducks that feed at the surface of water, while others are diving ducks that plunge underwater to catch prey.…

Eagles are large, powerful birds of prey that are found on every continent except Antarctica. Known for their sharp vision, strong hooked beaks, and massive talons, eagles are apex predators in their ecosystems. There are over 60 different species of eagles in the world, with great diversity in size, coloration, habitat preferences, and hunting strategies.…