The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest North American falcon. It is often called the sparrow hawk, not to be confused with the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) which is a different bird of prey species entirely. It is found throughout most of the American … [Read more...]
Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird is one of the most fascinating creatures in North America. This small songbird has an interesting history and a unique appearance.The northern mockingbird is an omnivore that feeds on insects as well as fruits. It forages in grassy land and is … [Read more...]
Cactus Wren Facts
The cactus wren is a unique bird that can be found in the Southwestern United States. This bird is known for its distinctive song, as well as its habit of building nests in cacti. The cactus wren is a beautiful bird, and it is a popular tourist attraction in the Southwestern … [Read more...]
Willow Ptarmigan
The willow ptarmigan is a beautiful bird that can be found in the northern parts of the world.This bird is medium to large in size, and its feathers are a mix of brown, white, and black. It has a reddish-brown crest on its head. Willow ptarmigans live in cold climates, and … [Read more...]
Yellowhammer
The Yellowhammer is Alabama's state bird. It was adopted as the state bird in 1927. The yellowhammer is a small, brown songbird with a bright yellow head and breast. They can be found throughout Alabama year-round. Yellowhammers are common birds and are not considered to be … [Read more...]
Cassowary Bird Facts
Cassowaries are amongst the most ancient birds on earth. They belong to the Ratite Family like the Emu, Ostrich, Rhea and Kiwi. They are fruit-eating (frugivore) animals that disperse over a hundred species of rainforest trees and vines. Therefore, this "Rainforest gardener" … [Read more...]
Magpie
Magpies belong to the family Corvidae, which also contains the crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers. There are four genera of magpies, although magpies in the genus Pica are most well known. These birds are known for being mainly black and … [Read more...]
Turkey Vulture
The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) has a featherless red head and the flight feathers are a silvery gray. Turkey Vultures have a naked head. This prevents any feathers on the head from getting fouled by the carrion that they eat. Head feathers are very difficult to clean. Early … [Read more...]
Cooper’s Hawk
The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is a forest dwelling hawk. They eat mostly smaller ground dwelling birds but also some small mammals and reptiles. They have short wings and long tails that make them agile flyers in wooded terrain.Cooper's Hawks nest in coniferous … [Read more...]
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) can be seen all over most of the North American continent searching for food or just having fun playing on the updrafts.Red-tailed Hawks are generalists. They eat mostly small rodents but also eat some smaller rabbits, snakes, lizards, … [Read more...]