What’s the blue bird with a red-orange-brown chest? This is a query often posted online. To figure out the possible bird’s identity, this article reviews birds with plumages that include blue with red, orange, or brown chests. These birds’ range, favorite habitat, and behavior are compared to suggests the most likely response to the query. …
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are among the largest and most emblematic North American raptors. Both eagles are the national bird of Mexico and the United States of America, respectively. Golden and bald eagles have relatively easy-to-distinguish plumages. The uniform dark brown plumage of a large raptor identifies it …
How to Tell a Juvenile Golden Eagle from a Juvenile Bald Eagle Read More »
I keep seeing bluebirds on my commute to work, but I am not sure which of the three types of bluebirds it is. If you are like me and ask yourself this question, this article is for you. Knowing which of the three species of North American bluebirds is not difficult. All you need is …
North American Bluebirds: Which one are you seeing? Read More »
Juvenile bald eagles on the nest flat their wings in-place, performing small jumps as they develop and strengthen their flight muscles.Muscle exercising begins several weeks before the juvenile eagle fledges. During the later stages of strengthening their flight muscles, the eaglet starts to practice their coordination skills, jumping from branch to branch on large …
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is one of the most emblematic and recognizable North American birds. Most people are familiar with the appearance of an adult bald eagle. Still, few recognize juvenile and immature plumages that precede the impressive white-headed plumage of the adult. This article describes the age and plumages that juvenile and immature …
Bird identification requires paying attention to a bird’s size, shape, color patterns, behavior, geographic location, time of the year, and habitat. When it comes to hummingbirds at feeders (where they are more likely to be seen), one should focus on a bird’s color patterns and the sighting’s location and time of the year. Males Pay …
Hummingbird Identification: An Illustrated Guide to all 14 North American Species Read More »
This article lists simple steps to help you tell apart and safely identify a common raven and an American crow. Steps are listed in descending order, from general differences between the two species, such as geographic distribution, to fine-grain details of their appearance. Both ravens and crows are recognized as “crows” by most people. But …
Differences Between an American Crow and a Common Raven (with Map, Pictures, and Sounds) Read More »
Orioles are among the most beloved American birds. Their bright and patterned color of adult males is relatively easy to tell apart. But there are as many female and immature birds of both species that visit bird feeders or are seen in the field. Of course, we want to know what oriole is visiting our …
Differences Between Baltimore and Orchard Orioles: An Identification Primer Read More »
Black Vulture and Turkey Vultures are relatively common and similar in appearance. A common question is how to tell the Black Vulture from the Turkey Vulture? In this article, I list 6 simple steps to identify these two vultures apart with certainty. First, start by determining if both the Black Vulture and the Turkey Vulture …
6 Simple Steps to tell a Turkey Vulture from a Black Vulture Read More »
Altricial or Precocial Young Birds: Know the Differences Whether you are a bird enthusiast or a casual observer, most of us have interacted with a baby bird or a young bird on the ground. Knowing a baby bird’s appearance and behavior can help you decide on the most appropriate action if you face the decision …
Altricial or Precocial Young Birds: Know the Differences Read More »