Category Archives: Birds

Ptarmigan are small grouse. Most of them live in the Arctic, on the tundra near the Arctic, and near the snowline on high mountains. Scientists are not able to agree on the number of species of ptarmigan; some say there are three; others say there are four. The questionable species is a red grouse found … Continue reading

In the wet open marshlands of Central and South America it is possible to see a tall white bird searching for frogs and insects. As this bird stalks on long black legs through the tall marsh grasses, it keeps its foot-long, thick black bill partially open so it can capture its prey quickly. There are … Continue reading

Frigatebirds get part of their food by pirate-like actions. They soar high above the tropical oceans until they see a booby, gull or pelican returning from a successful fishing trip. Then the frigatebirds start chasing their intended victim, even pulling at its wings, tail, or legs. Often the pursued bird will regurgitate the fish it … Continue reading

Barn owls have been called “feathered flying mousetraps,” which is a good description of them since they eat mice and rats almost exclusively. For this reason, barn owls are especially valuable to farmers. Of all the owls these are the most apt to take up living quarters in man-made dwellings such as barns, church belfries, … Continue reading

GOLDENEYES are diving ducks which nest in holes in trees, usually near a fresh-water pond or lake. The females lay from eight to twelve eggs in the nest and cover them with down. When the ducklings hatch, they remain in the nest for about two days. Then they jump down from the tree and follow … Continue reading

Albatrosses are truly birds of the sea; only when they nest do they come to land. Gliding on long, pointed wings, albatrosses ride the winds for hours and may travel several hundred miles a day. At night they rest on the surface of the sea, often feeding on squid and other small ocean animals during … Continue reading

It  is not really known exactly why boobies were given that name by sailors who first saw them and may have visited their nesting colonies on tropical islands. The sailors may have thought that the birds were “boobies” because they were so trusting. Since boobies nest, for the most part, on small uninhabited islands, they … Continue reading

The mewling cries of gulls soaring high in the air is a familiar sound in many coastal towns. Yet it still seems strange to see these long-winged birds circling in the air above tall buildings. The raucous gulls are a welcome addition to harbour towns, for they are valuable scavengers. They keep the waters clean … Continue reading