Egret or heron – what bird am I looking at? This thought commonly goes through the minds of beginning birders, as discerning the difference between egret and heron birds can be challenging. Indeed, both herons and egrets are among the most recognizable birds in the world thanks to their large size and bold plumage. Despite … Read more
Ah, the timeless debate of crane vs. heron. Cranes and herons are similar-looking birds that have many of the same mannerisms. These birds are often found in comparable habitats, and it can certainly be difficult to distinguish them if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Complicating matters further is the fact that many people … Read more
Magpies are resourceful corvids who seem to thrive anywhere thanks to their remarkable abilities to find food. Some dislike magpies due to their behaviors and tendencies, but many are nonetheless curious about what a magpie diet entails. So, what do magpies eat? Before discussing this question, it’s important to know that there are many different … Read more
Many are familiar with magpies thanks to their bold personalities, but what are magpies? These birds are well-known throughout much of their range, but most people who observe them do not know much about these creatures. If you simply hope to know, “What is a magpie?”, you’re in luck! This article will look at magpie … Read more
Seeing a Northern Mockingbird is common across much of the United States, and these charismatic creatures often capture the attention of backyard birders with their bold personalities and incessant songs. Indeed, some may grow accustomed to seeing a pair of mockingbirds in their hedges each year, and this may prompt them to wonder about mockingbird … Read more
Both Lesser Goldfinches and American Goldfinches are finches native to North America. These birds are common visitors to backyard bird feeders, so knowing how to distinguish a Lesser Goldfinch vs American Goldfinch is an important skill for backyard birders. This article will go in-depth as we explore the differences between an American Goldfinch vs Lesser … Read more
House Sparrows and House Finches are among the most common birds at backyard bird feeders across the United States. Both House Sparrow and House Finch ranges cover most of North America, so knowing the difference between a House Sparrow vs House Finch can be useful. Although separating finches and sparrows is more difficult than separating … Read more
House Sparrows are among the most recognizable birds in the world, but despite their familiarity, many are unsure about House Sparrow diets. So, what do House Sparrows eat? Some will want to know about the diets of House Sparrows so they can attract these birds. However, others will be interested in knowing the diets of … Read more
American Robins are easily recognizable across North America. They are famed for their supposed tendencies to fly south for the winter. Although many robins do—indeed–fly south before winter, many stay put in frigid places like the Upper Midwest and Canada. So, what do robins eat in the winter when they remain in locations with cold … Read more
Why do hawks screech? Whether you realize it or not, you have surely heard a hawk screeching at some point in your life. You may have witnessed one of these raptors screeching firsthand, or you may have heard the sound effect on television. No matter the case, a hawk screech is an instantly recognizable sound. … Read more