Birders like to joke about the difficulty of identifying LBBs, or “little brown birds”. They might be wrens, sparrows, finches, or even warblers, but they’re alike in their small size, drab coloring, and cryptic plumage — it sometimes seems as if they have no identifying features at all. There’s a good reason why so many … Read more
Peacocks or peafowl are in the order Galliformes, which contains all large-bodied ground-dwelling birds. These birds are also in the family Phasianidae, which comprises all of the smaller, stout-bodied, ground-dwelling birds worldwide. Many birds in this family are used as food worldwide. People raise them domestically, hunt them as wild game birds, or both. Peacocks … Read more
Geese are waterfowl in the same family, Anatidae, as ducks and swans. Two genera of true geese comprise the goose branch of the family. True geese are generally larger than ducks but smaller than swans. Geese often gather in groups. People commonly call a group of geese a Gaggle, presumably because of how noisy they … Read more
Owls are opportunistic hunters, and they generally eat whatever type of prey they can find. Do owls eat squirrels? Owls will hunt and eat squirrels if they are presented with the opportunity. Owls hunt all kinds of rodents and many other small creatures, including squirrels. Some owls are selective with their food and may not … Read more
Swans are waterfowl with long, gracefully curving necks, recognizable by everyone. These iconic birds are in the same family as ducks and geese. Swans comprise the genus Cygnus, which contains six extant swan species distributed worldwide except in Antarctica. Multiple swans often congregate on the water in large, gregarious groups, especially during winter. The collective … Read more
Quail are species of ground-dwelling birds in the order Galliformes. Two families of quail contain several genera with many species. These Old World and New World Quail are found all over the world. These are popular game birds and domesticated birds throughout their range. A group or flock of quail is typically called a Covey. … Read more
They contrast beautifully against the skies and are fun finds in woods or among the grass, but the various red birds can be quite challenging to tell apart if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. Here is a comprehensive guide to identifying 10 common red birds. 10 Common Red Birds 1. Northern Cardinal Male … Read more
A dove is a member of the same family as pigeons, Columbidae. Doves, like pigeons, are common all over the world. The most diverse populations are in Australia, Asia, and Indonesia. These birds are popular game birds worldwide. Doves often flock together in groups to feed. They eat many different types of seeds, frequently visiting … Read more
While there have been nearly a dozen species of woodpeckers spotted in Michigan, only eight make the state their home full time.
Feeding birds in your yard can be exciting and gratifying only until you start losing seeds to furry diners. Squirrels are no joke! We have all been there. You are busy running errands while checking on various birds feasting on their buffet; then suddenly, you spot your backyard adversary, a fox squirrel! Although undeniably cute, … Read more
