From fiery scarlet to subtle amber, these birds often flaunt this color for reasons beyond just looking pretty, many rely on orange plumage to attract mates. Some of these birds are easy to spot, while others require a keener eye. Birds come in a stunning array of colors and patterns. While some species sport more … Read more
Blue feet in birds may seem unusual, but this unique adaptation actually serves important purposes for avian species around the world. Approximately 16 types of birds have blue feet, ranging from boobies to toucans. Let’s explore some of these species and understand why blue feet developed. An Attention-Grabbing Display For many birds, blue feet assist … Read more
Washington Jones and Carlos Calimares revised the account as part of a partnership with Aves Uruguay. Arnau Bonan Barfull curated the media. JoAnn Hackos, Daphne R. Walmer, Robin K. Murie, and Linda A. Hensley copyedited the account. Birds With Red Legs and Feet A Vibrant Group of Avian Species Birds come in a spectacular array … Read more
Birds are a highly diverse class of animals with an assortment of plumage colorations. Few birds are as striking as those with red chests among the diversity of avian wonders. The intensity of red varies from bright crimson and scarlet to ruby red, depending on the species. Either way, the red chests of birds are … Read more
Mealworms are the larvae of the beetle Tenebrio molitor. Birds such as chickadees, bluebirds, wrens and woodpeckers will eat mealworms, if they are placed in a feeder accessible to the birds. Because mealworms can crawl, it is best to place them in a feeder where they cannot crawl out. Mealworms can be kept for weeks … Read more
A brightly colored bill can be one of the best clues when identifying birds, and red-beaked species are some of the most striking. From tiny, jewel-like hummingbirds to elegant waterfowl and exotic tropical birds, these vibrant-billed beauties stand out in any environment. But have you ever wondered why so many birds have red beaks? In … Read more
Sometimes treasures happen when you arent even looking. While on a small lake hoping to capture some good photos of the geese flying south, I found a bird I knew nothing about in the water. It looks like a black duck with a white beak. This is an American coot. Thats not a duck: Meet … Read more
Birds With Blue Beaks: A Guide to These Colorful Creatures Blue beaks on birds stand out against colorful plumage or more muted tones. For some species, both sexes sport blue bills while in others only males or females do. Seasonal changes can also turn beaks blue during breeding. From tiny songbirds to large ducks, blue … Read more