Do you know toucans? Even those who have never visited South America probably know one of these fruit-loving birds from the cheerful mascot of Fruit Loops cereal. Toucans are a large family of birds that includes over 40 species. That family includes similar-looking–but different–species, the toucanets, and aracaris. The members of the toucan family share … Read more
You’re looking at a long, curvy bird with a swan-like neck and legs that go on for days. Is it a crane? Is it an egret? Is it a heron? These flashy shorebirds have more in common than a future as runway models. When you’ve got them in your sights, how do you tell them … Read more
If ever a pair of birds could make you get deja vu, it’s these two: the Hairy Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker! Nope, it’s not a glitch in the Matrix: these bird cousins can fool the eye. A Downy Woodpecker looks like a Hairy Woodpecker’s smaller twin brother–and since the size is relative when you’re … Read more
What do you get when you combine fighter pilots with works of art and feed them a ton of sugar? A creature unique in all of the natural world: the hummingbird. Hummingbirds are an experience, and lucky for you, they’re an experience you can enjoy right in your backyard. If you put out their favorite … Read more
Many birds leave us for the winter, following the shorter days to warmer locales. But there are those that stick it out with us for the dark, cold months of the year, brightening the dreary weather with their cheerful presence and backyard acrobatics. As the birds battle the weather, searching for food and shelter, making … Read more
Hawks and falcons: two exciting and popular bird families with a lot in common. They look much alike, with hooked beaks, sharp talons, and similar sizes. They both have amazing eyesight, and they both are fantastic hunters. With so much in common, how do you tell these two kinds of birds apart? In this article, … Read more
Eagles and hawks and falcons–oh my! These majestic birds have a lot in common, from their sharp, curved beaks to their equally sharp talons. All of them are birds of prey, meaning they hunt for their food, and all of them have exceptional eyesight to help them in their hunt. Maybe you’ve heard the expressions … Read more
Marshmallows are a sweet and fluffy delight, whether they’re roasting over a campfire to melt into a s’more or floating in our hot chocolates as they steam in our mugs. With all that sugary goodness, you might be thinking about sharing the love with your feathered friends. After all, sugar is energy, right? Read on … Read more
Northern Cardinals are a beloved bird and a favorite sight in winter when these year-round residents dazzle backyard bird enthusiasts from snow-covered evergreens. The bright red male cardinals are practically synonymous with the holiday season. But what about female cardinals? Less showy–but we would argue, no less beautiful!–than their male counterparts, female cardinals have their … Read more
Birders use a lot of gear and gadgets, but it all might be a little mystifying to an outsider. What can you give a birder that they’ll actually enjoy or get some use out of? We’re here to break down gift ideas that both beginner and experienced birders will appreciate, as well as a few … Read more