Around 90% of all bird species form monogamous pairs, but true lifelong bonds are far rarer. Among the species that do mate for life are the mute swan, snowy albatross, whooping crane, bald eagle, and many parrots, along with some vultures...
North American orioles belong to the genus Icterus in the blackbird family (Icteridae). Eight species occur regularly in the United States and Canada, while several others appear as occasional migrants, vagrants, or rare breeders along the southern...
A new bird feeder can feel like an empty promise at first. Days go by, and not a single visitor stops in. Birds need time to find and trust a new food source, but you can help attract them sooner. Follow these simple steps to turn your feeder into a...
The snowy albatross has the widest wingspan of any living bird, reaching 3.7 meters (12.1 feet). The kori bustard is the heaviest flying bird, at 19 kilograms (41.9 pounds), while the sarus crane is the tallest, standing 1.8 meters (5.9 feet). Each...
Avian longevity varies dramatically, from just a few years to nearly a century, shaped by factors such as size, lifestyle, and environment. The kakapo is the world’s longest-living bird, with individuals reaching an age of 90-100 under...
Blakiston’s fish-owl is the world’s largest and heaviest owl, with a wingspan of up to 2.0 meters (6.6 feet) and a weight of up to 4.6 kilograms (10.1 pounds). The Eurasian eagle-owl comes close – slightly smaller on average, but...
Across North America, hummingbirds favor a wide range of brightly colored, tubular flowers rich in nectar. Among their top choices are plants from the Penstemon, Castilleja, and Salvia genera, which you can grow in your garden to attract these birds...
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is one of the most widespread and iconic birds of prey, known for its unmatched aerial speed, adaptability, and long association with human culture. Found on every continent except Antarctica, this powerful...
Across the avian world, some species are so brightly colored they look almost cartoonish. The Gouldian finch, paradise tanager, mandarin duck, rainbow lorikeet, and painted bunting stand out as the most colorful birds, their plumage arranged in...
The UK is home to an impressive diversity of birds of prey, with 16 species present year-round across the country’s varied landscapes. Among them, the common buzzard, Eurasian kestrel, and Eurasian sparrowhawk are the most widespread and...