Owner: Birds as Pets URL:http://birdsaspets.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:57:47 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Waking up to the sound of birds singing is a terrific way to start a day. Birds are beautiful creature. For those who want to get a bird as your pet, this blog will be an ideal stop for you. Site statistics:Click here
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 2007-12-08 09:50:00 Family: GaviidaeHabitat: Found on lakes, ponds, rivers, and seacoasts and associated bays and estuaries (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska east across Yukon, northwestern and southern Mackenzie, central Keewatin, northern Manitoba, northern Ontario, southern Baffin Island, and Labrador to Newfoundland; and south to Nevada, western Wyoming, northern North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, northern New York, southern New England, and Nova Scotia. In winter can be found on the Pacific coast (Aleutian Islands south to Baja California), the Atlantic coast (from Newfoundland south to Florida), and on the Gulf coast south to Texas (A.O.U. 1998). In the summer, non-breeding plumaged Common
Loons occasionally are found south of known breeding range.Field Marks: This is the loon that most novice birders and non-birders are familiar with. Bill is thick, long, and pointed; in the breeding season bill it is black, but becomes grayer in winter. In the breeding season, t
Pacific Loon (Gavia Pacifica) 2007-12-08 09:47:00 Family: GaviidaeHabitat: Breeds in tundra and taiga habitats; also frequents seacoasts and associated bays and estuaries; and, less commonly, lakes and rivers (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from the Arctic coast of Alaska and the Arctic islands south to southern Alaska, southwestern Yukon, southern Mackenzie, northeastern Alberta, northern Manitoba, northern Ontario, and northwestern Quebec. Generally winters along the Pacific
coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California and Mexico, and less commonly inland to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Elsewhere it would be rare to find.Field Marks: Grayish head and neck and iridescent throat patch (usually purple, but may seem like black or green) are characteristic of breeding plumage. In winter, head and neck are pale gray, with a darker border around the white throat; this color pattern is absent in Red-throated Loon. A thin, brownish neck strap is seen in some birds.Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, usually
Red-throated Loon (Gavia Stellata) 2007-12-08 09:43:00 Family: GaviidaeHabitat: Found on tundra lakes and ponds, along seacoasts and associated bays and estuaries, and occasionally on lakes and rivers (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from coastal Alaska east through central Yukon, Mackenzie, and the Arctic islands to Greenland; and south to Vancouver Island (along the Pacific coast), northern Saskatchewan, Hudson Bay, and northern Newfoundland. Generally winters in coastal areas; in the west from Alaska south to Baja California and Mexico; and in the east from Newfoundland south to Florida; rarely on the Gulf coast (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Grayish face and neck, with red throat patch. In winter, has pale gray crown and nape, white cheek and throat. Best field mark is the bill, thinner than in Common Loon and usually held at a slightly upturned angle.Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, either in a depression or on a mound of mud and plants.Eggs: 1-3, usually 2; 73 millimeter; olive-green to dark brown in color.Incubatio
How to Choose a Good Bird Breeder 2007-12-23 15:28:00 So, you want to buy a bird. All you have to do is find a breeder and give him or her the money, right? Actually, there are some very disreputable bird breeders out there. To be sure you get a healthy, well adjusted bird, you will need to be sure you have chosen a good breeder.The first thing you should look for when you are searching for a reputable bird breeder is whether the breeder can offer references. A good breeder has a lot of happy customers and some of them will be glad to offer a reference. Of course, the longest list of references in the world isn't very useful if you don't take the time to call one or two of them. Be sure you actually check a few references before you buy a bird.Next, talk to the breeder. Ask about the type of diet the birds are being fed, whether the aviary is open or closed and whether the breeder shows birds or attends bird marts with birds.If the breeder only feeds a seed diet, you may be buying a bird with nutritional deficiencies. Seed diets should
Cattle Egret(Bubulcus ibis) 2007-12-23 15:27:00 Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in actively grazed pastures and grasslands; also on lawns or along roadsides, and occasionally in marshes or flooded agricultural fields (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from central California, eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, northern Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maine south to Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, and Florida. Generally winters from Florida, the Gulf coast states, coastal Texas, and western Oregon and northern California south throughout its breeding range (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Of the three typically white egrets (Cattle, Snowy, and Great Egret
s), the Cattle egret is the smallest. In breeding season, note orangish feathers on crown, back, and lower neck; bill and leg color also more red or reddish-orange at this time of year. During the non-breeding season, bill and legs are yellowish in color. Compare also with immature Little Blue Heron.Nest Habits: Breeds
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) 2007-12-23 15:24:00 Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in marshes, ponds, and lakes; also in lagoons and other shallow coastal habitats (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeds south of a line running from eastern Oregon and northern California through southeastern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northeastern Wisconsin, southern Ontario, and northwestern Ohio, to the Atlantic coast (north to Maine); breeding range extends south into Baja California and Mexico. Generally winters from northern California, southwestern Arizona, the Gulf coast, and coastal South Carolina south throughout its breeding range (A.O.U. 1998). Post-breeding dispersal in late summer and early fall results in birds appearing at inland locations far north of their breeding range.Field Marks: Snowy
white plumage, dark legs, black bill, and yellow feet (sometimes called golden slippers). Smaller than Great Egret
.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons and egrets. Nest is placed on the ground or, more typically,
Teaching Your Bird Simple Tricks 2007-12-22 14:55:00 While most people think of pet birds as animals that just sit in the cage or perch on someone's shoulder and say the occasional funny phrase, some birds can actually learn quite a few interesting and entertaining tricks. While not all birds are able to perform elaborate tricks, you should be able to teach your bird a few simple tricks. One of the easiest tricks you can teach a young bird is to play dead. To teach this trick, you first need to accustom him to having his head and back touched. When he doesn't mind being touched anymore, it is time for the next step. Let him perch on one hand and cup your other hand around his back, gently cradling his head between your thumb and forefinger. Then, gently tilt him over onto his back. If he struggles, stand him back upright immediately. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave him on his back until he is willing to stay in that position for several seconds without being restrained. While most birds can learn to play dead, conures e Read more:Simple
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) 2007-12-22 14:53:00 Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in ponds, lakes, streams, swamps, marshes, and other fresh-water habitats (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeds locally, within an area extending from Mexico and Baja California north to southern California, north-central Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, southern Georgia, and the Atlantic coast north to Maine. Generally winters in southwestern California, Mexico, along the Gulf coast, and along the Atlantic coast north to Virginia (A.O.U. 1998). Post-breeding dispersal in late summer and early fall results in birds appearing at inland locations far north of their breeding range.Field Marks: Overall dark, slate blue color in adult; during breeding season, reddish tint to head. Bicolored bill. Immatures are mostly white, but in second year take on a pied appearance during the molt to the adult plumage.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed up to 40 Read more:Heron
Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) 2007-12-22 14:51:00 Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Usually found in coastal marshes, but also more locally further inland in swamps, lakes, and rivers (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeds in coastal habitats of Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, Florida, and the Atlantic coast north to Maine; also at inland locations in New Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas. Generally winters within its breeding range along the coast; on the Atlantic coast, winters north to about New Jersey (A.O.U. 1998). Post-breeding dispersal in late summer and early fall results in birds appearing at inland locations far north of their breeding range.Field Marks: Head, most of neck, back, and wings generally a dark blue color. White underneath, including foreneck.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, sometimes in association with other herons. Nest is placed on the ground or, more typically, up to 15-30 feet high in shrub or tree; nest consists of a platform of sticks and twigs lined with grass and leaves.Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-4; 44 millimeter; Read more:Heron
Stress Could Kill Your Bird 2007-12-21 05:22:00 One of the worst things you can do to your pet bird is to subject him to stress. Stress can literally kill a bird that would otherwise live a long and healthy life. How can you avoid stressing your bird and what can you do for him if he does become stressed? You should be sure that you recognize signs of stress in birds so that you can alleviate stressful situations immediately. Obviously, a bird that has his mouth open and seems to be struggling for breath is stressed. However, he can also show less obvious signs of stress, such as standing very tall and skinny on his perch or eating less than he normally would. Since identifying signs of mild stress can be a bit challenging, you should look for things that could cause everyday stress and remove them from your bird's environment. That cartoon where Tweetie is fluttering about his cage in alarm just because the cat has walked into the room is pretty accurate. Cats can stress caged birds to death by simply staring at them. Dogs barking
Great Egret (Ardea alba) 2007-12-21 05:19:00 Family: ArdeidaHabitat: Found in fresh- and salt-water habitats, along lakes, rivers, streams, lagoons and estuaries, and on mudflats; occasionally forages in agricultural fields.Distribution: Breeding range extends from central Washington and southern Idaho south into California, Nevada, southwestern Arizona, Baja California, and Mexico; also from southwestern Manitoba, South Dakota, central Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, southern Ontario, southwestern Quebec, and New England south to Florida and the Gulf states, and west to eastern Colorado and southern New Mexico. Winter range extends southward from a line running from coastal Oregon and northern California through central Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas and the Gulf coast region to coastal Maryland; occasionally found further north in winter (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Large, all white heron, with black legs and large, yellowish bill. At a distance, compare with Snowy Egret
, which is smaller and has a black bill.Nest Ha Read more:Great
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 2007-12-21 05:13:00 Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in fresh- and salt-water habitats, along lakes, rivers, ponds, lagoons, seacoasts, and on mudflats; occasionally forages in agricultural fields.Distribution: Breeds south of a line running from Nova Scotia through southern Quebec, northern Ontario, northern Manitoba, central Saskatchewan, and northern Alberta to southern British Columbia; breeding range on the Pacific coast also includes all of coastal British Columbia and the southern coast of Alaska (A.O.U. 1998). Resident in the southern portion of its range; northern populations are migratory.Field Marks: Our largest heron; generally grayish-blue in color. White head contrasts with conspicuous black stripe above eye. Two additional color phases are known: an all white form, which is found in southern Florida, and a form which is grayish-blue in color but has an all white head and is found primarily in the Florida Keys.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons and eg Read more:Great
, Heron
How to Teach Your Bird to Talk 2007-12-20 01:20:00 One of the most common reasons people have for buying a pet bird is the desire for a talking pet. Most people think of the talented African grey when they picture a talking bird, but quite a few different types of birds can actually learn to talk. In fact, some finch owners say their birds learned a few simple words. Of course, not all birds talk as well or as easily as other birds.While the African grey is certainly the best talker, Amazon parrots, Quaker parakeets, American budgies, cockatiels, Nanday conures and cockatoos are also great talkers. Lovebirds, most other conure species and Senegal parrots will usually pick up a few phrases fairly rapidly, as well. However, no matter what bird species you choose, keep in mind that baby birds need to learn how to talk, just as human babies do. Your bird probably will not already be talking when you buy it. In fact, not all birds will learn to talk. Even those that do learn to talk do not all learn many phrases. If your sole purpose for ow
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) 2007-12-20 01:16:00 Family: FregatidaeHabitat: Nests on islands; found in coastal tropical waters.Distribution: Coastal tropical waters of North and South America and western Africa. Ranges inland, usually after severe storms.Field Marks: Long, deeply forked tail, dark coloration (white belly in female), and reddish-orange inflatable throat pouch of male are distinctive traits of this species.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies; nest consists of a shallow collection of woody twigs or grasses that are placed in a tree, shrub, or on the ground.Eggs: 1, although in rare instances 2 may be laid; 68 mm; white in color.Incubation: Both sexes incubate the egg and care for the young. Incubation lasts about 50 days, and young are able to fly about 150-200 days later. Read more:Magnificent
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) 2007-12-20 01:14:00 Family: AnhingidaeHabitat: Lakes, slow-moving streams, and swamps; in fresh water.Distribution: Breeding range extends from South America, Central America, Mexico, central and eastern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida north to southeastern Oklahoma, southern and eastern Arkansas, western Tennessee, north-central Mississippi, southern Alabama, southern Georgia, and coastal North Carolina. During the winter, Anhingas are found from central South Carolina, southern Georgia, Florida, and the Gulf coast south throughout the remainder of the breeding range (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Overall dark body plumage with greenish gloss and white spots or streaks on the wings and upper back.Nest Habits: Breeds in small groups, usually in association with other herons and egrets. Nest of sticks or dead leaves is typically placed in a small tree.Eggs: 1-5, usually 4; 53 millimeter; pale blue-green or blue-white in color.Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young; incuba
Is an African Grey Right for You? 2008-02-04 12:37:00 If you want a parrot that can talk, you may want to consider the African
grey. This extremely intelligent parrot species is the best talker in the parrot family. Of course, this doesn't mean that every African grey will talk, but most of them do learn to speak quite fluently. While African greys are often excellent talkers, this doesn't mean they are the right pet for everyone that wants a talking bird. These birds have a tendency to become shy and standoffish if they aren't handled frequently. Greys that are handled often still are rarely as cuddly and affectionate as other parrot species. If you want a bird that loves to snuggle with you, you may want to avoid this species. Another thing to consider before you shop for an African grey is whether any family members have allergies or asthm Read more:Right
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) 2008-01-29 10:52:00 Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Tundra and other open areas, usually near bodies of fresh water or salt-water marshes. Often forages in pasturelands, cultivated fields, and flooded farmlands.Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern Alaska east along the Arctic coast and islands to northwestern Greenland and Baffin Island, and south to Hudson Bay. Winters in the west from coastal British Columbia south to California, Baja California, southwestern Arizona, and Mexico; in the mid-West from Nebraska, Iowa and the Great Lakes south to the Gulf Coast; and in the east along the Atlantic coast from New York south to Florida (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Black primary feathers. Two color phases: a blue phase and a white phase. In adult birds, note the thick, black 'grinning patch' that separate
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) 2008-01-29 10:50:00 Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Open areas, arctic tundra, usually near water; in winter and migration, also frequents pastures and flooded agricultural fields.Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska eastward across northern Yukon, Mackenzie, and Keewatin to western Greenland. Winter range in the west extends from southern British Columbia south to Baja California; in the mid-west, from Texas and Louisiana north to Oklahoma and Kansas; and in the eastern U.S. from the Great Lakes region south to Mississippi and Florida (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Key field marks include the black speckling on the belly, the pink bill bordered with white at the base, and the orange legs and feet.Nest Habits: Breeds in loose colonies on open tundra.Eggs: 1-7, usually 5-6; 79 millimeter; buffy-white or crea Read more:White
Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) 2008-01-20 06:17:00 Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Found in tundra habitats; also on open lakes and ponds or in shallowly flooded agricultural fields.Distribution: Breeds in the Arctic tundra from western Alaska east to Baffin Island; and from there south to Churchill and the Hudson Bay area of Quebec. Winters along the Pacific Coast inland to Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, and south to southern Texas, New Mexico, and extreme northern Mexico; also in the Great Lakes region, and along the Atlantic Coast from Maryland to North Carolina (A.O.U. 1998). Migrants and small numbers of wintering birds may be found at many inland locations in the mid-West.Field Marks: Black on bill does not extend to encompass eye; many adults have yellow spot on bill in front of eye. Immatures are dusky gray.Nest Habits: Builds a n Read more:Tundra
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) 2008-01-18 07:44:00 Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Found in freshwater lakes, marshes, and rivers with slow-moving waters with emergent vegetation; occasionally in brackish waters (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska south to northern British Columbia, southwestern Mackenzie, northwestern Alberta, western and central Montana, and southern Saskatchewan (local breeder within this range); formerly bred as far south as the mid-Western United States. Wintering range extends from southern Alaska south to California; also in Arizona, New Mexico, and east to Colorado and Minnesota (A.O.U. 1998). The Trumpeter Swan has been introduced and established in many additional locations.Field Marks: Black bill with no yellow spot (as in Tundra Swan). Black at base of bill extends to encompass the eye (c
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 2008-01-16 13:41:00 Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Open lakes, ponds, and marshes, in freshwater habitats. In winter, may also be found in brackish habitats.Distribution: An Old World species, introduced into the U.S., where breeding has been documented in southwestern British Columbia, southern Saskatchewan, Montana, the Great Lakes region, New York, New England, and additional locations south of this range (A.O.U. 1998). Some records may be the result of birds that have escaped from captivity.Field Marks: Black knob on orange bill and the S-shaped neck are good field marks for adult birds. On the water, wings are often carried higher than in other North American swans. Dusky gray juvenile plumage begins to turn white by mid-winter.Nest Habits: Breeds on the ground near water, where it builds its nest from cat
Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) 2008-01-14 12:38:00 Family: AnatidaeHabitat: Shallow marshes, lagoons, or flooded fields, in both freshwater and brackish habitats (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from South America, Central America, and Mexico north to southeastern California, central and eastern Texas, southwestern Louisiana, and more locally in central and southern Florida. Northernmost individuals withdraw to the Gulf coast and Florida locales during the winter (A.O.U. 1998). Vagrants have appeared at many locations further north.Field Marks: Long neck. Orange-brown body color; back is darker with orange-brown feather edges. Note the white rump (compare with Black-bellied Whistling-Duck).Nest Habits: Nest, of grasses and/or sedges, is usually placed in dense thicket of vegetation (e.g., cattails) at the edge of a ma
Maybe You Should Get Yourself a Macaw 2008-01-13 12:10:00 One of the biggest and brightest parrots is the macaw. The largest macaws are so big that their beaks are longer than a man's hand. These vibrant, powerful birds are not a good choice for the beginning bird fancier. However, if you are a new bird owner and really want to own a macaw, there are some smaller varieties, such as the Hahn's macaw, that are a good choice for less experienced bird lovers.If someone asks you to describe a macaw, you probably think of the popular blue and gold. This striking bird has beautiful blue and yellow feathers and is surprisingly inexpensive compared to most other macaw varieties. The blue and gold is almost three feet (91 cm) long from head to tail.While these birds are usually fairly laid back and gentle, they will often go through a nippy, moody stage in Read more:Maybe
, Yourself
White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) 2008-01-13 12:09:00 Family: ThreskiornithidaeHabitat: Found in fresh-water marshes, swamps, lakes, and flooded fields (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern California, eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota south to Mexico, Texas, and southern Louisiana; generally winters from central California, southwestern Arizona, and coastal areas in Texas and Louisiana south into Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: In breeding plumage, overall chestnut color is glossed with dark green or purple. Breeding birds are told from Glossy Ibis most readily by white border to the base of bill which extends behind eye; also, note reddish lores and legs, and compare eye color and bill color. Immatures and non-breeding season adults are difficult to separate from Glo Read more:White
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) 2008-01-10 12:27:00 Family: ThreskiornithidaeHabitat: Found in lagoons, marshes, swamps, and shallow bodies of water, including lakes and flooded fields (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range includes Florida, and extends along the Gulf coast from Alabama to Louisiana, and also along the Atlantic coast north to Maine. Generally winters in Florida and along the Gulf coast to Louisiana (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: In breeding plumage, overall chestnut color is glossed with dark green or purple. Breeding birds are told from White-faced Ibis most readily by lack of white border to the base of bill which extends behind eye; also, note grayish lores and legs, and compare eye color and bill color. Immatures and non-breeding season adults are difficult to separate from White-faced Ibis.Nest Habits: Breeds in col Read more:Glossy
A Parakeet Could Be the One For You 2008-01-09 11:56:00 If you have never owned a bird before, you may want to take a look at the parakeet. This little bird can be found in almost any pet store at a very reasonable price, which makes it a great choice for someone with a tight budget who is looking for a pet. Cages and toys are also much more economical for parakeets than they are for larger birds. Despite its small size, the parakeet can make a wonderful, entertaining pet. Although it does not have the ability to mimic voices like an African grey, this little bird is an exceptional talker and has an excellent memory. There have been reports of parakeets with vocabularies of over 400 words and phrases. The parakeet's playful nature makes it an ideal companion for someone who is homebound. These birds are almost constantly in motion when they are
White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) 2008-01-08 13:47:00 Family: ThreskiornithidaeHabitat: Found in lagoons, marshes, mangroves, and shallow bodies of water, including flooded fields.Distribution: Resident in Baja California, along both slopes of Mexico, along the Gulf coast from Texas to Florida, and along the Atlantic coast north to North Carolina. Wanders far north of this range.Field Marks: Breeding adult is all white (except for black tips to wings) with pink bill and legs. Immature has pale gray head and neck, and dark wings; by second year it takes on a pied appearance as it begins molt to adult plumage.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies. Nest is placed near or over water, up to 15 feet high in tree; and consists of a platform of sticks lined with leaves.Eggs: 4-5, usually 2-3; 58 millimeter; greenish-white in color, with brown markings.I Read more:White
Pionus Parrot 101 2008-01-07 13:14:00 So, you want a parrot, but you're concerned about all of the stories you've heard about aggressive, moody birds. Isn't there a mild mannered, quiet parrot out there? Well, while each bird is an individual, overall the Pionus parrot is a sweet natured bird. Some Pionus species are a bit loud, but even those birds are quieter than many other parrot species. Of course, since they are less vocal, Pionus parrots aren't the best talkers. The Maximilian and blue headed Pionus species will be more likely to talk than other Pionus varieties.Pionus parrots have several unusual traits. Unlike other parrots, they're a bit 'sloppy' in their appearance. When your Pionus is feeling relaxed, he will let his fuzzy down feathers show through his sleek outer feathers. Pionus parrots also have a distinctive o Read more:Parrot
Wood Stork(Mycteria americana) 2008-01-07 04:25:00 Family: CiconiidaeHabitat: Found in lakes, ponds, and fresh- and salt-water marshes (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: A resident of Florida, and coastal areas west to Texas and along both slopes of Mexico; and coastal areas north to South Carolina.Field Marks: Large, heavy, down-curved bill; bald head. All white, with black tail and flight feathers; compare in flight with Whooping Crane.Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies. Nest is placed up to 80 feet or higher in tree, and consists of a platform of sticks.Eggs: 2-4, usually 3; 68 millimeter; white or pale white in color.Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 28-32 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 55-60 days old. Read more:Stork
, americana
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) 2008-01-02 16:15:00 Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in fresh-water and brackish marshes, usually with tall, emergent vegetation (A.O.U. 1998).Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Alaska, southern Mackenzie, northern Manitoba, northern Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland south to California, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, western Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, northeastern West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. Generally winters from British Columbia, Washington, Utah, northern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, the Gulf coast states, and southern New England south into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).Field Marks: Generally brown in color, with blackish-brown moustache on side of neck; paler below, with brown streaks Call is loud and diagnostic.Nest Habits: Nest is placed near or over water, in dense gr Read more:American