Avibirds.com is your go-to resource for all things birdwatching. With a wide range of articles, including detailed guides on specific bird species and their habitats, Avibirds.com provides a wealth of information for bird enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in learning about hawks in North Carolina, hummingbirds in Iowa, or woodpeckers in Maine, Avibirds.com has got you covered. With captivating pictures and informative articles written by experts like Jacob Irgens-Møller Nielsen and Tristan Silver, Avibirds.com is the ultimate guide for birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels.
Hawks in North Carolina (With Pictures)
When it comes to birdwatching, North Carolina offers a wide variety of stunning avian species to observe, including the majestic hawks. Hawks are known for their powerful flight and sharp eyesight, making them formidable predators in the sky. North Carolina is home to several species of hawks, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Red-Tailed Hawk
One of the most commonly spotted hawks in North Carolina is the red-tailed hawk. With its distinctive reddish-brown tail and broad wingspan, this hawk is a sight to behold. Red-tailed hawks are known for their soaring flight patterns and can often be seen perched on treetops or telephone poles, scanning the ground for potential prey. They primarily feed on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits.
Cooper’s Hawk
Another fascinating hawk species found in North Carolina is the Cooper’s hawk. These birds are known for their agility and speed, making them excellent hunters. Cooper’s hawks have a slate gray back and wings, with a reddish chest and belly. They primarily prey on smaller birds and are often seen darting through dense vegetation in pursuit of their quarry.
Broad-Winged Hawk
One of the migratory hawks that pass through North Carolina is the broad-winged hawk. These hawks are known for their distinctive high-pitched whistling calls during their migrations. They have a compact body and shorter wings compared to other hawk species. Broad-winged hawks primarily feed on small mammals and reptiles, and can often be seen circling in large groups, known as “kettles,” during their migration.
Hummingbirds in Iowa (With Pictures)
Iowa may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about hummingbirds, but this charming state is indeed visited by these tiny and vibrant birds. Iowa offers a variety of habitats that attract different species of hummingbirds, making it an exciting destination for birdwatchers.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The most common hummingbird species found in Iowa is the ruby-throated hummingbird. These birds are known for their brilliant green plumage and the vibrant red throat patch, which is only present in males. Ruby-throated hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers and are often seen hovering mid-air as they sip the sweet liquid. They also consume small insects and spiders to supplement their diet.
Rufous Hummingbird
While not as common as the ruby-throated hummingbird, the rufous hummingbird is occasionally spotted in Iowa during its migration. These tiny birds have a reddish-brown plumage and are known for their aggressive and territorial nature. Rufous hummingbirds have one of the longest migratory journeys of any bird species, traveling from their breeding grounds in Alaska and western Canada to their wintering grounds in Mexico.
Calliope Hummingbird
Another rare visitor to Iowa is the calliope hummingbird. With its small size and striking plumage, this hummingbird is a true gem to encounter. Calliope hummingbirds have a green back, a white belly, and a vibrant magenta throat patch in males. They primarily feed on nectar from tubular flowers and are one of the smallest bird species in North America.
Hawks in Alabama (With Pictures)
Alabama is a haven for birdwatchers, offering diverse ecosystems that attract a wide range of bird species. Among the many fascinating birds in Alabama, hawks take center stage with their impressive size and soaring flight. Let’s explore some of the hawks that call Alabama home.
Red-Shouldered Hawk
One of the most common hawks in Alabama is the red-shouldered hawk. These birds are known for their distinctive reddish-brown shoulders and patterned wings. Red-shouldered hawks inhabit wooded areas near water sources, such as rivers and swamps. They primarily feed on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
Northern Harrier
Another hawk species found in Alabama is the northern harrier. These birds have a unique hunting style, flying low over open areas, such as marshes and meadows, searching for prey. Northern harriers have a distinct white rump patch and owl-like facial disk. They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and occasionally insects.
Mississippi Kite
The Mississippi kite is a graceful hawk species that can be spotted in Alabama during the summer breeding season. These birds have a sleek gray body, with a white head and distinctive black “teardrop” patches around the eyes. Mississippi kites feed primarily on insects, which they catch mid-air in acrobatic flight.
White Birds with Long Beaks of North America (With Pictures)
North America is home to a variety of bird species, each with its own unique features and adaptations. Among these fascinating birds are the white birds with long beaks, which are known for their elegant appearance and specialized feeding habits. Let’s take a closer look at some of these remarkable avian creatures.
American White Pelican
One of the largest white birds found in North America is the American white pelican. These birds have a massive wingspan, reaching up to 9 feet, and a distinctive long, flat bill. American white pelicans feed by scooping up fish from the water’s surface, using their expandable throat pouches to capture and store their prey.
Great Egret
The great egret is another white bird with a long beak that can be found across North America. These elegant birds have long, slender necks and a pointed yellow bill. Great egrets wade through shallow water, searching for fish, amphibians, and small mammals to feed on. They are known for their graceful movements and stunning white plumage.
White Ibis
The white ibis is a striking bird with a long, curved bill and vibrant red legs. These birds predominantly inhabit wetland areas, where they probe the mud for small crustaceans, insects, and fish. White ibis have a unique feeding behavior called “tactopnea,” where they use their bill to touch and feel prey hidden in the water or mud.
Woodpeckers of Maine (With Pictures)
The forests of Maine are teeming with life, including a variety of woodpecker species. Woodpeckers are known for their distinctive drumming sounds and their ability to excavate tree trunks in search of insects and sap. Here are some of the woodpeckers you might encounter while exploring the woodlands of Maine.
Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is one of the smallest woodpecker species in North America. These birds have a black-and-white patterned back, with a small red patch on the back of their heads. Downy woodpeckers primarily feed on insects and can often be seen hopping along tree branches, probing for food.
Hairy Woodpecker
Similar in appearance to the downy woodpecker, the hairy woodpecker is slightly larger and has a longer bill. These birds have a black-and-white patterned plumage and are skilled at excavating dead wood in search of insects. Hairy woodpeckers can often be heard drumming on trees with their bills, marking their territory and attracting mates.
Pileated Woodpecker
One of the most iconic woodpecker species in North America is the pileated woodpecker. With its large size and striking red crest, this woodpecker is a sight to behold. Pileated woodpeckers are known for their powerful drumming sounds, which can be heard echoing through the forest. They feed on insects and excavate large holes in trees for nesting.
