Author: Bella K. Swan

Beaches make islands become famous. Coral reefs make islands become famous. Island birds make islands become famous. Forests, cliffs, and lagoons on an island are bird heavens of gem feathers. Such birds are known as Ginger Island Gem Birds because they resemble gems within green scenery and blue skies. From emerald hummingbirds to the scarlet macaws, they show their beauty on their feathers. They are an innumerable number of birds. They are the personification of strength, beauty, and freedom. They embrace birders from all over the world, but they are culture and lifestyle in and around their native country. This…

China is huge. It stretches from snow-white Tibetan Himalayas to the Yangtze wetlands, from Xinjiang deserts to the Yunnan forests. China traverses all the habitats. And that comes with a bird diversity that has no parallel. The question that comes to our mind is, what Chinese birds inhabit the nation? The answer is thousands. China has over 1,300 species of birds. There are the mundane ones like the sparrow and magpie. There are cosmic birds like the red-crowned crane and crested ibis. Chinese birds in general leave their mark in history, culture, and all spheres of life. Chinese birds inhabit…

North Carolina is a mountain state, woodlands state, sea state, and marsh state. No wonder, then, that the state is full of an incredible array of birds. Birders never tire of asking the same question: what NC birds can be seen throughout the state? Hundreds, the reply. From yard chickadees and cardinals to ospreys by the coast, NC birds bring color and melody to every corner of the state. Some stay year-round. Others stop by. All contribute to the state’s appearance and sound. This book takes you along with North Carolina’s birds. You’ll get to know the backyard regulars, mountain…

Feeding the birds is part of the joy of life. A few handfuls of seed in a bird feeder, and the garden rings with wings and song. But the seeds are not created equal. Sunflower, millet, peanuts, and thistle each have their detractors. One seed, however, fascinates many people: safflower. The question is an old one Which birds enjoy safflower seed? The list includes some of the most popular treats of the garden. Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, grosbeaks, and finches are fans. Mourning doves and nuthatches are part of the party too. Starlings, grackles, and squirrels disapprove. That is the reason…

Bird nests are tiny wonders. Branches, grass, mud, and even feathers stitched together. They provide protection for eggs and young chicks from the outside world and predators. Every year, we see birds making new nests each spring. But when spring’s passed and chicks flown the coop, humans are left to ponder: do birds reuse nests? The answer is not that simple. Some birds recycle a nest. Some build upon others they did not build. Some just leave them. It depends upon the bird, how worn down the nest is, and the risk factor. This handbook will walk you through the…

Birds are not lazy. They fly, sing, hunt, and travel long distances. Behind all this movement is one query people pose: do birds drink water? Yes, water is needed by all birds. Some drink puddles, some skim rivers, and others even lick tiny droplets on leaves. Water is the villain of thirst. Water brings the body temperature down. Water facilitates digestion. Water preps feathers. Without water, there would be no living bird. However, birds do not drink like humans. Beaks, tongues, and even instincts control the ways birds drink. This tutorial is going to take you into the world of…

Grapes are among the most celebrated and coveted fruits of the world. They are delicious and juicy, lovely and render the world’s tables, lunch boxes, and vineyards pretty. But have you ever stood still and asked yourself the question: do birds eat grapes? Yes, short of it. Grapes are a bird favorite. From thieving robins raiding garden vines to parrots in home environments snacking on halves of grapes, several species just can’t help themselves when it comes to them. Grapes provide instant energy, water, and variety. There are safe ways and unsafe ways of providing them, though. This article has…

Birds that wear feathers more than just for protection. They are a style statement. They are held upright on the head, a crest resembling a punk haircut. To others, they are birds with mohawks. From cockatoos to cardinals, crests are more than just about looks. They convey mood, attract a mate, or assist in showing off. A few of them are flat out and flashy. Others are dainty tufts that bob up when the bird becomes agitated. Here we will be talking about the wildest birds with mohawks. We will be talking about their attitude, their color, and why those…

Birds live in a world full of sound. Calls echo through woodlands. The song explodes with the sunrise. Wingbeats susurrate through the air. Birds must hear to survive. But they do not possess human ears. This raises a common question: how do birds hear? Their response is compelling. Birds have no outer ears but can hear clearly. They can detect pitch, rhythm, and direction in ways that surprise scientists. Some hear more acutely than human beings. Others navigate by sound, locate prey, and teach their offspring to do the same. In this guide, we will examine all aspects of avian…

Mockingbirds are famous for their singing. They sing twenty-four seven. They sing like other birds, frogs, and even car alarms. They perch up high and let the world hear their song. Their gray color and long tails make them easy to tell apart. But bird watching is never easy. Come into your yard or a park, and you spot a gray bird on a fence. Sleek body. Long tail. Fast flicks. You think, “Mockingbird.” It then meows like a cat. Or shows a black cap. Or departs flight without showing white wing patches. Now you have doubt. That’s the test.…