A white tailed ptarmigan with it’s summer plumage. Photo via Flickr.
The white tailed ptarmigan is the only bird that lives in the alpine zone of the Rocky Mountains. Here are 7 things I bet you didn’t know about this bird. Continue reading
Photo via Flickr.
Birds communicate with each other by singing songs, through their behavior and even their coloring. Here is an overview on the different ways birds communicate. Continue reading
It this a Crow or Raven?
If you see a black bird in the Rocky Mountains do you know if it is a Crow or Raven? Here are three simple tricks to help you tell them apart.
There are lots of birds in the Rocky Mountains, many of which are black. However, two large black birds that look very similar are hard to tell apart unless you know what to look for. Is it a Crow or Raven? Here are three simple tricks that I have learned over the years and use to help me tell apart a crow and raven.
Photo via Flickr.
On average is 18 inches tall.
All black.
They are very social birds and will often entertain themselves by getting other birds to chase them.
Crows are also very clever – for example they will follow ducks to catch fish.
A Raven is on average 24 inches tall, making it slightly bigger than a crow. It can be hard to tell the exact size of the birds from a distance though so the size of the bird is not the best way to differentiate the two.
All black.
Ravens are also very intelligent birds. Native Americans revered them and used to think of them as sly pranksters.
Ravens have learned how to open gates, and get inside of ziplock bags and coolers.
A crow flying. Look at that tail – it is more rounded or square shaped. Photo via Flickr.
How does the bird fly? Does it continually flap its wings while it is flying or does it stop flapping and soar at times? A Crow continually flaps its wings while flying. A Raven stops flapping and soars while it is flying.
A raven flying. Look at that tail…diamond shaped. Photo via Flickr.
Look at the bird’s tail when flying. When flying the tail of these two birds looks different. A Crow’s tail is more of a rounded or square shape. A Raven’t tail will appear to be more of a diamond shape when flying.
How many birds do you see? Ravens often travel in pairs. On the other hands crows are very social and tend to travel with lots of other birds.
A cormorant. Photo via Flickr.
These bird facts are sure to leave you scratching your head in wonder. Birds are amazing animals and here are some fascinating facts about them. Continue reading
Photo via Flickr.
Have you ever looked closely at a birds eyes? Many birds, including many in the Rocky Mountains, are not able to move their eyes around without moving their head. Continue reading
A common loon. Photo via Flickr.
Loons are one of the few birds that have solid bones. Of all the birds in the world and Rocky Mountains why do you think loons bones are solid? Continue reading
Do you know this state bird of Colorado? Photo via Flickr.
The state bird of the Rocky Mountain states are quite different than each other. They range from the small Lark Bunting to the large California Gull. Continue reading
Photo via Flickr.
Have you ever seen a duck upside down after it put its head underwater? Do you have any idea what it is doing or what it may be eating?
Photo via Flickr.
Feathers are one of the characteristics that all birds have in common. How much do you really know about feathers? What kinds are there? How are they like velcro? Continue reading
A molting cardinal.
Do you know much or anything about why or how birds molt? When birds molt they can completely change their appearance with new colors for various reasons. Continue reading