Parakeets, or budgies as they are known in Europe, are one of the most popular species of pet bird in the world. Their quirky personalities and bright plumage make them appealing for bird enthusiasts and families. One of the most common questions asked of parakeet breeders is ‘how long do parakeets live?’ The answer to…
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Squirrels are one of the most widespread mammals, found on most of the world’s continents, but surprisingly little is known about that aside from the basic facts. One of the most common questions is ‘how long do squirrels live’? This question doesn’t have a single answer, as there are more than 200 species across the…
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Swans are serene creatures, gliding gracefully on the water’s surface. They are the largest species of waterfowl, those birds living on or close to water. Waterfowl includes swans, ducks and geese. It is common to see families feeding swans in local parks and by other waterways. But what do swans eat in the wild and…
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There were once dozens of species of pigeon in North America, but now there are only a handful remaining. Most pigeons are found in woodland and around farmland, however, they are also commonly spotted in parks and in gardens with bird feeders or platforms. Some of us have attempted to feed pigeons bread in large…
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Finches are one of the most famous bird classifications in the world, thanks to biologist and naturalist, Charles Darwin. Often referred to as the father of evolution, his research into finches of the Galapagos islands paved the way for new thinking regarding adaptation and evolution. The finches on the Galapagos islands slowly evolved with differently…
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Have you ever wondered how birds mate? With so many common bird species living in urban areas, it is not unusual to see birds trying to mate during the springtime. Watching a male bird trying to mount and balance on his mate looks quite messy and awkward, so how do birds reproduce successfully from this…
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With their compact bodies, tapered tails and neat little beaks, swallows are among the most distinctive birds in the world. Known to frequent gardens, farms and parks, swallows are common across North America and Eurasia. While individual species may have different coloration or live in different habitats, they all have a similar diet. So, what…
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Woodpeckers are notorious ‘tree killers’ but have you ever stopped to wonder why woodpeckers peck wood? It sounds like a tongue twister, but it is an important question to ask when it comes to understanding their behaviour. There are three reasons a woodpecker will peck wood; finding food, constructing a nest cavity or to mark…
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Bluebirds are brightly coloured songbirds, belonging to a group called thrushes. They are popular with any birdwatcher or garden enthusiast, but they can be difficult to attract to a traditional garden bird feeder. This is in part due to their varying diet, which changes between seasons. They are also quite shy in nature, so are…
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Orioles are small, brightly coloured birds found in the UK and North America. In the US, there are 8 distinct oriole species, whereas the UK has only one. Unlike most garden birds, orioles are not seed eaters. So, what do orioles eat? This article will discuss their wild diet and what you can feed to…
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