Latin: Callipepla californica. November 20, Dear Erin Chack,. We at the National Audubon Society noticed you had some thought-provoking questions on why birds are so wonderful and weird and disturbing at the same time. While we aren't really birds— our CEO is halfway there—we're basically their human proxies.
So, we feel it's on us to respond on their behalf except for the Black-capped Chickadee. Here goes nothing. Where do you go when it rains? Most birds are weatherproof they use preening oils to stay greased up; plus their feathers are built to repel water , so they just chill in their typical habitats in the rain.
But many smaller species do refrain from flying through downpours. When you lay an egg do you know there's a baby in there, or are you like why the fuck do I care about this rock so much? Given the care and energy birds put into incubating their eggs , they must know their bloodline depends on this thing the female just pushed out of her cloaca more on that nasty word later.
Correction: This response was edited to clarify that birds pin the continuity of their genes on their eggs, rather than their own survival. Either way, please don't try to hatch any rocks. Do all birds lay blank eggs like chickens or is that strictly a chicken thing?
Do chickens have a monopoly on blank eggs? Eggs are dope: In the wild, their colors, patterns, and shapes are incredibly diverse to help increase the chances of survival. African nightjars, for example, lays eggs camouflaged to match t he dirt and dead leaves that they nest in. Even chickens can lay speckled eggs—they just typically don't make it to the grocery shelves. Update: Erin Chack and the public have weighed in, and it seems that we've misinterpreted this question.
Do wild birds shoot blanks? Rarely, given that, unlike chickens, they only lay fertilized eggs after doing it in breeding season. It's also not in their best survival interests: Making and nurturing an egg takes a fair bit of energy. Females will even sacrifice calcium from their own bones to form the shell.
Do you know other birds are birds even if they look different from you? Like if you are a sparrow and you run into an ostrich do you give him a subtle bird head nod or are you like get that feathery giraffe away from me?
For the most part, birds are good at identifying their own. What's with migrating? How do you know it's time to go if you don't own a calendar? Do you own a calendar? Does it feature pictures of sexy robins dressed as firefighters? Certain species use internal clocks to keep them running on the same migration schedule each year. But your sexy calendar idea is definitely worth exploring. How high can you fly?
Gun to your head could you fly to space? Are there birds in space and they're just not telling us? Bar-headed Geese have probably come the closest, though, flying nearly 20, feet above sea level to cross the Himalayan Mountains. They have big lungs, take deep breaths, and have the most oxygen-rich hemoglobin. Update: A reader tip led us to the fascinating story of how both the United States and Russia sent fertilized eggs into space.
Read about it and see the first zero-gravity quail chicks here. Why do you make so much noise? Are you communicating with other birds or screaming because you're afraid of heights? But fear not: You can decipher their calls by learning how to bird by ear. I also really love bread. Maybe I. Are you the evil genius behind ProBirdRights? Depending on the species, insects , native fruits , seeds , and even bacon fat or a vegan substitute are much better options.
Are you cool with bats? Or are they like the goth kids at high school that you know exist but don't really interact with? Goth kids are about as morbid as Pixar characters when compared with Cutthroat Finches. But yeah, birds are cool with bats and will sometimes hang out at watering holes with them—except for the aptly named Bat Falcon , which preys on the furry flyers.
Do you ever crash into bees when you're up there flying around? Birds are pretty good at flying around objects—minus things that are practically invisible such as glass. Sometimes they do get stung, however. And sometimes, they track down beehives, tip off humans , and take the honey.
When you walk are you just mocking us? Certain birds are particularly well-adapted for certain terrains—like gallinules with lily pads. Also, you wish had thighs like an Ostrich.
Why do you always get stuck inside the Home Depot? Are you looking to build an addition on your nest? What if I shit on your car for once? How would you like that? Sounds uncomfortable and unsanitary. Most birds poop, pee, and make babies out of the same orifice—called a cloaca, which is Latin for sewer—so relieving on the run is relatively easy for them. Aside from helping plants spread their seeds , bird poop can provide ancient clues for scientists , as well as help fight climate change.
If it makes you feel any better, though, here are some photos of owls getting stuck in toilets. Are parrots just the absolute worst?
Yet they are the absolute worst-poached birds on the planet: At least 28 percent of the parrot species out there are threatened or endangered. They can also be the best neighbors and model urbanites. Is it hard not having hands? How do you high-five other birds when they do a cool flying move? Opposable thumbs are amazing and all, but talons are pretty useful for wielding tools , setting fires , and snatching chicks out of nests.
Do you ever hitch a ride on the back of a deer when you're too tired to fly? Hippos make for way gnarlier rides. At night do you sleep or do you just sit very still with your eyes open waiting for morning? I cannot picture you sleeping. Exhibit B: Napping owl babies. Do you understand how much it would make a person's day if you landed on their shoulder and stayed there long enough for them to take an Instagram picture?
Like, do you realize how much power you hold? Just climb a mountain with a bunch of snacks, put out your hand , and wait. Or you can move to Australia and adopt an orphaned magpie. Birds can be a great gateway drug for getting someone there.
So next time Aunt Marilyn corners you after dinner to convince you that the Bald Eagle she saw at the lake was some incredibly rare sighting, consider taking the opportunity to nudge her toward wildlife conservation. To help you along, consider these tips from the world of science communication:. Share your own stories. Emotional connections often work better than facts and figures for winning someone over.
Do you know about threats to the bird or its habitats? Point them toward resources such as bird ID apps, like the free Audubon Bird Guide app , to help them start recognizing species on their own, or email lists that will help them get action alerts ahem about hot conservation issues.
Suggest easy actions they can take, like buying bird-friendly coffee or writing a letter to the editor. People are more motivated by the idea that they can make a difference than by despair at how big the problems are. Follow up. Next time you see them, ask: Did that weird bird in your backyard ever come back? Would you like to tag along with me on a bird walk sometime?
But she noticed that something was off about those jays—not everyone would. Membership benefits include one year of Audubon magazine and the latest on birds and their habitats.
Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk. Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. By Rebecca Heisman January 16, Bald Eagle Latin: Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Blue Jay Latin: Cyanocitta cristata. To help you along, consider these tips from the world of science communication: Share your own stories.
0コメント