Most of us interact with birds on a daily basis, yet a lot of the time we view them as quite a regular part of our lives. Sure, most of the birds we encounter in the city tend to be pigeons or finches, but even those are more extraordinary than they seem if you take a closer look. Apart from these, there are thousands of species of birds, each distinctly coloured and shaped and each behaving in their own unique ways, competing for territory and filling the skies with the sounds we sometimes take for granted. Here are a few examples of the incredible variety you might encounter if you only look to wards the sky:
Peregrine Falcon:
One of the most common birds in the world, peregrine falcons are found on every continent except Antarctica. In North America, the birds are found along the eastern, western and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, and inland throughout the Rocky Mountain region as well as throughout Alaska and Mexico.
These birds prefer open habitats near water, and they have also adapted to urban environments, largely through repopulation programs. Northern and southern populations will migrate seasonally, and all peregrine falcons are nomadic in search of food.
These birds of prey are powerful, swift flyers. They will soar in search of food, diving at speeds of 175 miles per hour or faster as they attack. Peregrine falcons have large territories and will return to the same breeding and nesting sites for generations.
Common Bronzewing:
In many parts of the world, doves and pigeons are relatively bland birds, but the common bronzewing of Australia has some of the most colorful plumage of any pigeon in the world. One look at its iridescent wings, and no birder will think there's anything "common" about this bird. Males have a gray body with a buff forehead and pink wash on the breast. A thick white line runs beneath the eye and around the cheek.
The dark wings have buff edges and show iridescent tips that may appear green, blue, violet, red, orange or yellow in good light. The blue-gray tail has a dark subterminal band. Legs and feet are red. Females are similar but have a gray forehead, lack the pinkish breast and show less wing iridescence.
Common bronzewings are shy birds and are generally cautious, though not skittish, around humans. They feed on the ground, often scratching through leaf litter in their preferred low scrub habitat, and will freeze if threatened, flushing into rapid flight only when a predator approaches more closely. These birds are frequently solitary but may be found in pairs or small groups near superior water sources and feeding areas.
Baltimore Oriole:
Named for the colorful coat of arms carried by Lord Baltimore in the 17th century, the Baltimore oriole is a brilliantly colored songbird welcome in many backyards. Once combined with its western counterpart as a single species, the northern oriole, the Baltimore oriole today is recognized as a distinct species and is the state bird of Maryland.
These orioles can be very shy, solitary birds for most of the year, though after the nesting season they are likely to appear in pairs or small mixed flocks, particularly while foraging in the fall and winter.
They forage in shrubs, bushes and trees, hunting for insects or picking through flowers. Where the Baltimore oriole’s range overlaps with the Bullock’s oriole, interbreeding and hybridization is common.
Swallow-Tailed Hummingbird:
One of the largest hummingbirds, the swallow-tailed hummingbird is also one of the most beautiful, graceful and distinctive. Because of its large size, the swallow-tailed hummingbird is a dominant bird and can be very aggressive.
Both males and females will dive bomb and chase intruders away from feeders, nectar-rich flowers and nesting areas. In addition to feeding on nectar, they will hawk insects in flight. Swallow-tailed hummingbirds are common year-round residents in southeastern Brazil, southern Bolivia and along the coast of French Guiana.
They can be readily found in urban and suburban open areas such as parks and gardens, where they will feed on flowers or flowering trees. These hummingbirds do not migrate.
American Goldfinch:
With its bright yellow plumage, perky behavior and melodious song, the American goldfinch is one of the most highly sought after backyard birds. Found throughout the United States, this common bird is a welcome guest for many backyard birders.
American goldfinches are one of the most common and widespread backyard birds in North America and can be found in open fields, scrub forest and suburban habitats. Populations in southern Canada and the southern United States migrate seasonally but may linger where food sources are abundant.
Goldfinches may congregate in small or medium mixed flocks during the fall and winter, often with pine siskins or other finches. These birds are mildly aggressive while feeding and become more territorial during breeding season. American goldfinches can easily feed upside down and are often found clinging to seed heads or specialized feeders.
Atlantic Puffin:
Often called the "clown of the sea" or "parrot of the sea," the Atlantic puffin is instantly recognizable for its colorful bill and clown-like eye markings. Unique and engaging, this bird is also the official provincial birdof Newfoundland and Labrador. Aptly named, Atlantic puffins congregate on the Atlantic coast.
They can be found year round on rocky islands from northern Maine to Nova Scotia and Labrador, as well as along the western coast of Greenland. In summer, these birds breed and nest in colonies on rocky coastlines, cliffs and islands from northern Maine and eastern Canada to the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, including suitable locations in large bays.
Atlantic puffins spend the winter at sea, with a range extending from the Arctic Circle to as far south as North Carolina, and in Europe as far south as Spain and Morocco. These are social birds that gather in large summer colonies with other seabirds, where they can become quite tame.
While awkward on land, they are superb swimmers and can dive up to 200 feet deep while fishing, though shallower dives are more typical. They arrange several fish perpendicular to their bills when hunting and transport the food back to the nest with heads and tails dangling out either side of their bills
