Burrowing Owl
Grackle | South Florida
| INFO | DATA |
|---|---|
| Family |
Icteridae (New World Blackbirds) |
| Class |
Aves (Birds) |
| Species |
Quiscalus quiscula (Common Grackle) |
| INFO | DATA |
|---|---|
| Length |
11 - 14 inches (28 - 36 cm) |
| Wingspan |
15 - 18 inches (38 - 46 cm) |
| Weigh |
2.6 - 4.6 ounces (75 - 130 grams) |
Characteristics: The Common Grackle is a large and striking black bird found throughout much of North America. They are known for their glossy plumage and iridescent blue and purple feathers on the head, back, and tail. They are typically found in wooded areas and near bodies of water, and are often seen in large flocks. They are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of food, including insects, seeds, and fruits.
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Habitat
Where does it live?
The Common Grackle can be found throughout much of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are typically found in wooded areas and near bodies of water, such as marshes, swamps, and lakes. They are also commonly found in urban and suburban areas, and can often be seen in parks, gardens, and other open spaces. They are adaptable birds and can thrive in a wide range of habitats, from wetlands to grasslands.
Distribution: They are known to be able to survive in a variety of conditions and have been able to adapt to human-modified environments.
Food
The Anhinga is a great fisher!
The anhinga is a piscivore. Smaller, flatter-sided, slower moving fish make up most of its diet. It also consumes crustaceans (crayfish, shrimp) and aquatic insects. In Florida, it takes caiman hatchlings
The burrowing owl showcases captivating feeding cycles. From their ground-level burrows, they emerge to hunt insects, rodents, and small reptiles. With swift flights and precise dives, they display exceptional hunting skills. These charismatic owls often hunt during the day, making their feeding cycles an intriguing spectacle to observe. Witness the agility and strategy of the burrowing owl as it navigates its habitat, ensuring its survival through its remarkable feeding cycles.
Reproduction
How the anhinga makes new baby anhingas
Breeding is year round in the tropics and seasonal elsewhere. In trees over or near water, anhinga nest colonially with other large water birds, often using old nests.
Courtship begins with the male performing wing waves, reverse bowing, and head swaying. To claim a nest site, he deposits twigs and does aerobatic soaring. Later he brings sticks and leaves that the female weaves into a bulky platform. After she lays 2 to 6 eggs, the pair shares the brooding for the 25 to 30 days till hatching. When switching places, they often perform recognition displays such as stretching out or entwining their necks as well as vocalizing. Males are aggressive in defending the nest. They spread their wings and snap at intruders.
THE FACTS
Get to know more about the species
Nesting
Incubation 25 - 29 days by both sexes. Altricial young will jump out of the nest after 14 days if disturbed. 1 brood per year.
Nesting
Incubation 25 - 29 days by both sexes. Altricial young will jump out of the nest after 14 days if disturbed. 1 brood per year.
Population
Fairly common to common in breeding range. Casual wanderer north of breeding range.
Conservation
In the past it was often killed by fishermen fearing competition from the fishing abilities of this bird.
Conservation
In the past it was often killed by fishermen fearing competition from the fishing abilities of this bird.
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