Birds are some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth, and when it comes to speed, they reach heights and velocities that leave other animals in the dust. Let’s dive into some fun facts about the fastest birds in the world, from supersonic hunters to featherlight flyers.

The Peregrine Falcon is the undisputed speed champion in the bird world. In a hunting dive known as a stoop, this bird can reach speeds over 240 mph (386 km/h). That makes it not only the fastest bird, but the fastest of all animals! (You may have heard of the speedy Cheetah, which with a sprint speed up to 75 mph, is the fastest land animal). Its streamlined body and stiff feathers reduce drag, while powerful flight muscles give it that incredible thrust. When it sees prey from high above, it tucks in its wings and plunges headfirst, aiming to strike at top speed.

Next up is the Golden Eagle. It’s not quite as fast as the Peregrine Falcon when diving, but it can still reach speeds around 150–200 mph (240–320 km/h) in stoops. It’s also one of the largest birds of prey, with a wingspan that can reach over seven feet. This size gives it great leverage and power, helping it glide and dive with impressive control.

Other fast-diving birds include the Saker Falcon (up to 200 mph) and the Gyrfalcon (up to 130 mph). 

The White-throated Needletail, a large species of swift, claims the title of fastest level flier. It can cruise at speeds of up to 105 mph (169 km/h) without ever having to dive. These swifts spend most of their lives in the air, even sleeping while on the wing. Their streamlined shape and long, narrow wings reduce drag and help them maintain prolonged, high-speed flights.

The Common Swift is another aerial marvel. It can reach speeds around 70 mph (112 km/h) during normal, level flight. These birds also spend almost their entire lives flying—eating, sleeping, and mating while airborne. They only touch down to nest. Their wings and tail are especially adapted for agile maneuvering, allowing them to dart and chase insects with precision.

Frigatebirds may not thought of as speedsters, but they’re masters of efficient, energy-saving flight. The Magnificent Frigatebird is one example. It can glide on thermals for hours without flapping, and its lightweight body and wing shape allow it to stay aloft with minimal effort. It can reach a top speed of around 95 mph (153 km/h), in part due to having the largest wing size per body weight of all bird species.

Another impressive flier is the Eurasian Hobby. This small falcon often reaches speeds up to 90 mph (145 km/h) when chasing dragonflies or small birds. Its high-speed pursuit capabilities make it a remarkable aerial hunter.

These birds have evolved their speed in different ways. Falcons rely on steep dives to pick up speed. Swifts and frigatebirds develop speed and endurance through streamlined bodies and specially designed wings. Eagles blend power and size, using their strength to dive swiftly too.

Speed isn’t just about velocity—it’s also about purpose. Falcons and eagles use it to catch prey. Swifts need speed to dodge and capture insects mid-air, and frigatebirds soar to find food far out at sea. Each species showcases how evolution shapes birds to meet their environmental needs.

For birdwatchers and backyard birders, observing these fast flyers can be thrilling. Falcons and swifts can appear as blurred streaks overhead, so using binoculars and scanning the skies regularly to spot these speedy birds. Look for falcons near cliff faces or tall buildings where they can build high nests for their stoops. Swifts will frequent open skies and sometimes roost in groups near urban areas or countryside.

These amazing speedsters show how birds push the boundaries of flight. Whether diving at incredible speeds or cruising non-stop for hours, their adaptations are a marvel of nature. Next time you glance up and see a swift darting by or spot a falcon silhouette on a building, you’ll know there’s more behind that blur—traits honed by evolution over millions of years!

When you spot a bird with red eyes, it’s hard not to do a double take. While it might seem spooky or unusual, red eyes are perfectly normal for many bird species. From songbirds to waterbirds, eye color can vary a lot in the avian world. But why do some birds have red eyes? Let’s explore the reasons and highlight a few red-eyed species.

How do some birds have red eyes?

Eye color in birds is influenced by several different factors. Different pigment types, structural factors in the iris, and other criteria may contribute to eye color. In red-eyed birds, the red color often comes from blood vessels showing through a relatively unpigmented iris, or from pigments like carotenoids. These pigments can create various hues, including red, orange, or yellow, depending on their concentration and how light hits the eye. Differences in diet can also influence the pigments that determine eye color.

Why do some birds have red eyes?

Red eyes can serve different purposes depending on the species. For some birds, red eyes are a signal used in social interactions or mating displays. In others, it might help identify individual birds, or aid in camouflage. It might simply be a side effect of genetics with no major evolutionary function.

What are some birds with red eyes?

One of the most well-known red-eyed birds is the Red-eyed Vireo. This small songbird is found across much of North America during the breeding season. Its distinctive red eyes are set against a gray head and white underparts, making them stand out. Red-eyed Vireos are known for their persistent singing during the summer, often heard before they're seen.

Another common red-eyed species is the American Coot. These waterbirds have dark bodies, white bills, and bright red eyes that contrast sharply with their plumage. Unlike ducks, American Coots have lobed toes instead of webbed feet, which help them swim. The red eyes of coots may play a role in signaling during territorial or mating behavior.

The Wood Duck is another example, with males showing off striking red eyes that add to their already colorful appearance. In their case, red eyes might serve to attract mates by emphasizing their bold and flashy plumage.

Some grebes, like the Eared Grebe and Western Grebe, also sport red eyes. These aquatic birds are excellent divers, and their eye color may help enhance vision in darker conditions, such as underwater.

Interestingly, red eyes aren’t always present throughout a bird’s life. Some birds develop red eyes only as adults, and juveniles may have dark or brown eyes that change as they mature. This age-related color change might help birds recognize individuals of breeding age. For example, adult Black-crowned Night-Herons have red eyes; young birds have yellowish eyes.

There’s also variation even within a species. Not all individuals of a red-eyed species will have equally vivid red eyes. Light, diet, age, and even stress can affect how bright their eyes appear. Swallow-tailed Kites have varied eye colors between individuals. Some kites have red eyes, while others have dark brown eyes.

Though red eyes are striking, they’re just one example of the fascinating diversity of bird eye color. Birds can have yellow, orange, blue, white, or dark eyes, and each color might play a role in their behavior, ecology, or communication.

Next time you see a bird with red eyes, remember—it’s not scary. It’s just one of the many cool adaptations birds have evolved. If you'd like to learn more about eye color in birds, check out this article about eye color from the British Ornithologists' Union and this Audubon article: Bird Eyes Come In an Amazing Array of Colors.

Feeding birds in the summer can be just as rewarding as in winter, but the warmer weather brings different challenges. Birds still appreciate easy access to food, especially during breeding season when they’re raising hungry chicks. However, it’s important to follow some summer-specific tips to keep your feathered visitors safe and healthy.

Do keep feeders clean

In the heat, food can spoil quickly, especially suet and fruit. Moldy or rotten food can be dangerous for birds. Clean your feeders every few days with a diluted bleach solution or hot soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of disease, no matter the season.

Don’t offer suet in high heat

Suet can melt in warm weather, turning rancid and attracting pests like insects or rodents. If you want to offer high-fat foods, use no-melt suet cakes that are designed for summer use, or switch to alternatives like sunflower seeds or peanuts.

Do provide fresh water

Water is even more important than food during the summer. Birds need it for drinking and bathing to regulate their body temperature. A shallow birdbath, dish, or fountain can be a lifeline during hot, dry spells. Change the water daily and clean the container every few days to avoid mosquito breeding and algae buildup. Offering movement via a drip hose or mister can help keep the water fresher longer.

Don’t overload feeders

Only put out as much food as the birds will eat in a day or two. Excess food spoils faster in heat, and it can also attract unwanted animals. Store birdseed in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and keep insects away.

Do adjust feeder placement

Move feeders into shaded areas to slow spoilage and keep birds more comfortable while feeding. Avoid placing feeders in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Do think about nesting birds

During summer, many birds are busy feeding their young. Offering live or dried mealworms and protein-rich food like black oil sunflower seeds can help support their growing families. Some species may even come to your yard just for these easy meals.

Don’t forget about native plants

Summer is a great time to supplement feeders with natural food sources. Native flowers, shrubs, and trees can provide nectar, seeds, berries, and insects. These natural foods support more species and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

Feeding birds in summer requires a bit more attention, but it’s a great way to support wildlife during a critical time of year. By following a few simple dos and don’ts, you can keep your backyard visitors healthy, happy, and coming back for more.

When temperatures rise, birds have to work hard to keep cool. Unlike humans, birds don't sweat. So how do they survive the summer heat? Birds have evolved several clever ways to regulate their body temperature and stay safe when the sun is blazing.

One of the first things birds do when it's hot is seek out shade. They’ll retreat into dense shrubs, trees, or the shadowed side of buildings. Many birds become less active during the hottest part of the day and save their foraging and other activities for early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler.

Birds also rely on water. Bathing in shallow puddles or birdbaths helps them cool down and keeps their feathers in good condition. You might also see birds spreading their wings and holding their feathers away from their bodies to let air circulate and carry away heat. Some species, like Turkey Vultures, even urinate on their legs in a process called urohidrosis—when the liquid evaporates, it cools their blood vessels.

Panting is another common cooling method. Just like dogs, birds will open their beaks and breathe rapidly to increase evaporation from the respiratory system. This helps release excess body heat. Some birds, like owls, cormorants, and herons, use a technique called gular fluttering, which involves vibrating the throat tissues to boost cooling without expending much energy.

Feathers play an important role, too. Feathers act as a barrier that protects a bird's skin from direct solar radiation. This insulation works both ways—while feathers trap warmth in cold weather, they also reduce heat absorption by reflecting sunlight and blocking UV rays. This is particularly important for birds in sunny, arid regions.

Birds can fluff up their feathers to allow air to circulate close to their skin. This movement of air helps dissipate excess heat. Conversely, they can press feathers down tightly to reduce airflow and conserve warmth when needed.

Birds also adjust their behavior based on the season. Desert species like the Greater Roadrunner are especially adapted to extreme heat. They’re active mostly in the early morning and rest in the shade during midday. Nightjars, which are nocturnal, avoid the heat entirely by being active only after dark.

You can help backyard birds stay cool by providing clean, fresh water in birdbaths or shallow dishes. Place them in shady areas and clean them regularly. Planting native shrubs or trees can also give birds much-needed shelter during the hottest times of day.

Watching how birds handle the heat can be fascinating—and a great reminder that all animals, including us, need to adapt to our changing climate. Whether it’s panting, perching in the shade, or finding a cool bath, birds have plenty of tricks to beat the heat.

As winter storms still rage across parts of the United States, birds are preparing to move north for spring migration. As temperatures finally warm up, we wonder about how our feathered friends spent the cold, harsh winter months.  When temperatures drop and food becomes scarce, animals have different ways to survive. Some go into hibernation, while others enter a state called torpor. Though they might seem similar, there are key differences between the two. Birds don’t hibernate in the way that mammals like bears do, but many species experience torpor to get through cold nights or periods of food scarcity.

Torpor is a short-term, reversible state of reduced metabolic activity. During torpor, a bird’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate drop significantly, allowing it to conserve energy. This state usually lasts for a few hours, or overnight, helping birds survive cold nights or food shortages. Because torpor is temporary, birds can wake up and become active relatively quickly when needed.

Hibernation, on the other hand, is a prolonged state of dormancy lasting for an extended period, often weeks or months. In hibernation, metabolism slows even more drastically than in torpor, and the animal remains in a low-energy state for an extended time. Many mammals, such as bears, bats, and ground squirrels, hibernate to survive winter conditions. 

Many species rely on torpor to get through difficult conditions. Hummingbirds are among the best-known examples. These tiny birds have incredibly high metabolisms and need to consume a lot of food to maintain their energy levels. When temperatures drop at night, and food is unavailable, hummingbirds may enter torpor to conserve energy. Their body temperature can drop dramatically, sometimes by nearly 50 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing them to survive until morning when they can start feeding again. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are also thought to use torpor as a strategy to conserve energy for future migration, as a way to save up fat stores for the long journey ahead.

Other birds that use torpor include nightjars, swifts, and chickadees. Black-capped Chickadees, for example, enter torpor on especially cold nights, lowering their body temperature by about 20 degrees to reduce energy loss. This ability helps them survive harsh winter conditions in northern climates. 

One of the most persistent bird myths involves swallows and hibernation. For centuries, people believed that swallows spent the winter hibernating underwater! This idea dates back to ancient times when early observers noticed that swallows disappeared during the colder months and assumed they buried themselves in mud beneath lakes and rivers until spring. Some even claimed to have seen swallows emerging from the water when the weather warmed.

In reality, like many species, swallows migrate to warmer climates instead of hibernating. Barn Swallows, for example, travel thousands of miles from North America to Central and South America (or from Europe to Africa -- these birds are fairly cosmopolitan). The myth of swallows hibernating underwater has long been debunked, but it remains a fascinating example of how people once tried to explain mysterious bird behavior before the science of migration was well understood.

Torpor is a crucial survival strategy for many birds, allowing them to conserve energy during cold nights or periods of food scarcity. It may also be used to save up energy for future use, even when weather conditions are mild.  Torpor provides a temporary solution that helps species like hummingbirds, chickadees, and nightjars endure harsh conditions.  Whether by entering torpor or flying thousands of miles to warmer climates, birds have developed remarkable adaptations to make it through challenging seasons.

How long do birds live? The answer depends on the species. Some tiny songbirds only live a couple of years, while certain parrots and seabirds can outlive humans! But have you ever wondered how bird lifespans compare to human ages? If a parrot lives to be 80, how old would that be in "human years"? Let’s explore bird longevity, some record-breaking birds, and how we know their ages.

Bird lifespans vary widely. Small birds like chickadees or sparrows typically live 2 to 5 years in the wild. A 3-year-old American Robin would be middle-aged, while a 10-year-old robin would be ancient, comparatively speaking. The longevity record for American Robin in the wild is 13 years, 11 months for an individual banded in California in 1962. In contrast, larger birds like eagles and parrots can live for decades. Bald Eagles often reach 20 to 30 years in the wild, and some parrots, like macaws, can surpass 50 or even 80 years. The longevity record for Bald Eagle in the wild is 38 years for an individual banded in New York in 1977. For more information about the longevity records for wild North American birds, visit Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds.

One of the most famous long-lived birds is Wisdom, a Laysan Albatross. She was first banded in 1956 as an adult, making her at least 73 years old today—the oldest known wild bird! Despite her age, she continues to lay eggs and raise chicks. Another record-holder is Cookie, a Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, who lived to be 83 years old in captivity at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo.

To compare bird ages to human years, some people use a rough formula similar to dog years. One simple method is multiplying a bird’s age by 5 to 6 for small birds and by 2 to 3 for long-lived species. For example, a 10-year-old Budgerigar might be considered roughly the equivalent of 50 to 60 in human years, while a 40-year-old African Gray Parrot could be like an 80- to 100-year-old person.

Many of the longest-lived bird records have been tracked through bird banding, also called ringing. Scientists place small, numbered bands on birds’ legs, allowing researchers to identify the same individual years or even decades later. In captivity, we can track birth records to know exactly how old pet or zoo birds are.

Bird longevity records also include some famous final farewells. Martha, the last Passenger Pigeon, died in 1914 at around 29 years old, marking the extinction of her species. The last known Carolina Parakeet, Incas, died in 1918 at the Cincinnati Zoo at at least 33 years of age. More recently, Flaco, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo in 2023, survived for about a year in the wild before his death in 2024. Hatched in captivity in 2010, Flaco was 13 years old at the time of his death.

Longevity of captive birds compared to their wild counterparts demonstrates the dangers of living a life in the wild. The longest known lived wild Harris's Hawk was just 19 years and 4 months old when it was found dead on the side of the road in Texas; the longest lived captive Harris's Hawk was a beloved ambassador bird who recently passed at nearly 38 years old.

While some birds live incredibly long lives, most face challenges like predation, habitat loss, and disease. Still, many species continue to surprise researchers with their longevity. Whether it’s a backyard bird or a century-old parrot, each bird's life is a fascinating look into the world of avian aging.

Birds have long been a source of inspiration for musicians, symbolizing freedom, beauty, and nature. Songs about birds or those that mention birds capture these themes in melodies and lyrics, resonating with listeners in various ways. Here’s a look at some iconic songs that feature our feathered friends. Here are some catchy tunes along with the birds that inspired them.

Blackbird

One of the most famous bird-themed songs is "Blackbird" by The Beatles. Released in 1968 on their "White Album," the song was written by Paul McCartney. "Blackbird" is a beautiful acoustic track featuring a delicate guitar melody and McCartney’s soulful vocals. The lyrics, "Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly," are often interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming adversity and achieving freedom. McCartney has stated that the song was inspired by the civil rights movement in the United States, adding a deeper layer of meaning to its seemingly simple lyrics. 

unknown Jamaican birds

Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" is a reggae anthem that spreads positivity and reassurance. Featured on the 1977 album "Exodus," the song’s chorus, "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be all right," is a comforting reminder to stay optimistic. Marley was inspired by the birds he saw outside the window of his Jamaican studio, and their carefree demeanor reflected the song's message of hope and tranquility. We can only speculate what feathered songsters may have inspired Marley's uplifting song.

White-winged Dove

Another beloved song that mentions birds is "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks. This 1981 hit from her debut solo album "Bella Donna" features the famous line, "Just like the White-winged Dove sings a song, sounds like she's singing." The song is a tribute to John Lennon and Nicks' uncle Jonathan, who both passed away in the same week. The White-winged Dove symbolizes the soul's journey and the inevitable process of life and death. Nicks' haunting vocals and the powerful guitar riff make this song a timeless classic.

American Robin

"Rockin' Robin" by Bobby Day is a classic rock and roll song that has charmed audiences since its release in 1958. The upbeat, catchy tune is centered around a bird, the titular "Rockin' Robin," who "rocks in the treetops all day long," singing and dancing to its own delightful melody. With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, the song quickly became a hit, capturing the joyful spirit of the rock and roll era. Bobby Day's vibrant performance and the song's whimsical narrative about a bird who loves to rock and roll made "Rockin' Robin" a timeless favorite that continues to bring smiles to listeners' faces. This American classic is surely inspired by the familiar American Robin.

Sparrow sp.

Simon & Garfunkel's "Sparrow" from the 1964 debut studio album "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M" is a poignant song that uses the story of a sparrow seeking help from others to explore themes of compassion and kindness. The sparrow's journey reflects the challenges and loneliness that can come with seeking understanding and empathy in the world. There are several sparrow species that could be the inspiration behind this mournful folk ballad. Historical eBird records from New York in 1964 indicate the most abundantly reported sparrows to be the Song Sparrow, and the non-native but always ubiquitous House Sparrow.

Bald Eagle (?)

"Fly Like an Eagle" by the Steve Miller Band is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of freedom and the desire for change. Released in 1976, the song features a smooth blend of rock and spacey synthesizers, creating a dreamy, almost ethereal atmosphere. The lyrics speak to social issues and the longing for a better world, with the repeated refrain, "Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' into the future," emphasizing the urgency for progress. The imagery of an eagle flying high in the sky symbolizes the ultimate freedom and the potential for humanity to rise above its challenges. The Bald Eagle is known as the symbol of the USA, and a fitting inspiration for this song. However, North America's other eagle species, the Golden Eagle, is found all across the west, including the San Francisco area -- where the Steve Miller Band is from. 

Northern Mockingbird (?)

"Mockingbird" by Carly Simon and James Taylor is a delightful duet that brings a modern twist to the traditional lullaby "Hush, Little Baby." Released in 1974 (as a remake of a Inez and Charlie Foxx track), the song features a playful back-and-forth between Simon and Taylor, with each singer echoing the other's lines. The lyrics reference a mockingbird's ability to mimic sounds, using it as a metaphor for the promises and reassurances given to a loved one. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody, combined with the singers' charismatic performance, make "Mockingbird" a charming and enduring piece that continues to resonate with listeners. There are several species of mockingbird in the world, but in the United States, the Northern Mockingbird is by far the most common.

These songs, among many others, highlight the enduring connection between birds and music. Whether as symbols of freedom, love, or life's journey, birds continue to inspire musicians across genres and generations.

Periodical cicadas are among nature's most fascinating insects, with their synchronized emergences occurring every 13 or 17 years. These insects spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. When they finally emerge, they transform the landscape in remarkable ways, not just for themselves, but also for the local bird populations and broader ecosystems.

In many locations across the midwest and southeast of the United States, the emergence of two broods of cicadas are approaching their peak. Brood XIII (the Northern Illinois Brood, a 17-year cicada) and Brood XIX (the Great Southern Brood, a 12-year cicada) are both emerging right around now. Do you have cicadas where you live? Is this the first time you've experienced this phenomenon?

For birds, this sudden appearance of millions of cicadas provides a significant and timely food source, particularly beneficial during the breeding season.

The life cycle of periodical cicadas is both unique and complex. Cicadas spend 13 or 17 years underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap from tree roots. When they finally emerge, usually overnight, in late spring, they come out in such vast numbers that their presence can’t be ignored. They climb onto nearby vegetation or other surfaces including fences and buildings, where they molt one last time to become winged adults. The sight and sound of millions of cicadas filling the air can be overwhelming, but for birds, it’s an ecological feast.

For local birds, this mass emergence is like a buffet laid out for them. Birds such as American Robins, Blue Jays, and Northern Cardinals feast on the cicadas, taking advantage of the sudden abundance of food. This feeding frenzy can have several impacts on bird populations.

It provides a significant nutritional boost. The abundance of cicadas offers an easy and nutritious food source, which is particularly advantageous during the breeding season when birds need extra energy to care for their young. The high protein content of cicadas helps adult birds maintain their strength and improves the health and growth rate of their chicks.

The abundance of cicadas can influence bird behavior and breeding success. Some studies suggest that bird species with access to periodical cicadas may produce more offspring during emergence years. This is because the high protein content of cicadas helps improve the health and vitality of both adult birds and their young. This increased food availability can lead to more successful broods, thereby potentially boosting local bird populations in the years following a cicada emergence.

With cicadas providing a plentiful food source, predation pressure on other insects and small animals may decrease, allowing these populations to thrive as well. With birds focusing on the abundant cicadas, other prey species might experience a temporary reprieve, which can impact the broader ecosystem. This shift in predation and its potential impacts can illustrate the interconnection of these ecological events.

The impact of cicada emergences isn't limited to immediate bird populations. The sudden influx of nutrients into the ecosystem can have cascading effects. When birds eat cicadas, they also help distribute nutrients through their droppings. These nutrients can enrich the soil, promoting plant growth and benefiting the entire ecosystem. The decaying bodies of cicadas that are not eaten contribute to soil fertility, fostering a healthier environment for various plant species.

There are also potential drawbacks. The sudden surge in cicada numbers can lead to temporary imbalances. For instance, some birds might become so focused on cicadas that they neglect other food sources, which could affect their diet diversity in the short term. Additionally, the noise created by millions of male cicadas singing to attract mates can be overwhelming, although it subsides after a few weeks. The maximum lifespan of adult cicadas is just one month.

Understanding the role of periodical cicadas in ecosystems underscores the intricate connections between species. These insects, which might seem inconsequential or even annoying to some, play a vital part in maintaining ecological balance. Their predictable emergences offer a unique opportunity to observe natural processes and the interdependence of life forms.

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, cicada years present a chance to witness extraordinary interactions. Watching birds capitalize on this bonanza is a reminder of the adaptive strategies wildlife employs to survive and thrive. It’s a perfect living example of the resilience and complexity of nature, where even the most unusual life cycles have their place and purpose.

The emergence of periodical cicadas is a natural marvel with significant ecological implications. These events provide crucial food resources for birds, influence breeding success, and contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. By appreciating these interactions, we gain deeper insights into the delicate balance of our natural world.

Links for further study:

• Wikipedia article on Periodical cicadas
• Cicada Safari: facts, activities, and resources
• Periodical Cicadas, 2024: Entomologists Prepare for the Six-Week Serenade