On the fourth day of Birdorable, a melodious chorus filled the air... 4 Calling Blackbirds! As our festive 12 Days of Birdorable journey unfolds, today we spotlight the Four Calling Blackbirds, a charming addition that brings the classic "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol to life with an avian twist.

Diving into the original "Four Calling Birds" verse—historically referred to as "four colly birds," with "colly" meaning black as coal—it's the Common Blackbird that takes center stage in our celebration. This bird, with its glossy black plumage in males and rich, brown tones in females, is a familiar sight in gardens across Europe, known for its beautiful and varied song.

The Common Blackbird, a species that thrives not only in Europe but also across Asia, North Africa, and in introduced populations in Australia and New Zealand, is celebrated for its melodious calls and songs. These birds have a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, bringing the sounds of nature closer to home with their rich musical repertoire.

As we delight in the presence of these Four Calling Blackbirds on this fourth day of Birdorable, let their songs remind us of the joy and beauty that birds bring into our lives. May their calls lead you to discover the rich tapestry of bird song that surrounds us, a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

This is the fourth day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Over the next 8 days we will post another Birdorable bird for our 12 Days of Birdorable. Be sure to check back each day for this fun event!

On the third day of Birdorable, /meet/faverolles ... 3 French Hens! Our festive 12 Days of Birdorable celebration takes a delightful turn today as we introduce the first-ever Birdorable chicken, the Faverolles. This French breed of chicken, with its distinctively colorful plumage and endearing personality, adds a touch of rustic elegance to our holiday lineup.

The "Three French Hens" from the beloved "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol are brought to life in the form of the Faverolles, a breed that encapsulates the essence of French countryside charm. Known for their unique appearance, cock Faverolles boast a striking black and white coloration, while the hens, the stars of our Birdorable moment, display a beautiful range of salmon-colored to creamy white feathers.

Faverolles are known for their docile and friendly nature, making them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts and backyard chicken keepers alike. These birds have a distinctive look, with fluffy feathers, beards, and feathered feet, adding to their appeal and making them one of the most recognizable chicken breeds.

The story of the Faverolles, with its blend of French elegance and homely charm, is a perfect addition to our holiday celebration. Let these Birdorable French Hens inspire warmth and joy as we continue our journey through the 12 Days of Birdorable.

This is the third day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Over the next 9 days we will post another Birdorable bird for our 12 Days of Birdorable. Be sure to check back each day for this fun event!

What an exciting kickoff to the 12 Days of Birdorable — today marks not only the beginning of our festive countdown but also the celebration of our 300th Birdorable bird, the Red-legged Partridge! This special occasion brings the spirit of the traditional "12 Days of Christmas" to the forefront, albeit with a delightful avian twist. While the original song's gifts aren't all feathered friends, our Birdorable journey will exclusively feature birds, adding a touch of ornithological charm to the holiday season.

The Red-legged Partridge, our inaugural Birdorable for this series, holds a special place in the lore of the "Partridge in a Pear Tree." Native to France and widely found across Europe, this bird was introduced to the United Kingdom, the region where the Christmas carol is thought to have originated. Despite being introduced, the Red-legged Partridge is thought to be the "Partridge in a Pear Tree" because this species is much more likely to be perched in a tree compared to native UK partridges.

This bird's distinctive features, including its striking red legs and face, along with its beautiful plumage, make it a standout addition to the Birdorable family. Its presence in the UK and its association with the festive carol highlight the intertwined nature of culture, history, and wildlife.

As we embark on the 12 Days of Birdorable, let the Red-legged Partridge inspire us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of birds around us. Each day we will unveil another Birdorable bird, enriching our holiday season with stories of nature's wonders. Be sure to check back daily for this fun event, as we explore the avian world with Birdorable.

This week, we're excited to spotlight a t-shirt that's sure to bring a touch of Birdorable charm to your holiday festivities! Featuring three of our beloved songbirds—the Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch (sporting its non-breeding plumage), and the slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco — this design is a delightful nod to the season. Each bird, adorned with a festive red and white Santa Claus hat, is perched on a candy cane, embodying the spirit of the holidays in the most adorable way possible.

This charming Birdorable ensemble captures the essence of winter birdwatching, transforming these familiar backyard visitors into symbols of holiday cheer. The Black-capped Chickadee, with its curious nature and distinctive call, the American Goldfinch, showcasing the subtle beauty of its winter plumage, and the Dark-eyed Junco, a winter favorite among bird enthusiasts, all come together to create a scene that's both heartwarming and whimsical.

Available on a variety of apparel options, this design is more than just a way to show off your love for birds. It's a celebration of the joy and wonder that our feathered friends bring to our lives, especially during the holiday season. But why stop at apparel? This cute Birdorable design also graces holiday cards, stickers, and more, allowing you to spread the festive cheer in numerous ways.

Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for a bird lover in your life or looking to add a bit of avian flair to your holiday wardrobe, this Birdorable design is sure to fit the bill. Get ready for the holidays in Birdorable style and let these festive songbirds accompany you through the season of joy and giving.

Today, March 14th, is Pi Day, the day that mathematicians celebrate the number that is approximately 3.14159. Send your friends our funny Birdorable Mag PI with this comment graphic, Facebook Gift or eCard.

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating today! Be safe and have fun. :)

Check out this beautiful tree put together by Peter, a Boy Scout in Utah. Peter's tree is totally bird themed, from the birdy ornaments hanging from the boughs to the Cardinal tree-topper and the awesome spread of birder goodies under the tree! I see birdhouses, bird field guides, even a spotting scope! And I hear there are a few Birdorable ornaments on the tree, too.

Peter's tree is now showing at the Festival of Trees in Sandy, Utah. The festival runs through December 5th and includes more than 800 decorated trees. The show benefits the Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Thanks for sharing photos of your cool Birdwatcher Tree with us, Peter!

This Emperor Penguin and baby penguin are ready for Christmas! They are both wearing a Santa hat in this week's featured t-shirt design. Celebrate Christmas in cute Birdorable style with this unique Penguin Christmas design. For more cute Santa birds see our Christmas designs and Christmas products.

This week's highlighted t-shirt is our Birdorable Wild Turkey. Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving this Thursday. How will you spend your holiday?

Happy Earth Day to everyone on the planet! Sadly, birds are in trouble. You see pigeons, geese and sparrows everywhere, but those birds have adapted to urban habitats. A great many birds, such as meadowlarks and orioles, require natural habitats. They are in danger from habitat destruction and the ever expanding range of humans. Studies by the National Audubon Society show that over 25 percent of American bird species are in serious decline. Earth Day is a great day to contemplate how you can help save our birds. Here are 10 easy things that you can do around the house to conserve our avian friends:

1. Do you have a lawn? Shrink your lawn and go organic. Lawn chemicals kill about 7 million birds each year. Manage your lawn organically and reduce it by 25 percent in favor of plants to provide seeds and a nesting place for birds.
2. Keep your cats inside. Estimates for the numbers of birds killed per year by household cats and stray cats in the U.S. range into the hundreds of millions. Cats kill many more birds than wind turbines.
3. Wake up to bird-friendly coffee. Coffee grown in the shade of tree canopies, rather than on land cleared of other vegation, provides a habitat for many migratory birds such as warblers, hummingbirds and tanagers.
4. Fill your yard with native plants to aid birds that are adapted to eating the seeds and berries of native plants.
5. Recycle plastic six-pack rings, plastic bags and aluminum cans. Many birds die on landfills after they get stuck in plastic rings, cut themselves on metal cans or get trapped in plastic bags. By recycling plastic you prevent them from ending up on the landfill and killing innocent birds.
6. Eat less meat. The production of beef, pork and poultry meat have a huge impact on the environment due to habitat destruction to provide more farmland for grazing cattle. It requires far more acres to produce the same number of calories of meat than of vegetables and grains. In addition, farms that are overcrowded with animals become hotbeds for diseases like bird flu.
7. Leave a good part of your yard natural with bushes and ground cover. The more diverse your yard, the greater variety of birds and small mammals you will attract. Also, keep dead trees in your yard. Hundreds of species of birds and animals live in dead trees and feed on the insects there. Top off, rather than chop down, dead trees.
8. Many birds die each year from crashing into windows. More birds are killed each year from striking windows than from any other direct cause of death, and the problem is growing as window sizes increase and houses get larger. Use window decals / stickers or cover your windows with blinds, awnings or shutters to minimize the reflection of the sky.
9. Have a bird bath year-round. Birds require bathing to keep their feathers clean and flexible and to maintain healthy plumage. Bird baths also provide a safe place for wild birds to bathe and it is a reliable source of clean drinking water.
10. Support your local bird conservation program and forest preserves. Also, educate yourself and your friends and family about birds and the importance of conservation. Go outside and take your family birding.

For more ways on helping birds check out the book 101 Ways to Help Birds (available on Amazon) by Laura Erickson. Happy Earth Day.