The Young Ornithologist

A young bird lover wanting to spread their knowledge and appreciation of the natural world, especially our feathered friends!

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Bird Profiles No.2: Zebra Finch

Latin Name: Taienopygia Guttata

Diet: Insectivore, Seedivore

Length: 10cm

Weight: 12g

The Zebra Finch is used worldwide by researchers to study reproduction, bird physiology, birdsong and behaviour. Unique among birds, it drinks not by scooping up water with its bill, but by sucking. Its bill is adapted for eating seeds, but it also eats insects, mainly termites. A very vocal bird, the Zebra Finch is also sociable and breeds after the rains, it nests in shrubs and branches, rabbit burrows, termite mounds and holes in trees and rocks.

Top Image: animalhumanesociety.org

Bottom Image: flickr.com

Hope you enjoyed the profile!

[theyoungornithologist-blog]

Bird Profiles No.1: Peregrine Falcon

Latin Name: Falco Peregrinus

Diet: Carnivore 

Length: 35-51cm

Weight: 0.5-1.2kg

The Peregrine Falcon lives in high places such as mountains, coasts and urban skyscrapers. It reaches phenomenal speeds of up to 300kmph when diving for prey, and is one of the larger falcons. The female is double the size of the male, and northern and southern birds migrate, while populations near the equator are permanent residents. This falcon has a wide distribution. In terms of hunting, it’s method is quite unique, soaring upwards, scanning the territory, choosing prey and then diving down at incredible speeds, slowing at the last second to catch the victim. Peregrine hunts have a fairly balanced hunt success rate. Prey includes ducks, pigeons, starlings, parrots and waders. 

Top Image: audubon.org

Bottom Image: derby.gov.uk

Hope you enjoyed the profile!

[theyoungornithologist-blog]

An Introduction

Hello everybody! This is The Young Ornithologist, hoping to shed light on our birds. Ornithology is the study of birds. In this blog we will explore our birds’s hidden secrets, delve into the truth of hidden deforestation and global warming, find out how you can help the ecological crisis and maybe look at the other members of the animal and plant kingdoms.