Author: Matt Davis

Barred Owl

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The Barred Owl(Strix varia) is classified in the order Strigiformes, and the family Strigidae(true owls). The Barred Owl is one of the most common owls found in North America. Unlike many other species of Owl, Barred Owls are not fully nocturnal(only active at night time); Barred Owls are occasionally active during the daytime, especially early in the morning.

Physical Characteristics

The Barred Owl has large dark brown, almost black eyes. Its whole body is barred with brownish bars. A Barred Owl’s underparts are streaked with vertical brownish bars on a white background. The breast is streaked with horizontal brownish bars. There … Continue

Boreal Chickadee

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The Boreal Chickadee(Poecile hudsonicus) is a small songbird that is classified in the Paridae(chickadees, tits, and titmice) family.

Physical Characteristics

A Boreal Chickadee has a brown cap, cinnamon sides, gray collar, white cheek patch, and a short beak.

Length12.5-14 cm(4.9″-5.5″)
Wingspan 20.9-21.6 cm(8.3”-8.5”)
Weight  7-12.4 gm(0.3-0.4 oz.)

Range

Boreal Chickadees can be found throughout most of Canada, and northern areas in the following states; Montana, Minnesota, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

Boreal Chickadees can also be seen in  Alaska, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and the New England states. Boreal Chickadees are year round residents throughout their range.

Habitat

Boreal … Continue

Canada Jay

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A  Canada Jay(Perisoreus canadensis) Is a songbird that is classified in the family Corvidae.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Canada Jays are gray overall, but their bellies and torsos are paler. The juveniles are a sooty-gray color.

Length 25-29cm(10”-11.4”)
Wingspan 46 cm(1’6″)
Weight58-84 gm(2-3 oz)

Range

Canada Jays can be found year round throughout most of Canada. In the U.S.A. it can be seen in east-central Arizona, northern California, central Colorado,  Idaho, north-central New Mexico, and southwestern South Dakota, and Utah.

Habitat

Canada Jays inhabit Boreal forest, and subalpine forest.

Breeding

The male Canada Jay choses the nest site.  Both … Continue

Razorbill(Alca torda)

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The Razorbill(Alca torda), also known as the Razor-Billed Auk, or Lesser Auk is a seabird that is classified in the Auk(Alcidae) family 

Physical Characteristics

Breeding adults are black on their backs, and their torso and belly are white. They have a white line on their bill, and there is a white band around the front of the bill. In the nonbreeding season an adult Razorbill’s throat is white.

Length43 cm(1’5″)
Wingspan63-68 cm(2’1″-2’3″)
Weight505-890 gm(1-1.96 lbs.)

Range

In North America the Razorbill can be found in; Atlantic Canada,  Quebec, Ontario, Nunavut,  New Jersey, New York,  and … Continue

Tufted Puffin(Fratercula cirrhata)

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The Tufted Puffin(Fratercula cirrhata), also known as the Crested Puffin is a seabird that is classified in the auk(Alcidae) family. The Tufted Puffin can reach lengths up to 40 cm(1’4”) and weights up to 1 kg(2 lbs); This makes the Tufted Puffin the largest species of puffin. 

Physical Characteristics

During the breeding season the Tufted Puffin has a black body, a white face, a orange and yellow bill, red rimmed eyes, and two yellow plumes  hanging out of the back of its head. During the nonbreeding season Tufted Puffins’ faces turn gray, their bills  turn orange and … Continue