Birds That Mate for Life: Devoted Species
Many birds mate for life, from bald eagles and swans to cranes and albatrosses. Discover the most devoted species, why they bond, and how faithful they really are.
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Female Mallard: Identification Guide
The female mallard is a mottled brown duck with an orange bill and blue wing patch, unlike the male. Learn how to identify a female mallard and tell her from the male.
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Types of Finches: A Complete Guide
There are around twenty types of finches in North America, from house finches and goldfinches to crossbills. Learn common finch species and how to tell them apart.
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Types of Sparrows: A Complete Guide
There are around thirty-five types of sparrows in North America, from the song sparrow to the junco. Learn common sparrow species and how to tell them apart.
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Female Grackle: Identification Guide
The female grackle is a dark brown, less glossy bird with a pale yellow eye, smaller than the male. Learn how to identify a female grackle and tell her from lookalikes.
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Female Goldfinch: Identification Guide
The female goldfinch is a duller olive-yellow bird with dark wings and wingbars, lacking the male’s black cap. Learn how to identify a female goldfinch year round.
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Red Dye in Hummingbird Food: Is It Safe or Necessary?
Red dye in hummingbird food is neither safe nor necessary, since feeders already attract birds through their own red coloring without any dye in the nectar.
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Female House Finch: Identification Guide
The female house finch is a plain grayish-brown, streaky bird with no red, unlike the male. Learn how to identify a female house finch and tell her from lookalikes.
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Hummingbird Sugar Water Ratio: The Correct Mix Explained
The correct hummingbird sugar water ratio is 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water, a simple mix that closely matches natural flower nectar.
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Allen’s Hummingbird: Identification, Range, and Behavior Guide
Allen’s hummingbird is a narrow-range California coastal specialist, nearly identical to the rufous hummingbird except for its green rather than orange back.
