On the Wing
(Migration)
(Migration)
True or False: All birds migrate.
False
Native to Eurasia, this widespread invasive bird, common in cities and suburbs, is actually a weaver finch, despite its name.
House Sparrow
What bird was almost our national bird, as suggested by Benjamin Franklin?
Turkey
True or False: All birds lay eggs.
True
What is the name for the tract of largest flight feathers on a bird's wing, found at the tip, or "fingers", of the wing?
Primaries
Arguably the most anticipated migrant bird in Ohio, this small, long-billed species arrives from its wintering grounds in Central America in late April to May and feeds mostly on nectar, including from feeders.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This common local woodpecker is named for a small, innocuous patch of color in such a strange spot that it's rarely seen in the wild.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
What is the national bird of, and the nickname for human inhabitants of, New Zealand?
This squat shorebird arrives in Ohio in mid-March and is sought after by birders for its spectacular dive-bomb courtship display and its adorable "peent" call.
American Woodcock
Birds possess a bone that joins the clavicles on the underside of the shoulder girdle. Other than aiding in flight, this bone is also the subject of a tradition, where breaking it is said to make one's dream come true. What is this bone called?
Wishbone or Furcula
According to Cornell University, what if the average altitude for migrating birds in the eastern U.S.?
1,450 feet
You might see this species among House Finches on your feeders in winter, but you'll be very disappointed that the plumage of males is much closer in color to pinkish red than what the name implies.
Purple Finch
Found worldwide, this relative of our Bald Eagle is not just the most common national bird, but the most common national animal in the world.
Golden Eagle
When is does breeding season take place for most birds in the Northern Hemisphere?
Summer (April-September)
The sound producing organ of mammals is called the larynx. What is a bird's vocal organ called?
Syrinx
The farthest migrating bird by distance is this seabird which travels nearly 90,000 km from one pole to another yearly.
Arctic Tern
A common diving duck found here in winter, the feature that this species is named for is nearly invisible in the field. A much more noticeable marking can be seen on its bill, which is mostly gray with a band of white around a black tip.
Ring-necked Duck
What is the national bird of Canada?
Canada Jay
This family of birds, endemic to Australasia and Oceania, is well known for their elaborate plumage and even more elaborate courtship dances, which were the subject of the documentary Dancing with the Birds.
Birds of Paradise or Paradiseaidae
All birds have four toes, and most birds have three front-facing toes and one rear-facing toe. What is this digit arrangement called?
Anisodactyl
The record for the farthest nonstop migration belongs to this shorebird, which flies 11,000 km over nine days without stopping from Alaska to New Zealand.
Bar-Tailed Godwit
This family of birds, which includes our local Common Nighthawk, was named after the false belief that they fed on the blood of cattle at night.
Goatsuckers
What is the national bird of the United Kingdom?
(European) Robin
Different species of birds build different kinds of nests that are given names for their shapes and locations. Name at least three types of nests.
Cup, Scrape, Pendant, Cavity, Floating/Raft, Burrow, Platform
There are two major muscles involved in bird flight, responsible for the downward and upward flap respectively. Name one.
Pectoralis or Supracoracoideus