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We want to give our customers as much information as they would want or need on wild birds and the birdhouses they would live in. We will post information here.
A Short Description of Wrens
Name Origin
From the Middle English word wrenne, Old English wraenna, attested vey early in an 18th century gloss and Old High German wrendo, wrendilo and Old Icelandic word rindill thus points to a Common Germanic name wrandjan- but the further etymology of the name is unknown. The name has been applied to other birds in Australia and New Zealand.
Known also as a kinglet in Old High German. This name is associated with a legend of an election of the king of birds. The legend tells that whoever could fly to the highest altitude would be made king. An eagle outflew all birds burt was beaten by a small bird (wren) who had hidden in his plumage. This legend was known by the famous philosopher Aristotle. Its name is ascribed to other families of passerine birds throughout the world. Such as Europe with regulus, firecrest and goldcrest.
Species Background
About 80 species of true wrens in about 20 genera which are passerine birds in the mainly New World family troglodytidae. Its genus eponymous of the family is troglodytes.
Troglodyte means cave-dweller. It got their scientific name from the tendency of some species to hunt in dark fissure.
Description
They are small birds, among the smallest in the world. Its size range is 10-22 cm and weighs 9-20 grams. Its dominating colors of their plumage are dull, composed of black and white, grey, brown and most species show some barring, from its tail or wings. They are distinguished on its barring on the retrices which is absent in all songbirds. The plumage of the wrens is soft. There is no sexual dimorphism in the plumage of wrens, and little difference between young birds and adults.
The various species occur in a wide range of habitats, ranging from dry to rainforests. Vast majority are found at low levels. A few species, particularly the Winter Wren, is often associated with humans. They remain in Central and South America all year round because most species are non-migratory but the few temperate species typically migrate to warmer climes in winter.
Behavior
Although wrens have a reputation for extreme secretiveness, they vary from highly secretive species some frequently sing from exposed perches. The whole family exhibits a great deal of variation in their behavior. Except for their loud and often complex songs they are mainly small and inconspicuous. They have short wings and they can’t see at night. Quite a few sleep on the ground and often hold their tails upright. They live eating insects and spiders. They are insectivores but they also feed on fish, rodents and lizards. Temperate species generally occur in pairs, but tropical species may occur in parties of up to twenty birds. Wrens build dome-shaped nests, and may be either monogamous or polygamous, depending on species.
Additional Information
Small, mostly insectivorous birds with finely pointed and often decurved bill, tail variously long and graduated to extremely short; plumage mostly grey and brown, often with rufous tones. Forest edge, scrubland, suburban gardens, marshes, desert brushland, rock faces with 17 genera, 85 species, 407 taxa and 7 species threatened; none extinct since 1600.
Give Them Hope and We Can Prosper With Them
Bluebirds are a group of medium-sized, mostly insectivorous or omnivorous birds in the genus Sialia. Bluebirds are one of the few thrush genera in the Americas. They have blue, or blue and red, plumage. Female blue birds are less brightly colored than males, even though color patterns are alike and there is no obvious difference in size between sexes.
Behavior
Bluebirds are territorial. They prefer open grassland with scattered trees. They are timid, cavity-nesting bird. It searches for hollows in rotten wooden fence posts or dead trees like woodpeckers. Bluebirds are attracted to platform bird feeders, that has grubs of the beetle. They also eat raisins soaked in water.
Bluebirds can typically produce between two and four broods during the spring and summer. Males recognize potential nest sites and try to attract potential female mates to those nesting sites with special behaviors that comprise singing and flapping wings, and then placing some material in a nesting box. If the female accepts the male and the nesting site, the female blue bird then builds the nest and incubates the eggs. Bluebirds are attracted to platform bird feeders, filled with grubs of the darkling beetle. They also eat raisins soaked in water.
Predators
Predators of young bluebirds include snakes, cats and raccoons. There are non-native and native bird species competing also with bluebirds for nesting locations like the house sparrows which take over the nesting sites of bluebirds, killing young and smashing eggs or possibly killing the adult bluebirds.
Tips!
· Don’t allow the sparrows to nest in the house.
· If you have a feeder up that only receives only or mostly House Sparrows as guests, consider taking it down or relocating it in a manner undesirable to sparrows.
· The best location for Bluebird house is at the edge of a clearing, away from houses, and with the box fairly low to the ground (4-8 feet. 5 feet is a good height).
The Problem
The number of Bluebirds has decreased disturbingly in many areas. Main causes are loss of their habitat and increased competition for nesting sites. These beautiful birds will need help for their population to recover.
Over the years many areas have been cleared out for urban development. The loss of trees is one of the results of reduction of natural nesting cavities.
Sparrows are also cavity nesters. These are extremely aggressive birds which compete with the passive bluebird for nesting sites. Although the bluebird population has greatly decreased, there is hope for their future.
The Solution
The most important step in bluebird conservation is to provide nesting sites by setting out suitable bluebird houses. Outstanding sites include rural or semi-rural property such as golf courses, church or school yards or an open area surrounded by woods.
The blue birds’ gentle song that has come to symbolize hope and happiness that adds joy and color to our world. With our help in conserving the bluebird population, our world will be a more beautiful place and many generations will be able to enjoy the beautiful bluebird populace. By giving them simple food, not only can we help the bluebird flourish but we can have fun and attract these colorful birds to our homes, schools, and communities.
The proper way to get a suitable birdhouse
Bird lovers want to have a nice birdhouse suited for their companion. In the market today there are lots of birdhouses being introduced. It’s fantastic that they all come differently in class or type, quality and style. But regardless of the so many kinds of birdhouses it would also mean that you’ll be having a long time in choosing the right one.
Here are some tips that you can use in getting the right birdhouse for your bird. First, you should consider what breed of bird is your companion. You should determine it because birds are kind of choosy also. Like purple martins, they are fond of just hanging in their nests. That’s why you should get a birdhouse that is more likely to have a hanger or a gourd birdhouse. Wrens are usually attracted to small, enclosed houses near shrubs. Bluebirds enjoy larger, single-unit birdhouses in more open areas of the landscape. Consider also the size of the bird and their food to eat. Secondly, you should also consider the proper place where to put the birdhouse. It is right to put your birdhouse up high. But you should also consider whether how high it is. You should think thoroughly about the predators around the birdhouse. Consider also the temperature of the place. Birds are likely to be prone to heat and the air ventilation for the air circulation for the birds to breathe in. Third, would be the style you want for your birdhouse. There are many types and styles of birdhouses in the market. In this part you are the ones who should choose it. It’s your opinion. Just consider that this will help beautifying your backyard. It may help you find peace also when you choose the right style of your birdhouse. Some birdhouses out there are fully functional and designed for outdoor use. Some are painted birdhouses but try to choose the non-toxic painted birdhouse. Paints can affect the bird’s air ventilation. You should select a polyurethane product that is recommended for marine use and UV rated that will not discolor the paint. There are farmhouse birdhouses with an adorable potted plant on the front of a porch and a majestic castle birdhouse with balconies and turrets plus many others. There are decorative birdhouses designed for outdoor use or you can enjoy them indoors as decor.
Alas! You can now have a nice birdhouse suited for your beloved companions using the above information. You'll never ever get disappointed with it.
BIRDHOUSE???
A birdhouse is an artificial nest for birds, which is why it is sometimes called a nest box. It is a man-made nest that offers birds to nest in. These are often used for wild and domesticated birds. These are usually wooden but there is a woodcrete too. It is a nest made from the mixture of wood and concrete materials. Metal can be also used as a material in making a birdhouse but these are suitable for indoors because they can overheat easily in under the sun. There are even birdhouses made from gourds. Just remember that each specific bird class prefers its specific type of birdhouse. They also have particular preferences regarding the locations of their birdhouses. For instance, Purple martins are contented hanging out in a gourd birdhouse. Wrens are usually attracted to small, enclosed houses near shrubs. Bluebirds enjoy larger, single-unit birdhouses in more open areas of the landscape.
In garden, most birdhouse should be free of paint and glitz. Some birds may still make a surprise visit even in the fanciest of decorative birdhouses. However, they prefer something plain and obscure. The best types of birdhouses offer birds sanctuary, a relaxing place to feed and raise their babies free from predators. There are also types of birdhouses that have baffles. This can help minimize the entry of any lurking predators. It is also preferable that birdhouses are placed on poles. Birdhouse should also provide good drainage and ventilation so that the birds can breathe nicely.
Just a little information, birds are prone to heat. That is why it is also important to consider that metal birdhouses should be used with caution and should be located in shade when used, especially in the heat of summer. But during winter it gets cold easily so it should be relocated in a warm place.
Other aspect to reconsider is maintaining a clean birdhouse regardless of the many available types and style of birdhouses. It should be cleaned thoroughly every year when the bird occupants have moved out for awhile. You can use bleach and water in disinfecting the birdhouses and this can minimize bird diseases. It should be noted also that wasps or bees may build up their nests inside a birdhouse. All nesting materials should be removed beforehand and disposed. So delightful bird lovers should be alert in cleaning their birdhouse.
Preparing Your Yard for Birds
There are a number of things that can be done to prepare your yard. Providing different foods for birds is one thing. Such items could be seeds, fruits, insects, nuts and nectars. Providing water is another good thing. This can be done with bird baths, ponds, streams or even simply putting out pans of water. Birds also need to feel safe in the place they choose to nest in. Trees, shrubs, and flowers can provide protection and security so birds are not out in the open.
Putting up bird feeders is probably the fastest way to get birds to visit your yard. It is being kind to the birds plus you can observe them and their habits. It can be hard to choose a bird feeder because of all the choices. Just remember the most important factor is one that is easy for both the owner and the birds. A feeder that shows the food in full view is very attractive to birds. So an open tray feeder might be your best choice. Your bird feeder should be easy to fill and hold a considerable amount of seed. Your main bird feeder should be able to accommodate at least a dozen birds at one time.
Two other types of feeders are hopper and tube-type. Hopper bird feeders dole out seed as needed. Tube-type feeders are self contained and do not need frequent filling. Some other types are window feeders, wire mesh feeders, suet and nectar feeders.
You need a bird bath or other source of water in the yard for birds to drink and bathe. Do not have the water source too close to the feeder, as birds do not like to bathe around other activity. Preening birds prefer peace and quiet when they dry and arrange their feathers.
Birds find water irresistible in any form. Having water at different heights will attract a lot of birds. Some birds prefer water at ground level, like ponds and puddles. Water should only be a few inches deep though, because birds can drown easily. If using a bird bath only put two inches of water in it or you could put pebbles in the bottom if you want to fill it. Also avoid buying bird baths with wild painted designs as birds may view them as unsafe. Sounds of water will bring birds to any yard, whether it be dripping, splashing or whatever.
When doing landscaping plans consider how to make it more inviting for birds, as to their food and shelter needs. Remember why birds consider one’s man-made habitats because of the lack of natural nesting areas left. The closer a yard looks to a natural habitat, the easier it will be for birds to accept it.
Buying the Right Birdhouse
There are many birdhouses that are being sold that are unsuitable for birds. Some are made of materials that can be harmful to birds. Then some do not attract birds or the type of bird you want.
The birdhouse should be made of proper materials. This would consist of non-toxic materials so as not to harm the birds if ingested. This would include the wood or plywood not being pressure treated.
Next, the house should have drainage and ventilation holes to prevent drowning and / or overheating of the babies. If the birdhouse doesn’t have these holes but meets all other requirements, you can easily accomplish this. You would need to drill holes if the house will allow it.
Third, the birdhouse should have the proper dimensions for the bird you are trying to attract. Different birds have different requirements. So make sure to know the inside area of birdhouse, the entrance ole size and the height of the hole from the floor of the house. These are important in attracting the right birds to your backyard.
Fourth, the birdhouse should have easy access for cleaning and monitoring of the nest. So make sure that one side is hinged or lifts out. Birdhouses that do not easily open to monitor or clean out nests would not be considered a good buy at any price. Birdhouses should be monitored on a weekly basis after being put up. There could be problems with parasites or predators. This is why you need to buy a birdhouse that you can easily clean and monitor.
When considering a birdhouse, structural stability should be considered before beauty and design. Housing birds is a great responsibility and they are not just there to beautify your yard.
The perfect birdhouse should have the perfect place in one’s yard. If one doesn’t have the right spot it will go unused. Thus, one must prepare the environment for the house.
Some birds are bound not to like a birdhouse since they can be particular about where they will live. If all aspects have been considered for the perfect birdhouse, you might have to consider moving the location of the house. Having one’s yard as safe and attractive for the type of bird you are looking for will eventually result in those birds coming to temporarily nest in your birdhouse.
Most birds will not nest near other nests of the same species. A birdhouse should be for a single nest. Unless you are just decorating your garden or yard, you should not buy birdhouses built for multiple birds. The only exception would be if you wanted to attract Purple Martins.
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