Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
A
No, flickers specialize on ants. When a flicker finds an anthill, its long, sticky tongue
traces the deep tunnels and pulls out lots of delicious ants. Of course, ants aren't so de-
licious to most birds — their bodies contain formic acid (their family name, Formicidae,
highlights this fact). In the 1800s, when many people bought birds at town markets to
consume, some relished the spicy flavor of flickers while others abhorred it. John James
Audubon, who tasted every bird he painted, wrote of the flicker, “I look upon the flesh as
very disagreeable, it having a strong flavour of ants.”
A CHANGE OF TASTE
American Goldfinches
spendtheirentirewintereatingsunflowerandNyjerseedsat
feeders,anddriedweedseedsinthewild.Inspring,whenthefirstdandelionsgotoseed,
and as other natural food sources become available, goldfinches begin spending most of
theirtimeeatingfarfromfeeders.It'sverydisappointingforthoseofuswhowatchfeed-
er birds, because this usually happens right as the goldfinches are coming into their most
gorgeous plumage.
AlthoughgoldfinchesstartpairinginApril,theydonotbeginnestinguntilmuchlater.
Indeed,theAmericanGoldfinchisoneofthelatestnestersinNorthAmerica.IntheEast,
goldfinches normally wait to begin nesting until late June or early July, when thistles,
milkweed, and other plants with fibrous seeds have gone to seed. They use this downy
material in nest construction, and the seeds themselves provide food for the chicks.
Q We've noticed that every year around mid-April, many of our backyard birds
seem to disappear for about two weeks. Where do they go or what is happening?
A
In April, many birds that spent the winter with us have migrated farther north. You
won't see them at your feeders again until late fall. At the same time, as natural foods,
usuallyincludinginsects,becomemoreabundant,manyyear-roundresidentsloseinterest
in feeders. Also, many resident birds gravitate to the areas where they'll nest to feed, so
they can spend more time courting and defending their territories.
Meanwhile, depending on weather, some birds that wintered in the southern states,
such as White-throated Sparrows, haven't yet arrived at their summer places, and Neo-
tropical migrants are still even farther south. During the lull, we get a bit of time to savor
robins, bluebirds, phoebes, and other early migrants before the floodgates of May open.
Bird Behavior at the Snack Bar
Q I've been a casual bird-watcher for many years but only recently started feeding
them, and it's opened a whole new world to me! It's such fun going beyond just
