Larissa Adler

With their bright red plumage and melodious songs, northern cardinals are backyard favorites that captivate birdwatchers. It’s understandable why cardinal devotees may contemplate keeping these beautiful songbirds as pets. However, while visually striking, cardinals do not actually make good pets. There are substantial legal restrictions, housing and care challenges, and conservation impacts that make keeping … Read more

When you look to the skies and see a large bird gliding in the wind, how can you tell if it’s a hawk or an eagle? Though they may seem similar at first glance, hawks and eagles have distinct differences when it comes to their physical characteristics and behaviors. With over sixty species of hawks … Read more

The vibrant red headed sparrow is a small songbird notable for the male’s striking bright red crown and nape feathers. As a member of the Emberizid family alongside similar birds such as juncos and towhees, the red headed sparrow displays the trademark conical beak perfect for consuming seeds and insects. Approximately six inches in length, … Read more

Have you ever heard that it’s good luck if a bird poops on you? This idea may seem silly or even gross, but it’s a common superstition that can be traced back centuries. Though we may grimace at the thought of being a target, some optimists see an avian bomb landing on their head or … Read more

The haunting hoots of an owl piercing the night sky is a familiar sound to many. These mysterious calls often make us wonder – why do owls hoot in the first place? The reasons behind owls’ vocalizations are more complex than you may realize. Owls hoot for a variety of reasons depending on factors like … Read more

With their large, forward-facing eyes and almost supernatural hearing abilities, owls capture our imagination unlike any other bird. Illinois has eight species of these mysterious raptors, ranging from tiny screech owls to the impressive Great Horned Owl, with its five-foot wingspan. In this article, we will explore the owls commonly found in the Land of … Read more

Spiders form an integral part of many ecosystems, helping control insect populations and serving as an important food source for many species. Several bird varieties are known to regularly feast on these eight-legged creatures as part of their varied diets. While not all birds actively hunt down spiders, many opportunistically consume them when they happen … Read more