Sept. 27/2023

 

TYPES OF CHICKADEES IN THE UNITED STATES! 

(5 SPECIES)

birdwatchinghq.com

What kinds of chickadees can you find in the United States?

Thanks to their bold & inquisitive personalities, chickadees are one of the most popular birds that visit backyard feeding stations. I love watching them fly in quickly to grab a seed & then immediately fly away to eat in private (or store for later)!

In the United States, you can find 5 different kinds of chickadees.

Below you will learn more about each species AND how to identify them by sight OR sound. 

#1. Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadees are one of the most beloved birds in the United States, and it’s easy to see why! These birds are often described as “cute,” as they are tiny, with an oversized head that features a black cap & bib.

 Naturally, look for Black-capped Chickadees in the United States in open deciduous forests, thickets, & cottonwood groves. They also adapt easily to the presence of people & are common to see in backyards & parks.

In fact, once you set up a new bird feeder, they will likely be the first birds to visit, as they are curious about anything new in their territory. The best foods to use include sunflower, peanuts, & suet. Their small size & athletic ability mean these birds can use just about any type of feeder!

Another great way to attract chickadees is to install appropriately sized nesting boxes around your yard. These birds are cavity nesters, which means they need an enclosed bird house to raise their young.

Here are some tips to consider before hanging up a chickadee nesting box:

- Make the diameter of the entrance hole 1-1/8 inches. This prevents larger birds, like House Sparrows, from getting inside & displacing your chickadees.

 

- Place your nest box in or at the very edge of the woods. Chickadees won’t use it if it’s in a field.

- Hang the bird house securely to a tree (don’t let it swing freely) between 5 & 15 feet high.

You can either build a nest box yourself or buy a pre-made chickadee house online.

Try identifying Black-capped Chickadees by their sounds!

 

These birds are extremely vocal, & you should have no problem hearing one. And luckily, their vocalizations are unique & relatively easy to identify. 

Listen for a song that is a simple 2 or 3 note whistle, which sounds like it’s saying “fee-bee” or “hey sweetie.”

Black-capped Chickadees also make a distinctive “chickadee-dee-dee” call. And yes, it actually sounds like they are saying their name! Interestingly, they add more “dee” notes onto the end of the call when alarmed.

 Lastly, these birds have incredible memories! They hide seeds & other foods in their territory to eat later, which are all hidden separately. Somehow, their brains can remember THOUSANDS of different hiding places!

#2. Carolina Chickadee

Carolina Chickadees are small birds with a distinctive black cap & bib, dull white cheeks, a gray back, & white underparts. Both males & females look the same.

Look for them in a wide variety of habitats across the southeast. You should be able to spot Carolina Chickadees in the United States in deciduous & mixed woodlands & swampy areas. They also adapt well to humans & are extremely common in parks & suburban & urban backyards!

Like most chickadees, they are intensely curious & intelligent. Try attracting them to your backyard by offering a mixture of sunflower seeds, peanuts, & suet. Because of their small size & acrobatic abilities, they can use almost every type of bird feeder.

What sounds do Carolina Chickadees make?

The most common song you will hear them making is a 4-note whistle, which sounds like “fee-bee-fee-bay.” Typically, the first & third notes are higher in pitch than the second & fourth.

They also have a call that sounds like they are saying their name “chick-a-dee-dee.” 

How can you tell Carolina & Black-capped Chickadees apart?

 

If you hadn’t noticed, these 2 birds look almost identical! Trying to tell them apart takes a lot of practice, but it can be done. Here are the best ways to identify each bird:

Location:

For the most part, these 2 birds don’t live in the same areas. Carolina Chickadees are birds of the southeast, while Black-capped Chickadees live more north. But, there is some range overlap between the 2 species, in which case you will need to rely upon another indicator.

Appearance:

At first glance, these 2 birds appear identical. But believe it or not, there are some small differences in the way they look. A Carolina Chickadee’s wings are darker & grayer. Black-capped Chickadees have white on the wing edges.

Song:

Vocalizations aren’t a ton of help where the ranges meet since each species can learn the other’s songs! The only clue you may have is that Carolina Chickadees tend to say “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” faster than Black-capped Chickadees.  With a lot of practice, you may be able to tell the difference!

#3. Mountain Chickadee

As the name suggests, if you want to find Mountain Chickadees in the United States, you will need to head to the mountains! Look for small birds with black heads & a distinctive white eyebrow, which makes them fairly easy to identify.

Like other chickadee species, these birds are agile & curious. They are most often seen flitting from tree to tree in coniferous forests, searching for insects, spiders, seeds, & nuts.

Do you have a house in the mountains?

If so, you should easily be able to attract Mountain Chickadees! Try setting up a feeding station filled with sunflower seeds, peanuts, & suet.

Listen for them singing a 3-4 note descending whistle “fee-bee-bay” or “fee-bee-fee-bee.” Some people think it sounds like they are saying “cheeseburger!”

But the most common call you will hear is “chick-a-dee-dee-dee,” which sounds very similar to a Black-capped Chickadee, even though these species tend to pay little attention to each other.

#4. Boreal Chickadee

The only chickadee in the United States with a brown cap! These birds are incredibly tough, as they live in coniferous forests in the far north all year round.

Boreal Chickadees aren’t as numerous or vocal as other chickadee species, which means it can take a bit more patience & time to locate them. But they are commonly attracted to bird feeders, which may be your best shot at seeing one since they adapt well to the presence of people!

To survive the cold & brutal northern winters, Boreal Chickadees have to hide & store A LOT of food. What’s amazing is that they can remember where they hide everything! Their main foods include insect larvae & seeds.

Boreal Chickadees are surprisingly quiet, & they don’t use songs or vocalizations to signal their breeding territory, which can make them hard to find in the forest. If you do hear one, it will be a raspy “tschick-a-dee-dee” call note, which comparatively sounds harsher than a Black-capped Chickadee.

#5. Chestnut-backed Chickadee

These chickadees are truly handsome little birds. They are easily identified by their chestnut backs & sides, which match the bark of the trees they live amongst.

Look for Chestnut-backed Chickadees in the western United States in dense coniferous forests. They can also be easily attracted to bird feeders. Just make sure your backyard has plenty of shrubs & trees they can use for cover!

During winter, it’s common to find these birds flocking together with many other species. You will frequently find them traveling with nuthatches, titmice, kinglets, & even other chickadee species.

Chestnut-backed Chickadees have a unique call when it comes to chickadees. Listen for a high, scratchy “chick-a-dee” that lasts 1 – 1.5 seconds. They also sing a series of “gargle” notes, but these noises aren’t heard often.

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Sept. 20/2023

 

Signs Your Cat Has Imprinted On You

By Modi Ramos

3/2/2023

We know that our feline friends care about us, but did you know that oftentimes, there are clear signs that our cats have imprinted on us? This common behavior in mammals comes as a result of a strong bond & attachment, often formed when the animal is young. PBS.org says that: "Imprinting refers to a critical period of time early in an animal’s life when it forms attachments & develops a concept of its own identity. Birds & mammals are born with a pre-programmed drive to imprint onto their mother. Imprinting provides animals with information about who they are."

For many of us cat people, we care for our cats in a truly special way. And because of this level of care & attention, our cats will gravitate to us & show us through their actions just how much we mean to them. The act of imprinting with animals is nothing new & has been used for centuries by humans to train young animals to trust them so that they can both mutually benefit from this shared bond. Mother-infant bonding is a natural instinct for many animal species, so when there is no mother present & only a human present, the animal latches onto this bond with trust, admiration, & eagerness. Your cat turns to you for shelter, safety, & food, but it goes beyond that. Many of our cats have imprinted on us, & there are ways in which you can tell. Experts say that not just kittens do this, but even older cats, too.

Here are signs your cat has imprinted on you…

Your kitty is your shadow

One of the easiest ways to tell that your cat has imprinted on you is if you hardly ever need to look for your cat—because they are typically wherever you are in your home. Cats that have imprinted on their humans will often choose to follow their humans from room to room. This isn't because your cat is needy or clingy & anxious, this is because you make them feel safe & protected so they enjoy being in your presence whenever you are home. Think of it as their way of saying I am happiest when you are near. Aww!

Your cat insists on occupying your lap

Cats are not a naturally trusting species the way that dogs are. While there are certain breeds of dogs out there that are known as lap dogs, cats are too individualistic by nature to label any specific breed as a lap cat. (Some may argue this, but there are always cats out there that are quick to defy their breed's characteristics.) With that being said, when a cat chooses to sit in your lap, this is the ultimate compliment. This means that they feel connected with you & that you help them to feel happy, safe, & centered. This sign that your cat has imprinted on you often makes us feel all warm & fuzzy inside because who can resist a happily purring kitty resting peacefully on your lap?!

Your cat needs you—and they show this by kneading you

Cats that have imprinted on their humans will often knead them. For cats that were taken from their mother too soon, you will often see them kneading & even sucking on blankets simultaneously. This interesting behavior allows them to feel calm, & they will often exhibit it in your presence. And, at times, your cat might choose to do this to you. Kneading is a proven method that cats rely on to calm themselves, & it's something they also do when they are truly content. And, if they do this on you, it's because they've imprinted on you & you help them to achieve this ultimate state of bliss & relaxation.

Slow blink communication

Cats don't give wet, sloppy kisses like their canine counterparts—& we're grateful for that. Cats take a more subtle approach by granting us kitty kisses in the form of slow blinks. Scientific research has proven to us that slow blink communication with our cats is an effective way to communicate. It's believed that the action is a kind of "cat smile" & can be viewed as both a friendly greeting & an invitation. Cats typically slow blink at other cats, & now science is saying that imitating the behavior is a way for humans to essentially speak cat language. So, if your kitty likes to slow blink at you, slowly blink back & feel good about yourself knowing that your kitty has imprinted on you.

A cat that has imprinted on their human likes to check in on them

Your cat is your tiny little micromanager. And they will not be shy about being nosy on your whereabouts. A lot of times, when we go to the restroom or somewhere in our home away from our cat, our cats will make a conscious effort to seek us out. Cats that like to do little drop-ins on their owner exhibit this behavior because they want to know that you are okay & they feel the need to show you this by checking in on you. Cats that watch their humans sleep is a great example of a cat that has imprinted on their human. They do this because they know you are vulnerable when you are sleeping, & they feel the desire to keep you safe & offer you a sense of protection.

They insist on rubbing against you often

Cats are territorial by nature, & they are also quick to claim something as theirs if they feel strongly about it. This can be anything from their favorite spot to sleep to their favorite person in their home. Cats have scent glands located on various parts of their body, & they know this. They will rub their body onto objects or people that they want to claim as theirs, & they do this so that others (especially other cats in your home) know that you are theirs. Cats that have imprinted on their human love to rub on them, but sometimes things can get a little worrisome when they do this while walking between our legs. Just know that they aren't doing it because they are plotting your death & hoping to collect on your life insurance policy. It's just one of the cat methods used to connect with those things they care about—which is you!

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Sept. 13/2023

 

Here’s A List Showing 30 Of The More Rare & Extraordinary Dog Breeds Part #2

#16 Pharaoh Hound

The native Maltese name of this breed is Kelb tal-Fenek, which translates as “rabbit dog.” Its English name refers to the dog’s appearance, which resembles the dogs found in Ancient Egyptian paintings. It is also said that the breed takes its roots from Egypt; however, the Pharaoh Hound is a fairly modern dog, traditional for rural Malta.

#17 Catahoula Leopard Dog

The state of Louisiana also has its official dog, & it is called the Catahoula Leopard Dog. Most of them come with leopard-like spots of various colors, though solid coats are also possible. While initially bred to be hunters, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are also great herders & search & rescue dogs.

#18 Finnish Spitz

Though originally designed as a hunting dog that can go after any prey, from grouse to elk & sometimes even bear, a Finnish Spitz is also a great house pet that bonds with family members well. In Finland, where it is still often used for hunting, the Finnish Spitz has been recognized as the national dog since 1979.

#19 Beauceron

A Beauceron is a versatile employee, as it can work as a guard & herder for sheep & cattle, protecting them against wolves. During wars, they also served as messengers, land mine detectors, & supply transport dogs, while in peaceful times Beaucerons are often employed as police or rescue dogs.

#20 Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is one of only 3 dog breeds that have a ridge of fur on their back that grows in the opposite direction than the rest of the hair. While very intelligent & loyal, their independent character makes them a better match for owners who have substantial experience with dogs.

#21 Saluki

Coming from the Middle Eastern region, Salukis have short fur, except for their long ears that are completely covered with hair. Their long legs & snouts make the breed a great hunter. Salukis belong to the sighthound category, among other dogs who hunt by sight rather than by scent. 

#22 Stabyhoun

The Stabyhoun is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world that originates from the Netherlands. While in its native province of Friesland, this breed of farm dog has been mentioned in literature since the early 1800s, it was only in the 1960s that they became known outside the province, & they only left the Netherlands in the 2000s.  

#23 Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

You have to be exceptional at your job to become a recurring hero of your nation’s folklore. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens are well-known for their stamina & bravery. Their comparatively small size & short legs make them great hare hunters. As pack dogs, they require either a lot of time with their human or another dog or cat as a companion.

#24 Russian Toy

The Russian Toy survived almost complete extinction twice, once in the 1920s & later in the 1990s. It was introduced to the international community only after the 1990s. As they were bred to fight rats & be watchdogs, Russian Toys are pretty vocal to this day. They become attached to their family despite the age of the members. 

#25 Otterhound

Since Otterhounds were originally bred to hunt otters, they perform very well both on land & in the water. They even have webbed feet, which is a very unusual trait for dogs. They are usually very friendly towards their humans & have a unique bass voice.

#26 Canaan Dog

Say hi to Israel’s national dog. For ages, bedouins of the Middle East used them for guarding their camps & herds. The breed carried this trait through the centuries & remains a very agile & defensive protector of their home & family, though never really aggressive. They are very close with their people but prefer to keep their distance with strangers.  

#27 Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a long body, short legs, & a distinctive hairdo. Friendly & chill, they make great companions for older children. The name of the breed is rumored to have originated from a character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Guy Mannering.   

#28 Skye Terrier

Twice as long as it is short, the Skye Terrier is said to have originated from the Isle of Skye in Great Britain, hence the name. While they enjoy daily walks & come from a hunting background, Skye Terriers prefer to live indoors. They are said to be an endangered breed, as not many of them are born each year.

#29 Norwegian Lundehund

The name “Lundehund” consists of 2 Norwegian words: “lunde,” i.e. puffin, & “hund,” i.e. “dog.” This breed was designed to hunt puffins & their eggs. As these birds are known to make nests in inaccessible places on cliffs, the Norwegian Lundehund has 6 toes on each paw to help them climb & cling to the cliffs. 

#30 Schapendoes

Schapendoes were originally bred as herding & farm dogs. During World War II, only a few dogs remained, threatening the breed to become fully extinct. However, breeders were able to bring the breed back. They are not much into guarding but love participating in sports & are very high-spirited & affectionate.

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Sept. 6/2023

 

Here’s A List Showing 30 Of The More Rare & Extraordinary Dog Breeds Part #1

Natallia Pisarenka, Marisha Kazaryan, Robertas Lisickis, & Saulė Tolstych  

boredpanda.com

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: any dog is a cool dog 🐶 no matter breed, appearance, or pedigree. Yet, when you walk in the street or in a dog park, you will probably see some breeds much more often than others. While some you recognize instantaneously, other uncommon dog breeds you might be seeing for the first time & not even know their names. 

Some of these breeds have been designed intentionally, with a specific purpose in mind, like guarding or herding a flock . But at times, weird dog mixes occur when 2 very unlikely breeds come together in a love 💘 relationship, producing a funny, adorable pup no one has seen before. But then again, if you remember that dogs evolved from wolveswolf, all dogs become weird dogs, or should we say, weird wolves.

For this article, we collected some of the rare dog 🐕 breeds you don’t see in the dog park every day. How many of these exotic dogs have you met in real life? Share this article with your dog-loving friends, & show us your floofs, no matter how rare or common, in the comments because we always appreciate pics of the coolest dogs, & we know yours is just one cool doggo.

#1 Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog

Native to Peru 🇵🇪, this dog is one of several hairless breeds. It is officially a part of the country’s cultural heritage. Usually raised as pets, Peruvian Inca Orchid Dogs radiate heat from their bodies & are great to cuddle with & stay warm. Affectionate & intelligent, they are very protective of the women 🚺 & children of the family.

#2 Pumi

This Hungarian 🇭🇺 breed is well-known for its funny facial expressions. While they have been bred since the 17th century, official standards were only recorded in 1935. As a breed of sheepdog, they are equally good at gathering, driving, & keeping stock under control. While they may be a little too vocal at times, Pumis are also intelligent & lively. 

#3 Estrela Mountain Dog

Not only is the Estrela Mountain Dog a great herd-guarding dog, but it is a formidable opponent to any sort of prey it might face. It doesn’t need to be taught to protect children, as it does so instinctively to all little ones in the family. As the breed is known for its independent mind, it is important to train them from early on.

#4 Xoloitzcuintli

Though the Xoloitzcuintli is one of several hairless dog breeds, sometimes the same litter can include both hairless & coated pups. The name of the breed comes from Xolotl, the Aztec god of fire🔥 & lightning 🌩. There has been very little selective breeding in Mexico 🇲🇽 where the Xoloitzcuintli originates from, allowing them to retain their primitive temperament of high intelligence, high energy, & strong social skills.

#5 Schipperke

Though believed to be bred as a barge dog for the canals of Belgium 🇧🇪, the name can be translated both as “little captain” & “little shepherd,” depending on the region. While in the 1880s Schipperkes were seen on barges & small boats 🛳, given their lineage that can be traced to a shepherd dog called the Leauvenaar, it is safe to assume that initially they were intended to guard flocks.

#6 Basenji

Basenji originally come from Congo, a country on the African continent. Alongside their distinct appearance, they also have several interesting traits that are not very common among other breeds. For example, Basenjis rarely bark, preferring to make a weird yodeling sound. Another thing is that the females can only reproduce once a year.

#7 Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhunds hail back to the 8th or 9th century when they were bred to herd & drove cows 🐄. In 1942, the breed was on the brink of extinction, but careful & patient work combined with publicity brought them back. Short legs help the Swedish Vallhund stay closer to the ground & nip at the ankles of any misbehaving cow. Today it is considered the national dog of Sweden 🇸🇪.

#8 Coton De Tulear

Meet the national dog of Madagascar. The Coton de Tulear, named after a city, is more of a cloud 🌥 than a hunting dog. It has been the companion of Merina, the ruling tribe of Madagascar, for a long time, earning the title of the Royal Dog of Madagascar. 

#9 Old English Sheepdog

Remember Prince Eric & his dog Max from The Little Mermaid? Max was an Old English Sheepdog, or, as they are also called, a bobtail. They are very chill & fun to have around. Their old habits are strong though, so an Old English Sheepdog may try to herd children by bumping them gently. But then, you can use that time to go get yourself a cuppa.

#10 Tibetan Mastiff

Called “nomad dog” or “lion dog” in its native Tibet, Tibetan Mastiffs will likely keep all the wrongdoers away from your house based on their sheer size. Raising a Tibetan Mastiff requires some work, as they tend to be intelligent but stubborn. Originally used to protect Buddhist 🕉 monasteries from large animals, this breed retains its guardian nature.

#11 Leonberger

Don’t let the Leonberger’s massive figure fool you. This dog is very agile & is great at search & rescue, especially in water 💦. However, it was primarily bred as a family dog & remains true to its calling. It is safe to leave your little children around them, knowing that they will take great care of them. 

#12 Catalburun

Bred in Turkey 🇹🇷 for hunting game, especially partridge & francolin, the Catalburun is one of only 3 dog breeds that have a distinct split nose. With only a few hundred specimens existing today, this breed is considered to be very rare. Thanks to their acute sense of smell, Catalburuns have recently been trained to serve as detection dogs for drugs, explosives,💣, & search & rescue. 

#13 Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

Kooikerhondje translates from Dutch as "duck 🦆 catcher’s small dog” & describes this breed’s main occupation. Belonging to the spaniel family, these dogs are cheerful, well-behaved, friendly, & alert. They take time to warm up to someone but stay loyal for the rest of their lives.

#14 Bergamasco Sheepdog

If you want to work with sheep 🐑 you have to look like a sheep. The Bergamasco Sheepdog mastered this look with excellence. They originated in the Italian part of the Alps where they were used as herding dogs. Every part of their body is covered with long fur to help them stay protected in bad weather.

#15 Cane Corso

If you have ever walked down the street with a Cane Corso on a leash, you’ve probably noticed how people tend to part in front of you to make way for this gorgeous giant. While being great guardians, they are very affectionate to their own humans.

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