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What Do Baby Ducks Eat? (How To Feed These Cuties)

By Riley, last updated July 30, 2018 1 Comment

Baby Ducks EatingDucks. The name is a general term used to refer to a group of species in the Anatidae family of waterfowl. As you might already know, this family also includes swan and geese, but ducks are unique in some of their characteristics, hence the distinction.

One should not confuse ducks for similar fowl, like loons or coots, although they are all primarily aquatic birds that will normally congregate in salt and freshwater areas.

Ducks are smaller than geese and swan, and while their necks are long, they are nowhere near the immense length of a swan neck. As they are similar to these other water bird varieties, one might also assume that they share some dietary characteristics.

Is this the case, however? Let’s look at where the duck, specifically youngling ducks, turn to for nutrition. In short: what do baby ducks eat? [Read more…]

What Do Butterflies Eat? (And How To Attract Them)

By Riley, last updated July 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

Butterfly On FlowerButterflies, members of the superfamily of species known as “Papilonoidea,” are small, flying insects. An old group of insects, there are butterfly fossils that date back to the Paleocene period, some 56 million years ago.

The typical moth goes through a four-stage life cycle, part of which is the much-romanticized metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. They are like moths and are known for their large variation of colors and patterns. Some butterflies even make use of camouflage and mimicry of their surroundings to conceal themselves from predators.

They sometimes fall victim to a range of small animals that consider them a food source, but what do butterflies eat? Let’s explore the interesting diet of these majestic creatures. [Read more…]

What Do Swans Eat? (7 Foods To Feed These Beautiful Birds)

By Riley, last updated October 6, 2018 8 Comments

Swan In PondThere are about six species of Swans, members of the Anatidae family of birds, within the Genus Cygnus. They are closely related to geese but are still considered to be in a grouping all their own. The major classifications are as follows:

  • The Mute Swan
  • The Black Swan
  • The Black-Necked Swan
  • The Whooper Swan
  • The Trumpeter Swan
  • The Tundra Swan

Most people know of the Swan’s cultural significance, through tales like the ugly duckling or their use in various emblems and coats of arms. Swans are also known, though, for some of their more interesting habits.

They will, for example, feed almost exclusively on the water. They are aggressive and will protect their territory fiercely. They are also known as being monogamous creatures that will mate for life (though in some cases, they will split from their partners).

Less discussed in all the talk of swans, however, is their diet. What do swans eat, and where do they procure the bulk of their nutrition? [Read more…]

What Do Ladybugs Mean? (Amazing Beetles: A History)

By Riley, last updated November 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

What Do Ladybugs MeanThe Coccinellidae, more commonly known as the ladybug, is a family of insects, well known for their red, orange, or yellow coloring and small black spots.

There are over 6,000 different species of ladybugs across the globe, many of which are considered helpful, as they eat aphids and other smaller creatures that are considered pests to crops.

Though they are commonly referred to as “bugs,” ladybugs are not true bugs (as they are actually beetles). It is more correct to refer to them as ladybird beetles or lady beetles.

So what do ladybugs mean?

Several superstitions have emerged about these amazing insects. While some of them (like the idea that the number of spots they have is indicative of their age) are untrue, these beetles have long held a place in human culture and mythologies, coming to symbolize many things to many groups of people. [Read more…]

What Do Cardinals Eat? (How These Awesome Red Birds Survive)

By Riley, last updated July 30, 2018 2 Comments

What Do Cardinals EatCardinals, commonly called redbirds, are some of the most recognizable wild birds in the U.S.

When most people refer to cardinals, they’re talking about Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), which populate suburbs, woodlands and rural areas throughout the Northern and Midwestern U.S, southern Canada, some southern states and parts of California and Mexico.

The males sport distinctive bright red plumage with a black mask on the face. Females are tan with reddish streaks on the tail, crest and wings.

Cardinals measure 8.1 to 9.3 inches long and weigh 1.5 to 1.7 ounces, with an 11 inch wingspan. Abundant in the northern and eastern U.S., cardinals are honored in seven states as the state bird.

There are 11 genera and 42 species of cardinals, with the Northern Cardinal the most well-known.

So what do cardinals eat, and how can you attract them to your yard? Read on to find out. [Read more…]

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