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

By Riley, last updated March 23, 2022 8 Comments

There 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

The 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 Hummingbirds Eat? (How To Attract These Fun Birds)

By Riley, last updated August 12, 2018 1 Comment

They can be as small as a length of a finger and weigh as little as a penny.

Their wings flap 50 times per second, and their metabolism is so fast that they eat half their weight in sugar every day.

They were revered in some cultures. Aztecs, for instance, believed that fallen warriors would return to Earth as these creatures.

They are hummingbirds, and this is an overview on what they eat, how they eat, and how you can bring them to your yard.

Hummingbirds are New World birds, in that they reside solely in the the Americas. They live as far north as southern Alaska and as far south as Tierra del Fuego, the southern-most tip of South America.

The majority inhabit the more temperate climate of Central America, with other species migrating there during the onset of winter in the different hemispheres.

They are known for certain distinctive traits and they have a pronounced bill that is slender and can be used to eat and to chase off competition at the same time.

Their bill is a handy bit of evolution for hummingbirds, as it remarks on their food source and why they’ve spread throughout the Americas when other species have disappeared.

So what do hummingbirds eat? Read on to learn more about these amazing creatures and how to attract them to your yard. [Read more…]

What Do Blue Jays Eat? (How To Attract These Stunning Birds)

By Riley, last updated March 23, 2022 9 Comments

One of my favorite birds is the Blue Jay. I just love their deep blue color, especially when I can get picture of them with deep green grass or bright white snow in the background.

So what is a blue jay? The blue jay is a partially migratory songbird in the Corvid family, along with ravens and crows. It has black and blue plumage, a white face and a thick bill.

Those who have spent time or live in central or eastern North America tend to recognize them easily.

They are mostly often remembered for that bright blue color, as there aren’t a wealth of boldly colored birds in this part of the world.

Attracting blue jays to an area can be tough though, so read on if you want to know more about how to bring them to your area or are just curious enough to ask ‘what do blue jays eat’? [Read more…]

What Do Dragonflies Eat? (How To Attract These Beauties)

By Riley, last updated March 23, 2022 1 Comment

Believe it or not, dragonflies are an exceptional means in which to get rid of those bugs that keep bugging you.

However, experts believe that 15% of North America’s dragonflies are in danger of extinction.

So how do you help a bug that that helps you? Simple. You learn a little about them to determine what they eat and how to keep them safe.

Start with a little dragonfly trivia. The term dragon-fly was first put into use in 1626 in a published work by Francis Bacon.

Prior to that title, dragonflies had a vast array of names which included: adder bolt, snake doctor, and horse stinger.

That last label was quite misleading, as dragonflies do not bite or sting. And that’s true, unless of course they are feeding, at which point they use their strong mandibles to chew on their prey.

So just what do dragonflies eat? [Read more…]