Though the peregrine falcon is certainly not exclusive to South Florida, the species is one of the Everglades’ greatest hunters. The name peregrine falcon literally means “wandering falcon”, and the species has up to nineteen listed subspecies, though one or two of these are currently up for scientific debate. They are members of the raptor […]
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker may be one of the loudest species of birds that can be found in the Florida Everglades today. Like many of the species that can be found within the woodpecker family, this tiny, yet beautiful bird, was given the name “woodpecker” for a reason. They are true professionals when it comes to […]
Rock Dove
The rock dove, sometimes simply referred to as a “pigeon,” can be found all around the world, and in some places is so common that it can even be considered a nuisance or pest. In Europe alone, where rock doves originated, there are estimated to be between 17 and 28 million feral doves living in […]
What is Molting and Why is it Done?
You may have never heard the term “molting” before, but chances are very good that you have encountered it before and are familiar with a few examples, whether you know it or not. In fact, whether you were even aware that it was happening, you yourself take part in various forms of molting periodically throughout […]
Wild Turkey
Most people have probably heard of both domestic turkeys and wild turkeys, though you may be surprised to find out that these are actually one and the same species. However, far fewer people are likely to have encountered turkeys in the wild than they are to have encountered them each year on their Thanksgiving table, […]
Can an Animal’s Diet Affect Its Coloring?
Between all of the birds, fish, and reptiles that can be found within the Florida Everglades, it is certainly a very colorful place. But have you ever wondered why some species are more colorful than others, or why there is so much variation within species sometimes? For instance, have you ever wondered why some flamingoes […]
Mallards
The term “mallard” has often been used to describe any duck that is found in the wild, but is actually an official term used to describe a specific species of duck, the Anas platyrhynchos. While mallards are a type of wild duck, this does not go to say that every duck that is found in […]
Great Horned Owl
While the burrowing owl might be the most well known owl in southern Florida, it is certainly not alone in the area. The great horned owl is prevalent here as well, a species which grows much larger than the burrowing owl, and is in fact the second largest species of owl found in North America, […]
Why Do Birds Sing?
Chances are, at some point in your life, that you’ve woken up to the sound of a bird singing outside your window. Whether you are someone who tends to enjoy these melodies or someone who plugs your ears in annoyance at the interruption to your slumber, you may have found yourself wondering why birds sing […]
Brown Pelican
If you’ve ever been to the beach or out on a boat in Florida, than you have probably seen your fair share of brown pelicans. Most commonly found around coastlines of the Southern United States, this interesting bird is also quite common in the Everglades. While perhaps best known for annoying fishermen and boatmen, the […]