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Daily Bucket - Friday Sequence , feeding habits (a controlled situation). [1]

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Date: 2023-09-22  

The Nuthatch (title photo) is holding a seed as big as his beak. These tiny birds will dive rapidly out of the trees and snatch a seed; then flit back into the trees to eat. Other species that repeat this technique are Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Wary of predators, it is a good habit but uses a lot of energy. Sunflower seeds offer great nutrition as a counter balance.

1:04 minute film

White-breasted Nuthatch for size comparison.

In the next video, you’ll see Blue Jays and Mourning Doves collecting seeds. These are birds that will usually hang around the seed pile and eat until they are full. Other birds with that feeding habit are Chipping Sparrow, Dark eyed Junco, Common Crow, White-throated Sparrow. Goldfinch, Pine Siskin and Cardinals. An example is shown in the video below.

15 second film

There are some species that have their own method. I caught this juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker land on the seed pile at the prompting of his parent. The adult flew off with seeds to stash away for winter. The film below shows the confused juvenile. I’m sure it will learn what to do before it’s head changes colors.

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I’ll add this video of the adult Red-headed Woodpecker taking the juvenile to the seed stash and feeding it. The film below was taken in 2021 but the parent is the same for both offspring. This habit has continued for generations with this family unit.

43 second film

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/9/22/2192365/-Daily-Bucket-Friday-Sequence-feeding-habits-a-controlled-situation

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