Let's Say Hi to Friends Who Fly Quiz

Answer: Named after it by early settlers

Though several sources assure me that the American robin (Turdus migratorius) doesn't really go all that far south for the winter, that doesn't stop us here in Ontario, from looking for the first robin of spring! Apparently those that remain in colder climes stick close to their nests until the weather warms up.

His red breast led early European settlers in North America to compare this bird to the European robin (Erithacus rubecula), and give it a similar name. The bird found in Canada is larger than the European bird, and more closely related to the thrush family.

Answer: Her feathers are mostly brown.

Both the male and female northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) are crested, and about the same seven and one half inches in size. It is, however, the male whose bright red feathers brighten up the winter landscape, whilst the female makes do with brown feathers all over her body, with just a few hints of red.

Answer: Ring-billed gull

The second photo, while amusing, doesn't show off the marking on this cheeky gull's bill that gives him his common name. The ring-billed gull is sometimes referred to as the "fast food" gull, and I have watched a group of them squabbling over the contents of an abandoned pizza box and being extremely noisy about it.

Despite the fact that the incorrect answers could easily describe this bird, none of them are in common use.

Answer: V

The V shape of their formation can sometimes be a bit ragged, with one arm longer than the other and stragglers bringing up the rear, but the V is almost always discernible. The loud honking as they fly along alerts one to their approach. In summer large groups, including goslings, can sometimes be seen alongside the river or swimming in it.

Answer: Pigeon

The rock pigeon (Columba livia) can be quite interesting to observe, especially if you have an observation point in a tall building, as I did when working in Toronto. My colleagues and I spent more time than we should have glued to the coffee room window, watching a pair of pigeons on a ledge of the older hotel next door, building their nest, feeding their chick and ultimately teaching him to fly.

Answer: Raucous

If I hear what sounds like a squeaky gate in my yard, I'm pretty certain I'll soon spot a blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and he probably wants food! Peanuts seem to be a favourite, and he'll fly off with one in his mouth, but soon return for another.

Answer: Osprey

The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a fish-hawk, which explains why the nesting poles are close to water. The bird will also nest in trees and on utility poles, and the male of a pair will bring fish for the female to feed to their young. Watching them fish is a real treat for the observer. The photo shows one in flight near its nest.

Answer: Attacks aggressively

This relatively small bird (about seven and a half inches in length) does not like intruders, and I have witnessed one repeatedly "dive bombing" a much bigger osprey, much to my amusement. The bigger bird did not take action against the brave smaller one. Though the blackbird will make a lot of noise if a human approaches, this is more by way of warning than a call for assistance.

Answer: Mourning dove

Hearing the mournful "coo-oo, coo-oo" always makes me feel like I should do something to cheer these birds up. The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is plentiful in southern Ontario, and feeds mainly on seeds. It is similar in size to a pigeon.

Answer: Drab brown

Despite the snow on the ground, this photo was taken in mid-April, and this goldfinch (Spinus tristis) has reached the point in his annual plumage cycle when he is sporting his yellow courting clothes. He'll retain these bright feathers until September, when molting begins and by November will wear the same drab brown as the female of his type.