Branta canadensis–Canada goose–is the largest species of goose and is a ubiquitous migratory species in North America. These herbivorous, freshwater-preferring waterfowl have done quite well in the modern age, conservatively numbering 5 million strong. While the picture above is a goose, some people long ago decided to refer to a grouping of these critters as…
Buteo jamaicensis–the red-tailed hawk–is one of the most common birds of prey that is seen on campus. With a range that spans from Alaska to Panama and a little beyond, these birds are both common and conspicuous. These hawks feed on many other critters on campus, such as small mammals and birds, but will actively…
Bos taurus–cows–are domesticated ungulates used as livestock across the world. Cows are some of the most prolific grazers to ever covet grass. It is said that there are over 1.5 billion cows in the world currently. Cattle as a whole make up around 35% of the total mammalian biomass in the world, eking out the…
Domesticated sheep–Ovis aries–are a domesticated ruminant species numbering in the billions worldwide. Sheep have lived with humans for thousands of years and often hold symbolic meanings in various Eurasian cultures. These grazing herbivores are quite prolific and are an essential farm animal and have their place along with horses, cows, and chickens in the farm-cannon….
Trachemys scripta–the red-eared slider–is a terrapin native to the southeast United States. Prevalence in the pet trade has made the subspecies invasive in many parts of the world, including Rhode Island. These sliders are one of the most invasive species in the world and are now common in many ponds and lakes across many continents. …
Junco hyemalis–the dark-eyed junco–is a small snowbird common in most of North America and is quite abundant on campus during this time of year. Dark-eyed juncos feast primarily on seeds but will also target insects when the opportunity presents itself. The dark-eyed junco’s ecology is a “what you see is what you get” situation. They…
Leuconotopicus vilosus – the hairy woodpecker – is a common woodpecker species that can be found in most of North America. Although omnivorous, these birds are specially designed for insect foraging, uncovering grubs that foolishly believe bark to be an infallible sanctuary. Sometimes evolution gives simple answers to complex questions. How do you find and…
Baeolophus bicolor – the tufted titmouse – is a small songbird native to the eastern half of the United States and a common bird on campus, especially during the winter months. These small omnivores are less conspicuous than other birds seen on campus. Although their songs are sweet and their crests tufted, they don’t peacock…
The American robin – Turdus migratorius – is the most common landbird species in North America and a fixture across campus. The robin has weathered and thrived, despite its turbulent environment, to be one of the most successful vertebrate species of our day. Some naturalists may point to its balanced diet of bugs and fruits…
Once upon a midnight dreary, while one Corvus corax flew near me, I saw the common raven’s empathic core. A bird adorned for night, a cryptic healer made for flight, misunderstood due to forgotten lore. Distinctly, I remember one Dec. 10th grade, when I first read Poe’s prose. His poems are dense and dark, his…