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…
Nannopterum auritum – the double-crested cormorant – is an aquatic bird native to nearly all parts of North America and can be found year-round in Rhode Island. Although rarely seen on the Kingston Campus (but certainly not unheard of), they remain an ever-present fixture at the Narragansett Bay Campus; home to the Graduate School of…
Tenodora sinensis – the Chinese mantis – is an invasive mantis species found in Rhode Island and up and down the East Coast of the United States. These ambush predators eat just about anything they can get their hands on, including other mantises during copulation – a quirk of ecology that has captured the fascination…
Larus delawarensis – the ringed gull – is a medium-sized shorebird common in most parts of North America. In modern times, ringed gulls are just as common in large parking lots as they are on the coast. This, however, was not always the case. Most people in the lower 48 and the more temperate parts…
Odocoileus virginianus – the whitetail deer – is the largest native animal seen on campus and likely the largest terrestrial animal most people see in Rhode Island, barring a chance encounter with a truly bewildering bear. Whitetails are extremely common in nearly all parts of North America and have a significant population in South America….
Tamis striatus — the eastern chipmunk – is a tiny rodent found in the eastern half of the North American continent and in magical corners all around campus at the University of Rhode Island. These resourceful omnivores are known for their intricate underground burrow systems, where they hide and store food. Chipmunks live in their…