During their breeding season, most birds feed on the insects which are plentiful at this time of year. As the fall approaches, however, they begin to feed more heavily on seeds and fruits. Along migration routes, plants have fruit that is timed to ripen as the migrating birds pass through. These birds are excellent seed distributors since they can travel great distances every day.

Over 300 species of parrots inhabit the tropical forests, many of them endangered. Photo credit Corel Photo Clipart CD.

Forests are filled with a variety of songs from all types of birds. Birds are usually most vocal at dawn, and it can be difficult to separate all the sounds into individual songs. Most birds make two basic types of sounds: call notes and songs. Call notes are simple, brief and can be used as signals and warnings to other birds. These are the sounds birds use for basic communication. The songs can be much longer and more complex. They are heard most often during the breeding season, and males of some species sing very enthusiastically to defend their territory. These basic vocalizations vary greatly even within one species. Regional differences in songs, much like dialects among different groups of people, are common in some bird species. Above: A common sparrow, one of many types of songbirds. Left: Eagles and ospreys. Photos by Maya Walters. Some birds live individually and others in large family groups, but most try to defend a territory against others of their species. Many birds migrate between temperate and tropical forests, returning to the same areas year after year. Males in particular are usually intent on chasing intruders out of their traditional territory. Having a specific territory is an advantage because it is more efficient and less dangerous to forage in an area that is familiar and well-known. Once territories are established, it is very difficult for a young bird to chase another out of its traditional feeding and nesting grounds.

A tree swallow. Photo by Maya Walters.

Various types of swallows, as well as many other birds, live in colonies and defend only a very small area directly surrounding their nests. Other birds, including the great horned owls, have extensive territories covering several square miles. In years of abundant food, some birds maintain much smaller territories than when food is scarce.

Woodpeckers specialize in eating forest pests. They feed on insects that other birds can't reach, such as bark beetles that live inside trees. They access these parasites by using their thick, solid beaks to hammer into trunks of both living and dead trees. The holes created by foraging woodpeckers are then used by a variety of other creatures. find out more...

The males and females of some bird species appear identical. In other species, males have very brightly colored or elaborate plumage, which they show off during breeding season. Some of these plumage differences are more important than others. The male common flicker has a "mustache" of black feathers. It is this "mustache" which identifies him as a male. If the black feathers are painted over, the female ignores him, thinking he's another female. In turn, if a black "mustache" is painted on the female, the male will vigorously chase her out of his territory, thinking she is another male. Below: A female cardinal. Males have bright red feathers. Photo by Maya Walters.

In all cases, female birds are not as brightly colored as the males. Females are usually brown or green, since they need to be camouflaged while sitting on eggs in the nest. Gaudy plumage definitely makes the males more visible to predators. This is why males of some bird species do not have specially colored feathers, and might instead perform elaborate displays or drum on trees to defend their territory. Above: Mynah birds have dark coloring, but conspicuous yellow bills. Photo by Maya Walters.

On this page: Three very differently constructed birds' nests. Photo credits Corel Photo Clipart CD.

There is a huge variation in shapes and sizes of birds' nests. Different species also nest in different locations: some prefer tree cavities, others nest on the ground or in the branches of bushy shrubs. Nests are very hard to find, but forests are full of them. Most birds have favorite nest locations, but can adapt to other types of nest sites.

Nests are usually constructed of plant materials such as grass, twigs, moss, or sticks, as well as feathers, but more unusual construction materials can also be used. Some birds will use hair and string if it is available, and the great crested flycatcher will even use shed snakeskin to build its nests.