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American Kestrel by Blair Dudeck / Macaulay Library Search for species name or keywords
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The juvenile’s wings will grow stronger and longer during this stage of development, enabling it to fly farther and more gracefully and to make fewer crashes. Its ruffled, mottled appearance will eventually give way to a fresh set of glossy, vibrant feathers. And one day, the young bird’s cries for food will be answered by their parents’ firm love.
The juveniles will learn how to navigate the world over the course of the next month or so. A parent robin may point out the visible end of a worm to a young robin that is pecking at the ground. Alternatively, you might spot a family of chickadees hopping from twig to twig in the tree above, making soft chattering and chirping noises. A House Finch tending to two young birds at your feeder may even catch your eye.
The nest is no longer the juveniles’ home once they depart from it. But that doesnt mean theyre forgotten by their parents. Mom and Dad are still nearby, keeping watch. The young are dispersed, but they can always be found by their parents because they always chirp. The juvenile will flap its wings, open its beak, and beg for the food when its parent appears with a tasty bug or worm in its mouth.
However, the coloring and texture of the juveniles and adults differ most noticeably from one another. They may still have a few fluffy, downy feathers sticking out, giving them a slightly unkempt, ruffled look. In order to better conceal themselves from predators, juveniles of colorful species will appear plainer than their parents with streaky or spotted markings. Because the young birds cannot fly away to make a quick escape, they will be spending a lot of time scooting on the ground or perching in bushes and shrubs, so this camouflage is crucial.
FAQ
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