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The Weekly Bird Word

02/10/26

This week’s Bird Word:
Bills vs. Beaks

Do birds have bills or beaks? Turns out, they are fundamentally the same thing. The myriad shapes, sizes and colors of bird beaks have evolved largely due to food sources and environmental factors and are also used for display and communication. Although they are a great reference for bird identification, beaks and bills are actually constantly changing in response to their environment.

Hummingbirds, like this Ruby-throated Hummingbird, have long, slender bills perfect for reaching deep into tubular flowers for nectar. Photo: Mary Berry/Audubon Photography Awards

More in local bird and nature news:

See more beaks and bills at your feeders: As we know, different birds eat different things! Our recorded workshop on Winter Bird Feeding can help you attract a greater diversity of bird species to your feeders.
We’re building conservation partnerships across northern Virginia: NVBA’s 2026 Symposium, Protecting Birds & Urban Nature in Northern Virginia, is on February 25. Learn more here.
The Great Backyard Bird Count starts FRIDAY! Contribute your bird sightings in as little as 15 minutes during the 4-day count. NVBA is keeping a keen eye out for the Peregrine Falcon and Eastern Meadowlark this year as part of our core conservation initiatives…let us know if you spot one of these species in the wild!
Help count ducks and waterfowl: The Winter Waterfowl Count is Saturday, 2/14. This count is a citizen science effort organized by Northern Virginia Bird Alliance to track data about winter waterfowl - register by noon on Friday to participate!
Brush up on your waterfowl ID skills before the count this weekend with our recorded Duck and Waterfowl Identification workshop.
Early Bird Romance: The cold depths of February might seem like an odd time for birds to start nesting, but some species start early. Bald Eagles begin nesting in February and March, and they also mate for life.
Weekend events roundup: We had a great turnout for our Raptor Rehab event with A.E.R.O. on Saturday and our final Crow Watch at the Shirlington roost on Sunday. Watch for highlights from both events on Instagram.
What’s a gardener to do? Winter can be tough when all you want to do is get your hands back in the dirt and see life return to your garden. Here are some ideas to prepare your garden for the return of spring, even though it’s cold outside.
We need your help: Check out our volunteer page for all the different ways you can lend a hand! From pulling invasives to helping with tabling events and counting birds and insects, there’s something for everyone.

Stay warm and see you out there,

The Northern Virginia Bird Alliance Team

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