Ground-Nesting Land Birds (Other Than Songbirds)

This is the second of three articles written to help cat owners prevent their pets from eating baby birds. Although most birds aren't actually vulnerable to cats, the only reliable way to protect the vulnerable birds is to keep cats away from their nests.

Caveat

Much of the information found in these articles comes from the Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. (To check it out, or visit author/artist David Sibley online: www.sibleyguides.com.) Although this book gives general information about bird families around the world, its focus is on North American species. So, for example,although Sibley's discussion of the parrot family doesn't mention any North American species being vulnerable to cats, wildlife watchers will remember that the severely endangered kakapo is a ground-nesting bird in the parrot family that is vulnerable to cats. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be especially important for you to consult local bird experts about local birds not mentioned here.

Appeal

Although I don't have access to digital video recording technology, AC does have the capability to illustrate articles like this one with live videos. Videos of birds mentioned in this article would obviously be helpful to readers. If you can produce a digital video of any bird mentioned here, please submit it to AC, and we can link this article to the video.

Chickenlike Birds: partridges, pheasants, grouse, quail, turkeys, guinea fowl