Every year, we invite readers to send us their best bird, bloom and butterfly photos for our annual Birds & Blooms Photo Contest.

For our 2024 photo contest we received thousands of extraordinary entries. Our editorial team narrowed it down to 12 finalists. From there, we turned it over to you to vote for your favorites. We are happy to announce that our readers voted for Linda McCann’s gorgeous and inspiring photo of a tiger swallowtail butterfly on cherry blossoms as the grand prize winner.

The Story Behind the Winning Photo

Linda took the photo in her home state of California. In her original contest submission, Linda wrote, “Every year I love to visit the secret garden at Huntington Beach Central Library. Last spring I was admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms when this amazing tiger swallowtail landed in the center of a perfect blossom. My dream came true when I snapped this photo.”

Linda used her Canon 90D and the Canon 100-400 mm lens to capture the winning image. “I just love tiger swallowtail butterflies and am always trying to capture a great picture of one,” she says.

Check out the 2024 Spring Birding Moments video contest winners.

How to Enter Your Photo

Thanks for the thousands of Birds & Blooms readers who submitted entries and voted for their favorite pictures. Here’s some more exciting news to share! We have even more contests planned, including the 2025 Photo Contest. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a winner.

Check our contests page for more details on how to enter upcoming and current contests and to read the official rules.

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Next, don’t miss the amazing winner of the 2023 Birds & Blooms Photo Contest.

It’s no secret that to humans, birds have a variety of peculiar behaviors. We can only assume those habits work for them, but to us, it doesn’t quite make sense why a crow would swallow a rock, or why a blue jay would rub ants over its feathers. One such odd behavior? Dust baths.

For humans, getting covered in dust would be a reason to take a bath, not something in which to bathe. For birds, however, dust baths are a well-documented phenomenon; and while we can’t be sure why they do this (it’s not as if we can ask them), scientists have a few leading theories about why a bird dust bath happens.

How Do Dust Baths Help Birds?

Dr. Lina Rifai, associate professor of vertebrate biology at Indiana University – Kokomo and a member of Indiana Audubon’s Board of Directors, emphasizes that we can’t know for certain why birds partake in this behavior. (After all, it’s not as if we can ask them.)

However, she says, general bird behavior analysis offers a few possibilities. “The hypothesis for it is feather maintenance and to remove parasites,” she says. “They go in there and open their wings and spread the dust throughout their body, and it helps them remove excessive lipids (fats), similarly to why we wash our hair.”

Learn how to clean a birdbath the right way.

Which Birds Take Dust Baths?

As far as which birds habitually get dusty, Lina says aquatic birds are often less likely to dust-bathe than desert birds, for example, who have more access to dirt and dust than water. With that said, even common backyard feeder birds will do it. “We know our sparrows love doing it, robins will do it, bluebirds, wrens,” Lina says. “It seems to be about availability, and feather maintenance.”

Interestingly, for some species, dust bathing can be about more than getting clean or reducing parasites. “California quail, it’s been shown, do this as a communal activity,” Lina says. “For social birds, it can be a social cohesion experience.” Mated pairs can do this as a bonding activity as well.

Learn all about bird wings and flight feathers.

How to Build a Bird Dust Bath

Of course, the question then becomes whether birds prefer water or dust for bathing. We commonly hear about putting up birdbaths in our backyards, but should we be putting up dust baths, too? “Some studies have shown that if the bird doesn’t have water available, they’ll take dust baths — some studies show that they’ll take dust baths no matter if there’s water or not,” Lina says.

If you’d like to set up a bird dust bath in your yard, Lina has a few tips. First, she says to locate your dust bath close to shrubs or a bush, so birds have a place to go where they’re protected. “You’d want to use an area that drains really well, so you don’t get bacteria growing,” she mentions. She recommends a mixture of soil, sand, and even some ash. Make sure it’s the proper size for the birds to rest in completely, and, if possible, keep it in the sun.

Psst—here’s how to make a DIY butterfly puddler.

Sparrows Bathing in Ashes

“After emptying some ashes into my garden area, I saw a large gathering of house sparrows taking a “bath” in the ashes the next day. Why were they doing that?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Linda Ruesink.

Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “Like many other birds, house sparrows are fond of taking dust baths. Finding a patch of very fine, dry dust, they settle into it, fluffing their feathers and flapping their wings to spread the dust through their plumage. Then they preen it out, helping to remove grease, loose flakes of skin and small external parasites.

Ashes can be even more effective than regular dust because of the very fine texture. Ashes are also more likely to repel small parasites such as mites or lice. Avoid providing birds ashes from treated lumber or other chemically-treated products.”

Next, read about bizarre and surprising bird facts you should know.

About the Experts

Dr. Lina Rifai is an associate professor of vertebrate biology at Indiana University – Kokomo and a member of Indiana Audubon’s Board of Directors.

Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman are the official bird experts for Birds & Blooms. They are the creators of the Kaufman Field Guide series and they lead birding trips all over the world.

Sources

• Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, “Birdbath Tips“

Every year, the American Birding Association (ABA) chooses a bird to highlight for the year ahead. Sometimes, these birds are commonly spotted in the backyard; others are trickier for birders to find. This year’s choice, however, is considered a favorite for its trademark call. Read on to learn about the ABA’s Bird of the Year for 2025!

What Is The 2025 Bird of the Year?

This year, the ABA has chosen the common loon as its Bird of the Year. In its announcement of the year’s bird, the association highlights the ubiquity of the common loon — whether or not you’ve ever seen one in-person, you’ve undoubtedly heard its call in movies or TV shows.

“It simply is the outdoors,” they note in their announcement article, also noting that any common loon sighting feels incomplete without hearing the bird. “There’s something intangible about the call of a loon that makes the experience of only seeing one something entirely different,” they note. “Not necessarily lesser than, but incomplete. To hear it is to truly experience this spectacular bird.”

Where to See the 2025 Bird of the Year

To spot a common loon in North America, birders will need to head up north. Their breeding season range extends through the northernmost portions of the Midwest, including northern Minnesota, the upper peninsula of Michigan, and northern Wisconsin. They also appear in portions of Maine, and most of Canada.

You might spot a common loon in other parts of the U.S. during migration.

Learn to identify more water birds you should know.

Who Is The 2025 Bird of the Year Artist?

The ABA chose Minnesota-based artist Sam Zimmerman as its Bird of the Year artist for 2025. Sam works as an artist, author, and educator. The announcement article also highlights Sam’s Ojibwe heritage and explains that his art focuses on capturing and preserving those stories.

Visit the ABA website to listen to see Sam’s art and listen to an interview with him. Plus, have fun with the ABA’s common loon word search and coloring page.

Check out a list of previous years’ winners, too, including 2024’s golden-winged warbler.

Sources

• American Birding Association, “2025 ABA Bird of the Year: Common Loon”
• American Birding Association, “2025 Bird of the Year Artist Sam Zimmerman”
• National Audubon Society, “Audubon Field Guide: Common Loon“

Bird Habitat: Food, Shelter and Nesting Sites

Why go searching for birds when you can beckon them to your backyard? With a bit of intention and a few plants that provide sustenance and shelter, you can turn almost any space into an oasis for your feathered friends. They may even take up residence themselves! “Many species of birds are in decline because of habitat loss. The one place that we have some direct influence on bird habitat is in our yards,” says Emma Greig, project leader of FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

“By creating a bird-friendly garden, you are offering birds shelter, food and maybe even a place to nest and raise young,” Emma says. Remember that diversity is key when planning a garden that gives big-time benefits to birds of all kinds. Incorporating a variety of plants to create a well-rounded ecosystem, especially one that provides year-round use, is the best way to give an all-encompassing habitat that includes everything your avian neighbors need to thrive.

“There are lots of different species of birds that need different things: Some need seeds, some need insects, some need specific types of plants for nests,” Emma says. “By providing a variety of plants, you are making it more likely that you will meet the needs of a diverse set of species.”

Plants That Pack a Nutritious Punch

Birds spend a large part of their day foraging for food, including seeds, fruit, nectar and insects. Think like a hungry bird by considering plants that provide a garden of good eats, especially when natural food sources are scarce and daylight hours for foraging dwindle in autumn and winter. “Plants sustain birds in so many ways: by providing food in the form of seeds and berries, and by being a home for insects that birds need to eat,” Emma says. “Without plants, most birds wouldn’t be able to survive. Pigeons might be an exception!”

During the growing season, low-maintenance perennials such as ornamental grasses, coneflower, coreopsis, sunflower and sedum attract insects that nesting songbirds love to savor. Keep the bird buffet going by allowing spent flowers to remain after the season wraps so seed heads can develop and sustain overwintering birds such as chickadees, goldfinches and titmice.

And don’t forget about nectar and berry lovers! If you want to make local hummingbirds feel at home, adding nectar-rich plants with tube-shaped flowers like colorful cardinal flower and salvia, whether grown in pots or woven within the landscape, is a no-brainer.

Finally, many plants provide a bounty of berries that birds rely on, especially when colder weather comes to call. Winterberry, chokeberry, beautyberry, flowering dogwood and cotoneaster are all shrubs heavily laden with branches of nutrient-rich berries that grow to a modest size, making them suitable for even smaller gardens.

Take Cover with Trees and Shrubs

There are many benefits to providing sources of shelter for birds as habitat loss continues to impact migration habits and breeding sites. The dense foliage of trees and shrubs furnishes protection from predators during the day and cover for roosting at night. Tree branches provide stopover sites for migrating birds, lofty perches for birds to rest after foraging, and secure spots for nesting and raising broods of new bird generations.

Consider native trees and shrubs, which often have multiple benefits, such as being larval host plants that supply protein for hatchlings. “One of my personal favorites is serviceberry because it provides shelter, nesting sites, berries and insects,” says Emma. “And it is a gorgeous tree to have in your yard.” Cedar waxwings, robins, catbirds and close to 30 other species of birds agree.

To create a backyard in which birds will feel safe and at home, mimic the multiple layers of growth found in natural settings. Trees and shrubs of varying heights and forms (and even native vines such as Virginia creeper and trumpet honeysuckle), when planted together, provide a habitat that suits a variety of bird species.

In winter, evergreens are especially important in northern climates. Deciduous trees lose their leaves and birds become exposed to the elements. In addition, hollies provide year-round shelter and nesting sites, with the benefit of berries that ripen in fall and persist into winter.

The Big Three Plants for Birds

These powerhouse plants provide the ultimate bird habitat trifecta—food, cover and nesting sites!

Crabapple

Malus species, Zones 3 to 8

Robins, bluebirds, finches, cardinals and more flock to crabapples as they provide nectar and insects in spring and edible fruit in late fall. Its network of flower-flecked branches offers ideal cover and a beautiful place for birds to nest too.

Spruce

Picea species, Zones 2 to 8

A rich food source, spruces offer insects for birds like warblers in early spring while supplying seed-bearing cones and fruits in fall and winter. Their thick evergreen needles provide excellent cover. Their dense branch structure make a perfect environment for nesting.

Common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca L., Zones 3 to 8

Milkweed attracts a load of insects during the growing season that are great for birds. Plus, birds such as goldfinches and juncos eat the seeds in fall and winter. Its dense growing habit hides birds that like to forage on the ground. Species like the American goldfinch use the downy milkweed fiber to line their nests.

About the Expert

Emma Greig is the project leader of Project FeederWatch, a citizen science program, for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Emma holds a Ph. D. from the University of Chicago and previously was a postdoctoral associate in Macaulay Library.

Sources

Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension – Serviceberry

Alliance for Chesapeake Bay – “Beneficial trees for birds, your appetite and your creative side”

All About Birds – “To Bring Birds to Your Garden, Grow Native Plants: Here’s How to Get Started”

The American Gardener – “Bird-Friendly Winter Gardens“

A defining characteristic of hummingbirds — at least for those of us in North America — is their teeny size. Birders put out sugar water feeders every year in the hopes of bringing in a jewel-colored mini-bird, and many species are no larger than the palm of one’s hand. But while we usually think of hummingbirds as small, a giant hummingbird does exist… and it’s a joy to the hummingbird obsessed.

These are the different types of hummingbirds you can spot in the United States.

Giant Hummingbird Identification

According to John Shewey, author of The Hummingbird Handbook, telling a giant hummingbird apart from its normal-sized counterparts isn’t exactly a problem. “Imagine a hummingbird bigger than the swallows we see perched on power lines—the giant hummingbird is massive for a hummingbird!” he says. At about 8 1/2 inches in length, they’re far larger than the average ruby-throat, which is only about 3 inches long.

Aside from their size, giant hummingbirds have another massively notable difference from those we’d find in a backyard: their plumage. Generally, the larger birds don’t sport the same brilliant purples, reds, and blues — they’re a dull brownish green. “There are two subspecies of the giant hummingbird, a ‘northern’ and a ‘southern’ subspecies,” John explains. “Unlike most hummingbirds, these giants don’t sport flashy iridescent feathers, but the northern subspecies male has a richer-toned, cinnamon-colored underside than the southern subspecies.”

Giant hummingbirds are the largest hummingbird in the world — but which is the smallest hummingbird?

What Do Giant Hummingbirds Eat?

Surprisingly, giant hummingbirds and smaller hummingbirds dine off the same menu. “Giant hummingbirds subsist on flower nectar from many different plants,” John says, also mentioning that they snatch bugs from the air, off of plants, or even out of spiderwebs. They’ll even stop by hummingbird feeders within their range.

Giant hummingbirds use the same “hovering” technique we see in backyard hummers, but their flight looks a bit different. “Their wingbeats are much slower when they hover, and when flying, they often alternate flapping with gliding,” John says. “When hovering, our backyard hummers flap their wings at 50 to 70 beats per second. By comparison, the giant hummingbird might seem lethargic at only 12 wingbeats per second.” He notes, however, that this species is just as graceful in the air as the hummingbirds we see at our feeders.

Get the answers to all of your hummingbird feeding questions.

Giant Hummingbird Nest

Interestingly, these birds also build the same cup-style nests as smaller hummers.

Learn about the fascinating life of a female hummingbird.

Range: Where to Find a Giant Hummingbird

To see a giant hummingbird, instead of putting out your sugar water feeder, you’ll have to get on a plane. Their range extends through much of South America’s western coast, and they don’t migrate to North America. “Seeing one requires a trip to the Andes in South America,” John says. “Various ecolodges and birding guides offer excursions and hummingbird feeding stations, and a bit of internet searching will reveal places to see these giants.”

Marvel at these jaw-dropping hummingbird facts.

About the Expert

Lifelong birding enthusiast John Shewey is a veteran writer, editor, and professional outdoor photographer, with credits in Birds & Blooms, Birdwatching, Portland Monthly, Northwest Travel & Life, and dozens of other magazines, and co-author of multiple birding books. John has photographed birds throughout the Americas.

Sources

• eBird, “Giant Hummingbird“

Columnar Apple Tree Care

No space for an apple orchard? No problem! Hardy, rust-resistant and virus-free, these super-slim deciduous apple trees can be grown in containers, as hedges or accent plants in tight corners of the garden. With well-draining, enriched soil, they bloom midseason and produce juicy apples that can be harvested for a month. Plant this tree in full sun in Zones 5 to 8, and watch it grow 8 to 10 feet tall. One popular columnar apple tree cultivar, Tasty Red, boasts sweet, crunchy fruits comparable to a McIntosh apple.

Scientific name: Malus x domestica
Common name: Columnar apple tree
Growing zones: 5 to 8
Soil: Well-draining and enriched
Light needs: Full sun
Size: 8 to 10 feet tall
Benefits: Attracts bees

See more of the best fruit trees for small spaces.

Benefits of Columnar Apple Trees

For those looking to sweeten up their yard, a columnar apple tree is a great choice — and it doesn’t take up much room. In the case of the Fruit Snacks Tasty Red variety (pictured above), bright red, flavorful apples appear within the first year of planting.

These apple trees are relatively easy to care for and offer multiple benefits, requiring minimal pruning, noted resistance to common gardener-headache disease problems (such as apple scab disease), and not needing staking, while also bringing in pollinators. They only need a dose of all-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.

Perhaps best of all, their compact size allows for gardeners with large and small spaces alike to grow tasty apples.

Flowers and Pollination

It’s important to note, however, that for optimal pollination to occur and to get the most out of these fruit trees, gardeners should plant two different varieties. Plant another columnar apple, such as Tangy Green, Golden Tree or Blushing Delight, near Tasty Red for optimal fruit production and cross-pollination.

Next, learn why you should plant a weeping crabapple tree.

Sources

• Monrovia, “Fruit Snacks Tasty Red Columnar Apple“
• Plants Nouveau, “Malus Fruit Snacks Tasty Red“

• Common name: ZZ Plant or Zanzibar Gem
• Scientific name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
• Light needs: Bright indirect light but tolerates low light
• Water needs: Allow soil to dry completely between thorough watering
• Soil type: Well-draining potting mix, such as all-purpose or cactus soil
• Size: 15 to 36 inches tall

Although Zzs are in their name, don’t sleep on this houseplant. With their ability to survive in low-light as well as drought conditions, ZZ plants don’t ask for much TLC. They’re a great first plant for anyone who’s houseplant-curious or who worries they have a black thumb.

And even if you’re a houseplant expert, ZZ plants have something to offer your home as well. Tovah Martin, the author of The Unexpected Houseplant, says, “ZZ plants aren’t going to steal the show, which makes them a good choice for someone who wants an elegant but not dramatic houseplant.”

ZZ Plant Varieties

There are several ZZ plant varieties that are easy to find in most garden stores but also bring something visually different to the table. What’s convenient about ZZ plant varieties is that most if not all of them don’t ask for any different care than the standard ZZ plant.

Perhaps the most popular is the Raven ZZ plant. Its dark purple, almost-black foliage create a gothic contrast with any other greenery nearby. Meanwhile, the Chameleon ZZ plant shifts colors with fresh lime green leaves that eventually mature into a deeper green. And Zenzi ZZ plants are a more compact, dwarf variety, topping out at around 12 inches tall. They look great on a desk or other small surface.

How to Propagate ZZ Plants

Tovah says, “The most straightforward way to propagate is by dividing the plant.” In her book, The Indestructible Houseplant, Tovah notes that ZZ plants are very slow-growing, only putting out a new leaf every now and then. So although it can also be propagated through a leaf cutting, it is a time-consuming method.

To propagate, carefully remove the ZZ plant from its container. Using a sanitized knife or simply your hands, separate the plant, making sure each new plant has roots. (ZZ plant roots also have rhizomes: thick, potato-shaped underground stems that store water and nutrients.) Wear gloves while dividing ZZ plants to avoid skin irritation.

An additional consideration is that some varieties may be prohibited from propagation, meaning that a specific variety is still under patent.

Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Pets?

Because they contain calcium oxalate crystals, ZZ plants are toxic to cats, dogs and humans alike. Those crystals can cause mild irritation to the skin via the ZZ plant’s sap, so if you’re handling one of these plants, you should wear gloves as a precaution. If any part of the plant is ingested, it can create adverse reactions, such as drooling, nausea and vomiting.

Yellow Leaves on ZZ Plants

What does it mean when the glossy green leaves of your ZZ plant turn yellow? The most likely culprit is overwatering. A first good step is moving your ZZ plant to a sunnier spot to dry the soil out faster. Tovah recommends bright, indirect light in an east- or west-facing window.

Allow your ZZ plant’s soil to completely dry out before watering it again. (This might mean you only water your ZZ plant once every three weeks.) It should also be planted in a container with drainage holes. Pour off excess water that collects in the saucer.

If you notice your ZZ plant is still producing yellow leaves, you may have a case of root rot on your hands. Check for root rot by removing the plant from the container and seeing if the roots themselves are mushy or have a bad smell. Loosen the soil, remove the rotted roots and repot with a better draining potting mix, such as a cactus mix or an all-purpose potting mix that contains orchid bark or perlite.

Plants exposed to cold drafts or chilly conditions can also develop yellow leaves. Move the palnt away from the drafty windy or to a warmer spot in your home.

Repotting ZZ Plants

“It’s time to repot when you notice that the roots are growing out of the container,” Tovah says. This can mean either the roots are sticking out through the drainage holes at the bottom or the rhizomes are making an appearance through the top soil.

Repotting a ZZ plant is the same process as repotting other houseplants. Select a container that’s about one to two inches bigger. Carefully remove the ZZ plant, keeping roots intact, and repot snugly in the slightly larger container. Besides choosing a container with good drainage (a must for these plants), Tovah recommends using a glazed container to visually play up the shininess of the leaves.

About the Expert

Award-winning writer and plant pro Tovah Martin is the author of The Indestructible Houseplant, The Unexpected Houseplant and, most recently, The Garden in Every Season. There are more than 200 houseplants in her home.

Sources

• The Indestructible Houseplant by Tovah Martin
• DK Grow: Houseplants
• Houseplants for All: How to Fill Any Home with Happy Plants by Danae Horst
• Costa Farms – ZZ plant
• University of Connecticut Home and Garden Education Center – ZZ plant
• Kiwi Nurseries – The Ultimate Guide to ZZ Plants
• Lively Root – The Essential ZZ Plant Care, Growth, and Safety Tips for Beginners

Grow a Spider Plant as a Houseplant

• Common name: Spider plant, spider ivy, ribbon plant
• Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
• Light needs: Medium sun to bright light, can tolerate low light (avoid direct sunlight)
• Water needs: Water thoroughly when the top few inches begins to dry
• Soil type: Well-draining moist potting mix
• Size: 12 to 15 inches tall, 1 to 2 feet wide, up to 3 feet trailing stems
• Hardiness zones: 9 to 11, can be grown as an annual in colder regions or as a houseplant

“Spider plant is a popular houseplant choice because it’s easy to care for, thrives in various lighting conditions, and is highly resilient and dependable,” says Paris Lalicata, head of plant education and community at The Sill. “It’s also prized for its appearance, due to its graceful, arching leaves that showcase a vibrant green with striking white or yellow variegation, and its cascading “baby” offshoots which add dynamic movement and charm to any space.”

Spider Plant Benefits

As a houseplant, spider plant is pretty easygoing, as long as you provide for its basic needs. It’s especially terrific in a hanging pot, where its cascading leaves put on a great show.

Help it thrive with the right light conditions, regular watering, and well-draining soil. Another benefit? This plant is considered non-toxic, making it safe for homes with pets or small children.

Spider Plant Light Conditions

One of the most important considerations is light exposure. “While spider plant is versatile and can tolerate some lower light, they grow healthier and faster under bright light conditions,” Paris advises, noting that it’s important to avoid direct sun.

She recommends placing your plant in an east or west facing window with little direct sunlight, or even a north window if the plant has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. Southern exposures can work if you diffuse any direct afternoon sun with a sheer curtain.

When to Water a Spider Plant

Spider plants grow well in a basic potting soil mix. They like regularly moist soil, but not overly wet conditions. Be sure your pot offers good drainage, and water deeply once a week or so when the top few inches of the soil feel dry.

As a native of the tropics (tropical Africa), this plant prefers warm temperatures and at least a moderate level of air humidity. “It can tolerate low humidity, but higher humidity will make it happier,” Paris notes. “Avoid keeping it in rooms that are very hot and dry, or in front of drafts from heating units.” Provide a little extra humidity by setting it on a shallow dish of pebbles elevated above water, and protect it from very cold temperatures by moving it away from windows on frigid nights.

Spider Plant Brown Tips

Though these are some of the easiest of all houseplants, there are a few issues to watch for. If you notice brown dried edges or tips on the leaves, check your water source. Chlorinated water can cause leaf tip burn. Switch to purified water or rainwater, and things should improve.

Pests on Spider Plants

Like all houseplants, this one can be affected by mealybugs, scale, and other common pests. Treat these using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, following the directions on the container.

Spider Plant Flowering

Under the right conditions, spider plant not only flowers, but creates lots of new little plantlets! This plant flowers in the winter months, when the days are short and nights are long.

This plant usually flowers when the days are short and nights are long for at least three weeks, but flowers may appear anytime of the year.

As it prepares to flower, spider plant sends out wiry trailing stems up to 3 feet long. The flowers themselves are small (less than an inch) and white, with six petals forming a star-like shape. After the flowers bloom, the plant begins to grow new leaves at the end of the stems. These are the new plantlets, often called spider plant “babies” or “pups.”

How to Propagate Spider Plant Babies

This is one of the best things about this popular houseplant—it’s so easy to make more! “Wait until the babies or pups form small roots at their bases before pruning them from the stalk, just below where the roots are forming,” Paris explains. “Plant them directly into a moist potting mix. Keep them in bright, indirect light and water lightly until they establish more roots and begin to grow!”

Or try layering. Leave the plantlet attached to the parent plant and set it on the surface of a small pot filled with potting soil. Use a piece of wire or paper clip to anchor it in place. The plantlet continues to receive moisture and nutrients through the long wiry stem. Disconnect the plantlet from the parent plant once it develops more roots.

Sources

• The Sill – How To Care for a Spider Plant
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Chlorophytum comosum
• Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension – Spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum
• ASPCA – Spider Plant

About the Expert

Paris Lalicata, head of plant education and community, has been with The Sill for six years and is a self-taught plant expert with over 10 years of experience growing houseplants. When she’s not tending to her indoor garden in the northeast, she is studying to become a certified sustainable gardener while also completing her associates degree in horticultural science. Her passion is making plant care more digestible for budding plant parents, sharing the benefits of indoor plants, and promoting sustainable outdoor gardening practices that nurture nature.

California Quail Form Large Family Groups

A covey of California quail can include up to 100 males, females and young.

Learn fascinating wild turkey bird facts you should know.

Quail Have a Short Lifespan

This one of our quail facts is surprising. Large clutch sizes help sustain quail populations. Up to 80 percent of the population dies each year.

Bird lifespan: How long do wild birds live?

Quail Fossils Show a Long History

Some northern bobwhite quail fossils found in places as varied as Florida and Arizona are up to 2.5 million years old

Some Quail Stay Close to Home

Montezuma quail don’t cover much ground. They often stay in a small area, moving about 50 yards or less in a day.

Learn surprising ways that birds migrate.

Quail Move Faster Than You Think

Most quail can fly up to 40 mph and run up to 12 mph.

Discover the fastest birds in North America.

These Quail Prefer High Elevations

Mountain quail can live at 10,000 feet, and their babies leave the nest within hours of hatching.

Learn to identify an American woodcock and Wilson’s snipe.

School Students Raised Quail Chicks

In 2024, Long Island students raised and reintroduced 1,000 bobwhite quail chicks into a local state park to combat tick infestations.

Quail Population Numbers

Quail population numbers vary by species. Of the West’s six quail species, three are declining while one, the California quail, is increasing.

Once you finish reading these quail facts, learn all about the Canada goose.

Sources

• Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation – Quails
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game – Wildlife Express: Quail
• Quail Forever – quail facts
• Riverhead News-Review – First quail released in Suffolk County to combat ticks
• All About Birds – mountain quail
• All About Birds – northern bobwhite
• All About Birds – California quail