Birds in Town & Village Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What is a “dabchick”?

A type of bird that mimics other species’ songs
A small, diving bird, also known as a little grebe
A large, predatory bird that hunts small mammals
A brightly colored bird with a distinctive call

Correct Answer: A small, diving bird, also known as a little grebe

Correct Answer Explanation: The dabchick is a small, diving bird that’s often seen in lakes and ponds. They are also known as little grebes.

Which bird is known for its distinctive black throat and white underparts?

Whinchat
Stonechat
Grasshopper-warbler
Marsh warbler

Correct Answer: Whinchat

Correct Answer Explanation: The Whinchat is a small, migratory bird that’s known for its striking black throat and white underparts. They are often found in open habitats like fields and meadows.

What is the name of the bird that makes a buzzing sound, similar to a mechanical vibration?

Marsh warbler
Reed-bunting
Grasshopper-warbler
Cirl bunting

Correct Answer: Grasshopper-warbler

Correct Answer Explanation: The Grasshopper-warbler is a small, elusive bird that’s known for its unique, buzzing song. The sound is often described as resembling a mechanical vibration.

In W.H. Hudson’s book “Birds in Town & Village”, which bird is known for its incredible mimicry skills?

Reed-bunting
Cirl bunting
Marsh warbler
Grasshopper-warbler

Correct Answer: Marsh warbler

Correct Answer Explanation: The Marsh warbler is a small, migratory bird that’s known for its remarkable mimicry skills. It can imitate the calls of other birds, as well as other sounds from its environment.

Which bird is commonly seen with a black and white pattern, known for its distinctive wagging tail?

Stonechat
Pied wagtail
Red-backed shrike
Tits

Correct Answer: Pied wagtail

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pied wagtail is a small, common bird with a black and white pattern. It’s known for its distinctive wagging tail, which it uses for balance and communication.

How many species of birds did W.H. Hudson identify in the village he was observing?

Correct Answer: 59

Correct Answer Explanation: In his book, W.H. Hudson identified 59 different species of birds in the village he was observing. This shows the rich diversity of birdlife that can be found in seemingly ordinary places.

What is the name of the small, predatory bird known for impaling its prey on thorns?

Pied wagtail
Reed-bunting
Red-backed shrike
Tits

Correct Answer: Red-backed shrike

Correct Answer Explanation: The Red-backed shrike is a small, predatory bird known for its habit of impaling its prey on thorns. This behavior helps them to store and preserve their food.

Which bird is known for its distinctive yellow head and brown back?

Red-backed shrike
Tits
Cirl bunting
Stonechat

Correct Answer: Cirl bunting

Correct Answer Explanation: The Cirl bunting is a small, sedentary bird with a distinctive yellow head and brown back. They are often found in open habitats like fields and meadows.

What is the term used to refer to a group of small birds with black and white markings, including the blue tit and the ox-eye tit?

Wrens
Finches
Tits
Warblers

Correct Answer: Tits

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “tits” refers to a group of small birds with distinctive black and white markings. Some common examples include the blue tit, the great tit, and the ox-eye tit.

In the village, W.H. Hudson observed that there were roughly how many cuckoo calls heard at a time?

Correct Answer: 3-4

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson noted that there were about 3-4 cuckoo calls heard at a time in the village. This highlights the abundance of the species in the area, but also hints at the potential for overpopulation.

How many sedge-warblers were W.H. Hudson able to observe singing at the same time?

2-3
5-7
12-14
20-25

Correct Answer: 12-14

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that there were about 12-14 sedge-warblers singing at the same time in the village. This illustrates the density of this species in its preferred habitat, the rush-bed.

What did W.H. Hudson notice about the tree-pipit’s song?

It is very loud and harsh
It is short and repetitive
It is sweet and languid
It is similar to a human’s whistle

Correct Answer: It is sweet and languid

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson described the tree-pipit’s song as the sweetest of all. He noted its beauty and tranquility, which captured the essence of nature.

Why did W.H. Hudson say the cuckoo’s call loses its charm when heard frequently?

Because it is a very loud call
Because it is a very harsh call
Because it is a very repetitive call
Because it is a very sad call

Correct Answer: Because it is a very repetitive call

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson noted that the cuckoo’s repetitive call, while enchanting in spring, can become commonplace and lose its mystique. It’s a reminder that familiarity can breed a certain level of indifference.

According to W.H. Hudson, why is the wryneck a fascinating bird?

Because it is a skilled mimic
Because it is a very rare bird
Because it has a unique, laugh-like cry
Because it is a very large bird

Correct Answer: Because it has a unique, laugh-like cry

Correct Answer Explanation: The wryneck is a small bird that is known for its unique, laugh-like cry. It’s a fascinating bird, but also an elusive one, making it even more intriguing.

In W.H. Hudson’s book, what does the author note about the sedge-warbler’s song?

It is a very simple and repetitive song
It is a complex blend of harsh and melodious notes
It is similar to the sound of a human flute
It is a very sad and mournful song

Correct Answer: It is a complex blend of harsh and melodious notes

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson notes that the sedge-warbler’s song is a rapid, intricate song, suggesting that the bird can integrate alarm calls into its musical performance. This adds to the complexity and beauty of its song.

According to W.H. Hudson, how many pairs of jackdaws were found breeding in the village in 1916?

Correct Answer: 6

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1916, W.H. Hudson observed that there were six pairs of jackdaws breeding in the village. This illustrates the increasing presence of jackdaws in the area.

How many pairs of starlings were found breeding in the village in 1916?

Correct Answer: 6

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1916, W.H. Hudson observed that there were six pairs of starlings breeding in the village. This indicates the recent colonization of starlings in the area.

What was the primary method used to control the crow population in the village?

Hunting with guns
Trapping with cages
Poisoning with chemicals
None of the above

Correct Answer: None of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: While there was some persecution of crows, W.H. Hudson doesn’t mention any specific methods for population control. His focus was on the natural interactions between humans and birds, and how these relationships affected the environment.

What did W.H. Hudson note about the kingfisher’s color?

It can appear different depending on the environment
It is always a bright blue
It is always a dull green
It changes color depending on the season

Correct Answer: It can appear different depending on the environment

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that the kingfisher can appear different colors depending on the environment. He saw a pair of kingfishers that appeared green, suggesting the impact of surrounding light and color on perception.

Why was the cuckoo considered a “parasitic” bird?

It steals food from other birds
It lays its eggs in other birds’ nests
It is a very aggressive bird
It is a very rare bird

Correct Answer: It lays its eggs in other birds’ nests

Correct Answer Explanation: The cuckoo is known for its parasitic behavior. It lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, relying on those birds to raise its young. This is a unique and fascinating aspect of the cuckoo’s life cycle.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the starling’s mimicry skills?

They could mimic any sound they heard
They were only able to mimic the sounds of other birds
They were amateur mimics compared to other birds
They were very skilled mimics but only mimicked certain sounds

Correct Answer: They were amateur mimics compared to other birds

Correct Answer Explanation: While the starling is known for its ability to mimic sounds, W.H. Hudson describes it as an amateur mimic compared to the marsh warbler. This indicates that there are varying levels of mimicry skills among different bird species.

What is a “whinchat”?

A type of bird that is very good at mimicking other bird calls
A type of bird that is very good at hiding from predators
A type of bird that is very good at flying long distances
A type of bird that is very good at building elaborate nests

Correct Answer: A type of bird that is very good at hiding from predators

Correct Answer Explanation: The whinchat is a small, migratory bird known for its ability to blend into its surroundings and hide from predators. Its camouflage and agility make it difficult to spot.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the relationship between rooks and crows?

They are often seen together, suggesting a sense of shared species identity
They are often seen fighting, indicating competition for resources
They are often seen avoiding each other, suggesting territoriality
They are often seen mating, indicating interbreeding

Correct Answer: They are often seen together, suggesting a sense of shared species identity

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that rooks and crows are often seen together, even though they are predatory birds. He believed this indicated a sense of shared species identity, highlighting the complex social dynamics among birds.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the starlings in Kew Gardens?

They were very aggressive and territorial
They were very shy and easily frightened
They were very social and congregated in large numbers
They were very solitary and rarely interacted with other birds

Correct Answer: They were very social and congregated in large numbers

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that thousands of starlings congregated in Kew Gardens, demonstrating the bird’s tendency to form large flocks in areas where they are relatively safe from persecution.

According to W.H. Hudson, how many rooks typically roosted in the village?

10-20
40-50
100-150
200-250

Correct Answer: 40-50

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson noted that about 40-50 rooks roosted in the village. This illustrates the size of the rook population in the area and its potential impact on the environment.

According to W.H. Hudson, how many daws were typically observed in the village?

100-150
200-300
400-500
600-700

Correct Answer: 200-300

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that about 200-300 daws were typically present in the village. This indicates the abundance of this species in the area and highlights the potential for their detrimental impact on other bird populations.

What did W.H. Hudson notice about the starling population during the winter?

They were scarce, as they migrated south for the winter
They were more numerous than during the summer months
They were mostly young birds, as the adults had migrated
They were mostly adults, as they were preparing to breed

Correct Answer: They were more numerous than during the summer months

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that there were about 200-300 starlings in the village during the winter. This indicates that a larger number of starlings chose to winter in the area, likely due to the availability of food and shelter.

According to W.H. Hudson, what did jackdaws use to fill up chimneys?

Nesting materials like twigs and feathers
Food scraps and discarded items
Mud and stones from the ground
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Jackdaws use a variety of materials for their nests, including twigs, feathers, food scraps, mud, and stones. This can lead to chimneys becoming blocked, posing a fire hazard.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the jackdaw’s homing abilities?

They were very good at finding their way back to their nests
They were very good at finding their way back to their owners
They were very good at finding their way back to their food sources
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that jackdaws have remarkable homing abilities. They can find their way back to their nests, their owners, and even their food sources. This highlights the bird’s incredible navigation skills.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the impact of daws on game birds?

They often stole food from game birds
They often attacked and killed young game birds
They often disrupted the breeding season of game birds
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that daws can have a detrimental impact on game birds. They steal food, attack and kill young birds, and disrupt the breeding season. This highlights the need for responsible conservation practices to protect both game birds and their habitats.

According to W.H. Hudson, what is a “stonechat”?

A type of bird that is very good at singing
A type of bird that is very good at hiding
A type of bird that is very good at flying
A type of bird that is very good at building nests

Correct Answer: A type of bird that is very good at hiding

Correct Answer Explanation: The stonechat is a small bird that is known for its ability to blend into its surroundings and hide from predators. It’s often found in open habitats like fields and meadows, where it can easily camouflage itself.

According to W.H. Hudson, what did he observe about the starling’s mimicry of a hen’s cackle?

It was a very realistic mimicry, almost indistinguishable from the real sound
It was a very basic mimicry, lacking in detail and accuracy
It was a very unusual mimicry, not typical of starling behavior
It was a very rare mimicry, only observed on a few occasions

Correct Answer: It was a very realistic mimicry, almost indistinguishable from the real sound

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that a starling could mimic the call of a hen so realistically that it was almost indistinguishable from the real sound. This highlights the bird’s remarkable ability to imitate sounds from its environment.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the thrush’s imitation of other bird calls?

The thrush only mimicked the calls of other thrushes
The thrush mimicked the calls of a wide variety of birds
The thrush mimicked the calls of only a few specific bird species
The thrush mimicked the calls of only birds it had encountered in its own territory

Correct Answer: The thrush mimicked the calls of a wide variety of birds

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that a thrush could imitate the calls of a wide variety of birds, including the redshank and ring-ouzel. This demonstrates the bird’s impressive ability to learn and replicate sounds from its surroundings.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the blackbird’s use of borrowed sounds in its song?

The blackbird only used natural sounds in its song
The blackbird only used human-made sounds in its song
The blackbird used both natural and human-made sounds in its song
The blackbird used a combination of sounds that were unique to its own species

Correct Answer: The blackbird used both natural and human-made sounds in its song

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that a blackbird could incorporate sounds from its environment into its song, including the calls of a duck and a blackbird. This highlights the bird’s flexibility in adapting its song repertoire.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the fox-terrier’s pursuit of a hen pheasant?

The fox-terrier was only interested in playing with the pheasant
The fox-terrier was trying to protect the pheasant from other predators
The fox-terrier was trying to catch and kill the pheasant
The fox-terrier was simply curious about the pheasant

Correct Answer: The fox-terrier was trying to catch and kill the pheasant

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that a fox-terrier was chasing a pheasant, highlighting the threat posed by domestic dogs to wild birds. This illustrates the importance of keeping pets under control and ensuring they don’t harm wildlife.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the young boy’s attempt to catch a jackdaw?

The boy was unsuccessful in catching the jackdaw
The boy was successful in catching the jackdaw but quickly released it
The boy was successful in catching the jackdaw and kept it as a pet
The boy was successful in catching the jackdaw and gave it to his friend

Correct Answer: The boy was successful in catching the jackdaw and kept it as a pet

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that a young boy caught a jackdaw and kept it as a pet. This anecdote showcases the common desire to catch and keep wild birds as pets, but it also raises concerns about the ethics of capturing wild animals and depriving them of their natural freedom.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the jackdaw’s habit of breaking ornaments?

The jackdaw only broke ornaments that were made of glass
The jackdaw only broke ornaments that were brightly colored
The jackdaw broke ornaments because it was bored
The jackdaw broke ornaments because it was trying to build a nest

Correct Answer: The jackdaw broke ornaments because it was bored

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that a pet jackdaw repeatedly broke ornaments in a house. He attributed this behavior to boredom, highlighting the importance of providing enrichment and mental stimulation for captive animals.

What did W.H. Hudson observe about the young cow’s playful aggression towards birds?

The cow was trying to scare the birds away
The cow was trying to catch the birds
The cow was simply playing and not intending to harm the birds
The cow was trying to protect its own young from the birds

Correct Answer: The cow was simply playing and not intending to harm the birds

Correct Answer Explanation: W.H. Hudson observed that a young cow was playfully chasing birds, demonstrating the humorous and sometimes unpredictable nature of interactions between humans, animals, and birds. This illustrates that even seemingly aggressive behavior can be playful and harmless in certain contexts.

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