1

Woodpecker

Image: Jaime Dantas

Surely, we could all recognize Woody Woodpecker's famous laugh anywhere, but have you ever wondered why this type of bird knocks on wood? Woodpeckers have larger and stronger bills than other birds. They use their beaks not only to dig holes in trees for nesting but also to drum on resonant objects like hollow logs and branches to communicate to other woodpeckers, about their territory and their availability to mate.

But is it true that they hammer away at wood at an incredible speed, as seen in the beloved cartoon? Yes! For example, the Red-headed Woodpecker, found in temperate North America, has the highest g-force (force of acceleration) experienced by a bird. When pecking wood, they hit trees with an impact force of 1,200 g’s. By comparison, astronauts on space shuttles experience 3.5 g's during takeoff, while a force of 60-100 g’s can cause a human concussion.

2

Northern Cardinal

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Did you know most female songbirds in North America usually don't sing? Fortunately, both male and female Northern Cardinals break this trend with their beautiful songs . As a matter of fact, sometimes they even perform duets! Mated pairs usually sing back and forth to each other, sharing information about food sources and nest activity.

Another cool fact about Northern Cardinals is their tendency to fight their own reflections in windows and vehicle mirrors. Experts claim they see their image as a competing bird and attack it to defend their territory. This behavior can go on for days, even months.

Nevertheless, despite this somewhat aggressive attitude, Northern Cardinals are one of America's favorite birds. They hold the distinction of being the state bird of seven states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

3

Brown Thrasher

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

The Brown Thrasher may be an elusive, hard-to-see bird but it certainly doesn't go unnoticed. The state bird of Georgia, found throughout the eastern and central United States and southern and central Canada, is well known for its remarkable songs.

In fact, this big, foxy-red bird is not only a prolific singer but also an expert mimic, with an impressive repertoire of more than 1,100 tunes! And thrashers are so good at keeping the natural world entertained that they will repeat each phrase of a song twice before singing the next one.

4

Northern Mockingbird

Image: Patrice Bouchard

The Northern Mockingbird is another remarkable mimic. This bird listens to the songs of nearby species and learns to replicate their tunes. In fact, a male may learn around 200 songs throughout its life. The mockingbird, however, can be a bit more monotonous than the Brown Thrasher: it repeats phrases up to six times before moving on to the next one. Have you ever had one in your backyard?

Apart from its musical abilities, the Northern Mockingbird, very common in towns and cities, especially in the South, is one of the most influential birds in American culture. It serves as the state bird for five states : Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. It also appears in many books, TV shows, folk songs, and lullabies.

5

Marsh Wren

Image: Alexis LOURS

Marsh Wrens are songbirds too, but in their case, it’s all about impressing the ladies! The Marsh Wren, a tiny brown bird found all around North America, learns songs from other males and sings them nearly identically. With a repertoire of more than 100 melodies, males often engage in musical duels and sing back and forth to each other to impress the females with their musical abilities.

But singing isn’t their only strategy for winning over a mate. Male Marsh Wrens build up to 20 dummy nests made from cattails for prospective females to evaluate. The female then chooses which one she prefers to lay her eggs in. Unused nests are left as is to confuse predators or are used by adult birds to sleep during nonmating seasons.

6

Black-capped Chickadee

Image: Margaret Strickland

The Black-capped Chickadee, the state bird of both Massachusetts and Maine, is a very popular bird across the northern United States. This small black, white, and tan bird, roughly the size of a sparrow, is well known for its vocalizations and for its ability to conserve energy during the winter months.

In extremely cold weather, Black-capped Chickadees enter a state of dormancy known as torpor. At night, the birds seek shelter and become inactive, causing their core body temperature to drop slightly. As they alternate shivering with staying still, the heart rate decreases. When they reach a full state of torpor, they lose consciousness. Toward morning, the birds start shivering again to regain temperature. This way, the Black-capped Chickadee starts the day afresh, using the precious fat it saved during the night as energy.

7

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Image: Skyler Ewing

They might be tiny but the myth that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate on the backs of Canada Geese is totally false. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the most common hummingbirds in eastern North America, migrate south at the end of summer, traveling to temperate climates in Central and South America entirely on their own.

This iridescent red and green bird is so small that it makes the most minuscule nests. The nest of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird is around the size of half of a walnut shell—only 1½ inches wide! Also, the smaller the bird, the fewer the feathers. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a record holder for the fewest feathers in a bird, less than 1,000 in total. For reference, a Whistling Swan, the record holder for the most feathers, boasts about 20,000 individual feathers.

8

Owls

Image: Keith Lazarus

Owls are both cherished and mysterious creatures. In North America, there are 19 different species, each with its own curious characteristics. For example, the Elf Owl, found in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, is special because it’s the smallest owl in the world —measuring just 5 inches tall!

Night-hunting owls present in North America, such as Barn Owls, Long-eared Owls, and Boreal Owls, have the best hearing in the bird world. Many of these nocturnal owls have asymmetrical ear openings, one opening higher and one larger. This unique adaptation allows sound to enter their ears at slightly different times, helping them to accurately triangulate the position of their prey. Also, Barn Owls have a specialized middle claw called pectinate claws. This special feature is a serrated edge that serves as a built-in comb to get rid of debris or parasites.

9

Snow Goose

Image: David Dibert

Isn't it great when we get to spot those amazing V-shaped migration formations in the sky? Did you know that most of North America’s small birds don’t fly in formations? They travel alone or alongside other birds that happen to be heading in the same direction. The Snow Goose, however, is an exception, often flying in huge V formations or single-angled lines.

During migration, Snow Geese, native to North America, form some of the largest flocks in the bird world. Flocks of more than 100,000 Snow Geese are a common sight during their northward spring migration. In some areas, such as Nebraska, there are even records of flocks with millions of geese. Flying in formations allows Snow Geese to save energy during flight.

10

Bald Eagle

Image: Pixabay

If you thought that, since it’s the national symbol of the United States of America, you knew all about the Bald Eagle, these facts will probably blow your mind! Did you know that young Bald Eagles are born with brown eyes, which eventually turn yellow? And what about the fact that they have talons that can grow up to 2 inches long , helping them grasp prey tightly for a quick kill?

Furthermore, Bald Eagles make the largest nests of any bird species. The largest Bald Eagle nest ever recorded measured more than 9 feet wide and 20 feet deep and was found in St. Petersburg, Florida. What's even more impressive is that they reuse their nests for many years—sometimes even decades. A Bald Eagle nest in Vermilion, Ohio, was used for 35 years in a row—mortgage-free! Can you imagine?

1

Williamsburg

Image: Mateus Campos Felipe

In terms of population, Williamsburg is a bit larger: 15,000 people live there. It is located in the state of Virginia, and it was the state capital until 1780 . Williamsburg was a key location in the American Revolution and that’s the magic behind it.

Around the Colonial District, you’ll find actors dressed in clothes of the time! You can also visit the National Historic Park, where the Yorktown Battle took place.

But Williamsburg is not only about history, it’s also about fun. If you get tired of the history lessons, head over to Water Country USA, one of the best waterparks in the country.

2

Telluride

Image: Mick Kirchman

Do you feel like waking up to this view? You have to visit Telluride, in Colorado. With a population of only 2,500 , this small town draws visitors for one simple reason: the breathtaking scenery.

Telluride is located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, in a box canyon with snowy mountain peaks. Despite its size, it is full of shops, restaurants, and hotel accommodations to welcome visitors.

From festivals, cultural events, and exclusive golf resorts, Telluride offers something for everyone. Would you add it to your bucket list? We know we would!

3

Lake Tahoe

Image: Peter Hulce

Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada. It is home to approximately 20,000 people, and it is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Why is that? Because it adapts to both summer and winter trips.

During the winter, skiing is the preferred sport for both locals and visitors, but, during the summertime, visitors can enjoy the lake and the water activities just as much.

And if that is not enough, you can always step into the Nevada side and enjoy a good time at the casinos, right?

4

Dahlonega

Image: Brandon Carson

With nearly 300 years of history, Georgia has a rich culture and is known for more than one thing: peaches, nine natural wonders, Martin Luther King Jr, and more. But it’s also home to Dahlonega, a beautiful little village of only 7,500 people.

In Dahlonega, visitors can tour regional vineyards, and taste wine around the Public Square. The Dahlonega Gold Museum narrates the gold mining chronicles and the downtown area is filled with local shops and restaurants.

5

Sitka

Image: E Orlando

Sitka is home to 8,500 people and it is located in the state of Alaska, so you can imagine what the views are up there: Snowy mountains with gorgeous (yet freezing) waters surrounding the coastal town.

This village belonged to Russia until 1876 and its name derives from Tlingit, a language part of the Na-Dené family. By its literal translation, it means "People on the outside of Baranof Island," the group of islands to which Sitka belongs. Would you visit it?

6

Sedona

Image: Anthony Melone

Located in the Arizona desert, this place combines adventure with comfort and relaxation. Similar to Lake Tahoe, it caters to a variety of people. For example, nature enthusiasts can enjoy over 200 hiking trails . But if you are feeling fancy, you can always book a visit to the luxurious spas.

Moreover, visitors can enjoy wine tastings or go on a classic retail therapy at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Now, whatever you choose, you cannot miss the views along the Red Rock Scenic Byway—it's a must!

7

St. Augustine

Image: Michael J. Vega

Florida has great places to visit, and St. Augustine is one of the best. This small town is home to 15,000 people and in it, you can enjoy both historic sites and unspoiled beaches.

Visitors can take a walk along the Colonial Quarter, where you’ll find the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. After that, the beaches in St. Augustine have pristine waters and they are just the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

Are you a fan of the paranormal? Then consider saving some time for the haunted spots around the town!

8

Bar Harbor

Image: Ran Ding

If you’re looking for a retreat on the East Coast, Bar Harbor in Maine is the perfect destination. This coastal town is, according to many, the best small town in America and that is because of all the outdoor fun it has to offer.

Probably the best activities are the boat tours to get to know the harbor. The main attraction, however, has to be Acadia National Park, where you can hike, kayak, and enjoy various other activities. Of course, no visit is complete until you have a lobster! Do you like them?

9

Gettysburg

Image: Devonshire

There are natural spots, there are foodie spots, and there are those kinds of spots that take you back in time : Gettysburg is one of those. Visiting Gettysburg is like stepping back into one of those pivotal moments of the nation, the Civil War.

In this small town, you’ll find well-preserved monuments and markers that vividly bring the 1863 battle to life. Gettysburg also has a lovely downtown full of cozy coffee shops, unique shops, and that vibe only small towns have. What do you think?

10

Martha’s Vineyard

Image: Andy Fluet

Who is this Martha, and why is her town so popular? Martha’s Vineyard, in Massachusetts, is actually an island and it was frequently considered a gateway spot for the wealthy. However, it receives visitors from all walks of life who seek pristine beaches and a laid-back vacation.

Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and various water sports are the preferred choice by many. But if that is not for you, or if you’re looking for an alternative plan, you can always enjoy the company of the animals at Island Alpaca Company or visit the cottages in Oak Bluffs.

1

The first Thanksgiving feast

Image: Claudio Schwarz

The story of the first Thanksgiving is often heavily romanticized, but it was largely rooted in political and survival needs. Wampanoag leader Ousamequin reached out to the English at Plymouth not out of inherent friendship, but because his people had been devastated by epidemic disease and needed allies.

Moreover, English Thanksgivings were originally solemn occasions of fasting and prayer —quite different from today’s feasts of abundance and celebration. The truth is that around the 1760s, Pilgrim descendants in Plymouth, concerned about their declining cultural influence, began promoting the idea that the original Pilgrims were America’s founding fathers. The notion of a holiday symbolizing unity and friendship between colonists and natives gained traction, eventually shaping the Thanksgiving tradition we know today.

2

Paul Revere’s "Midnight Ride"

Image: Priscilla Du Preez

Though "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" is legendary, Revere certainly didn’t act alone. The famous silversmith was only one of several riders, including William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, who warned of the British army’s approach. To be fair, much of the well-known story was fabled by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem "Paul Revere’s Ride," which is far from a historically accurate account.

Additionally, Revere would have never shouted "The British are coming!"—that wouldn’t have made much sense, as most Massachusetts colonists still identified as British. The actual alert was closer to "The Regulars are coming," referring to British troops.

3

The frontier was lawless

Image: Idean Azad

Popular culture paints the American West as a wild, lawless frontier, but crime was actually lower in many Western towns than in Eastern cities at the time. Local codes, vigilante groups, and early forms of law enforcement helped keep order, even in the most remote pioneer towns.

Many towns established designated areas where firearms were off-limits, requiring visitors to put away their weapons before entering. Of course, cities like Dodge City and Tombstone had their rowdy moments, but local communities established governance quickly. In many cases, justice in the West was rough but effective, and it helped establish America’s early legal backbone.

4

Washington chopped down a cherry tree

Image: Terence Starkey

Though it’s deeply etched in American memory, the story of young George Washington confessing to chopping down a cherry tree is entirely fictional. This tale was fabricated by Parson Weems, Washington’s biographer, to depict him as morally upright and honest from an early age.

While the story is charming and has contributed to America’s sense of ethos, it underscores the tendency in early American history to create heroic, almost mythical personas for its leaders. Yet, Washington’s legacy hardly needs fabricated childhood anecdotes to shine; his real courage and dedication to his country speak for themselves.

5

The Liberty Bell rang on Independence Day

Image: Dan Mall

The story of the Liberty Bell ringing for independence traces back to a fictional tale by George Lippard in an 1847 issue of The Saturday Courier. In this story, an elderly bellman in the State House steeple anxiously awaited news of Congress’s decision. Doubting their resolve, he suddenly heard his grandson’s triumphant shout: "Ring, Grandfather! Ring!"

This story captivated the public and cemented the Liberty Bell’s association with the Declaration of Independence. However, historians now doubt that the bell actually rang in 1776; at the time the State House steeple was reportedly in poor condition, and the bell may not have been in use. Though many bells rang throughout Philadelphia on July 8 to celebrate the Declaration, whether the Liberty Bell itself rang remains uncertain due to a lack of contemporary accounts.

6

Betsy Ross made the first American flag

Image: Luke Michael

The story of Betsy Ross sewing the first American flag is one of America’s favorite tales, but the sad truth is that there’s no historical evidence to support it. The story only emerged nearly a century after the Revolution, when her grandson published the account in a paper for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 1870.

While the Continental Congress did approve a flag design in 1777, it’s unclear who actually made it. However, despite historians' doubts, the early flag design with 13 stars in a circle is still popularly known as "the Betsy Ross flag."

7

Orson Welles’ broadcast induced mass panic

Image: Muhammed ÖÇAL

It’s widely believed that Orson Welles’ 1938 radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds caused widespread panic across the United States, with listeners mistaking it for real news of an alien invasion. However, the actual extent of the panic was greatly exaggerated by newspapers looking to discredit radio as a rival news source.

While the broadcast did unsettle some listeners, most of the audience knew it was a dramatic performance. Reports of mass hysteria were largely fabricated, and ironically, the media’s reaction to the broadcast may be a greater testament to its power than Welles’ fictional invasion ever could be.

8

Cowboys wore big, flashy hats

Image: Brice Cooper

While movies and TV shows often show cowboys wearing wide-brimmed, flashy hats, most cowboys actually wore bowler or derby hats until the late 19th century. These hats were more practical and better suited for riding. Men also wore flat wool caps, Mexican sombreros, or even old Civil War hats like the kepi.

The wide-brimmed "cowboy hat" only became popular later and evolved into a cultural icon thanks to cinematic depictions of the Wild West. As with most things, in truth practicality ruled the range, and the stereotype of the cowboy hat developed more from fiction than reality.

9

Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity

Image: Felix Mittermeier

Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment didn’t really "discover" electricity but rather demonstrated that lightning was a form of electrical energy. In fact, historians aren’t even sure whether he performed the famous experiment himself. At the time, scientists in Europe had been experimenting with electricity for decades.

That being said, Franklin’s findings did help advance science, and laid the groundwork for future innovations. His research not only led to the practical study of electricity, but his invention of the lightning rod also helped save both people and structures. In any case, Franklin never patented any of his inventions, believing that "products of the human imagination belonged to no one person," so he likely wouldn’t have wanted credit as the discoverer of electricity either.

10

The Fourth of July marks the signing of the Declaration

Image: Trent Yarnell

The Declaration of Independence is celebrated on July 4th, but the actual timeline of events is a bit more complex. Independence was formally approved by Congress on July 2, 1776, through the Virginia resolution, which officially severed ties with Britain. However, the text of the Declaration was subjected to intense debate and revisions before Congress approved the wording on July 4.

Further complicating things, the Declaration wasn't publicly read until July 8, and it took several more weeks before all signers had added their names. While some Founding Fathers, like John Adams, initially advocated for celebrating on July 2, the public ultimately gravitated toward July 4—the date displayed on the final document.