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Individual variations within the species could be very special, and California king snake variety makes a perfect illustration of such cases. Thus, the appearance variability decreases the chances for the California king snake to be identified correctly when lacking complete knowledge about the possible variations. Thus, some snakes could be dark-brown ground color with a yellow line in the mid of the central body area, while other California king snake subspecies could be dark brown but white or yellow-ringed, with the lighter colors arranged in a vertical body pattern. A more clear description can be made when analyzing the size of the snake: it can be up to 70 inches long, with a two or three inch split tail.

California King Snake

California king snake varieties do not stand apart from other snake sub-categories in anatomy of the halved jaws joint by elastic tissue only. Without this anatomical advantage, the snake couldn't swallow a prey that is usually larger than the predator's diameter. When it comes to behavior traits, California king snake prefers hidden corners in solitary natural environment where the possibility to encounter larger predators remains reduced. Its diet consists of rodents, small birds, lizards and frogs. The only period when California king snake is found in the company of other serpents is winter when these creatures hibernate together in large numbers.

California King Snake

California king snake specimens have the reputation of eating each other or feeding even on poisonous snakes. This is a non-poisonous species that loops around, constricts and then squeezes the prey until it suffocates it. As for the consume of venomous snakes, people used to think that snakes are generally immune to venom, now discoveries indicate not immunity but superior body tolerance to venom exposure. Biting could be a problem for the encounter of a California king snake and a human, but the snake will only strike if if feels endangered.

California King Snake

Some of the California king snake's disadvantages like bad eyesight and a poor ability to focus could be mentioned among other things; these small problems are due to the anatomical position of the snake's eyes on the sides of the head. If the prey is smart enough to stay still in the presence of this California king snake, it gets more chances to survive the encounter. The snake relies on identifying the prey in motion in order to be able to hunt it but it is worth saying that California king snake has a superior sense of hearing as it can recognize low frequency sounds and various vibrations. Hunting is no longer such a problem under the circumstances.

Taking care of birds at home is perhaps one of the most fulfilling ways to relax. That is why it is important to provide birds with the right bird feeding tools. There are many different types of bird feeders, each designed according to the types of birds that feed from it. The most common ones are the wood hopper feeders, the tube feeders, thistle feeders, platform feeders, ground feeders and the suet bird feeders.

Hopper feeders are basically the most ideal feeders you can buy. They are made from wood, thus making them an additional accent to your outdoor surroundings. These bird feeders houses are very convenient since you just simply open the top and pour the wild bird seed in. They are also fairly well protected against weather like snow or rain. Generally, wood feeders are practical. But be sure to place these feeders in strategic locations, otherwise, squirrels might raid them. Tube feeders are another type.

These can be easily mounted onto a pole, or can be hung wherever you like. Additionally, when looking for feeders that have very tiny holes, thistle feeders are the answers. These feeders are basically designed for gold, purple or house finches because the seeds of the thistles no not pour out easily onto the ground. Most thistle feeders for wild birds have fun designs and you can normally see birds hanging upside down while feeding themselves. Moreover, the design effectively keeps birds always from each other, thus avoiding competition for the seeds.

Platform feeders are the ideal type of bird feeders, especially if you wish to see migratory birds. These bird feeding tools generally have open designs, thus allowing birds to easily notice any approaching birds of prey or cats. And when predators come, birds can simply fly away from the feeder. One great advantage of this type of feeder is that it can accommodate larger species of birds. Such birds can just simply perch and feed. And since these feeders have open designs, birds can feed themselves all at the same time. This is also similar with the ground feeders, which are placed on the ground. Both the platform and ground feeders however, need proper maintenance, as they are prone to different elements, such as snow and rain.

To attract interesting types of birds, suet feeders are a good idea. This type of feeder is actually a cage made from wire and can be easily placed with commercially-prepared suet cakes. Suet feeders normally attract Northern Flickers, and also Pileated, Red Bellied, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers. You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a feeder, so be sure to have the one that will attract the species you wish to see.