Nothing heralds spring better than the arrival the small bird called “Peeps.” This migratory bird usually arrives mid-March and stays until well after Easter. Peeps are native to North American, particularly in the USA. Ornithologists first identified peeps as a separate species about sixty years ago but know very little about their life cycle. Ornithologists spotted the first peep near Philadelphia, but now people see peeps all over North America. Peeps are a member of the chicken family. They do not nest in trees but prefer to be inside usually near a source of food like candy.
It is a colorful, tiny bird – usually less than two inches high. They are usually a solid pink, blue, green or orange in color but may be any color. The males and females of this rare species have identical colors and markings. In fact, it is impossible to distinguish male peeps from female peeps. Ornithologists are certain that the species does mate since they find their eggs wherever peeps are found. There is no documentation on any eggs hatching. The eggs are so tasty that they can be eaten raw, so few survive to maturity to hatch peep chicks. Peeps themselves will disappear if not locked away. No peeps have survived captivity very long. Ornithologists believe that peeps migrate to the place of their birth to mate, much like salmon. The rest of the year, this shy bird will hide.
“Peeps” is actually a misnomer since these birds have no vocal cords. You will not hear a peep out of them. However, some people claim that they have heard peeps call their name. I have had this experience.
They like to stay in small groups of five or six and stick together. In fact, it takes some effort to separate one peep from another. A group of five or six is a packet. Two or more packets form a family pak. Peeps have a mellow disposition. Ornithologists believed that peeps live in lowland marshes the rest of the year; hence, the scientific name of Marshmallow Peep. Hunting peeps is easy since you do not find peeps – peeps find you.
Peeps are quite tasty eaten raw. I have seen a recipe where the peeps are lightly toasted, smothered with chocolate and served on a gram cracker. The taste will leave begging for s’more.
THE END
It is a colorful, tiny bird – usually less than two inches high. They are usually a solid pink, blue, green or orange in color but may be any color. The males and females of this rare species have identical colors and markings. In fact, it is impossible to distinguish male peeps from female peeps. Ornithologists are certain that the species does mate since they find their eggs wherever peeps are found. There is no documentation on any eggs hatching. The eggs are so tasty that they can be eaten raw, so few survive to maturity to hatch peep chicks. Peeps themselves will disappear if not locked away. No peeps have survived captivity very long. Ornithologists believe that peeps migrate to the place of their birth to mate, much like salmon. The rest of the year, this shy bird will hide.
“Peeps” is actually a misnomer since these birds have no vocal cords. You will not hear a peep out of them. However, some people claim that they have heard peeps call their name. I have had this experience.
They like to stay in small groups of five or six and stick together. In fact, it takes some effort to separate one peep from another. A group of five or six is a packet. Two or more packets form a family pak. Peeps have a mellow disposition. Ornithologists believed that peeps live in lowland marshes the rest of the year; hence, the scientific name of Marshmallow Peep. Hunting peeps is easy since you do not find peeps – peeps find you.
Peeps are quite tasty eaten raw. I have seen a recipe where the peeps are lightly toasted, smothered with chocolate and served on a gram cracker. The taste will leave begging for s’more.
THE END
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