Ostriches are the largest birds in the world. These flightless birds can still be found in the wild in sections of Africa where they are very well adapted to the environment. They primarily eat plants but are also known to consume insects.
These owls, who reach sizes around seven to eight inches, can be found in dense woodlands from southeastern Alaska and California in the west to eastern Canada and the northeastern United States and even south into Mexico. The Saw Whet owl will eat...
Thrashers (Birds); Songbirds; Songbirds -- North America
These birds belong to the avian family mimidae but tend to be much more shy and elusive than their more gregarious cousins the mockingbirds. These large brown birds tend to be a favorite among avid birdwatchers because they are known to have one of...
Rock Ptarmigans are denizens of the arctic tundra that depend on camouflage to survive. During the winter months the plumage of these birds is white with only the tail feathers remaining dark. These birds feed on a variety of leaves, buds seeds and...
The Blue and Gold Macaw is a parrot that has feathers that are a bright blue-green color with a yellow (or gold) colored chest. In the wild these birds are commonly found throughout Mexico, as well as Central America, and the northern parts of...
Ducks; Mandarin duck; Wetland animals; Lake animals
Mandarin ducks originate from the inland swamps, lakes and pools of Asia. These colorful birds are most active during both dawn and dusk, and feed on seeds, insects and small fish. These ducks have been celebrated in Japanese and Chinese art for...
This bird is native to South America and can be found in areas of Brazil and Peru. These ducks are fast and agile fliers. They are able to perch in trees as well as on the ground. Ringed teals nest in tree cavities and adapt well to constructed...
The sora rail is a small marsh bird that inhabits the low-lying wetlands in North and South America. It can be found in areas of either fresh or brackish water making its home among the taller plants where it can easily hide. The sora is rarely...
Chickens are domestic birds. The adult female chicken is called a hen, the adult male is called a rooster, and the young are called chicks. There are many different breeds of chicken that are different sizes and colors. The rooster is larger and...
The Cooper's Hawk is a medium size bird of prey that can be spotted in forests, meadows and even suburban areas. This hawk is especially agile and built for fast flight through an obstacle course of trees and limbs to get to its prey. The Cooper's...
The cassowary is a large flightless bird that can be found in the rainforests of New Guinea and Australia. This bird has powerfully built legs, stands over 5 feet tall and is well known for having a fierce attitude. On top of its head this bird has...
The Sapsucker is a unique woodpecker that derives its name from its habit of boring holes into the bark of trees, letting the sap exude and run down the trunk. The bird will then use its rough tongue to lap up the oozing sap. These birds can be...
Japan; Japan -- Folklore; Japan -- Social life and customs; Ainu; Wood-carved figurines; Roosters; Eagles; Birds; Art
Sasano-Bori is traditional carvings from the Sasano region in Yonezawa city in Japan. The term bori in Japanese literally means carving. Sasano-Bori has been handed down through the ages for the past 1,200 years, but it became well-known to most...
Mirrors; China; China -- Social life and customs; China -- History -- Ming dynasty, 1368-1644
Over the past 3,000 years, mirrors have become more than just a grooming aid in the Chinese culture. Mirrors, through the years, were also used as tokens of love, political gifts, and burial items for the afterlife. They were usually owned by the...
This bird gets its name from its bright red plumage that resembles the robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. This bird is highly territorial and will stay in the same area all year long. The cardinal is easy to spot in the winter as it brilliant...
The hyacinth macaw is native to rainforest regions of Bolivia, Brazil, and perhaps parts of Paraguay. This bird is the largest of the parrot species, and feeds on fruits, seeds and nuts. Its massive beak can crack open even the hardest shells. This...
Birds; Ducks; Wood duck -- North America; Wetland animals
One of the most colorful ducks in North America, the Wood Duck can be found among wooded streams, swamps and lowland areas. These ducks nest in trees that grow directly in or around water. Shortly after hatching the young ducklings will jump from...
The Ruffed Grouse is a chicken-like bird that is found in the northern sections of the North America. It is primarily brown with striped tail plumage and black markings (called “ruffs”) along its neck. This color pattern makes this bird...
The Hermit Thrush is a small reddish brown bird that makes its home in woodlands and low-lying forests. This bird is widespread in North America and is well known for its clear, bell-like song.
One of the most apparent features of the skull of a Great Horned Owl is the size of its eyes. All owls have large eyes that give them more efficient vision under low light conditions. Their eyes also have a ring of boney plates, called a sclerotic...
