Size Up to 3.1 m (10 ft) long ❯Weight Males up to 90 kg ❯(198 lb); females weigh about half as much. Habitat Tropical ❯forest and scrub. Adults live on the ground, but young dragons are more agile and live in trees to stay safe. Distribution❯Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and western Flores. Diet All kinds of carrion and live prey, including wild ❯pigs, water buffalo, snakes, and lizards. Lifespan About ❯30 years Top speed 20 kph (12 mph), but only in short bursts. ❯Predators Adults have no natural enemies. Young dragons ❯may be eaten by snakes, birds of prey, and even other dragons. Conservation status Komodo dragons are ❯threatened by hunting and by forest and scrub clearance.
150Reptiles❯ SnakesSnakesWith their sleek, shiny bodies and needle-sharp fangs, snakes often trigger panic and fear. Most kinds are harmless to humans, but venomous ones kill more than 20,000 people a year. All snakes are legless, and nearly all eat live prey. Their amazingly flexible jaws and stomachs let them swallow animals much wider than themselves. The African Gaboon viper waits to ambush its prey with record-breaking fangs 1up to 5 cm (2 in) long. In a single bite, it can inject enough venom to kill a baboon or an antelope. The African mole viper catches small animals underground, while the 2extremely venomous desert death adder from Australia 3attracts food by using the thin, worm-like tip of its tail as a lure. The boa constrictor from Central America is 4non-venomous and kills by muscle power alone. Like other Wide scales on undersideNeck widens into “hood” to scare off predatorsRed colour darkens with ageA s p v ip e rR a i n b o w b o a5K in g c o b r a4B o a c o n s t r ic t o rP r a ir ierat t le snak eEastAfr i c a n s a n db o a2M o le v ip e rS u n b e am s n a k eSCALEM a la y a np it v ip e r6M o n o c le d c o b r aR e d s p i t t in g c o b r a3D esert de a t h a d d e rC e y lo n e s ep ip e s n a k e1G a b o o n v ip e r
151Reptiles❯ Snakesconstrictors, it coils around its prey, tightening its grip while the victim slowly suffocates. Boas feed mainly on mammals and birds, but the Asian king cobra is an expert at eating other 5snakes. At 5 m (16 ft) long, it is the biggest venomous snake on Earth. The monocled cobra expands its neck into a 6“hood” when threatened, while the North American western diamond-backed rattlesnake makes a rattling sound with 7its tail to warn off enemies. The mighty green anaconda8is one of the world’s longest and heaviest snakes, weighing more than 100 kg (220 lb). At the other extreme, the Eurasian blindsnake is often less than 30 cm (12 in) long. It feeds on 9ants, spiders, and centipedes. Most snakes are good swimmers. The yellow-lipped seakrait spends its life in tropical seas, 10coming to land only when it is time to breed. “Rattle” made of dry skinD e s e r thorn e d v i p e r8G r e e n a n a c o n d aR o s y b o a9E u r a s ia n b l in d s n a k eC e n t r a lA e m r ican c o r a ls n a k e10Y e l l o w - l ip p e d s e a k r a it7W e s t e r n d ia m o n d - b a c k e d r a t t le s nakeDusty colour provides camouflage
152Some snakes give birth to live young, but most breed by laying eggs. Female blood pythons from 11Southeast Asia coil around their eggs to keep them warm. The mother stays with her eggs for up to three months, and does not eat until her young have hatched. The green tree python from Australasia is a superb climber, but 12the Asian banded flying snake is even better at moving 13about in trees. It jumps from tree to tree, gliding up to 100 m (330 ft) by stretching out its body and flattening its underside. The Burmese python is one of the longest snakes in the 14world, measuring up to 7 m (23 ft) from head to tail. Like all pythons and rattlesnakes, it has heat sensors on its head, letting it “see” warm-blooded prey even when it is completely dark. The brightly patterned California Heat sensors in front of eyes to detect prey11B lood p y t h o nL o n g -nos e d s n a k e13B a n d e d f ly in g s n a k e14B urme s ep y t h o nSm o o t h s n a k e15C a l i f o r n iam o u n t a in k in g s n a k e12G r e e n t r e ep y t h o nB a lk a n r a c e r
153Reptiles❯ Snakesmountain kingsnake looks venomous, but its colours 15are a trick and it is actually non-poisonous. Other snakes use different kinds of self-defence. The pine snake from 16North America squirts out horrible-smelling fluid when threatened, while the European grass snake turns upside 17down with its tongue hanging out and pretends to be dead. The South American false water cobra has a dangerous 18bite, and warns away enemies in the same way as a true cobra by widening its neck. In places with cold winters, snakes hide away and hibernate. Most hide on their own, but North American garter snakes gather 19together in hundreds in underground dens. They come to the surface in spring and squirm in tangled masses as they fight for the chance to mate.Pointed snout adapted for burrowingBroad black streak behind eyesG ia n tM a la g a s yhognose s n a k eB r o w n t r e e s n a k e19G a r t e rs n a k e17G r a s ss n a k eR e d - t a i le dg r e e n r a t s n a k e18F a ls ew a t e rc o b r aS p o t t e d p y t h o nR u t h v e n ’ s k in g s n a k eSCALETail used as an anchor while climbing16P in es n a k eDistinctive yellow collar
AFRICAN BUSH VIPER This small but deadly snake hunts mostly at night. Although it eats small animals, its venom can cause serious illness or even death in humans. However, this hasn’t stopped people from keeping it as a pet. This snake is sometimes called the variable viper because it exists in a variety of colours, including green, yellow, red, and orange, and because it may change colour as it matures.
Size Males average 65 cm (26 in) in length; females ❯average 71 cm (28 in) Habitat Bushes and shrubs in tropical ❯forests and other densely vegetated areas. Distribution❯West and Central Africa Diet Small nocturnal mammals ❯such as rodents and shrews, small birds, frogs, and reptiles. Breeding Mating occurs in the rainy season. Females give ❯birth to up to nine live young, abandoning them immediately afterwards. The young are venomous and able to hunt for themselves from birth. Lifespan 10–20 years in the wild. ❯Captive vipers may live longer. Predators Adult African ❯bush vipers have few if any predators. They may eat the young of their own species.
156Reptiles❯ Crocodiles and alligatorsA u s t r alian freshw a t e rc r o c o d i leCrocodiles and alligatorsSCALELurking in rivers, lakes, and sheltered shores, crocodiles and alligators use stealth and muscle power to ambush and kill their prey. Even the smallest kinds, such as the African dwarf crocodile 1, have scales like armour plating, while the largest can smash open boats with their giant jaws. Crocodiles swallow small animals whole. They tear bigger ones apart, after pulling them underwater so they drown. The African Nile crocodile often lies in 2wait near the banks of rivers and water holes, where it attacks animals coming to drink. Females are devoted parents, guarding their eggs and carrying their young to water once they have hatched. Found in Australia and Southeast Asia, the saltwater crocodile is the biggest 3reptile in the world. Measuring up to 7 m (23 ft) long, it is Strong legs to race short distancesSkin armoured with bony platesNostrils at tip of snout2N i le c r o c o d i leCuba n rco c o d i le1D w a r fc r ocodileSiam e s ec croodi le4 American c r o c o d i le3S a ltw a t e rc r o c o d i le
157Reptiles❯ Crocodiles and alligatorsa notorious man-eater, often attacking after dark. The American crocodile feeds mainly on fish, while 4the American alligator 5 eats all kinds of animals, from frogs to deer. Like the rare Chinese alligator , it can be 6told from true crocodiles by the shape of its head, and by the way its teeth fit together when its mouth is closed. Caimans are relatives of alligators from Central and South America. The broad-snouted caiman lives in 7marshes and swamps, while the spectacled caiman8lives on coasts, as well as in inland lakes and rivers. The critically endangered gharial is a unique fish-eating 9species from India, with extremely narrow jaws and dozens of sharply pointed teeth. It lives in deep rivers and finds its prey mainly by touch.B la c k c a im an8S p e c t a c le d c a im a n7 Bro a d - s n o u t ed caim a n6C h in e s e al l ig a t o r5A m e r ic a n a l l ig a t o rEyes high on head to spot prey from underwaterSharp teeth to tear prey apartS c h n e id e r ’sd w a rf ca im a nO r in o co c r o c o d i le9 Gh a r ia lM arsh crocodileY a c a r e c a im a nC u v ie r ’sd w a r fc a im a n
BirdsThe masters of the air, birds can fly higher, further, and faster than any other creature. Their front limbs are adapted into wings, and their bodies are covered in feathers for warmth and for a streamlined shape. Their bones are partly hollow, making them light but strong and ideally suited for flying through the air.Beak Birds use their ❯beaks as their main tool. This vulture’s beak is adapted for tearing flesh, but other birds use theirs as drills, saws, or even sieves.R ü p p e l l ’sv u lt u r e
FeaturesFeathers Different types of feather have ❯different uses. Warm, fluffy down feathers keep the bird warm. Long, stiff feathers grow on the wings to direct the air in flight. Many species grow brightly coloured feathers to attract a mate.• Have beaks instead of teeth• Are covered in feathers• Have wings and most can fly• Lay eggs to reproduce• Are warm- bloodedAnimalsBirdsWings All birds ❯have wings, although not all of them can fly. The wings flap with great force to lift the bird off the ground. Once in the air, some birds simply hold their wings out to soar like a glider, while others can perform amazing aerobatics.
160Birds❯ Ostriches and relativesStanding more than 2.5 m (8 ft) tall and weighing up to 160 kg (350 lb), twice as much as a man, ostriches are the world’s biggest birds. Ostriches cannot 1fly but they are the fastest animals on two legs, with a cruising speed of 70 kph (45 mph). They live in Africa and feed on seeds and fruit, swallowing stones as big as golf balls to help them grind up their food. Emus , from Australia, are almost 2as big, with feathers that look like shaggy fur. They have tiny wings, and three toes on each foot, where ostriches have two. Thousands of emus sometimes gather together in flocks, crossing deserts and raiding farmland in search of food. The northern cassowary and 3southern cassowary are 4rainforest birds from Australia and New Guinea, with a helmet-like crest on their heads. They live on their own and N o r t h I s la n d k iw iG r e a ts p o t t e dkiw i3N o r t h e r n c a s s o w a r y2E m uHelmet-like crest or casqueLong bill to forage for wormsOstriches and relatives1O s t r ic hSCALET o k o e k aTwo-toed footWings used for balance while runningMales have pink necks
161Birds❯ Ostriches and relativescan be dangerous if cornered, kicking out with their claws. Rheas come from South America. Males are hard-working parents, sitting on the eggs and taking care of the stripy chicks. Lesser rheas live in flocks of up to 30 birds. 5During the breeding season, males fight for attention of female partners. Kiwis come from New Zealand and are chicken-sized, flightless birds with long beaks. They live in forests and feed at night, sniffing out insects and worms. Some are very rare. The little spotted kiwi lives on 6offshore islands, safe from predators. Greater rheas live 7in flocks of up to 100. Males use impressive wing displays to attract potential mates. The ornate tinamou and 8elegant crested tinamou also come from South America. They 9can fly, but prefer to run away from danger instead.4S o u t he rn ca s s o w a r y6L i t t le s p o t t e dk iw i5L e s s e rr h e a7G r e a t e rr h e aGrey neckGrey-brown plumage for camouflagePowerful legs for running and swimming S om a l io s t r i c h8O r n a t e t in a m o u9E le g a n tc r e s t e dt in am o u
162Birds❯ GamebirdsGamebirdsGamebirds are often good fliers, but the majority of them spend most of their lives on the ground. They peck at seeds and small animals, and scratch up food with their feet. Unlike most other birds, they don’t like washing in water, but they love taking a dust bath to keep their feathers clean. The red junglefowl from southern 1Asia looks and sounds just like a farmyard rooster, with its “cock-a-doodle-do” call. It is the distant grandparent of chickens, which are the most common birds on Earth. Found in North America, the wild turkey is another 2large gamebird that has been tamed. Gamebirds live in a variety of habitats. Some, such as the greater prairie chicken , live in open grassland, but others are found in 3forests, mountains, or wind-swept Arctic tundra. The satyr Fan-shaped tail in display3G r e a t e rp r a ir ie c h ic k e n4S a t y rt r a gopa nS p r u c eg r o u s e2W i ld t u r k e y5B a r e - f a c e d c u r a s s o wSCALEV u l t u r in eg u in e a f o w lC h u k a rp a r t r id g e1R e d ju n g le f owlP a la w a n p eaco c k - p h e a s a n tB e a r d e d g u a nC h e s t n u t - b e l l ie dh i l lp a r t r id g eMale has red wattlesInflatable neck sacStrong feet kick aside fallen leaves
163Birds❯ Gamebirdstragopan lives in cool forests high in the Himalayan 4mountains. Most gamebirds roost, or sleep, in trees, but the bare-faced curassow feeds above ground, too. Male 5gamebirds are often much more eye-catching than females. Male Lady Amherst’s pheasants are stunningly 6coloured, and Siamese firebacks have red faces and 7a feathery crest. Indian peacocks have extraordinary 8plumes that open like a fan, attracting peahens. Most gamebirds nest on the ground, and some produce incredible numbers of eggs. One grey partridge laid 25 eggs at one 9time, which is a world record for any bird. Females usually sit on the eggs to incubate them, but Australian malleefowl10bury their eggs inside a nest that looks like a huge compost heap. The heap warms the eggs until they hatch. Male’s extravagant tail used to attract femalesRed patches around eyes6 LadyA m h e r s t ’sp h e a s a n tR o c kp t a rm ig a nC a u c ag u a n7S iam e s e f ir e b a c kG r e y - h e a d e d c h a c h a la c a8I n d i a n p e a c o c k10M a l le e f o w lS o o t yg r o u s eC o m m o n p h e a s a n tC o m m o n q u a i lC alifo r n ian q u a i lP la in c h a c h a l a c a9G r e y p a r t r i d g eW e s t e r n c a p e r c a i l l ieR o u lr o u lG r e y f r a n c o l in
164Birds❯ Pigeons and dovesPigeons and dovesSCALEPigeons and doves include many common birds, as well as others that are very rare. They have rounded bodies and short legs, and their heads often bob backwards and forwards when they walk. All of them are vegetarians, and many, including the mourning dove1and woodpigeon , live near fields and farms, which 2provide a steady supply of food. Pigeons and doves are mostly brown or grey, but some tropical kinds are much more colourful. They include the African green pigeon , 3which clambers about in trees like a parrot, and the very rare pink pigeon from the island of Mauritius in the Indian 4Ocean. The pink pigeon almost became extinct in the 1990s, but was rescued by conservationists when just 10 birds were left in the wild. The pheasant pigeon from New Guinea 5N i c o b a rp ig e o nP ie d im p e r ia lp ig e o n2W o o d p ig e o nE u r o pean t u r t le d o v e5P h e a s a n tp ig e o n4P in k pig e o n1M o u r n in g d o v eK e yW e s tq u a i l - d o v e3A f r ic a n g r e e n p ig e o nMulticoloured beakLarge legs and toesLong, tapering tail separates it from similar speciesW h i t e - t ip p e d d o v eShaggy blue “mane”
165Birds❯ Pigeons and doveshas strong legs and feeds on the ground, while the wompoo fruit dove lives high up in rainforest trees. It swallows 6fruit whole and scatters the seeds in its droppings, helping trees to spread. Pigeons and doves are found in dry places, too. The crested spinifex pigeon lives in the rocky hills 7of central Australia and feeds on the seeds of desert grasses. The commonest of all, the domestic pigeon thrives in 8urban areas, where it dodges traffic, nests on buildings, and eats scraps of leftover food. The tiny diamond dove9from Australia is often seen in pairs or small groups, feeding on the ground. It is only 20 cm (8 in) long. At the other extreme, the southern crowned pigeon from New 10Guinea weighs as much as a chicken. It is one of the biggest pigeons in the world, measuring up to 75 cm (30 in) long. 7S p in i f e x p ig e o nBrown cuckoo-d o v eN am a q u ad o v e8D ome s t i c p ig e o nC o m m o n b r o n z e w in gIn c ad o v e10S o u t h e r n cr o w n e d p ig e o n6W o m p o o f r u i t d o v eWhite-speckled wingsLacy crest bobs backwards and forwards as the bird walksSpotted underpartsPermanently raised spiky crestS p e c k le d p ig e o n9D ia m o n dd o v eE m e r a ld d o v eW o n g a p i g e o nS u la w e s ig r o u n d d o v e
166Birds❯ Parrots and cockatoosParrots and cockatoosParrots are some of the world’s brainiest, noisiest, and most colourful birds. Most of them live in tropical forests, although a few favour open habitats. They use their curved beaks to crack open nuts and seeds. and they vary greatly in size. The tiny Pacific parrotlet is smaller than 1a sparrow, but the bigger ones, such as the blue-and-yellow macaw , can be nearly 1 m (3 ft) from head to tail. Big or 2small, all parrots have strong feet with fleshy toes. They use them for climbing about and for holding their food. The African grey parrot and the 3budgerigar , from 4Australian grasslands, are amazingly good at mimicking human speech. One record-breaking budgerigar learned more than 1,700 words, while trained grey parrots can answer questions and even count. Found in New Zealand, R e d - f r o n t e dm a c a w sA u s t r a l ia n k in gp a r r o t2B lu e - a n d - y e l lo wm a c a wE a s t e r n r o s e l la5K a k a p oP r in c e s sp a r r o t sSharp beak shreds bark and leavesPowerful beak to crack nuts4B u d g e rig a rCrest can be raised or lowered6S u lp h u r -c ers t e d c o c k a t o o3G r e yp a r r o tO l i v e - h e a d e d lo r ik e e t1P a c i f icp a r r o t le tC h a t t e r in g lo r y
167Birds❯ Parrots and cockatooskakapos are the world’s rarest and heaviest parrots. 5They cannot fly, and come out only at night. These slow-moving birds are easily caught by predators, and only about 125 kakapos are left in the wild. Cockatoos are parrots with feathery crests. Found in Australia and New Guinea, the sulphur-crested cockatoo sometimes flies into city 6gardens and parks, while the cockatiel , like the budgerigar, 7lives in dry scrub and grassland. Most parrots nest in tree-holes, and many, including the galah , pair up for life. 8Male and female parrots often look the same, but eclectus parrots are so unalike that they were once thought to 9be different kinds of bird. The kea lives in the mountains 10of New Zealand. Unusually for a parrot, it eats almost anything, including live animals and carrion.Y e l lo w - c o l la r e d lo v e b i r dB lu e - c r o w n e dh a n g in g p a r r o t sDistinctive red patch on tailS c a r le tm a c a w7C o c k a t i e l s10K e aMale is mainly greenLong, sharply pointed crestR ed-taile d b la ck c ocka t o oR e d - f r o n t e dp arake e t9E c le c t u s p a rrotsR e d - f a np a r r o tS tV incen t p a r r o tB lu e - h e a d e dp a r r o tSCALE8G a la hTail as long as bodyFemale is red, with blue neck band
MILITARY MACAW One of the largest and most dazzling members of the parrot family, the military macaw has spectacular plumage, with a bright green body, shimmering sky-blue wingtips, and scarlet patches on its head and tail. Its large beak is adapted for picking fruit and cracking open nuts. Highly intelligent and sociable, it is popular in zoos and is sometimes kept as a pet, although it can be noisy!
Size Body length up to 75 cm (30 in) ❯ Wingspan Up to ❯1.1 m (3 ft 6 in) Weight Around 900 g (2 lb) ❯Habitat❯Lowland tropical forests and semi-arid woodland. Lives in large flocks, nesting in treetops or on cliff faces. Distribution❯Central America and northern South America. Diet Fruit, ❯vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds. In the Amazon rainforest, they sometimes eat clay from river banks, possibly to remove toxins they have swallowed in their food. Breeding They ❯perform complex courtship flights and mate for life. Lifespan❯Up to 60 years in the wild. Predators Large mammals, some ❯reptiles, primates, and birds of prey. Conservation status❯ Threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade in cage birds.
170Birds❯ Cuckoos and turacosCuckoos and turacosRaising a family is hard work for birds because they have to build a nest and look after their young. Many cuckoos skip these tasks by laying their eggs in other birds’ nests. The nests’ owners do not realize that they have been tricked, and raise the young cuckoos themselves. The common cuckoo is one of the best-known of these 1birds, with a loud “cuc-oo” call that gives it its name. It breeds in Europe and Asia and spends the winter in Africa, undertaking a yearly journey of up to 15,000 km (9,300 miles). The pheasant-cuckoo from Central and South America 2and the jacobin cuckoo from Africa and Asia also cheat 3when they breed, but the giant coua from Madagascar 4makes its own nest in trees. Cuckoos feed mainly on small animals such as spiders and caterpillars, but turacos live 3J a c o b in c u c k o oY e l lo w - b i l le d c u c k o o5G r e y g o -awa y b i r dCom m o n k o e l2Ph e a s a n t - c u c k o oK la a s ’sc ucko o6G r e a t blue turacoH a r t la u b ’st u r a c oV io le t t u r a c o1C om m o n c u c k o oTail fanned during courtship display4G ia n tc o u a
171Birds❯ Cuckoos and turacosbut turacos live mostly on fruit. Found only in Africa, they include the noisy grey go-away bird and the 5great blue turaco , which feeds high up in trees. Turacos have strong 6feet, and they run along branches like squirrels as they look for food. The greater roadrunner , from the USA and 7Mexico, is an extra-large cuckoo that spends much of its life on the ground. It is a great runner, as its name suggests, with a top speed of about 30 kph (18 mph). It sprints after lizards and snakes, battering them against rocks before swallowing them whole. The green turaco lays two eggs in a flimsy 8nest, and its young clamber out among branches before they learn to fly. The hoatzin from South America is a strange 9bird that feeds only on leaves. Its chicks are good climbers thanks to small claws on their wings.F a n - t a i le d c u c k o o8G r e e n t u r a c o7G r eater roadrunn e rDid e r iccuc k o oG r e a ts p o t t e d c u c k o oG r e a t e r c o u c a lR e d - c r e s t e d t u r a c o9H o a t z inG u i r a c u c k o oSCALEWings used for balance when runningStrong toes grip branches tightlyPermanently raised spiky crestShort, stubby beak
172Birds❯ OwlsOwlsWhen the sun sets, most birds settle down tosleep. Owls are the opposite, because this is when most of them start to hunt. Guided by their large eyes and super-sensitive ears, they noiselessly swoop on their prey. Owls come in many different sizes, and they live all over the world. The Ural owl 1 and the northern hawk-owl2are from northern Eurasian forests, while the black-and-white owl lives in the jungles of Central and South America. 3The tiny elf owl is a desert-dweller from the southern 4USA and Mexico. It weighs only 40 g (1 ⁄ oz), which is 25much lighter than a mobile phone. The great grey owl5is nearly 50 times heavier. It has a flat, rounded face and staring yellow eyes. Its face channels sound towards its ears, letting it pinpoint small mammals on the ground, Wing feathers muffle the sound of flightLong tail, like that of a hawkC u b a n p y g m y o w l2N o r t h e r n h a w k - o w lT a w n y o w lT r o p ic a lscre e c h o w lB l a c k - c a p p e d s c r e e c h o w l5G r e a tg r e yowl4E l fo w l3B la c k - a n d -w h it e o w l1U r a lo w lSCALE
173Birds❯ Owlsor even under snow. The snowy owl lives in the high 6Arctic region, where its white plumage makes good winter camouflage. The sun never sets during the Arctic summer, so the owl has to hunt by day. The ghostly barn owl is 7one of the world’s most widespread birds, and lives on every continent except Antarctica. It can hunt in total darkness, flying with slow wingbeats just a few metres above ground. Owls are silent when they hunt, but many have strange or spooky calls. When it is alarmed, the northern saw-whet owl makes a sound like a saw being sharpened, while 8the great horned owl has a deep and echoing hoot. The 9eastern screech owl is a short, stocky bird, with a large 10head and almost no neck. Despite its name, this owl doesn’t screech, instead it whistles and trills.Razor-sharp talons can tackle large preyLarge ear tufts extend sidewaysWhite plumage flecked with blackS o u t h e r nw h it e - f a c e d o w l10E a s t e r n s c r e e c h o w lE u r a s i a n s c o p s o w l6S n o w yo w lB u f f y f i s h o w lS p e c t a c le d o w l8N o rthe r n s aw-w h e t o w lL o n g - e a r e d o w lD e s e r teagle-owl9G r e a t h o r n e d o w lF e r r u g in o u sp y g m y o w lSho r t - e a r e d o w l7 Barn owl
BARRED OWL Named for its brown-and-white striped plumage, the barred owl is also known as the hoot owl for its distinctive, repeated call. Barred owls roost in trees during the day and hunt by night, seeking out animals such as rodents and rabbits. The feathers on their wings are specially shaped to allow them to fly almost silently so they can take their prey by surprise, swooping down to grab their victims with razor-sharp talons.
Size Up to 51 cm (20 in) long ❯Wingspan Up to 1.1 m ❯(43 in) Weight Males about 630 g (22 oz); females about ❯800 g (28 oz) Habitat Forests, wooded swamps, and ❯suburbs. Distribution Originally found in the eastern USA, ❯down to Texas in the south. Now also found in California, Oregon, southwestern Canada, and Mexico. Diet Rodents, ❯rabbits, birds, frogs, reptiles, and fish. Breeding Females lay ❯a clutch of one to five eggs. The chicks can fly at six weeks and mature at around two years. Lifespan Up to 18 years ❯in the wild. Predators Great horned owls may occasionally ❯take adult barred owls. Raccoons and weasels may eat eggs and young. Conservation status Not threatened. ❯
176Birds ❯ Hummingbirds and swiftsHummingbirds and swiftsIn different ways hummingbirds and swifts break all kinds of records as they speed through the air. Beating their wings up to 70 times a second, hummingbirds zip forwards, backwards, or hover on the spot like tiny helicopters. They include species such as the racket-tailed puffleg 1, with its eye-catching tail plumes, and the Andean hillstar , which lives high in the Andes at up to 5,000 m 2(16,400 ft). The calliope hummingbird spends the winter 3in Central America but migrates northwards as far north as Canada every spring, an amazing feat for such a little bird. Most hummingbirds have long beaks that work like drinking straws to suck sugary nectar from flowers. The sword-billed hummingbird is the only bird with a beak longer than its 4body. It feeds on large trumpet-shaped flowers, hovering B u f f - b e l l i e dhum m in g b ir d3C a l l i o p e h u m m in g b ird4 Swor d-bille d hummingbirdR u f o u s h u m m in g b ir dB r o a d - b i l l e d h u m m in g b ir d2A n de a n h i l l s t a r1R a c k e t - t a i l e dB l u e - t h r o a t e d h u m m in g b ir dH o o d e d v is o r b e a r e rA l le n ’sh u m m i n g b i r d5S t r ip e - b r e a s t e d s t a r t h roa tTongue protrudes from beak when feedingS cale - thro a t e dh e rm itSCALEB r a z i l ia n r u b yR u b y - t h r o a t e d h u m m in g b ir dC o l l a redin c aL u c i f e r h u m m i n gbirdp u f f le g
177Birds❯ Hummingbirds and swiftsunderneath them to get at its food. The stripe-breasted starthroat’s folded wings are much longer than its tail. 5The tiny bee hummingbird from Cuba is the smallest 6bird in the world. Males are 5 cm (2 in) long and weigh less than a sugar cube. Hummingbirds are found only in the Americas, but swifts live all around the world. They feed on insects that they catch on the wing. The alpine swift and 7white-throated swift nest in rocky crevices. Like all 8swifts they have tiny feet that cling but cannot hop or perch. The common swift from Europe, Africa, and Asia is 9one of the world’s fastest birds. It spends most of its time on the wing, and even eats, drinks, and sleeps in flight. After leaving the nest, a young swift does not land until its second or third birthday, when it starts to breed.A n n a ’sh u m m in g b ir dL o n g - t a i le d s y lp hW h it e - v e n t e d v iole t - e a rR u b y t o p a z6B e eh um m in g b i r dW h i t e - n e c k e d j a c o b in9Comm o n s w i f t8W h i t e -th r o a t e d s w i f tOrange-red tail fanned to attract femalesScythe-shaped wings for high-speed flightCurved beak to drink nectar from flowers7 A lp in e s w i f tV io le ts a b r e w in gW h i t e - t ip p e d s i c k l e b i l l
178Kingfishers often live near water, but most of their relatives are land-based. Many of them hunt small animals, and nearly all dig nest holes in riverbanks or in trees. The biggest of these birds are ground hornbills, which can weigh twice as much as a farmyard hen. At the other extreme, some kingfishers weigh just 10 g ( ⁄ oz), which 13is less than a CD. The blue-crowned motmot from 1Central and South America swoops on insects and other animals from a favourite perch. The African red-billed hornbill lives on the ground and in trees, while the 2northern ground hornbill patrols Africa’s grasslands 3on its large scaly feet. Hornbills get their name from the helmet, or casque, that many have on top of their beaks. The Malabar pied hornbill from South Asia has an 46W h it e - t h r o a t e d b e e - e a t e rKingfishers and relatives1B lu e - c r o w n e dm o tm o t2R e d - b i l le d h o r n b i l lT u r q u o i s e - b r o w e dm o tm o t3N o r t h e r ng r o u n dh o r n b i l lShort claws on strong feetRacquet-tipped tail can swing like a pendulum Hollow chamber amplifies hornbill’s callTail with central spike seen in adultsLarge eyes with feathery eyelashes4M a l a b a r p i e d h o r n b i l l5 Eu r o p e a n b e e - e a t e r
179Birds❯ Kingfishers and relativesextra-large casque, and its wings make a distinct whooshing sound as it flies. European bee-eaters and 5white-throated bee-eaters are experts at catching bees while 6flying. After they have caught one, they wipe it against a perch to remove its sting. The hoopoe is a migratory 7bird that breeds in Europe and Asia. It uses its slender beak to probe in the ground for grubs and worms. Common kingfishers live along rivers and streams, where they dive 8for fish. The North American belted kingfisher is another 9waterside hunter. Like its relatives, it hits its catch against a perch before swallowing it head-first. The Australian laughing kookaburra is the world’s biggest kingfisher, with a noisy 10laughing call. It lives in woodland and swoops on anything that it can swallow, including insects, lizards, and snakes.7H o o p o eT r u m p e t e rh o r n b i l lY e l l o w - b i l l e d k in g f is h e rP ied k i n g f i s h e rJ a m a ic a n t o d yG ree n w o o d h o o p o eR a c q u e t - t a i le d r o l le rB lu e - b e l l ie d ro l le r8C o m m o n k i n g f i s h e r10 Laughing k o o k a b u r r a9B e l t e d k in g fish e rL i t t le k in g f is h e rA f r i c a n p y g m yk in g f i s h e rSCALEB u f f - b r e a s t e d p a r a d i s e k i n g f i s h e rCrest raised on take-off and landingSlender beak to probe for insects in treesFlattened bill for catching insects in flightBrown plumage camouflages the bird in trees
180Birds❯ Toucans and woodpeckersS a f f r o n t o u c a n e tToucans and woodpeckersToucans and woodpeckers look very different but they belong to the same group of birds. They live mainly in woods and forests, and usually nest in holes. All of them have specially shaped feet for clinging to tree trunks, but the most attention-grabbing feature of toucans is a giant multicoloured beak. The red-breasted toucan feeds 1mainly on fruit. Like many toucans, its beak is filled with air spaces, saving a lot of weight. The spot-billed toucanet2has a smaller beak but it feeds in typical toucan style. After picking a piece of fruit, it tosses it in the air and then swallows it whole. The white-whiskered puffbird and 3white-eared puffbird 4 feed mainly on insects, and often nest in old termite mounds or in holes in the ground. Like toucans, collared aracaris 5 and chestnut-eared aracaris 6 live Long, slender tongue1R e d -b r e a s t e d t o u c a n2 Sp o t - b i l le d t o u c a n e t6 Ch e s t n u t -e a r e d a r a c a r i3W h ite -w h i s k e r e d pu f f b i r d4W h ite- e a r e d p u f f b ir dG r e e n - b a c k e d h o n e y b i r dB l a c k - f r o n t e d n unbirdR u s t y - b r e a s t e d n u n le tSCALEBeak has honeycomb-like air spacesBeak with serrated edges5C o l la r e d a r a c a r iG r e a t b a r b e t
1818N o r t h e r n f l i c k e r9Grea t sp otted wo o d p e c k e rin the forests in Central and South America. They roam the treetops in small flocks and roost together in hollow trees. The toco toucan is one of the largest birds in the toucan 7family. Its colossal beak allows it to reach fruit growing on the tips of branches. It also eats small animals such as insects and frogs. Some woodpeckers, including the northern flicker , feed on the ground, but most cling to tree trunks 8and hammer into them with their beaks in search of insects to eat. The great spotted woodpecker from Europe 9and Asia eats wood-boring grubs, while the heart-spotted woodpecker from Southeast Asia probes for insects 10under bark. The North American pileated woodpecker11is one of the largest of these wood-busting birds. Despite its impressive size, it feeds mainly on ants.N orthern wr y n e c kD ’A r n a u d ’ sbarbetO c h r a c e o u sp ic u le tY e l lo w - f r o n t e d w o o d p e c k e rR e d - a n d - y e l lo w b a r b e tR u f o u s - t a i le d ja c am a rTwo toes face forwards and two backwardsTail braces body against tree-trunkProminent red crest is always raised11P i le a t e dwoodp e c k e rLong, thin, dagger-like beakR e d - h e a d e db a r b e tT o u c a n - b a r b e tY e l lo w - f r o n t e d t i n k e r b i r d10H e a r t - s p o t t e dw o o d p e c k e r7T o c o t o u c a nS p o t t e d p i c u le tY e l lo w - b e llie d s a p s u c k e rBeak more than half the bird’s body length
182Birds❯ Birds of preyWith their hooked beaks and piercing claws, birds of prey are natural killers. Most of them use their feet to grab food, and their hooked beaks to tear it apart. Some, such as the African bateleur , eat carrion as 1well as live prey. Vultures, on the other hand, are full-time scavengers, gulping down rotting remains. Birds of prey usually hunt alone, but the Harris’s hawk from 2North America is one of the few that work in teams. The golden eagle hunts over mountains and the Arctic 3tundra. With its huge wings and powerful legs, it can lift prey as heavy as itself. North American bald eagles4often gather near water, where they catch live fish or eat dead ones that wash up on the shore. They build massive nests from sticks, and the biggest one on record weighed Birds of preySCALE1B a t e le u r3G o ld e n e a g le2H a r r is ’sh a w kL iz a r db u z z a r dS w a in s o n ’sh a w k4B a ld e a g leR e d - t a i l e d h a w kFinger-like flight feathersPowerful wings for heavy liftingGolden bronze feathers, only present on the head and napeA f r icanh a w ke a g le
183Birds❯ Birds of preynearly 3 tonnes. Falcons and kestrels are much smaller birds, with slim bodies and slender wings. The Australian grey falcon dives down on other birds, while the 5common kestrel hovers in mid-air before dropping on 6voles, insects, and even worms. The peregrine falcon7is the fastest animal on Earth. Hurtling towards the ground with its wings partly folded, it can hit speeds of more than 300 kph (186 mph), which is almost as fast as a Formula 1 racing car. Found all over the world, the osprey hunts fish, 8snatching them from the water's surface and then carrying them back to its perch. The African secretary bird has 9extra-long legs and hunts on the ground. An expert snake-eater, it uses its wings as shields and often stamps on its prey before swallowing it whole.Snake about to be swallowed wholeLong, partly feathered legs9S e c r e t a r y b i r dM e r l i n5 Grey falc o nA f r i c a n p y g m y f a l c o nE u r a s ia n b u z z a r dL o n g - l e g g e d b u z z a r d8O s p r e yEagle-like head, with a hooked beakLarge, broad wings and a short tailForward-facing eyes for judging distances 7P e r e g r in e f a lc o nAm e r ic a n k e s t r e l6C o m m o n k e s t r e lReversible outer toe for a better grip of prey
184Birds❯ Birds of preyMany birds of prey won’t touch food unless it isalive. Caracaras are less picky, and don’t mind if their food is living or dead. The crested caracara feeds mainly on 10the ground, but it also behaves like an airborne raider, chasing other birds to make them drop their prey. Most vultures have weak claws and rarely hunt for themselves. Instead they work like a clean-up squad, tracking down and feeding on dead remains. American turkey-vultures often feed on animals 11killed on roads, although black vultures sometimes push 12them aside so they can get all the food for themselves. The Andean condor 13 from South America is the largest vulture, and one of the world’s biggest flying birds. With its huge 3.2 m (10 ⁄ ft) wingspan, it soars over remote mountains and rocky 12shores, feeding on all kinds of animal casualties, including SCALEStr ia t e d c a r a c a r aY e l lo w -h e a d e d c a r a c a r a10C r e s t e d a cr a c a r aHooked beak for tearing food apart13A n d e a n c o n d o r11T u r k e y - v u lt u r e12B la c k v u l t u r e15S n a i lkiteM i s sis s ip p ik i t eW h i t e - t a i l e d k i t eWhite collar in adultsAdult has black streak behind the eye14R e d k i t e
185Birds❯ Birds of preystranded whales. Kites are hunters and scavengers that patrol near the ground. The red kite often feeds on dead rabbits 14and birds, but the snail kite eats freshwater apple snails. 15Holding them down with one foot, it uses its slender beak to pull the snails out of their shells. Africa and Asia have many vultures of their own. The Rüppell’s vulture is almost 16bald on its head and neck, as feathers in this area would get 19A f r ic a nw h it e - b a c k e d v u lt u r eclogged with blood when the bird feeds on animal carcasses. The Egyptian vulture uses stones to crack open ostrich 17eggs. The palm-nut vulture is partly vegetarian. It 18swallows oil-palm fruit, as well as insects, scorpions, and crabs. The African white-backed vulture uses its large 19wings to soar and circle in the air, looking for carrion. Like the Rüppell’s vulture, it jostles for food at big carcasses.N o r t h e r n h a r r i e rBare skin around eyes18P a lm - n u tv u lt u r eN o r t h e r n g o s h a w k17 Egyptian vulture16R ü p p e l l ’ s v u l t u r eStreaked chestHead and neck almost bald
KING VULTURE Found in Central and South America, the king vulture may have got its name from its habit of driving smaller birds away from its food. Like all vultures, this odd-looking, colourful scavenger feeds on carrion. It is one of the largest and most powerful scavenging birds, and its sharp beak and strong muscles can rip open the carcasses of dead animals that other, smaller birds cannot get into.
Size Body up to 80 cm (32 in) long. ❯Wingspan Up to 2 m ❯(6 ⁄ ft) 12Weight Up to 4.5 kg (10 lb) ❯Habitat Lowland ❯tropical forests and nearby grasslands. Distribution❯Tropical areas of Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina. Diet Dead animals ❯Breeding Females lay one ❯creamy white egg, which takes up to 58 days to hatch. Both parents care for the young, feeding it with carrion which they store in a throat pouch called a crop. Lifespan Unknown in ❯the wild. More than 30 years in captivity. Predators Snakes ❯may take the eggs. Jaguars may eat sick or injured adults. Conservation status ❯ Not currently in danger, but numbers are declining possibly due to habitat loss.
188Birds❯ Ducks, geese, and swansDucks and their relatives are expert swimmers, which is why they are also known as waterfowl. Nearly all of them have webbed feet and waterproof feathers. Most live on lakes and rivers, but some ducks, including the king eider 1, breed on coasts and spend the winter at sea. Magpie-geese 2 lay up to 12 eggs a year. Despite having large families, they face lots of predators and only a few of the young survive. The North American wood duck3nests high up in tree-holes. Soon after the ducklings hatch, their mother leads them to water, and they have to jump all the way to the ground. The common shelduck often 4breeds in rabbit burrows, but most other waterfowl nest in the open, near the water’s edge. Geese feed mainly on grass, but ducks and swans usually eat while afloat. Northern 4C o m m o n s h e ld u c kC a n v a s b a c k3W o o dd u c kA f r ic a n p y gm y - g o o s eR e d - b r e a s t e dg o o s e1King eid e rI n d i a n r u n n e rW h it e - c h e e k e d p in t a i lB u f f le h e a d2M a g p ie - g o o s eAm e r icanw ig e o nYellowish legs with partially webbed feetMale has brightly coloured head compared to drab, brown femalePointed bill to grab bits of vegetationDark neck, with a distinct white band on chinDucks, geese, and swansC a n a d ag o o s e
189shovelers use their flat beaks to filter small animals from 5water, while red-breasted mergansers have saw-edged 6beaks for catching slippery fish. Mute swans tip up on 7end as they swim, using their long necks to reach for food buried in mud. When threatened, these swans curve their necks and half-raise their wings to scare off attackers. The bar-headed goose is a long-distance migrant, climbing 8to over 6,000 m (19,700 ft) as it crosses the Himalayas. Waterfowl include some well-known farmyard birds. The mallard is the most widespread duck in the world. 9The domestic duck , a descendant of the mallard, has 10been farmed for thousands of years. Found only around wet habitats, the Australian black swan is a large, nomadic 11bird, which flies to lakes that fill up after rain. 6R e d -b r e a stedm e r g a n s e rLarge crest can be expandedSaw-like red beak for gripping fishGrey head with a feathery crestMale is black, with white patch on forehead8B a r - h e a d e d g o o s eS u r fs c o t e rSm e wB a ik a lt e a lP lu m e dw h i s t l in g d u c kS o u t h e r n s c r e am e rL o n g -tai le dd u c kH o o d e dm e r g a n s e r5N o r t h ern s h o v e le rSCALE9M a l la r d7M u t e s w a n10D o m e s t i c d u c k11B la c k s w a n
190Birds❯ PenguinsPenguinsSCALEOn television, in films, and in real life, penguinshave true star appeal, with their upright bodies and black-and-white plumage. Penguins cannot fly, but they are superb swimmers. They use their wings like flippers to speed after fish and other prey in some of the world’s coldest and stormiest seas. Galápagos penguins live in the Galápagos 1Islands right on the Equator. They are the only penguins to breed in tropical waters. All other penguins live in much colder waters in the Southern Hemisphere. Adélie penguins are 2among the few that breed in Antarctica, building nests out of stones among the rocks in spring. Another Antarctic species, the Emperor penguin 3 is the biggest penguin, growing up to 1.2 m (4 ft) in height. It breeds on the ice, and males keep the eggs warm during the long polar winter by balancing Small, stiff wings act like flippersLong, yellow feathery crest1G a l á p a g os pengu in2A d é l iep e n g u in4L it t lep e n g u in5J a c k a s s p e n g u i nS n a r e s p e n g u in3E m p e r o r p e n g u i nR o c k h o p p e r p e n g u i nY e l lo w - e y e d pe n g u i n
191Birds❯ Penguinsthem on their feet. The females, meanwhile, stay out at sea to feed, returning to land when the chicks hatch. The little penguin , at 40 cm (16 in), is the smallest of all penguins. 4It nests in burrows on the shores of New Zealand and Australia, coming ashore after dark. The African jackass orpenguin gets its name from its donkey-like call. It is a 5close relative of the Humboldt penguin and 6Magellanic penguin , both of which nest in the far south of South 7America. The king penguin looks like a smaller version 8of the emperor penguin. It nests on remote rocky islands in Antarctica, and incubates its eggs in the same way as the emperor penguin. The macaroni penguin is one of 9several kinds of penguin with feathery crests. It comes to land to breed, but spends the rest of the year far out at sea.Long beak for catching fish and squidShort legs and strong feet for swimming8K in g p e n g u i nC h in s t r a p p e n g u inE r e c t - c r e s t e d p e n g u i n9M a c a r o n ip e n g u i n7M a g e l l a n i c p enguinG e n t o o p e n g u i n6Humb o ld t p e n g u inF i o r d l a n d p e n g u in
EMPEROR PENGUINS These tall, stately birds are the largest of all penguin species. Emperor penguins live on pack ice and hunt in the freezing waters of the Antarctic Ocean, darting after fish with incredible agility. Their dense feathers and thick layer of fat protect them from the intense cold. On land, adults and chicks huddle together in large colonies, taking turns to enjoy the warmth at the centre of the group.
Size About 1.15 m (3 ⁄ ft) tall ❯34Weight Up to 37 kg (81.5 lb) ❯Habitat Coastal areas, islands, and pack ice. ❯Distribution❯Antarctica Diet ❯ Fish, squid, crustaceans, and krill. Breeding❯Emperor penguins breed once a year during winter. Females lay a single egg, then leave to find food. Males rest the eggs on their feet, covering them with a warm layer of skin called a brood pouch. The females return once the eggs have hatched. Both parents then care for the chick. Predators Adults may ❯be eaten by killer whales, sharks, or leopard seals. The chicks may be taken by birds such as Antarctic skuas and giant petrels. Conservation status Scientists suspect this species will ❯become threatened as sea ice melts due to climate change.
194Birds❯ Storks, ibises, and heronsStorks, ibises, and heronsWith their long beaks and even longer legs, storks and their relatives are built for hunting by stealth. Many of them stride through shallow water in search of food, but some species feed on land. The great egret1waits patiently for fish and frogs and then spears them with a sudden jab of its beak. The cattle egret hunts in rough 2grassland, snapping up grasshoppers and other insects stirred up by animal hooves. Bitterns hunt by the water’s edge, with their necks hunched and ready to strike. The Eurasian bittern is perfectly camouflaged to match 3dead reeds. If anyone comes nearby, it stands up straight and sways slowly from side to side, just like reeds blowing in the wind. Eurasian spoonbills and American 4roseate spoonbills catch their prey by wading through water and 5SCALE5Ros e a t e s p o o n b i l lR e dd s ih e g retL it t leb it t e r nL it t lee g r e t6S a d d le - b i l le d s t o r kBeak turns deep orange during mating seasonS-shaped neck straightens to stab preyYellow “saddle” on top of beakBeak with sensitive spoon-shaped tipIndi a n p o n d h e r o n1G r e a te g r e t4E u r a si nas p o o n b i l l3E u r a s ia n b it t e r n2C a t t l e e g r e t
195Birds❯ Storks, ibises, and heronssweeping their flattened beaks from side to side. If they feel food with the tip of their beak, the “spoon” instantly snaps shut. African saddle-billed storks have a wingspan of 6up to 2.75 m (9 ft). Like other storks, they fly with their necks stretched out and their legs trailing behind. While storks and ibises usually hunt by day, night herons are active after dark. The black-crowned night heron lives in wetlands all 7over the world, creeping along the water’s edge and ambushing its prey. Grey herons live year-round in 8western Europe, but European white storks migrate 9northwards every year from Africa and South Asia, soaring high on outstretched wings. The beautiful scarlet ibis10lives in South America and the Caribbean. It gets its amazing scarlet colour from its diet of small crustaceans.B o a t - b i l le d h e r o n9E u r o p e a n w h i t e s t o r kG l o s s y ib i sY e l lo w - c r o w n e d n ig h t h e r o nT r ic o lo u r e d h e r o nW o o d s t o r k8G r e y h e r o nG r e e n h e r o nB la c k - f a cedib isPartially webbed toesShort, thick beakLarge eyes for hunting in dim lightLong, sturdy legs 7B la c k - c r o w n e d n i g h t h e r o n10S c a r le t ib i sBlack wingtips
196Birds❯ Pelicans and relativesPelicans and relativesPelicans and their relatives nearly all have webbed feet, and most swim or dive to catch their food. The shoebill is an odd-one-out. It lives in African 1swamps, where it scoops up frogs and fish in its enormous beak. The white-tailed tropicbird and 2red-billed tropicbird are always on the move. They flutter above 3tropical oceans, splashing down with their wings partly folded and quickly taking off with their catch. The great cormorant chases fish in rivers, lakes, and on coasts. 4It dives down beneath the surface, using its feet as propellers and steering with its wings. Like other cormorants, its feathers are not waterproof and when it has finished fishing it holds its wings out to dry. The flightless cormorant , 5from the Galapagos Islands, has stumpy wings and is the 1S h o e b i l l4G r e a tc o rm o r a n tD o u b le - c r e s t e d c o r m o r a n tP y g m y c o rm o r a n t3R e d - b i l le d t r o p ic b i r d5F l i g h t le s s c o r m or a n t6A n h in g aL it t le p ie d c o rm o r a n tR e d - le g g e d c o r m o r a n tFlexible neck helps with grabbing fishSharp eyes can spot prey beneath the water2W h it e - t a i l e d t r o p ic b i r d
197Birds❯ Pelicans and relativesSCALEonly cormorant that cannot fly. The anhinga , or 6snakebird, swims with its body below the waterline, so that only its head and neck can be seen. Pelicans are famous for the huge pouches hanging below their beaks, which they use for catching fish. The American white pelican fishes 7from the surface, but the brown pelican cruises just 8above the waves and dive-bombs its prey. The magnificent frigatebird soars over the ocean on amazingly long and 9slender wings. It feeds by snatching fish from the surface, or by chasing other birds so that they drop their catch. Boobies and gannets feed by diving into the sea at high speed to grab passing fish. The northern gannet plummets from 30 m 10(98 ft) up. It folds back its wings as it slams through the water, disappearing with an impressive splash. 10N o r t h e r n g a n n e tM a s k e db o o b yB l u e - f o o t e d b o o b yS p o t-b ille d p e lic a n9M a g n i f i c e n t f r ig a t e b i r dB r o w n b o o b y7American white pelicanE u r o p e a n s h a gR e d - f a c e d s h a gBlack-and-white colouring develops in adulthoodBlue feet impress potential matesDensely streaked head8B r o w n p e l i c a nH am m e r k o pBeak has pouch for catching fish
FLAMINGOS With their amazingly long necks and legs, and their brilliant pink colouring, flamingos are easy to recognize. These greater flamingos, one of six species in the family, live in huge flocks of up to 250,000 birds, which feed, nest, and breed together. They feed by wading through the shallows with their heads partly underwater. Their specially adapted beaks have a built-in sieve to filter out tiny pieces of food.
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