birds

FEATHERY FRIDAY #55

We’re off to the Galapagos Islands today on the E & E boat to meet a bird who soars in the skies over the ocean! Grab your life jacket and let’s head out on this adventure!

MEET THE RED BILLED TROPICBIRD!

   Range/Habitat: Eastern Pacific-Central Atlantic/ oceans-coasts

   Diet: Carnivore: squid, fish

   Length/Weight: 31-32”/ 21-29 oz

   Conservation Status: common

Fun Facts:

• Red Billed tropicbirds are often found hundreds of miles from shore.
• They poor swimmers!
• Red billed tropicbirds plunge into the ocean to catch their prey.
• They have webbed feet.
• Red billed tropicbirds have long tail streamers.
• Red billed tropicbirds are very awkward on land.

Red billed tropicbirds are gorgeous birds! These high fliers were built to spend their lives in the air. We sure would like to be able to fly one day! How about you?

FEATHERY FRIDAY #54

It’s that special day of the week dedicated to our feathery friends! So are you ready to head to Central America to meet a duck who doesn’t quack? Let’s head out on today’s adventure!

MEET THE MUSCOVY DUCK!

   Range/Habitat: Central-South America/ wetlands, lakes, rivers

   Diet: Omnivore: roots, leaves, fish, insects

   Length/Weight: 26-33”/ 7-15 lbs

   Conservation Status: common

Fun Facts:

• Muscovy Ducks have wild and domesticated populations.
• They are not very vocal and only make a few noises, including hisses!
• Muscovy ducks have black and white feathers.
• They have wide flat tails.
• Muscovy ducks perch in trees.
• Muscovy ducks have claws on their feet.

Muscovy ducks are super cute! Who knew there were ducks out there that didn’t quack! Neat! Hiss! Hiss!

FEATHERY FRIDAY #52

It’s Feathery Friday and we’re going to another tiny island today, this one is the southwest Pacific Ocean! So let’s hop aboard a boat and set sail to this tiny island and explore their rainforest to find…

MEET THE KAGU!

   Range/Habitat: New Caledonia/ rainforest

   Diet: Carnivore: insects, lizards, beetles

   Length/Weight: 22”/ 32 oz

   Conservation Status: endangered

Fun Facts:

• Kagus are flightless birds that live on the ground.
• They have large crests on their heads.
• Kagus dig for prey in the ground.
• They have long legs and can run fast.
• Kagus are bluish-grey in coloration.
• Kagus have special feathers that make a powder that cleans and waterproof them.
• They have excellent vision.

Kagus are such beautiful birds! We love their crests! Who knew there were so many flightless birds in the world?

FEATHERY FRIDAY #51

We’re off to the forests of Canada today to meet a member of the raptor family! These gorgeous birds can be hard to spot, so you’ll need your best observation skills! Are you ready? Let’s meet…

MEET THE NORTHERN GOSHAWK!

    Range/Habitat: Northern Hemisphere/ forests-mainly old growth

    Diet: Carnivore: birds, small mammals

    Length/Weight: 19-28”/ 2 ¼-3 ¼ lbs

    Conservation Status: common

Fun Facts:

• Northern Goshawks are raptors.
• They have long tails.
• Northern Goshawks coloration varies by the region that they live in.
• Female Northern Goshawks are larger than males.
• They are very territorial.
• Northern Goshawks are shy and secretive.
• They can reach high speeds when flying.

Northern Goshawks are very majestic birds. They are often used in falconry too. We love raptors as a group, because they are so awesome!