science

FEATHERY FRIDAY# 28

Man o Man have we found a nifty bird for you today! These birds use echolocation, just like bats to help them get around at night! In fact they are very similar to bats in many ways, except that they are feathery J! We’re off to the rainforests of Northern Central American to meet this bird. Grab your night vision goggles, because they won’t be out during the day!

MEET THE OILBIRD!

   Range/Habitat: Northern Central & South America/ rainforest

   Diet: Herbivore: fruit

  Length/Weight: 16- 19”/ 13-17 oz

  Conservation Status: Common

Fun Facts:

• Oilbirds are nocturnal (active). They are the only nocturnal fruit eating bird in the world.
• They live in colonies.
• Oilbirds roost in caves or underground during the day.
• They use echolocation to fly at night. They send out sounds that bounce of objects and help the bird navigate.
• Oilbirds can travel up to 45 miles a night to find food.
• They love the fruit of oil palms and laurel trees.

Oilbirds are super cool! Not only do they fly at night, but they use echolocation. We wonder if they have bat friends or if bats wonder what these crazy birds are doing out at night.

FEATHERY FRIDAY# 27

Birds come in so many bright colors and we have found a really neat one for you today! These birds are located all around the Eastern world, so let’s head to out and see if we spot a bird with purple plumage!

MEET THE PURPLE SWAMPHEN!

   Range/Habitat: Eastern Europe-Southeast Asia-Australia/ swamps, coastlines

   Diet: Omnivore: aquatic vegetation, invertebrates

   Length/Weight: 15-20”/ 18- 46oz

   Conservation Status: Common

Fun Facts:

• Purple Swamphens have beautiful purple and black plumage.
• They also have bright red legs and bills.
• Purple swamphens don’t have webbed feet, but are excellent swimmers.
• Both the male and female incubate the eggs and take their chicks.
• Purple swamphens are regarded as noble birds in Ancient Rome
• Hear the call.

We just love these lovely birds! If you were a bird what color would you be? Ellie loves green and Edmond wants blue!

SUPER SURPRISE

THURSDAY# 27

Who’s that large bird flying over the hills of the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe?  Let’s get our binoculars and head out into the woods to find this fabulous bird on Super Surprise Thursday!

MEET THE COMMON BUZZARD!

   Range/Habitat: Europe-Asia-Eastern Africa/ forests, mountains

   Diet: Carnivore: voles, mice & insects

   Length/Weight: 20-22”/ 19-36 oz

   Conservation Status: Common

Fun Facts:

• Common Buzzard also Eurasian buzzard.
• They are raptors.
• Common buzzard varies in color depending on where they live.
• They have a wing span of 48”-60”.
• Common buzzard males perform aerial acrobatics to attract females. They also give the females materials to build a nest while flying.
• They live up to 25 years.
• Common buzzards have a very unique call.

Common buzzards are such beautiful birds! What fun would it be to watch the males do all those acrobatics!