Pelicans are seafaring birds famous for their extendable throat pouch that they use as a fishing net. They are large birds; many have wingspans of more than 10 ft or 3 meters. The name "pelican" comes from an ancient Greek word meaning "ax."... Read more
The goose is a water bird, larger in size than the duck. People domesticated the goose thousands of years ago. It has been kept as a food source and for its warm feathers, which are used in pillows, quilts, and coats... Read more
Vultures or buzzards are raptors or birds of prey, similar to eagles and hawks. There are 23 species of vultures worldwide. These large birds are known for being scavengers, eating dead carcasses as part of nature's cleanup crew... Read more
The bird's skull is made up of five parts: the top of the head, or frontal area; the back of the head, or parietal area; the premaxillary and nasal areas of the top beak; and the mandible or bottom beak... Read more
Several hundred bird species around the world are considered pigeons or doves. These peaceful birds are known for making a gentle cooing sound. Most pigeons are... Read more
Sparrows are a common sight the world over, being native or imported to every continent except Antarctica. These small brown birds are comfortable around human settlements, and their habitats range from forests to deserts to open country. They eat seeds and insects, and many are quite vocal... Read more
The bald eagle, a type of sea eagle, is the national bird of the United States. It appears on the national seal and many coins, as well as on decorations for patriotic holidays, such as the Fourth of July... Read more
Nearly 60 species of falcons live in various climates throughout the world. They are birds of prey resembling the related hawks and eagles. Falcons are known for their speed and grace. In fact, a diving peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in the world. They often nest on the sides of cliffs or tall buildings... Read more
The toucan is a tropical bird famous for its large, colorful beak. There are about 15 species of toucan native to South and Central America. Smaller birds similar in appearance to toucans are called toucanets or aracaris... Read more
The swan is a type of large waterfowl or water bird. They are known for their grace, both as they glide across the water and as they fly with slow wingbeats in a V-formation... Read more
A male chicken is known as a rooster. These animals come in more than 60 different varieties, all descendants of the wild red jungle fowl. They were domesticated by humans thousands of years ago... Read more
Tweety Bird first appeared onscreen in 1941. By 1949, Tweety's backstory was complete. He was owned by the protective Granny, along with a bulldog named Hector or Spike. Tweety was no longer a wild bird living in a tree. Tweety often faces off against Sylvester the cat, who desires to eat the small bird... Read more
There are many fictional allusions to mockingbirds in literature. Perhaps the most famous is the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and its subsequent 1962 film adaptation. The novel, often read by American junior high and high school students, broaches the subjects of rape, racial inequality, and lost innocence. The mockingbird that should not be killed is thought to represent the idea of innocence that can be destroyed by evil... Read more
Blue jays are backyard birds that are common across North America. They eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. The blue jay's scientific name means "crested blue chatterer."... Read more
Porgs are "small, flat-muzzled avians that flock about the rocks and roost in the cliffs of Luke Skywalker's secluded island" on the uncharted world of Ahch-to. They are round and fluffy, with snouts instead of beaks... Read more
Chuck, also known as the Yellow Angry Bird, is a member of the angry flock and best friend of their leader, Red. He first appeared in the original Angry Birds video game in 2009. Since then, he has played a role in countless spin-off games, two feature films, and several animated series... Read more
Baby birds go by many names. Depending on their age, they may be called chicks, hatchlings, nestlings, or fledglings... Read more
A baby duck is called a duckling. The word "duck" comes from Old English words meaning "diver" or "to bend down low." How did the duck earn this name? It is because of the "upending" behavior some species exhibit while... Read more
The eastern bluebird is one of the most beloved backyard songbirds in North America. Bluebirds can be found year-round throughout the southeastern United States and parts of Mexico. In summer, they are found... Read more
Seagulls are familiar white and gray birds that frequent coastal regions around the world. Have you ever seen a seagull living far from the sea? Don't worry, he's not lost. Some seagulls migrate inland during either the summer or... Read more