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
Geckos are small lizards. There are more than 1,000 species of this reptile around the world, native to every continent but Antartica. Geckos range in size from less than half an inch to 14 inches; a 24-inch specimen of a possibly extinct species from New Zealand is held in one European museum... 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 hyena is a mammal that resembles a dog. The three species of hyena are native to Africa and Asia. Hyenas live in packs and are predators as well as opportunistic scavengers. Females serve as the alpha or leader in hyena society... 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
There are about 33 species of rattlesnake native to North and South America. Rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers marked by a unique tail structure. Each snake is born with one button or rattle segment. Within a week of birth, they shed their skin and a second button is left behind. This happens every time the snake sheds its skin... Read more
The jaguar is a big cat native to Central and South America. It typically inhabits a tropical habitat, but sometimes this animal ranges as far north as the United States. An individual was known in Arizona from 2011 to 2016. It is the third-largest cat in the world; only the lion and tiger are larger. Its name means "real beast of prey" in the Tupi language... Read more
The rhinoceros family contains some of the largest land animals in the world, including the northern white rhinoceros, southern white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, Indian rhinoceros, Javan rhinoceros, and Sumatran rhinoceros. They are native to Africa and Asia... Read more
Baby birds go by many names. Depending on their age, they may be called chicks, hatchlings, nestlings, or fledglings... Read more
Giraffes are the tallest land animals in the world. Some can grow more than 18 feet (5.5 meters) in height. Giraffes not only have the longest neck, but arguably the longest tongue as well. They use their prehensile tongues to pull leaves from trees... Read more
Elephants are the largest land animals on earth. This huge animal is recognized by its characteristic large ears, long, forward-facing teeth called tusks, and its unique snakelike nose, called a trunk... Read more
According to some surveys, the tiger is most commonly cited as a favorite animal. It is the largest cat on earth, ranging through Russia, North Korea, India, China, and other parts of Asia... Read more
Lions have been featured in artwork since time immemorial. Early examples include lion-goddess statues retrieved from ancient Egypt, and the parading lions of the Ishtar Gate from ancient Babylon. These items are on display at the... Read more
The hippopotamus, or hippo for short, is a large African mammal. It shares the title of second largest land mammal with the similarly sized white rhino, second only to the African... Read more
Buffalo, also called bison, are large grazing mammals related to cattle. There are two species of bison, one native to North America and the other to Europe. Both are known for the characteristic hump on their... Read more
Alligators are large aquatic reptiles. There are two species of alligator, native to North America and China. Alligators are carnivores, often living in rivers or streams. Their dark coloration helps them to... Read more
There are most than 5,500 species of lizards scattered across every continent except Antarctica. Lizards have scales, are cold blooded... Read more
The lion, native to Africa, is the second largest cat in the world. It lives and hunts in groups called prides, and is famous for its bushy... Read more
Hawks are hunters, birds of prey known as raptors. Hawks of various sizes are found all over the world. Falconry, also called hawking, has been... Read more
In this really easy drawing tutorial you will learn to draw a simple giraffe. Giraffes are the tallest animals in the world. They are known for their long necks... Read more