Birds

This parrot is very popular in the pet trade, and is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech.

Found throughout most of North America, this bird has long been the symbol of the United States.

The most widespread species of owl in the world, the barn owl is easily identified by its heart-shaped “facial disc”.

Named for the tuft of feathers on its chin that resembles a beard, this vulture feeds mostly on bones.

This strikingly colored parrot is named for its bright and vibrant coloration.

These comically named seabirds are found along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America, as well as the Galapagos Islands.

One of the most commonly seen birds in the pet trade, this small parrot is found in dry areas of Australia where it has thrived for thousands of years.

Cardinals are striking songbirds most known for their vibrant red coloration. Their common name comes from the cardinals of the Roman Catholic church, who are known to wear bright red robes and hats.

Australia is known for its dangerous and aggressive animals and that also applies to some of its birds. When people think of flightless birds, the ostrich most often comes to mind, frequently followed by the emu. Cassowaries are shorter than emus. but they are heavier, second only to the ostrich in weight. There was one recorded instance of a Cassowary killing a human but that encounter was believed to have been initiated by the man and the bird was defending itself. When left alone, wild cassowaries are shy of human contact and will avoid it when possible.

Cockatoos are a gregarious and intelligent type of parrot. There are many different species and, while most people would identify them as white with a yellow or pink crest, they actually come in a wide variety of colors, such as the palm cockatoo which is all grey except for its ruddy cheeks. Cockatoos are a popular pet due to their extravagant looks but they are clingy and quite temperamental and often prove to be too much for inexperienced owners so the birds are often given up to shelters.

The eagle owls, also known as horned owls, make up the genus Bubo. The most well-known is the Eurasian eagle owl, which is one of the largest species of owl in the world. Its close relative, the great horned owl of North and South America, is another species of eagle owl.

Flamingos are long-legged, long-necked birds known for their striking pink coloration, which actually is a result of their diet.

The largest owl in the world (by length), the great grey owl is also called the “Phantom of the North”.

The great horned owl is a species of eagle owl found in North and South America, named for its ear tufts that resemble horns.

This brightly colored large parrot lives in the forests of South America.

One of the largest living eagles, this bird has massive talons that are bigger than bear claws.

The hyacinth macaw is the longest parrot species, and the heaviest flying parrot.

The king vulture is a large bird found in Central and South America, notable for the brightly colored skin on its featherless head.

These members of the kingfisher family are only found in Australia and New Guinea.

Long-eared owls are slender, medium-sized owls that can be found across much of North America, Europe, Asia, and the extreme northern tip of Africa. They are sometimes confused with their cousin the short-eared owl, which can be found over much of the same range. In flight, the length of the ear tufts cannot always be determined as they are flattened against the head, making positive identification more challenging.

Lorikeets, or lories, are smaller parrots who often have more spectacular colors than their cousins but do not have the large beaks often associated with the family. They can learn human language and are affectionate and long-lived, making them sought after as pets. However, as with all higher functioning birds, they are high maintenance, and the commitment to keep one is serious.

The striking iridescent green head of the male mallard duck makes this gregarious bird one of the most easily identified waterfowl in the Northern Hemisphere. These beautiful creatures have several characteristics that make them highly adaptable and well-suited for an aquatic lifestyle. They live in freshwater and saltwater habitats that include lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, coasts, and even manmade waterways in urban areas throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Also known as the Fish Hawk due to its preferred diet, the osprey is found nearly all over the world, almost always near water.

The name “peacock” refers to the male peafowl, known for their fanciful feathers. The females are called peahens.

The fastest animal alive, the peregrine falcon can dive at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. This widespread and well-known bird is found on every continent except Antarctica. There are currently 19 recognized subspecies of this bird, three of which can be found in North America: the tundra peregrine, Peale’s peregrine, and the rare American or continental peregrine.

The common raven is the most widespread of all corvids (birds of the crow family).

Found throughout much of North America, this hawk is named for its distinctive colorful tail.

The snowy owl is found in the cold polar northern regions of North America, Europe and Asia, and its white coloration helps it camouflage in its snowy habitat.

These large-billed birds are found in the neotropical regions of Central and South America.

This large bird is found in Europe, Asia and Africa. It has long been associated in folklore with the delivering of human babies.