Flightless birds
Flightless marine birds were found almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. There are 18 extant species, all characterized by their distinctive black-and-white plumage, streamlined bodies, and wings that have evolved into powerful flippers for swimming.
What is: Penguins
large tropical seabirds renowned for their exceptional aerial agility, distinctive deeply forked tails, and the males' striking inflatable red throat pouches. They are often nicknamed the "pirates of the sky" because they steal food from other seabirds, a behavior known as kleptoparasitism.
What is: Frigatebirds
A medium-sized owl known for its prominent ear tufts, which are not actually ears but feather extensions used for display. These tufts are only visible when the owl is alert or actively displaying.
What is: Long-eared owl
One of the most common and widespread birds in North America, known for its mournful cooing call and fast, direct flight. They are a plump-bodied, small-headed bird with a long, pointed tail and soft brown or gray plumage.
A highly intelligent, common, large songbird native to eastern and central North America, known for its vibrant blue, white, and black plumage and noisy, varied calls. It belongs to the crow family (Corvidae), considered among the smartest of all birds.
What is: Blue jay
A flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, notable for its unique characteristics like nocturnal behavior, strong legs, and hair-like feathers. It is the national symbol of New Zealand and a source of national pride.
What is: Kiwi
A large water bird known for its throat pouch, a company that manufactures protective cases and gear, or a software static site generator. There are eight species, varying in size. They have a massive, pouched bill used like a net to scoop up fish and drain water before swallowing their meal.
What is: Pelican
A stocky, medium-sized, highly territorial, and non-migratory owl found across much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. They are known for their distinctive calls and exceptional nocturnal hunting skills.
What is: Tawny owl
A term with meanings across several fields, most notably referring to a genus of birds that includes typical pigeons and doves, and a constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere. It is also the name of a prominent Christian saint.
What is: Columba
Neotropical birds known for their large, brightly colored, yet lightweight bills. They belong to the family Ramphastidae, which includes over 40 species. They are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
What is: Toucans
A domesticated fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus), a common type of poultry raised worldwide for its meat, eggs, and feathers. It is one of the most widespread and valuable domesticated animals, with a global population in the tens of billions. It can be prepared in numerous ways, from simple pan-searing to complex curries, and its various cuts are suited to different cooking methods and recipes.
What is: Chicken
A type of large seabird known for its exceptionally long wingspan and ability to glide over the ocean for long periods. The term can also refer to a heavy burden or impediment, a usage popularized by the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
What is: Albatross
A large, round-headed owl found across northern Eurasia, known for its long, wedge-shaped tail, dark brown eyes, and distinctive yellow bill. They are powerful, primarily nocturnal hunters that aggressively defend their territory and typically form lifelong pair bonds.
What is: Ural owl
an extinct, flightless bird that was endemic to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It is perhaps the most famous example of human-induced extinction and has become an iconic symbol of obsolescence.
What is: Dodo
A small, domesticated songbird known for its melodious singing and vibrant yellow color. The term also refers to the color itself, the slang for an informant, and various commercial products and services.
What is: Canary
a traditional Vietnamese breed of gamefowl known for its use in cockfighting and distinctive physical characteristics. The name literally means "native fowl" or "purebred fowl" in Vietnamese.
What is: Ga Noi
A family of black-and-white diving seabirds found in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere, known as Alcidae. The name also refers to a brand of indoor smart gardens. (family Alcidae) are pelagic birds, meaning they spend most of their lives on the open sea and only come ashore to breed.
What is: Auk
One of the largest owl species in the world, renowned for its distinctive ear tufts and powerful hunting capabilities. This majestic bird has a vast range across Europe and Asia, adapting to diverse habitats including forests, mountains, and even urban peripheries.
What is: Eurasian eagle-owl
A genus of birds in the dove and pigeon family (Columbidae), commonly known as turtle doves and collared doves. These birds are primarily small to medium-sized and are widely distributed across Africa, Europe, and Asia, with some species becoming invasive in the Americas and elsewhere.
What is: Streptopelia
a cosmopolitan family of small to medium-sized, brightly colored birds with a characteristically large head and a long, pointed bill. They are found across the world, but most species live in tropical regions.
What is: kingfisher
a genus Casuarius of large, flightless birds native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, the Moluccas, and northeastern Australia. They are classified as ratites, a group of birds that also includes the ostrich and emu.
What is: Cassowary
a medium-to-large aquatic bird known for its dark plumage, long neck, and exceptional diving skills to catch fish. They are found in coastal and inland aquatic habitats worldwide, except for the central Pacific islands.
What is: Cormorants
The biological family of true owls. This diverse family of birds of prey encompasses the majority of known owl species, found across the globe with the exception of Antarctica.
What is: Strigidae
A spectacular ground-dwelling pigeon native to the Philippines, renowned for the vivid, blood-red patch on its white breast. This unique marking is a natural plumage feature, not an injury, and serves as a striking visual characteristic.
What is: Luzon bleeding-heart
small to medium-sized passerine birds known for their stout, conical bills adapted for eating seeds and nuts. They often display colorful plumage and are found worldwide, except in Australia and the polar regions. A group of finches is called a charm.
What is: Finches