Most people just simply love birds. Some are fascinated by its amazing colors others are awed by their behavior. Birds specially those belonging to the same species exhibit a uniform appearance, plumage colors or social adaptability, but there are individuals that show unique features and behavior. Below is a list of these birds that we could tag as amazing birds.
An Unusual Bird
The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large dove-gray colored bird of prey that is endemic to Africa. It has long legs, wings and a three foot high tail. The odd thing about the Secretary is that it can’t run and instead hops along open areas of plains and savannas.
The Only Bird that has Nostrils on tip of Beak
The Kiwi is a flightless bird that is widespread in New Zealand. Typically the size of a domestic chicken, Kiwi’s egg is 10 times larger than chicken eggs. What's odd about Kiwi? It is the only bird with nostrils at the tip of its beak. Normally birds hunt by sight or by hearing, Kiwi utilizes its beak nostrils to smell out its meal
Rarest Parrot
The Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) native only to Brazil is considered the rarest parrot in the world. This pale-blue colored bird, which can reach 23.5 cm long is conserved through several breeding programs. Currently, around 120 Spix’s Macaws is now in captivity.
Bossiest Bird
The Kea (Nestor notabilis) is a species of parrot endemic to New Zealand. This amazing bird feed on insects, nectar, roots, leaves and berries. Keas, known for their intelligence, are social and live in a community that is comprised of up to 13 individuals. But what is unique about its community; lowly rank individuals are force by higher status individuals to serve them.
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Biggest Cockatoo
The Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) is a very large species of parrots belonging to the cockatoo family. It is found in New Guinea and northern Queensland, Australia inhabiting rainforests and woodlands.
This black or smoky-grey parrot can grow up 60 cm (22-24 in) in length and up to 1,000 g in weight.
Fastest Flying Bird and Sharpest Vision
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a large falcon having black head, blue-gray back and off-white legs plumage. With a wingspan of around 80–120 cm, Peregrine Falcon can soar to at least 124 mph; and could reach a speed of 168 mph when diving from high altitudes or while catching prey birds in midair. A study showed that under normal condition a Peregrine Falcon was able to spot a pigeon as far as from a 5 miles away.
Biggest Nest
The Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) are hefty, shy and solitary birds endemic to Australia. A typical malleefowl nest on incubation mounds that can reach up to 15 feet tall and 35 feet. And take this, a malleefowl incubation mound is estimated to weigh 330 tons.
Bird that can Move its Neck Up to 270 Degrees
Unlike humans, the owl has to turn its entire head off to one side to see things because its eyes are fixed to its socket. Thanks to its 14 neck bones, it can move its head with ease 270 degrees in both directions.
Smallest Bird, Smallest Nest and Only Bird that can Fly Backwards
Hummingbirds (family Trochilidon) holds the record for the only bird that can fly backwards. The male bee hummingbirds (Mellisuga helenae) that is native to Cuba is the world’s smallest bird. It is only about 2.75 inches long. While the vervian hummingbird (Mellisuga minima) is the world’s record holder in terms of building a nest. The nest’s size – about half the size of a walnut shell.
Fastest and Largest Land Bird
The Ostrich (Struthio camelus) holds a few numbers of bird records. This African flightless bird, possessing a long neck and legs, is the fastest land bird. It can attain speeds of up to 74 km/h (46 mph). Also, ostrich has the distinction of owning the largest eyes among land animal and lays the biggest egg of any bird species. Lastly, the North African ostrich (Struthio camelus) is considered the largest living bird. Males can reach up to 9 ft and weigh 345 pounds.
Check out other Amazing Birds posts:
The World's Amazing Birds 2
Amazing Birds 3
Amazing Birds 4: The Raptors
Fascinating facts and photos on birds.
ReplyDeleteMy husband love birds. We've been married 14 years and I swear, there was never a year we didn't have a bird in the garage. We've a parrot once, then African love birds, and then parakeets. Now we've got another one whose name I forgot. :D
ReplyDeletegood to hear that, Maricel, People say kapag mahilig daw sa ibon. Peacekeeping individuals daw. I believe it suits your personality.
DeleteI think you're onto something there, Papaleng. You're right. He's a peacekeeper. I can't ever recall a major fight escalating into something untoward in our marriage, ever. Well, the guy knows how to walk away when I'm in a bad mood, LOL. :D
DeletePapaleng, I'm curious, when did you first realize you're fond of animals? :D
DeleteThese are lovely birds. If I am not allergic to bird's droppings I will definitely have few to take care.
ReplyDeleteI think the owl is the creepiest of all the birds you featured here. I've seen one turn just the way you described it and it freaked me out.
I am more fascinated with humming birds. We had some visiting our backyard during summer time.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to take pictures of humming birds because they fly so fast, it frustrates me sometimes when I want to snap a shot but can't.
DeleteMy fave is the hummingbird! It is so tiny and yet it gives out so sweet a music! :D The first bird looks interesting! I have yet to see one in relaity! :)
ReplyDeleteI really would like to see how humming birds fly backwards and how keas boss inferior birds around to gather some tips. LOL
ReplyDeleteThe Secretary Bird looks gorgeous! Have never seen one in person before.
ReplyDeleteNostrils on tip of Beak? Oh yes. That's a kiwi bird! Amazing!
It's cool that there's a bird that can fly backwards.
ReplyDeletebirds are very beautiful creatures because almost all of them have colorful feathers... unfortunately, many species of birds are almost extinct... for some reason, people love to capture them from the wild only to be sold and display like pets...
ReplyDeleteI remembered my stepdad with this post. He also buy lovebirds and put the cage in the garage.
ReplyDeleteBirds are wonderful. I like hearing them chirp away in the morning.
I didn't know there was a bird named Kiwi. I always thought there was just the fruit. :))
The first bird was like a pokemon for me. hahaha. I personally love birds. Here in our province, birds would nest inside our house, or if not, they'd nest on our plants. Those birds you showed were really cool. I hope they won't be extinct. :(
ReplyDeleteI love birds, they change my mood when I look at them. the Unusual bird is so cute.
ReplyDeleteHummingbirds, i want to see it flying backward, cute siguro and of course all this fascinating birds are good collection,lol. Their noise is a music in my ears.
ReplyDeleteAmong the birds listed here, my favorite is the owl for its connection to wisdom and greatness. Can you make a list also of birds from the Philippines?
ReplyDeleteI love Peregrine Falcon, the facts about them and how they catch there prey. It just fascinates me.
ReplyDeletei hve discovered hummingbords even before and still amazed how they can fly backwards like that!! good lists of unusual birds!! xx
ReplyDeleteI already see the Ostrich here in our place, particularly in Iloilo. There is a little zoo there. The ostrich is too big but its brain is too little.
ReplyDeleteAll of these birds must be protected by the communities. It's just nice to see them as an indicator of healthy environment.
ReplyDeleteThanks Archie for dropping by.
DeleteThe long legs of the secretary bird is certainly odd-looking. Do these legs serve any other purpose than hopping?
ReplyDeleteIt's be. Returning for the second time around!
ReplyDeleteAs I was flipping through pages of photos on my laptop's album, I saw two pictures of the owls that I saw in the park nearby. Owls are amazing creatures! They look so serious, too!
As a bird lover, they should be well protected for future generations to see like my daughter (Owls are her favorite and she mimics their sound too).
ReplyDeleteA 330 lbs nesting mound for such a comparatively small bird?? Makes me think it's the avian equivalent of insecure individuals buying big and expensive cars to make up for "small sizes" :)
ReplyDeleteNow I am learning hehe. Love those birds! I wonder what breed or kind of bird is BIG BIRD though. Kidding!
ReplyDeleteI'm not really an animal lover. i just looking at their beauty just like these birds.
ReplyDeletewow i am really impressed on how you got all this information about the animals. birds are really cool animals, but my hubby doesnt like them, because they always like to poop on his windshield and side mirror. hehehe
ReplyDeletethe owls who who're Potter's messengers.. cool!
ReplyDeleteWow to malleefowl.. They're still shy even if they are big? hahaha! :p
ReplyDeleteMarvelous. Nature is full of beauty. Birds are simply beautiful. xx
ReplyDeleteThere's some new info I learnt! Hummingbirds can fly backwards, the blue parrots and the Secretary bird are indeed unique~
ReplyDeleteWow! The "Secretary Bird" is quite unique .. I'm use to birds with long skinny legs , but this bird seem to have long strong legs. Great list and great photos .. I'm a new follower :-)
ReplyDeleteThe complexities of their lives makes them what they are. Truly amazing to know some of their traits.
ReplyDeleteIntersting facts about these birds! I had only heard a out the humming bird facts...rest all is new to me :)
ReplyDeleteinteresting article.. what's up with the "bossiest" bird? haha I love the cockatoo bird too - kaycee an
ReplyDeleteI love owls, they always look so wise and distinguished just like penguins (penguins look a little clumsy though!)
ReplyDeleteThe Peregrine Falcon is my favorite! It's so beautiful and watching it fly must be such a treat! :D
ReplyDeletei think my favorite in this list is actually the Spix's Macaw, the color is just so pretty! I love that the feathers show a gradient of blue.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the bird trivia on this page. Very interesting and entertaining! I have seen a kiwi and I will never forget how mysterious it looked and behaved.
ReplyDeleteSuperb !!! I will also try to write the post on my blog listotop.com, but you have done an excellent research, people do not know that finding out these list is a difficult task
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how animals can have unique features. This really helps them in doing their daily task and in surviving.
ReplyDeletefantastic article you made really awesome birds i love them ,and honestly last but one is really cool one thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWow i didn't know kiwi's egg is 10 times the size of a regular chicken egg O_O..
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing group of birds. They are all unique and beautiful. Something about those baby ostriches got to my heart strings.
ReplyDeleteThese colorful and amazing birds are really wonderful creations of God. I wish to see in person the rarest of them all
ReplyDeleteI am more amaze on how God created this gorgeous animals
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