'/> Amazing Animals: August 2013

Saturday, August 24, 2013

The Big Birds Part 2

A list of the largest birds in their respective order.

There are more than 10,000 species of birds found all over the globe. They range in sizes, colors, and habitat. But do you know what is the largest in each bird ‘s order? This concise article answers your question.

Gamebirds (Galliformes)

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The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), native to North America is the largest member of this diverse order. The adult male normally weighs from 5 to 11 kg (11-24 lbs), measures 100-125 cm (39-49 in) long and a 1.25 to 1.44 m (49-57 in) wingspan. The heaviest domesticated turkey on record, according to the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, weighed 37 kg (81 lb). A prehistoric, flightless family, sometimes called (incorrectly) “giant megapodes” (Sylviornis) were the biggest Galliformes ever, having reached 1.70 m (5.6 ft) long and weighed up to about 30 kg (66 lb).

Loons (Gaviiformes)

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The Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii), is the largest species of the loon or diver family. This bird can grow as much as of birds at up to 1 m (3.3 ft), a weight of 7 kg (15.4 lb) and a 135-160 cm (53-63 in) wingspan. However, one exceptional Common Loon weighed 8 kg (17.6 lb), heavier than any recorded Yellow-billed Loon.

Cranes & allies (Gruiformes)

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There are two extant birds that are capable of flight; the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) and Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori). The Great Bustard (Otis tarda), is the only member of the genus Otis. An adult male averages 90-110 cm (3-3.7 ft) long, weighs from 10 to 16 kg (22-35 lb) and with a 2.1-2.5 m (6.9-8.2 ft) wingspan.

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The tallest and longest flying bird on earth, also a Gruiformes, is the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), sometimes standing almost 2 m (6.6 ft) tall. The Brontornis burmeisteri that stood about 2.8 m (9.2 ft) and weigh up to about 400 kg (880 lb)was the largest ever gruiform.

Songbirds (Passeriformes)

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The Common Raven (Corvus corax) and the Thick-billed Raven are possibly the heaviest passerine birds. Both of these birds grow between 56 and 69 cm (22 to 27 inches) in length and can weigh from 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). Common ravens are one of the most widespread, naturally occurring birds worldwide.

Cormorants & allies (Pelecaniformes)

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The Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) is the largest of the pelicans, which attains a length of 170 cm (67 inches), a body weight of 15 kg (33 lb) and a wingspan of 3.5 m (11.5 ft). It differs from the White Pelican in that it has grey legs, curly nape feathers and grayish-white plumage. Osteodontornis, a pelecaniform of the late Miocene, was among the largest flying birds ever, at up to 2.1 m (7 ft) long with a wingspan of 6 m (20 ft).

Woodpeckers & allies (Piciformes)

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The Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) is the largest in the toucan family. It is found in rainforests throughout a large part of central and eastern South America. A common attraction at zoos, Toco Toucan averages 25 inches long, including a bill that measures about 20 cm (8 in) and weighs about 500-860 g (17.5-30 oz).

Grebes (Podicepiformes)

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The Great Grebe (Podiceps major), which is found in southeastern Brazil, northwestern Peru and central Chile is the largest species of grebe. This is a very large grebe that can reach a length of 80 cm (32 in) and a weight of over 2 kg (4.4 lb).

Tubenoses (Procellariiformes)

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The Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans), is the largest species of Procellariiformes and has the largest wingspan of any living bird, with the wingspan of 3.63 m (nearly 12 ft). The Wandering Albatross averages 1.44 m (4.6 ft) long with females being slightly smaller than males. The largest-ever tubenose (though it is sometimes classified in the order Pelecaniformes) was the albatross-like Gigantornis eaglesomei, with a wingspan of about 6 m (20 ft).

Check Out:
The Big Birds
Big Birds Part 3

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Bizarre Insects and Arachnids: 30 Surprising and Fascinating Facts Part 2

Here’s 10 more creatures on our long list of the most amusing and awesome insects and arachnids in the world.

Insects are the most numerous species of animals in the world. Here’s a long list of the most amusing and awesome insects and arachnids in the world.

1.) Leafcutter Ant

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Leafcutter Ants can lift 50 times their own weight. If a Leafcutter Ant is a human, that is equivalent to lifting a truck.

2.) Mosquito

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Mosquitoes are the most dangerous and deadly creatures in the world, especially the female mosquitoes. The females have the most deadly bite in the world, killing more than 2.7 million people a year.

3.) Scorpion

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Scorpions are deadly venomous animals. Not as deadly as mosquitoes, but Scorpions kill more than 1,000 people a year from venom. So watch out with those pants before wearing them.

4.) Giant Water Bug

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Male Giant Water Bugs are among the most loving and caring fathers in the animal kingdom. The males carry 700 young on their backs.

5.) Cockroach

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Cockroaches are said to be the inheritors of the Earth. They can survive heavy doses of radiation poison and 9 days without their heads.

6.) Weta

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Wetas are among the toughest animals in the world. They can stay frozen for months without frostbite, even when all heart and brain activity ceases and it loses 99% of the water in its body.

7.) Moon Moth

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Moon Moths are among the animals with the best sense of smell. The Male Moon Moth can smell a female more than 9.7 kilometers away.

8.) Click Beetle

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Click Beetles send themselves very high in the air by clicking. They experience over 100 times as much intensity as cannonball which is equivalent to 400g-forces.

9.) Stalk-eyed Fly

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Stalk-eyed Flies are fascinating insects. They have unique eyes. The male has strange eyes that stick out like sore thumbs. The longer the male’s eyes the more likely it has to mate with a female though.

10.) House Fly

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Flies are among the dirtiest creatures on Earth. They lay their eggs in dead and rotting flesh and they vomit all over our food. Did you enjoy and learn something new? If so, then go watch out for Part 3...

Check out:
Bizarre Insects and Arachnids: 30 Surprising and Fascinating Facts
Bizarre Insects and Arachnids: 30 Surprising and Fascinating Facts Part 3

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Seven Colorful Aquarium Fishes with Unique Fins

The fishes on the list below are popular aquarium pets due to their bright coloration, unique appearance and flamboyant display of fins making them unique aquatic pets.

Red Lionfish:

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The Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a beautiful and colorful coral reef fish with extravagantly pretty fins. The pectoral fin of this venomous beauty is presented in a distinctive fan-like shape. The dorsal spines of this species that can grow up to 43 cm long are separated and enormously long. The fish is also characterized by fleshy tentacles that protrude from both above the eyes and below the mouth.

Zebra Lionfish

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The Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra), which is also known as Zebra Turkeyfish, is a uniquely beautiful fish with venomous spines. This carnivorous ray-finned fish inhabits the tropical waters of Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. This scorpionfish that can grow up to 24 cm uses its venomous spines to defend itself. Peaceful and slow-moving, but dangerous, this solitary fish who is not afraid of anything like to rest in dark areas like under a rock or a piece of coral.

Broadbarred Firefish

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Broadbarred Firefish (Pterois antennata) is a colorful fish with beautifully long fins and spines. It inhabits the tropical waters of the Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. This unique-looking creature which is also well-known aquarium fish can grow up to 20 cm in length. This venomous marine animal prefers to live in lagoons and reefs. It hides during daytime and hunts crabs and shrimps during night time.

Blackfoot Lionfish

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Blackfoot Lionfish (Parapterois heterura) is a colorful but venomous scorpionfish. This notable ray-finned species occasionally makes its way into aquarium trade. It can reach a maximum length of 23 cm.

Devil Firefish

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Devil Firefish (Pterois miles), more popularly known as Common Lionfish, is oftentimes mistaken for the Red Lionfish, its close relative. This fish with a gorgeous display of fins and spines can reach a length of up to 35 cm. its dorsal fins are feathery and its pectoral fins are like wings. This dangerous fish due to its highly venomous spines inhabits lagoons and outer slope of coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Red Sea.

Twinspot Lionfish

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The Twinspot Lionfish (Dendrochirus biocellatus) is a beautifully-colored lionfish species with unique fins that look like wings. The Twinspot Lionfish occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. This beautiful but somehow peculiar-looking fish is also commonly known as Fu Manchu Lionfish and Twospot Turkeyfish.

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The Flying Gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans) is one of the most beautiful and unique sea creatures, This fish that inhabits tropical to warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean looks spectacular with its wings. When the fish is in normal condition it is box-shaped in appearance and appears like a normal fish, but when it gets excited, the fish spreads its semi-transparent wings tipped with a beautiful and phosphorescent bright blue coloration. Its eyes are large like Pufferfish.

Check out:
Seven Colorful Aquarium Fishes with Unique Fins Part 2

Monday, August 5, 2013

The Big Birds

A list of the largest birds in their respective order.

There are more than 10,000 species of birds found all over the globe. They range in sizes, colors, and habitat. But do you know what is the largest in each bird ‘s order? This concise article answers your question.

Flamingos (Phoenicopteriformes)

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The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber),is the largest and the most widespread species in the flamingo family. This pink-colored flamingo averages 110-150 cm (43-60 in) tall, with a 60 in (152 cm) wingspan and weighing 2-4 kg (4.4-8.8 lbs). The largest male flamingos have been recorded at up to 187 cm (74 in) tall and 4.5 kg (10 lbs).

Mousebirds (Coliiformes)

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The Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus), that is endemic to Africa is the largest species of mousebird. This bird grows to about 35 cm (14 inches) long and weighs about 57 grams (2 oz).

Shorebirds (Charadriiformes)

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The Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), is the largest species in this diverse order. Often described as the King of Gulls, this very large gull can attain a size of as much as 85 cm (34 in) long with a 1.52–1.7 m (5-5.7 ft) wingspan and weighs as much as 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). However, the extinct Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), at 5 kg (11 lb) was the record holder.

Herons & allies (Ciconiiformes)

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The Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis), a large wading bird is considered the longest-bodied species in this group. This is a huge bird that grows up to 150 cm (5 feet) long, reaching a wingspan of 270 cm (9 feet) and a weight of 15 kg (33 lb). It is probably the tallest, if not the heaviest, of the storks. However, if measured in regard to body weight and wingspan, then the largest species is the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), reaching a wingspan of 3.2 m (10.7 ft).

Pigeons (Columbiformes)

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The largest species of the pigeon is the Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria). Some individuals can grow to about 85 cm (34 in) and weighs as much as 3.7 kg (8.2 lb). The largest bird of this order of all time, is the extinct flightless Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) weighing about 23 kg (50 lb).

Kingfishers & allies (Coraciiformes)

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The Southern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is the largest species in this order. is the Southern Ground Hornbill. A large bird, reaching sizes of as much as 90 to 129 cm (36 to 51 in) long and weighs as much as a 6 kg (13.5 lb). They are found in eastern South Africa.

Cuckoos & allies (Cuculiformes)

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The Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) is the largest species of this order. A cousin of the cuckoos, the Great Blue Turaco can weigh over 1.2 kg (822-1231 grams) and can reach to about 70-75 cm.

Birds of prey (Falconiformes)

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The Eurasian Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus), is perhaps the largest birds of prey in the world and one of the world’s heaviest flying birds. This is a large bird that is capable of reaching a maximum size of 119 cm (47 in) long, weighing 14 kg (31 lb) and a 250–300 cm (99-119 in) wingspan. However the largest eagle known was the now extinct Haast’s Eagle (Harpagornis moorei), reaching a maximum size of 1.4 m (4.7 ft) long, wingspan 3 m (10 ft) and weighing at least 15 kg (33 lb).

Did you enjoy this avian show. If so, then check out for Big Birds Part 2!

Check Out:
The Big Birds Part 2
Big Birds Part 3