The pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is one of the most iconic and easily recognized woodpeckers of North America. With bold black-and-white plumage, a vivid red crest, and powerful drumming, it is a familiar inhabitant of mature forests...
The Andean condor is the world’s largest and heaviest living bird of prey, with a wingspan of up to 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) and a body mass reaching 15 kilograms (33.1 pounds). The secretarybird is the tallest and longest, standing 1.3 meters (4.3...
Skimmers are three distinctive species of waterbirds in the genus Rynchops, belonging to the gull and tern family (Laridae). Instantly recognized by their laterally compressed bills with elongated lower mandibles, they feed in a unique way – gliding...
The common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), also known as the European starling, is one of more than 120 species in the starling family (Sturnidae). Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, and introduced to North America, Australia, New...
Puffins are three closely related seabird species in the genus Fratercula of the auk family (Alcidae), instantly recognizable by their colorful bills and contrasting plumage. All three occur in North America, breeding from the rocky islands of Maine...
Some of the world’s most distinctive black parrots include the Australian black cockatoos and the vasa parrots of the Coracopsis genus, which are native to Madagascar, the Comoros, and the Seychelles. In addition to these, a few other dark-plumaged...
Ducks are among the most familiar and diverse waterfowl of North America. Belonging to the order Anseriformes, alongside geese and swans, they range from tiny teal to heavy-bodied sea ducks and stifftails. These birds inhabit nearly every type of...
The southern cassowary is widely regarded as the world’s most dangerous bird due to its sheer aggression and deadly physical traits. In terms of actual human fatalities, however, the common ostrich is deadlier, with several deaths reported each year...
Waterfowl are birds of the order Anseriformes, a group that includes the familiar ducks, geese, and swans (family Anatidae), along with the lesser-known screamers of South America (Anhimidae) and the unique magpie goose of northern Australia and...
The great slaty woodpecker is the world’s largest and heaviest living woodpecker, reaching up to 58 centimeters (22.8 inches) in length and weighing as much as 563 grams (1.24 pounds). In terms of wingspan, however, the record belongs to the black...