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...
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...
The common ostrich is the world’s fastest-running bird, capable of sprinting at recorded speeds up to 97 km/h (60 mph) and sustaining steady runs at over 70 km/h (43 mph). Behind the ostrich, the greater rhea and lesser rhea follow as the next...
North America’s geese belong to the genera Branta and Anser, forming a familiar and diverse group within the waterfowl family Anatidae. Several species occur regularly across the United States and Canada, from the widespread Canada and snow...
The western flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) is a small insect-eating songbird of shaded forests in western North America. It was once split into Pacific-slope and Cordilleran flycatchers but is now treated as a single species. It breeds from...
The Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle has the widest wingspan of any living eagle, reaching an impressive 2.84 meters (9.3 feet). The harpy eagle is the heaviest, with wild females weighing up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds), while the Steller’s sea...
North America’s crows and ravens belong to the genus Corvus, a group of highly intelligent and adaptable birds within the Corvidae family. Five species occur regularly in the United States and Canada, ranging from the widespread American crow...
Around 90% of all bird species form monogamous pairs, but true lifelong bonds are far rarer. Among the species that do mate for life are the mute swan, snowy albatross, whooping crane, bald eagle, and many parrots, along with some vultures...
North American orioles belong to the genus Icterus in the blackbird family (Icteridae). Eight species occur regularly in the United States and Canada, while several others appear as occasional migrants, vagrants, or rare breeders along the southern...