Sulu hornbill, silvery pigeon, Magenta petrel, Amsterdam albatross, and the recently reintroduced Spix’s macaw are some of the world’s rarest birds – reduced to critically small numbers, often just tens of individuals. Despite their status, these species can still be found in the wild, if you’re lucky enough to spot them.
The Reeves’s pheasant holds the record for the longest tail of any living bird, with adult males growing astonishing tail feathers that can reach up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in length. The ribbon-tailed astrapia, on the other hand, boasts the longest tail relative to body size – males of this species grow elegant, white, […]
Across cultures and throughout history, eagles have been seen as symbols of strength, freedom, and divine power. They appear as messengers of the gods, emblems of kings and warriors, and guardians of the skies – both revered and feared for their soaring flight and fierce hunting prowess. In some stories, they embody wisdom and protection; […]
North America is home to eight species of eagles: the bald eagle, golden eagle, harpy eagle, crested eagle, black hawk-eagle, black-and-white hawk-eagle, ornate hawk-eagle, and solitary eagle. Together, they represent the full diversity of eagles found across the continent.
The bee hummingbird is the world’s smallest hummingbird, measuring just 5 centimeters (2 inches) in length, weighing as little as 1.6 grams (0.06 ounces), with wingspans as short as 3.25 centimeters (1.28 inches) in particularly small individuals. The gorgeted woodstar is the smallest of the woodstars at just 5.8 centimeters (2.3 inches), while the calliope […]
The United Kingdom is home to six species of true tits: the great tit, blue tit, coal tit, marsh tit, willow tit, and crested tit. All are small, active songbirds, easily recognized by their compact build, curious behavior, and frequent visits to garden feeders.
Blakiston’s fish owl (Ketupa blakistoni) is the world’s largest owl and one of the most elusive. Endemic to remote riverine forests of northeast Asia, it is an apex predator uniquely adapted to hunt along streams and ice-free waters. Its massive frame, shaggy plumage, and specialized diet of fish and amphibians set it apart from other […]
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 (19.9 ounces). In terms of wingspan, however, the record belongs to the black woodpecker, the largest species in Europe, which spans up to 84 centimeters (33.1 inches) […]
Among birds crowned with head crests, the most distinctive are the grey crowned crane, Atlantic royal flycatcher, Victoria crowned pigeon, Schalow’s turaco, and rufous-crested coquette. But these are just a few examples – across bird families and continents, crests appear in a remarkable range of forms and functions.
The Australian pelican has the longest beak of any living bird, with adult males reaching an astonishing 50 centimeters (20 inches) in bill length. The sword-billed hummingbird holds the record for the longest beak in proportion to body length, with its slender bill exceeding the length of its body (excluding the tail). The toco toucan, […]
The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is one of the most evolutionarily distinct and critically endangered birds in the world. Endemic to New Zealand, it is the only extant species of its genus and one of just three surviving members of the ancient parrot superfamily Strigopoidea. A flightless, nocturnal herbivore with unusually long lifespan and lek-based breeding, […]