Author: Matt Davis

Birds Of The Americas: Scarlet Ibis

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The Scarlet Ibis(Eudocimus ruber) is a wading bird that can be found in the Americas. 

Physical Characteristics

During the breeding season the Scarlet Ibis is red throughout most of its body,  except its beak, some of its flight feathers, and its eyes are black. 

A non-breeding adult is pink or reddish.  A juvenile Scarlet Ibis is a mix of gray, brown, and white.

The Scarlet Ibis has a long, narrow, decurved bill. 

Length56-71 cm(1’10.1”-2’3.10”)
Wingspan94 cm-1.1 m(3’1”-3’7.3”)
Weight 505-770 gm(1.11-1.7 lbs.)
*Males are larger than females.

Range

The Scarlet Ibis is a year round resident in the countries … Continue

Parrots Of The World: Golden Parakeet

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The Golden Parakeet(Guaruba guarouba), also known as the Golden Conure, or the Queen of Bavaria Conure is a new world parrot that is found in South America.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Golden Parakeets are mostly bright yellow throughout, with green feathers on their wings. There is bare white skin around a Golden Parakeet’s eyes.

Juvenile Golden Parakeets are yellow and streaked with green on their heads, breasts, and backs. 

Length34-35 cm(1’1.4’-1’1.8”)
Weight 154-300 grams(5.4-10.6 oz.)

Range 

The Golden Parakeet is endemic to Brazil.

Habitat

Golden Parakeets inhabit humid lowland rainforests, varzéa forests, and grasslands with scattered trees.

Breeding

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Bird Fact Sheet: African Fish Eagle

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The African Fish Eagle(Haliaeetus vocifer), also known as the African Sea Eagle  is a bird of prey that is classified in the order Accipitriformes, and the family Accipitridae. The African Fish Eagle has been nicknamed the “voice of Africa” because its loud, distinctive call can be heard for miles. 

Physical Characteristics

An Adult African Fish Eagle has a white head, and white breast. Its back is black, and its belly, thighs, and “shoulders” are chestnut in color. An Adult’s irises are yellow-brown to hazel, its cere is yellow, and its bill is blackish, the feet are fleshy-white to yellow. 

Length
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Icon Of Africa: The Common Ostrich

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The Common Ostrich(Struthio camelus), also simply known as the Ostrich, is a large flightless bird that is found in Africa. A Common Ostrich can weigh up to 160 kg(352.7 lbs.), this makes it the largest bird on earth. The Common Ostrich is classified in the order Struthioniformes, and the family Struthionidae.

Physical Characteristics

During the breeding season the male Common Ostrich’s body is black; the bare thighs, head, and neck are reddish. There are short stiff brownish feathers encircling the bald crown and extending down the hindneck. the upper mandible is yellowish, and the lower mandible is red. Some … Continue

Big Cat Facts: Cougar

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The Cougar(Puma concolor), also known as Puma, Mountain Lion, or Panther is a big cat that is found in the Americas. The Cougar is classified in the order Carnivora, and the family Felidae.

Physical Characteristics

A Cougar’s head, ears, and muzzle are rounded. The tip of its tail, the backs of its ears, and the sides of the muzzle are black. The color of the body is mainly buffy gray to tan or cinnamon. A Cougar’s underside is pale buff or nearly white. 

Length1-2.8 m(3’3.4”-9’2.2”)
Shoulder Height60-90 cm(1’11.6”-2’11.4”)
Tail Length 50-95 cm(1’7.7”-3’1.4”)
Weight9-120 kg(63.9-264.6 lbs.)
… Continue