Author: Matt Davis

Big Cat Facts: Cheetah

The Cheetah(Acinonyx jubatus) is a big cat that can be found in Africa, but can also be found in the Middle East. The Cheetah is the fastest land mammal on earth; it can run at speeds up to 98 km/h(61 mph). The Cheetah is classified in the order Carnivora, and the Family Felidae

Cheetahs live in three main social groups: 

  1. Females and their cubs
  2. Male “coalitions”
  3. Solitary males

Physical Characteristics

A Cheetah’s head is small and rounded, and its snout is short. There are  black, tear-like stripes on a Cheetah’s face. The coat is usually tawny to creamy … Continue

Hyacinth Macaw

The Hyacinth Macaw(Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is a new world parrot classified in the order Psittaciformes and the family Psittacidae. The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest macaw in the world and is also the heaviest parrot capable of flying. Hyacinth Macaws are social birds that live in families, bands or groups. They are rarely found alone in the wild.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Hyacinth Macaws are cobalt blue throughout. The undersides of the flight feathers and tail are gray. Hyacinth Macaws have a bare yellow eye ring and a yellow strip at the base of the lower mandible; the bill is black. A Hyacinth … Continue

Kea

The Kea(Nestor notabilis),  Also known as the Mountain Parrot is a New Zealand parrot that is classified in the order Psittaciformes and the family Strigopidae.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Keas bodies are olive green, the head is brown, the eyes are dark brown, and there is a gray ring around each eye; the undersides of the wings are orange; the back and rump are orange/red; the outer areas of the primary flight feathers are dull blue; the undersides of the primary flight feathers are orange/yellow. The bill is grey/brown and projecting with an elongated upper mandible. The female’s bill is … Continue

Southern Cassowary

The Southern Cassowary(Casuarius casuarius) also known as Double-Wattled Cassowary, Australian Cassowary or Two-Wattled Cassowary is a large flightless bird found in Australia. The Southern Cassowary is classified in the order Casuariiformes and the family Casuariidae.

Physical Characteristics

The Southern Cassowary has a helmet like growth on its head known as a casque. The casque is mixed brown and rufous, and 13 to 17 cm (5.1 to 6.7 in) long. The sexes are quite similar in appearance, except the female’s bare parts are brighter, and a  female’s casque is often longer.  An adult Southern Cassowary’s body is blackish in color. The back … Continue

Harpy Eagle

The Harpy Eagle(Harpia harpyja), also known as the American Harpy Eagle or Brazilian Harpy Eagle is a South American bird of prey that is classified in the order Accipitriformes and the family Accipitridae. 

Physical Characteristics

The Harpy Eagle can be identified by its large hooked bill; a divided crest on the central crown; broad, rounded wings; and a proportionately long, banded tail. An adult Harpy Eagle can be recognized by its large size, gray head and neck, big black breast band, dark upperparts, and white lower breast and belly. It takes a few years for a Harpy Eagle to fledge … Continue