Author: Matt Davis

Charadriiformes

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Charadriiformes are an order of birds that consists of 19 families, including; Alcidae(auks, murres, and puffins), Laridae(gulls, terns, and skimmers), and Scolopacidae(sandpipers and allies).

Physical Characteristics

This order is a varied collection of birds linked by similarities in bodily features; including their skeletons, plumage, and developmental patterns. 

A Ring-Billed Gull(Larus delawarensis) standing in water; St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Distribution and Habitat

This order is worldwide in distribution, and are found in almost every terrestrial habitat on earth, and many also occur in marine habitats.

Diet

The birds of the order Charadriiformes eat: snails, mussels, oysters, marine worms, … Continue

American Bison(Bison bison)

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The American Bison(Bison bison) is a hoofed mammal that is native to North America. The American Bison is also known as the Buffalo. Males are called bulls, and females are called cows. The heaviest bull ever weighed was 1,270 kilograms(2,800 pounds), this makes the American Bison the largest terrestrial mammal in North America. American Bison live in small groups, or bands, These bands are made up of one or more females and several generations of their offspring. Adult males live on the edges of the band’s territory  or form their own small groups.

  • American Bison Scientific Classification
KingdomAnimalia
Phylum
… Continue

Common Wildebeest(Connochaetes taurinus)

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The Common Wildebeest(Connochaetes taurinus) is an African antelope that is classified in the mammalian order Artiodactyla, and the Bovidae family. The common Wildebeest is one of the most plentiful large mammals in Africa. The Common Wildebeest is more active during the morning and the late afternoon, but will rest during the hottest hours of the day. The Common Wildebeest can live up to 24 years.

 The Common Wildebeest can run up to 80km/h(50 mph). Some of the main predators of Common Wildebeest are the African Wild Dog(Lycaon pictus), The Cheetah(Acinonyx jubatus), crocodiles, hyenas, the Lion(Panthera leo), and the Leopard(Panthera … Continue

Icon Of The North: Muskox

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The Muskox(Ovibos moschatus)  is a hoofed mammal that is found in arctic regions. Muskoxen are classified in the mammalian order Artiodactyla, and the Bovidae family. Muskoxen live in herds(groups of hoofed mammals) of up to 50 individuals. When Muskoxen are threatened by predators the adults of the herd will encircle the young to protect them.

Physical Characteristics

Muskoxen are thickset Caprines with big heads, short necks, and short, chunky legs. Their coat is made up of durable guard hair with a soft, thick layer underneath called qiviut, which they shed in the summer. Both males and females have horns that bend … Continue

Atlantic Puffin(Fratercula arctica)

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The Atlantic Puffin(Fratercula arctica), also known as the Common Puffin is a species of seabird that is classified in the avian family Alcidae. Atlantic Puffins occur across the North Atlantic from Canada to Norway and south to Spain.

Physical Characteristics

The Atlantic Puffin has a large bill, and webbed feet that help it swim. The average measurements for the Atlantic Puffins are 28 cm(11.02 inches) long, 430 grams(15.2 ounces), and have a wingspan of 55 cm(1 foot, 9.7 inches).

Length 26-29 cm(10″-11″)
Wingspan47-63 cm(1’6.5″-2’1″)
Weight310-550 g(11 oz. to 1.2 lbs.)

Distribution and Habitat

Atlantic Puffins occur … Continue