Author: Matt Davis

Tufted Puffin(Fratercula cirrhata)

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The Tufted Puffin(Fratercula cirrhata), also known as the Crested Puffin is a seabird that is classified in the auk(Alcidae) family. The Tufted Puffin can reach lengths up to 40 cm(1’4”) and weights up to 1 kg(2 lbs); This makes the Tufted Puffin the largest species of puffin. 

Physical Characteristics

During the breeding season the Tufted Puffin has a black body, a white face, a orange and yellow bill, red rimmed eyes, and two yellow plumes  hanging out of the back of its head. During the nonbreeding season Tufted Puffins’ faces turn gray, their bills  turn orange and … Continue

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

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