Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Shoebill Birds Facts, Shoebill Bird Photos

Shoebills Birds Facts :

The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) also known as Whalehead or Shoe-billed Stork, is a very large stork-like bird. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill. The adult bird is 115 to 150 centimeters (45 to 59 in) tall, 100 to 140 centimeters (39 to 55 in) long, 230 to 260 centimeters (91 to 100 in) across the wingspan and weighs 4 to 7 kilograms (8.8 to 15 lb).[2][3] Their beaks have an average length of 30 centimeters (12 in). The adult is mainly grey while the juveniles are browner. It lives in tropical east Africa in large swamps from Sudan to Zambia.

Shoebill Ecology and behavior :
Shoebills feed in muddy waters, preying on fish, frogs, reptiles such as baby crocodiles, and small mammals. They nest on the ground and lay from 1 to 3 eggs, usually during the dry season. These eggs measure 80 to 90 millimeters (3.1 to 3.5 in) x 57 to 61 millimeters (2.2 to 2.4 in). Both parents incubate the eggs for about a month. The newborn chicks will be able to fly after about 100 days, while it will take them 3 years before they become fully sexually mature

Shoebill Birds Photos / Pictures :

Shoebill Birds
Shoebill Birds

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Kiwi Birds Pictures, Kiwi Birds Facts - Information

Kiwi Birds Facts - Information :

Kiwi birds are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand, in the genus Apteryx and family Apterygidae.

At around the size of a domestic chicken, kiwi birds are by far the smallest living ratites and lay the largest egg in relation to their body size of any species of bird in the world. There are five recognized species, all of which are endangered; all species have been adversely affected by historic deforestation but currently large areas of their forest habitat are well protected in reserves and national parks. At present, the greatest threat to their survival is predation by invasive mammalian predators.

The kiwi bird is a national symbol of New Zealand, and the association is so strong that the term Kiwi is used all over the world as the colloquial demonym for New Zealanders.

Kiwi Birds Interesting Facts :
Kiwi birds are extremely unique in the bird world. Though they are the size of chickens, they lay eggs the size of ostrich eggs, weighing around a pound each. Their enormous eggs are the largest in the bird world, in proportion to their bodies. These birds were named after their distinctive shrill cry "kee-wee kee-wee".

Kiwi Bird s Habitat :
The kiwi bird is native of New Zealand. It is the island country's national bird, and is rare anywhere but here and a few pacific island neighbors. Of course, it is available for viewing at certain zoos, including the San Diego Zoo. It has stayed in its native land due to the facts that it is an isolated island and that kiwis can't fly.

Cute Kiwi Birds Pictures :

Kiwi Bird Pictures
Cute Kiwi Bird
Cute Kiwi Birds Pictures


Kiwi birds sizes :

The New Zealand Kiwi birds looks almost real in this beautiful replica of our iconic flightless Kiwi.

Made with artificial fur, this little Kiwi bird isn't endangered, but it's nice to have a model of him on the desk or mantelpiece.

New Zealand's flightless Kiwi birds are an endangered species, as introduced pests ( stoats, possums, weasels, dogs, cats) kill Kiwis or damage their habitat. Several organisations are working to save the Kiwi.

Kiwi birds comes in four sizes:

Large - approximately 11cm (4 1/4" ) tall
Medium - approximately 7.5cm (3") tall
Small - approximately 5cm (2") tall
Extra-Small - approx 4 cm (1 1/2") tall

Read more Kiwi Facts & information at Wikipedia.com

Cassowary Birds pictures, Cassowary Birds Facts

Cassowary Birds Facts :

The cassowaries are ratites, very large flightless birds in the genus Casuarius native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, nearby islands. There are three extant species recognized today. The most common of these, the Southern Cassowary, is the third tallest and second heaviest living bird, smaller only than the ostrich and emu.

Cassowary Birds Behaviour :

Cassowaries are solitary birds except during courtship, egg-laying, and sometimes around ample food supplies.[8] Male cassowaries defend a territory of about 7 square kilometres (1,700 acres) for itself and its mate, while females have overlapping territories of several males.

Cassowary Bird Attacks :

Cassowaries have a fierce-sum reputation and the razor like talons are used by the bird to slash their opponents flesh. With such powerful legs, this species can break bones with just one kick. During an attack, the Cassowary will charge at its victim, jump and kick out. Records indicate that the victims of Cassowary attacks have been both humans and dogs and in some instances have been fatal. As the Cassowary is particularly territorial, attacks have often occurred when they are defending territory, their young ones, or feel that their food source is under threat.

Cassowary Birds pictures :

cassowary bird pictures closeup
cassowary bird pictures
cassowary bird pictures


Cassowary Bird Attacks Video :



Read more facts and information about Cassowary Birds from Wikipedia