Bird Facts
A Quick List of Interesting Bird Facts
Bird enthusiasts enjoy not only having contact with their feathered friends, but also to learn interesting bird facts to help them understand these winged creatures a little better.
There is not a person on earth who would not recognize a bird when they see one. After all, the composition of fowl is pretty much the same; beaks, two legs, two wings and plenty of feathers. But there are many differences as well that distinguish them. At any given point in time, it is estimated that there are between one and two billion birds on the planet. There are approximately 9,500 different species that are recognized on earth currently, but there is evidence that since the beginning of time over 150,000 species have existed at one time or another; one of the interesting bird facts that show how extinction has played a part in the population.
Other bird facts point to the diversity in the species. For example, the Bee Hummingbird is the smallest known bird on earth; reaching only 2.5 inches in length, with the distinction also of being the only bird that cannot walk. In contrast, the largest bird is the ostrich, which can stand up to 9 feet tall. Ostriches are also thought to be the fastest bird, but not in the air. These birds are flightless, but make up for that shortfall by achieving speeds of up to 60 mph running on the ground. Complete opposites in every detail except for its genus make these bird facts seemingly fantastic, yet very true.
The differences not only lie in physical capabilities but in senses as well. The kiwi bird is the only fowl known to have an accomplished sense of smell; using nostrils at the outward tip of its beak in coordination with whisker-like feathers to help it locate earthworms, its favorite food. The ears of the owl are specially honed and work intrinsically with the bird’s face shape to detect sounds from any direction; a bird fact which helps this fowl to locate its next meal.
Not all birds are restricted to either land or air, either. A few species of birds, such as ducks, geese, pelicans and more, spend a great deal of time on the water as they hunt for their food of choice. One bird in particular, the anhinga, is characterized as the best fresh-water diver due to its seamless entry into the water. Once in the water, the anhinga can remain submerged for significant periods of time; searching for food such as fish and other aquatics. One of the interesting bird facts relating to the anhinga is its nickname of “snakebird”. The moniker has nothing to do with the bird’s diet, which does not eat snakes but looks like one instead as it swims through the water with only its long neck protruding, appearing to be a snake at the ready of a strike.
There are many more interesting bird facts that one could research to understand more of the fowl that fill our skies. With such captivating creatures having varying skills, abilities and talents, it is easy to see how an individual becomes a bird enthusiast.