Birds

Birds are the only vertebrates that have feathers. All birds are warm-blooded and lay eggs. Adaptations such as hollow bones enable most birds to fly, although there are flightless birds, including the ostrich. There are nearly 10,000 bird species in the world.

An African Fish Eagle at the LA Zoo spreads its wings.

African Fish Eagle

This bird’s distinctive call can be heard for miles and has earned it the name “the voice of Africa.”

African Spoonbill

This long-legged wading bird sweeps its spoon-shaped through water to search for food.

Andean Condor

With a wingspan of ten feet, the Andean condor is one of the world’s largest flying birds.

Bald Eagle

The national bird of the United States has a remarkable recovery story.

Bateleur Eagle

Bateleur is French for “street performer” and refers to this eagle’s acrobatic flight abilities.

Black Vulture

Black vultures keep close social ties with their extended families throughout their lives.

Bufflehead Duck

The bufflehead is North America’s smallest sea duck (diving duck).
California Condors

California Condor

California condors are highly intelligent, inquisitive, and social birds.

Chestnut Teal

This Australian duck was named for the color of the male of the species.

Common Peafowl

The peacock is known for its iridescent colors and the spectacular tail feathers produced by males.

Crested Caracara

Known as the Mexican eagle, the crested caracara is the national bird of Mexico.

Crested Oropendola

Oropendolas make one of the most unusual and unique nests in the bird world.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

A distinguishing feature of this particular owl species is the orange color of its irises.
Flamingoes

Flamingos

Flamingos are extremely gregarious birds with some flocks consisting of 200,000 paired birds.

Great Horned Owl

The great horned owl can hunt animals that are larger and heavier than itself.

Green Aracari

Green aracaris are the smallest members of the toucan family.

Harpy Eagle

A large harpy eagle can carry its body weight, about 17 pounds, in long 5-inch talons.

Harris’s Hawk

As with all birds of prey, Harris’s hawks find prey by using their exceptional vision.

Hornbills

These tropical birds are known for their large, lightweight beaks.

King Vulture

What does it take to become king among vultures? A unique skill set and connections to the gods.

Lanner Falcon

Lanner falcons are known for fast and agile flight as well as unusual hunting tactics.

Laughing Kookaburra

The outstanding feature of the laughing kookaburra is its distinctive vocalizations.

Macaw

Macaws belong to a family of birds that includes parrots, parakeets, lorikeets, and cockatoos.

Masked Lapwing

Yellow wattles and skin around its eyes make this bird appear masked.

Nicobar Pigeon

Nicobar pigeons roost and nest on small, uninhabited islands to keep safe from predators.

Ostrich

The ostrich is the world’s largest bird–and the fastest land animal on two legs.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine falcons are considered the fighter jets of the bird world.

Red-Legged Seriema

Sounding like a yelping dog, the red-legged seriema’s call is very unusual.

Sarus Crane

Reaching about six feet in height, the sarus crane is the world’s tallest flying bird.

Scarlet Ibis

This bright pink wading bird gets its color from pigments in its food.

Spectacled Owl

This owl is named for the ring of white feathers around its eyes that resemble a pair of glasses.

Spotted Thick-Knee

The spotted thick-knee is a ground-nesting bird native to sub-Saharan Africa.

Sunbittern

Sunbitterns are wading birds native to Central and South America.

Superb Starling

Metallic green and blue feathers give this African native its superb colors.

Turaco

Although they spend all their time in the trees, turacos are actually not very good fliers.