bird Archives - Page 15 of 23

Proud

Egyptian Geese – also known as Nil Geese named for their place of origin (the Nile Valley in Africa) – are large, very distinctive waterbirds with conspicuous dark chocolate-brown eye patches. These water birds are excellent swimmers, but are mostly terrestrial and can be seen perching on trees and buildings. Their maximum recorded lifespan in captivity is 25 years. The ancient Egyptians considered the Egyptian Geese sacred and these geese appeared in much of their artwork. They occur in various wetland habitats, grasslands or agricultural lands that are close to rivers, dams, lakes, reservoirs, marshes, estuaries, sewage works and, occasionally, offshore islands.

14 September 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Amigos

All 17 species of penguins are found exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Emperor Penguins are the tallest species, standing nearly 4 feet tall. The smallest is the Little Blue Penguin, which is only about 16 inches. The fastest species is the Gentoo Penguin, which can reach swimming speeds up to 22 mph. A penguin’s striking colouring is a matter of camouflage; from above, its black back blends into the murky depths of the ocean. From below, its white belly is hidden against the bright surface. Penguins ingest a lot of seawater while hunting for fish, but a special gland behind their eyes—the supraorbital gland—filters out the saltwater from their bloodstream. Penguins excrete it through their beaks, or by sneezing.

12 September 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Paired

The yellow-billed duck is a dabbling duck which is an abundant resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa. This duck is not migratory but will wander in the dry season to find suitable waters. These are mallard-sized mainly grey ducks with a darker head and bright yellow bill. The wings are whitish below, and from above show a white-bordered green speculum. It is a bird of freshwater habitats in the fairly open country and feeds by dabbling for plant food mainly in the evening or at night. It nests on the ground in dense vegetation near water. Rarely found in suburban areas, in close proximity to golf courses, parks and lakes or dams. The male has a teal-like whistle, whereas the female has a mallard-like quack.

24 August 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife