The three species of the peacock, Pavo cristatus, Pavo muticus, and Afropavo congensis inevitably make the list of the most beautiful birds in the world. With its long train and spectacular coloration, the beauty of the peacock is on the border of sublime and ridiculous.
Because they are so delicate and tiny, and they have beady little puppy eyes, plus their inquisitive and playful nature and intelligence makes them a lot like us, which makes us love them even more. Plus their smell is intoxicating.
Bee hummingbirds are thought to have the 2nd fastest heartbeat of all animals in the world. Measuring two inches and weighing 0.06 ounces, the bee hummingbird is the world's smallest bird! This teeny tiny species is round and plump and features iridescent plumage in bright blue and green colors.
Most birds (unlike other pets) prefer being petted against their feathers. If your bird is getting relaxed and comfortable with you touching them, you can gradually start rubbing the sides of their head gently, including the skin just behind their beak and around their ears (but be careful around the eyes).
Birds Tell Us to Act on Climate
The Bee Hummingbird, which is found only in Cuba, is an absolute miniature, even among hummingbirds. It measures a mere two and a quarter inches long. Bee Hummingbirds are often mistaken for bees. They weigh less than two grams — less than a dime.
The only known species of flightless bird in which wings completely disappeared was the gigantic, herbivorous moa of New Zealand, hunted to extinction by humans by the 15th century. In moa, the entire pectoral girdle is reduced to a paired scapulocoracoid, which is the size of a finger.
Bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) – 5.5cm/1.95g
The smallest bird in the world, the bee hummingbird clocks in at just 5.5cm in length (for males, females are slightly larger at around 6.1 cm).
Trying to stroke or cuddle your bird when they're not in the mood is likely to annoy them or even provoke an aggressive reaction, so it's important to read your bird's body language carefully to ensure they will welcome your touch.
Humans aren't the only animals that fall in love. In fact, as much as 70 percent of birds may form long-term pair bonds. That is, they stay together year after year. Or in some cases, they split up, then come back together when it's mating season.
Overview: Perhaps the world's rarest bird, only one Stresemann's Bristlefront is known to survive in the wild. Unfortunately, this bird is confined to one of the most fragmented and degraded – and vulnerable – forests in the Americas.
The kiwi is a unique and curious bird: it cannot fly, has loose, hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail. Learn more about the kiwi, the national icon of New Zealand and unofficial national emblem.
The cassowary is a large, flightless bird most closely related to the emu. Although the emu is taller, the cassowary is the heaviest bird in Australia and the second heaviest in the world after its cousin, the ostrich.
The specimens include species like Sapeornis, Confuciusornis, Cathayornis, and Yanornis. All of them are early birds, perched on primitive branches of the group's family tree. All of them lived in China during the Cretaceous period. And all of them had four wings, with long feathers on their legs.
Cockatiel. Cockatiels are larger than finches and budgies, but they're still one of the best pet birds for kids. They can learn to talk, whistle, and do tricks, making them a delight for children. Cockatiels do well with older children who can devote time to interacting with them.
But first, some background: The Peregrine Falcon is indisputably the fastest animal in the sky. It has been measured at speeds above 83.3 m/s (186 mph), but only when stooping, or diving.
Ostriches (Struthio camelus) are the largest living birds in the world, with an average mass of 104 kg and average length of 210 cm. They lay the largest eggs and hold the record for the fastest land speed of any bird, reaching speeds of 70 kmph.
Birds are phenomenal pets, and they can bond to their owners and live many, many years, especially some of the larger parrots. But it's not automatic. Birds don't just come into your house, love you, feel comfortable with you, and bond with you immediately. This bond is something that you have to work toward.
While a good cuddle might be nice for you and your bird, it is a good idea to avoid excessive petting and to avoid petting the back and body of your bird. A mature bird may find petting in these areas stimulating which may result in a sexually frustrated bird and, in turn, may lead to behavior issues.
Don't ever grab your bird or force him to step up onto your arm. You can ruin a good relationship by making a bird do something he doesn't want to do. In fact, you can actually teach a bird to bite by not paying attention to his body language when he is trying to tell you no.