DK - WOW! The Visual Encyclopedia of Everything

The only animals with feathers, birds are found in all

parts of the world. Many have superb flying skills,

with strong chest muscles to power their flapping

wings. There is a dazzling diversity of

species, from soaring albatrosses and

flamboyant peacocks to flightless

rheas and tiny hummingbirds.

Birds

▲ TAWNY EAGLE

Eagles are powerful hunters. They target

their prey while soaring high overhead, then

swoop down to seize it in their talons. The

tawny eagle is also notorious for stealing

the victims of other birds of prey.

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▲ RHEA

As tall as 1.5 m (5 ft), these

large flightless birds roam the

grassland of South America. They eat

plants, nuts, seeds, and fruits, as well as

insects and small animals, such as lizards.

ZEBRA FINCH ▲

Like many birds, the zebra finch

of Australia lives in large flocks

that fly and feed together for

safety. Its stout bill is adapted

for splitting the tough skins of

grass seeds to get at their

nourishing kernels.

Birds spend

hours preening

their feathers to

keep them in

good condition

Immensely strong,

sharp-clawed talons

are the eagle’s

main weapons

Penguins’

wings are

adapted for

swimming,

not flight

Rock pigeon

Farmyard

ducks

King

penguins

The male peacock

raises its hugely

elongated tail feathers

to display them

Pe

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