Bird Fun Facts
By Barbara Lombardi
I don't really write that much about birds. That may be because I never owned a bird, but that's not to say I don't think they are beautiful feathered friends.
In fact during the years of my pet sitting I had quite a few bird customers and really gained an appreciation for birds. I also learned that they can be quite a lot of work.
Here are just a few fun facts I picked up about birds that I thought I'd share with you:
- A bird's normal body temperature is ususlly 7-8 degrees hotter than ours. Almost 3/4 of the air a bird breathes is used to help cool them down as they do not have sweat glands.
- A bird's heart beats 400 times per minute while they are at rest. When they are flying however, their heart could beat up to 1000 beats per minute.
- The most yolks ever found in a single chicken's egg is nine.
- The Kiwi of New Zealand is the world's only wingless bird.
- Birds that don't fly: ostriches, penguins, and dodo birds.
- Cher Ami was the name of a famous homing pigeon during World War I. The bird lost an eye and a leg while delivering a message during the war and was given the Distinguished Service Cross. Believe it ir not, the bird's leg was replaced by a wooden one.
- Can you name a poisonous bird? The Hooded Pitohui, which is a resident of Papua, New Guinea. You can find the poison in its feathers and in its skin.
- Pigeons can fly as fast as 100 miles per hour.
- The now extinct Elephant Bird of Madagascar laid an egg that weighed 27 pounds.
- The world's smallest bird egg belongs to the humingbird.
- The world's largest bird egg belongs to the ostrich.
About the Author:
After moving to Florida I decided to combine my love for writing with my knowledge of pets. For ten years I owned and operated a local pet sitting service and gained a wealth of information regarding pet care. In addition I have been an English teacher for several years as well as an aspiring writer. I recently completed a Masters Degree in Educational technology and I am looking forward to teaching college classes online. I am freelance writing and living happily in Florida with my husband and our Nikki, the most lovable golden retriever I know.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
