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WATERFOWL and OTHER
FINE-FEATHERED FRIENDS
~Mute Swan~
Also known as the Polish Swan or River Swan, they are found in just about all types of water-bodies, from rivers, brakish shores, to ponds and city park lakes. They are large white birds, with a long neck, capped off with a black face and a knob at the base of the pinkish-red bill. The sexes are alike in appearance.
~Mute Swan Family~
Now WHAT could be cuter than to watch a whole Swan family gliding smoothly across a pond or lake? Mama and Papa are ever mindful to keep a watchful eye on every one of their darling little sygnets (young swans), who dutifully follow their lead!
~Crowned Crane~
The crane is the oldest living bird species, and
has the longest successful tenure on
Earth...about 60 million years. The call of the
crane can carry over a mile due to it's elongated windpipe. Cranes are considered the best dancers in the animal kingdom, and often can bounce 20
feet into the air.
~European Wigeon~
The European Wigeon are calm, and good birds for
the mixed collection. Winter hardy, they only
require minimal shelter during cold weather.
They do great in well planted aviaries, and are good for small free-range garden ponds. You'll need to wing clip, or pinion, to keep them on the property. There is a report of a captive
European Wigeon that lived 24 years!
~Flamingo with Chick~
The Flamingo is the national bird of the Bahamas. The eye of the flamingo is actually larger than it's brain! They can reach up to five feet in height, but weigh only six to seven pounds. Their wingspans range from 55 to 65 inches. They obtain their pink coloring from the food that they eat, which contains carotene.
~Mallard~
The Mallard is, without a doubt, the world's most popular duck. It is the ancestor of all domestic breeds (with the exception of the Muscovy), and can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are extremely adaptable, and can be seen on just about every type of water, from city parks to farm ponds to big rivers. The ducklings are strong and very easy to raise. They grow quickly and can fly at about 7 weeks.
~Mr. and Mrs. Mallard~
I have always wondered why it is that the male of the species, in most cases, has so much more colorful plumage than the females? Perhaps it is so that the females will be less conspicuous while they are nesting. That's just my theory.
~Mallard Duckling~
Now I ask you...isn't that just the cutest little face you ever did see? Mama and Papa Mallard must be sooooooo proud!
~Black Swan~
Black Swans are large, graceful birds. Both sexes are black with bright red bills that sport a white band, gray feet and legs, and white primaries, that are seen only in flight. The Black Swan is native to Australia and Tasmania.
~White-faced Whistling Duck~
Also known as the White-faced Tree Duck, the most noticeable feature is the white face, for which the species is named. They are found in most of Africa, south of the Sahara, and Madagascar. The New World population is found from Colombia, south to northern Argentina.
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