THe World of Avians

Let’s take a peek into the wonder-ful world of avians. Some interesting fun facts about birds – courtesy of Facebook pages ‘Colours of Nature’, ‘Ancestral Stories’, ‘Weird Facts’, ‘Unbelievable Facts’, ‘Today I Learned’, Science and facts, Crazy creatures, The Knowledge Factory, The study secrets etc… However, I do not know if they are true. Some of them sound really incredible.

An owl can turn its head about 270 degrees, which looks almost like a full turn. Its eyes do not move much inside the skull, so the owl must twist its neck to look around. This wide turn lets the bird check its whole area without moving its body, so it can stay hidden or stay ready to strike.

Owls can also see in very low light, almost complete darkness. Their eyes are built to catch tiny bits of light, so they can notice even small movements. Along with very sharp hearing, this vision helps them find prey that other animals might miss.

Together, the head turn and night sight make the owl an excellent night hunter. It can sit still, watch quietly, and then swoop down when it spots or hears something small moving. These skills keep the owl fed and help it survive in the dark when most other animals sleep. – A Facebook post by ‘Colours of Nature

The male Greater Sage-Grouse is a true showstopper of the bird world. When mating season arrives, he transforms the open sagebrush plains into a stage, performing one of nature’s most spectacular courtship displays. His spiky tail feathers fan out, chest plumes puff into brilliant white clouds, and those iconic yellow air sacs inflate and pop with thunderous sound, all to catch the attention of nearby females.

This fascinating spectacle isn’t just about beauty; it’s a high-stakes ritual. Females carefully choose mates based on vigor, symmetry, and display intensity, making every performance critical for passing on strong genes.

Greater Sage-Grouse are native to the western United States, but their survival is tightly linked to vast, undisturbed sagebrush habitats. Habitat loss, energy development, and human activity have made these plains increasingly fragile. Watching a sage-grouse strut is awe-inspiring, but it’s also a powerful reminder that protecting these ecosystems is essential for keeping such extraordinary wildlife alive and thriving. – A Facebook post Patrick Barnes

Among the layered greens of the Amazon, a soft, curling crown of feathers shifts with gentle light. The curl-crested aracari, a toucan species instantly recognizable by the delicate dark curls atop its head, exudes a quiet elegance that contrasts with its vivid red, yellow, black, and green plumage. Its long, slightly curved bill looks cumbersome, yet each motion is precise, plucking fruit, flowers, and insects with thoughtful care.

Moving through the canopy, the aracari communicates with soft calls rather than raucous cries, hopping lightly and pausing often to observe its complex surroundings. Pairs remain close during the day, sharing food and maintaining a subtle, enduring companionship. Their movements are measured, their presence felt more than loudly heard, creating a rhythm of calm amidst the rainforest’s vibrant chaos.

For anyone lucky enough to glimpse them, the curl-crested aracari is a reminder that in nature, brilliance doesn’t always shout, sometimes it drifts softly, color and grace woven into quiet, unforgettable moments. – A Facebook post by Patrick Barnes

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