One of North America’s most abundant birds, red-winged blackbirds are named for the signature red patch on the males’ shoulder. Only northern populations migrate south, joining with other birds to form enormous flocks.
meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish
Kori bustards are the world’s heaviest flying birds. They live in grasslands and savannas in eastern and southern Africa.
meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish
One of only two types of whistling duck found in the Americas, members of this species are becoming more common in the southern United States, where they fly each year to breed. These tall-standing ducks have long necks, black bellies and gangly legs.
meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish
American flamingos are one of the largest species of flamingo. Found in the Caribbean and along the northern coast of South America, these extraordinarily social birds live in flocks that sometimes number in the thousands. A pigment in their food gives their feathers their flamboyant pink color.
meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish
Rock hyraxes, also called rock dassies or rock rabbits, are small, stub-tailed, rabbit-like animals native to Africa. Though rock hyraxes resemble rodents, their closest living relatives are actually elephants and manatees.
meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish
The smallest of the three white geese species in North America, Ross’s goose is known for its tendency to form flocks of hundreds or even thousands of individuals—sometimes mixing with snow geese.
meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish
Wood ducks are primarily found in eastern North America, as well as some parts of western North America. They have crested feathers on their heads. Males have iridescent green, blue and purple feathers, as well as two white lines that run from the bill around their red eyes to the back of their head.
meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish
Tall birds with strong legs, wild turkeys are fast fliers and residents of the eastern United States. Wild turkeys were domesticated in Mexico more than 2,000 years ago, although many members of the species remain wild. At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., visitors can see a breed of domestic turkey (which is the same species as the wild turkey) called the standard bronze turkey.
meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish
Through camera trap studies, community conservation programs and collaboration, Smithsonian scientists are working to minimize the impact that natural gas development has on tropical forests and wildlife.
scientists, in collaboration with the Fort Belknap Fish
Smithsonian scientists help partners implement dynamic, forward-thinking solutions for the development of infrastructure, such as roads, airports or dams. Sustainable infrastructure maintains enough biodiversity to support healthy, natural ecosystems that provide essential and economically important services like clean air and water.
scientists, in collaboration with the Fort Belknap Fish
