A familiar sparrow that can be found throughout North America, song sparrows are often seen singing cheerfully while perched on a tree branch or telephone wire. The species is present in most of their range year-round, although northern populations migrate to the southern United States and Mexico for the winter.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
The tomistoma, also called the false gharial or false gavial, is an endangered freshwater crocodilian with a characteristically long, narrow snout.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
This tiny, yellowish-green songbird sings a three-note series of accelerating chips. Despite its name, these warblers do not breed in Tennessee, and only pass through the state as they embark on their seasonal migration to their breeding grounds in Canada’s boreal forest.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. It has a long, hairless, prehensile tail, a robust body and short legs with sharp claws.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
Frogs, toads, salamanders and newts are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. Smithsonian scientists are working to save amphibians through projects focused in Panama and Appalachia.
is home to more salamander species than anywhere else
Porcupines are native to the forests of North America and instantly recognizable by their coats of nearly 30,000 quills. While these hollow quills can’t be shot, they are loosely attached and will dislodge in the skin of predators.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
A small bird with a loud song, the ovenbird is a migratory songbird that passes through much of North America in the spring and fall.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
Domesticated Spanish pigs escaped on Ossabaw Island where they went feral and became their own subspecies — smaller than typical pigs and with a unique metabolism.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
Pallas’ cats live in dry, rocky areas throughout Central Asia. They rely on camouflage and their low-slung bodies to hunt and to hide from predators.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is otterly delighted to introduce Coquille, Potomac and Nash — American Trail’s adorable North American river otter pups! Get the latest news in this PUPdate.
high energy, has a hard time focusing when something else
