Birds have built-in compasses – thanks to the presence of iron rich magnetite at various places in the head – and they make use of the earth’s magnetic field and can easily start out in the correct direction when beginning to migrate (called orientation or direction-finding)
This design is usually referred to as ‘fingers’, ‘fingertips’ or ‘spread fingered’ and describes the separated feathers (outer primaries) at the end of the wing in flight. Found in large, heavy birds that have large, long, broad wings and that use these wings for soaring.
Many birds tend to flock in winter, either in single- or multi species groups, because they are making use of a food source that is unpredictable and concentrated at scattered localities and therefore undefendable as individuals
The fruit eating bats are also called megabits because they tend to be larger in size and eat larger food items, we are generally smaller insect eating bats that eat smaller food items or descriptively referred to as micro bats.
Yes, some animals are very susceptible to sudden changes in weather. Warthogs, for instance, exhibit fairly high mortality during
Most animals avoid detection by a type of deception called camouflage (also called disguise). This strategy is not only used by prey in defence, but many predators also use it in order to hunt effectively. Four basic types of camouflage are generally recognised, and each has a slightly different function, although they all disguise the presence of the animal.
Excerpts from ‘Beat about the Bush – Mammals and Birds’ by Trevor Carnaby, Published by Jacana Media, Second Edition reprint 2018.
The young cubs or pups of predators are very entertaining to watch as they chase one another around, harass and attack other members of the group, and stalk and pounce on inanimate objects. This playfulness is nature’s way of ensuring that the youngsters develop muscles and dexterity, practise and hone reactions and techniques, and gain confidence in their abilities – all of which will come into use when they learn to hunt.
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