The heron is a large coastal bird, with 75 species distributed across the globe. Often remembered for their fondness for fishing, herons partake in “stand and wait” feeding, which is where they stand motionless in water, waiting for their prey to approach. Sometimes they will put their bill into the water and create a rapid…

The healthiest Blue-Footed Booby chicks are typically sired by fathers with brighter blue feet. Female bird’s are more attracted to male birds with bluer feet, and male birds seek out partners with similar traits. During the breeding season, both sexes display their feet to each other as part of courtship. The nest is usually built…

They are recognized as the smallest diving ducks in North America. Their diet includes aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks, which they capture and consume underwater. During the breeding season, these birds vigorously defend their territories by attacking intruders—either in flight or by swimming underwater—and striking at them with their wings. Art and fact by Cloude…

Market squid lay their eggs before the end of their lifespan, attaching them to the ocean floor. This anchoring exposes the eggs to ocean currents, facilitating gas exchange for the developing embryos. The embryos can tolerate stress caused by changes in oxygen concentration and pH. Art and fact by @Squidtoons [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference:…

Peregrine falcons are incredibly fast fliers, capable of reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h or 69 mph when chasing prey. Art and fact by Cloude Shao, Instagram @cloude_paint [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). Peregrine Falcon. All About Birds. Retrieved January 3, 2025, from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon

Young male snowy owls have dark brown barring, which fades as they grow older, making them whiter over time. They live in the tundra, so their coloring helps them blend in while stalking prey. Art and fact by Cloude Shao, Instagram @cloude_paint [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). Snowy owl. All…

Penguins exhibit what is called “bi-parental care,” which is where both parents cooperate to care for their babies. They will take turns watching over their nest, and one parent will leave to retrieve food or other resources. Once the chicks are a few weeks old, they will gather in groups called crèches. Art by @tsoooki…

The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is often synonymous with autumn in North America, with the males’ striking tail fans and blue and red heads being especially iconic. Despite their large size and nesting on the ground when incubating eggs, they are frequently found roosting in treetops. Art and fact by Isabel Kier, Instagram  @izzy_does_art_sometimes [Edited…

Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to do multiple things such as detect food, find a suitable mate, and even sense human emotions such as happiness or fear. When exposed to the odor of human fear, dogs can become stressed. Art by Kristina Leslie, Instagram @tinaleslie_ & fact by Nicole Rodrigues,…

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are found throughout North America and are often regarded as dangerous pests due to their tendency to kill livestock and other domestic animals. They are territorial and can have complex family dynamics, with older siblings occasionally staying with their parents to help raise younger offspring. Art and fact by Isabel Kier, Instagram…