Fine Feathered Friends

World's largest bird colony
The largest bird colony in the world is located on the islands off the coast of Peru. Ten million Peruvian boobies and cormorants reside there. Their diet- anchovies- produces the world's finest fertilizer, guano. Because of the value of their droppings, the birds were placed under strict protection by the Incas.

Longest migratory flight
Arctic terns found in North America and the Arctic migrate each year as far south as Antartica and back, a round trip of over 18,000 miles. There is probably  the longest migratory flight.

No egg without company
The female pigeon cannot lay eggs if she is alone. In order for her ovaries to function, she must be able to see another pigeon . If no other pigeon is available, her own reflection in a mirror will suffice.

Tallest bird now extinct
The tallest bird of all time was a moa, a flightless inhabitant of New Zealand that became extinct 400 years ago. It grew to be eleven feet tall. Its drumstick was a yard long.

Saving energy during flight
Migrating geese fly in a V formation to save energy. A goose's wings churn the air and leave an air current behind. In the flying wedge, each bird is in position to get a lift from the current left by the bird ahead. It is easier going for all, except the leader. During a migration, geese are apt to take turns in the lead position.

Largest bird egg
The largest bird egg in the world today is that of the ostrich. Ostrich eggs are from six to eight inch long. Because of their size and the thickness of their shells, they take forty minutes to hard- boil.

Stupid turkey
A newborn turkey chick has to be taught to eat, or it will starve. Breeders spread feed underfoot, hoping the little ones will peck at it and get the idea. Turkeys tend to look up with their mouths open during rainstorms. Lots of them drown as a result.