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Birds may be best identified for their
ability to fly, but not all species have that advantage. Several
birds -- from New Zealand's kiwi to the great African ostrich --
have evolved wings or grown to a size which prevent them from taking
flight. Where they cannot get airborn, like other birds, they have
adapted other important skills: some can run much faster than flying
birds, and others have become impressive swimmers. Whatever the
reason for their evolution, none of them seems to mind being stuck
on the ground.
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Don't let their small size or dainty appearance fool
you -- Kiwis are birds to be reckoned with. Smart, territorial and
aggressive, kiwi birds have been known to charge swiftly and loudly
after intruder birds in their territory, and can attack quite skillfully
with their sharp talons. |
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Bad Anger Management:
In a strange courtship ritual, the male Darwin's rhea runs around the females making various calls while shaking his wings until they succumb to his charms.
The females go in a group to lay their eggs in his nest, then immediately leave when they're done.
Males are so protective of their nests that they will even attack females as they come to lay more eggs.
For more fun facts, click on the individual birds on the left of the page.
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