Our feathered friends are truly fascinating. There are over 11,000 species of birds, ranging from tiny hummingbirds to massive ostriches and albatrosses. Birds can sing, dance, carry messages for us, and can even learn cute tricks! A Crowley, TX vet lists some fun facts about our avian friends below.

Eye

Did you know that birds’ eyes take up about half the space available in their skulls? Ours, in comparison, only take up about 5 percent. The ostrich has the biggest eyes of all birds; theirs are the size of billiard balls.

Owling Around

Owls can turn their heads almost 360 degrees. That may only be compensation for the fact that they can’t move their eyes. They also eat their prey whole!

Poultry

Chickens are actually the last living relatives of the mighty T-Rex. They have been providing us with both eggs and anecdotes for thousands of years, and can make about 200 noises. However, we actually domesticated geese first.

Eggcellent News

As one may expect, hummingbirds have the smallest eggs. Theirs are only the size of a pea. On the other end of the spectrum, ostrich eggs are the size of cantaloupes. Speaking of eggs, you may know that some chickens lay colored eggs. The eggs of the Ameraucana and Araucana may be green or blue. Also of note? Chickens that lay brown eggs always have red earlobes.

Mystery Solved

Ever wonder which came first, the chicken or the egg? Turns out, it was the egg! Reptiles have been laying eggs since long before chickens came around.

Messages

You’ve likely heard of carrier pigeons. In fact, pigeons used to deliver the results of the Olympics in ancient Rome. Times certainly have changed! Or have they? Actually, pigeons were used as recently as World War II.

Corvid

Crows and ravens are remarkably smart. They have the largest brains (in proportion to their bodies) of all birds. In fact, some ravens can mimic human speech better than parrots can. They can also imitate things like car engines or other animals.

Kiwi

The flightless kiwi is unique in many ways. For one thing, they hunt by smell. They have to: they can’t see. They also have hair-like feathers and heavy bones, which are filled with marrow. No wonder scientists have dubbed them honorary mammals! Do you have questions about bird care? Contact us, your Crowley, TX animal clinic!