Wild life of the World

MAMMALS | 399

African zorilla Honey badger front claws adapted
for digging
Ictonyx striatus Mellivora capensis
wild honey. It digs large burrows, itself fearlessly, sometimes
11—15 in (28—38 cm) 24—30 in (61—76 cm) but may also live in rock crevices producing an offensive smell
W. to E. and Southern Africa W., C., E., and Southern and holes in tree roots. It defends to deter predators.
Common Africa, W. and S. Asia
Common
The zorilla resembles a small
skunk, both in appearance and in The martenlike honey
its defense tactics. Like a skunk, it badger has a striking
drives away attackers by spraying two-tone pattern of
them with a foul secretion from silver-gray upperparts,
its anal glands, while hissing and sharply contrasting with black
screaming. Mainly nocturnal, it below. It eats a variety of prey
digs out prey such as insect grubs ranging from insect grubs to
from among dead leaves with its snakes and porcupines, but it
long front claws. owes its name to its taste for

Greater grison American badger a black-and-white striped face. It Hog badger
usually lives on open grasslands,
Galictis vittata Taxidea taxus where it uses its powerful claws Arctonyx collaris
to dig for burrowing prey such as
19—22 in (48—56 cm) 17—28 in (43—71 cm) ground squirrels, pocket gophers, 22—28 in (55—70 cm)
S. Mexico, Central and northern SW. Canada to US, N. Mexico voles, and even ground-nesting SE. and E. Asia
South America Common birds, such as burrowing owls. It Near threatened
Common also eats a lot of insects and some
Like other badgers, this species is seeds. It typically forages at night, This forest dweller has a long,
Grizzled gray above and black stocky and powerful, with short, spending the day in a burrow. black-striped white face with a
below, with a white U-shaped stripe strong legs, shaggy gray fur, and pink, piglike snout and protruding
dividing the two on its forehead lower teeth—the ideal tool for
and neck, this is a sleek, sinuous digging in soft soil for insect grubs,
hunter with a slim, pointed head worms, seeds, and juicy roots. It
and relatively short legs. An agile also seizes other small animals,
runner, swimmer, and climber, it such as mice. It is an expert digger,
forages on the ground, usually by using its very long front claws to
day, for small mammals such as create elaborate burrow systems.
agoutis and opossums, as well as A nocturnal species, it spends the
insects, worms, frogs, birds, and day sheltering in these burrows.
some fruit. It usually lives alone, The hog badger regularly falls prey
or in pairs. Its sounds include to tigers and leopards but fights
snorts, growls, screams, and barks. back vigorously if cornered.

Sea otter African clawless otter

Enhydra lutris Aonyx capensis

22—51 in (56—130 cm) 29—37 in (73—95 cm)

North Pacific W., E., C., and Southern Africa

Endangered Common

The heaviest of all otters but the This otter has short claws on its
smallest marine mammal, the sea hindfeet, but its clawless front
otter hunts in coastal seas. Its toes are more like fingers, with
extremely dense fur keeps it warm, a sensitivity that enables the
enabling it to stay at sea for many animal to feel for prey in muddy
hours. It hunts for shellfish such as water. The otter’s long, sinuous
clams and especially the sea urchins body and muscular tail make it
that swarm beneath the submerged an excellent swimmer and diver,
forests of giant kelp (seaweed) that allowing it to chase after fish and
grow in north Pacific coastal waters. frogs underwater. It also preys
Bringing the shellfish to the surface, on crabs and lobsters on coasts,
it often breaks them open with a cracking their shells open with
stone, while floating on its back. its strong jaws.

400 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Asian small-clawed otter Falanouc

Aonyx cinereus Eupleres goudotii

29—37 in (73—95 cm) playing on riverbanks. Male- outer guard hairs 19—22 in (48—56 cm)
W., E., C., and southern Asia female pair bonds in these provide water- E. and N. Madagascar
Vulnerable groups are especially proofing Near threatened
strong.
The claws of this small otter are Restricted to tropical rainforests and
so short that they do not protrude marshes on the island of Madagascar,
beyond the fleshy pads of its this elusive hunter has a bushy tail
webbed feet. It feeds mainly on and a long, slim snout. Its tiny,
mussels, clams, and crabs, catching cane-shaped teeth are flattened to
them in its forefeet and crushing cope with gripping slimy invertebrate
them with its broad cheek prey such as earthworms and slugs.
teeth; it also eats large Its single young is born with its eyes
insects, frogs, rodents, and open and is able to follow its mother
small fish. Small-clawed after only two days.
otters live in extended
family groups of about 12, long, muscular tail
which can often be seen

Yellow mongoose Banded mongoose Common palm civet

Cynictis penicillata Mungos mungo Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

9—13 in (23—33 cm) 12—18 in (30—45 cm) 17—28 in (43—71 cm)
Africa
Southern Africa Common S., E., and SE. Asia

Common This sociable mongoose is named Common
for the pattern of dark bands
Similar to the meerkat, the yellow across its brownish gray back. Grayish brown, but mottled with
mongoose also has a habit of Widespread across Africa in open darker spots and black stripes,
standing on its hindlegs for a better forests and grasslands, it lives in and with a dark mask across its
view of its surroundings and groups of 20 or so that forage face, this bushy-tailed civet is
possible danger. It often occupies a together, twittering and chirping widespread across a varied range
burrow system—originally dug by as they seek out food such as of habitats. It mainly eats small
meerkats—and sometimes shares it insects and other small animals. animals and fruit—especially figs
with them. The mongoose lives in It also eats bird eggs, cracking and the fermented juice of palm
extended family groups, each open the shells by throwing them tree flowers. An accomplished
comprising a main breeding pair, against rocks. climber, it often takes refuge in
their young, and nonbreeding a tree or roof by day, searching
adults. It preys on small animals— Common genet for food at night.
mainly insects such as termites,
beetles, and locusts, but also frogs, Genetta genetta Eurasian lynx
lizards, birds, and mice.
Lynx lynx

16—22 in (40—55 cm) 3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m) and similar prey up to four times
its own size, but it also hunts
W., E., and Southern Africa, W. Europe N. Europe to E. Asia smaller animals such as hares.

Common Common dense fur

The slender, sharp-faced common This is the biggest of
genet has a body with bold black the four lynx species,
spots and a long, black-banded tail, with a striped,
like that of a raccoon. It climbs like spotted, or plain
a cat and forages mainly at night yellow-brown coat,
for a variety of small mammals, and prominent black
birds, eggs, insect grubs, and fruit. ear tufts. The lynx is adapted
By day, it hides away in a hollow for life in the northern
tree or a den made in a tangle Eurasian forests, where it copes
of roots among dense bushes. with the cold winters by growing
Adaptable and opportunistic, it has an extra-long coat; its big, broad
a wide distribution ranging from feet enable it to walk on deep snow.
South Africa to central France. Unusually, it can bring down deer

MAMMALS | 401

Serval Sand cat

Leptailurus serval Felis margarita

24—39 in (61—100 cm) targets rats and other rodents. 18—23 in (46—58 cm)
Africa The serval, one of the tallest cats, N. Africa, W., C., and SW. Asia
Common detects much of its prey with its Near threatened
long, mobile ears, but also uses its
Lean and long-legged like a small height to see over tall vegetation. This small, short-legged, blunt-
cheetah, the serval often hunts The females bear an average litter clawed, sandy gray cat is adapted
among the tall reeds and rushes of of two young after a 73-day for life in the desert. It digs or
wetlands, where its dark-spotted, gestation period. takes over a burrow in the sand
yellowish coat provides excellent for shelter from the scorching
camouflage. It catches a variety of black markings sun by day and hunts at night—
prey ranging from locusts and run from top mainly for rodents such as gerbils
frogs to small birds, but usually of head and jerboas, although it also
takes lizards, snakes, and a few
slender, agile body insects. It gets most of the
moisture it needs from its prey,
so it does not need to live near
a water source.

longest legs of Fishing cat Margay
any cat relative
to body size Prionailurus viverrinus Leopardus wiedii

30—34 in (75—86 cm) 18—31 in (46—79 cm)
S. to SE. Asia S. US to Central and South America
Endangered Near threatened

The stocky, powerful fishing cat Big-eyed and marked with
lives in freshwater wetlands and leopardlike clusters of spots, this
tidal mangrove swamps, where small cat lives in tropical forests,
it hunts fish and other aquatic where it hunts mainly in the trees.
animals such as frogs, crabs, It is an unusually agile climber,
crayfish, and even snakes. It able to descend head-first down a
swims well, but has few physical trunk like a squirrel or hang by its
adaptations for its way of life—its hindfeet from a high branch. It
teeth, for example, are not well ambushes opossums, young sloths,
suited to seizing slippery fish, squirrels, and small birds, and also
and it usually catches prey with preys on invertebrates such as
its sharp-clawed forepaws. large insects and spiders.

Jaguarundi Brown hyena Spotted hyena

Puma yagouaroundi Hyaena brunnea Crocuta crocuta

22—30 in (55—77 cm) 5 ft (1.5 m) 5 ft (1.5 m)
S. US to South America Southern Africa W. to E. and Southern Africa
Common Near threatened Common

The jaguarundi has an unusually Resembling a large dog, but with The biggest and most powerful of many sounds, including the famous
long body and short legs for a a long, shaggy, dark brown coat the hyenas—with massive jaws hyena’s “laugh,” which signifies
cat. Widespread across South and short back legs, this southern and teeth capable of cracking large submission to a senior clan member.
America in forests, wetlands, African hyena ranges far into the bones—the spotted hyena is both
and arid scrub, it occurs in several Kalahari and Namib deserts in a scavenger and an accomplished
color forms ranging from black search of carrion and occasional pack-hunting predator. It lives in
to pale gray-brown, to match its small prey. It can scent a carcass female-dominated clans with up to
habitat. Active by day, it usually from more than 8 miles (13 km) 80 members in prey-rich savanna.
hunts on the ground for any away and is aggressive enough The clan shares a communal den,
small animals it can catch, to steal the prey of a leopard. It and members work together to bring
including large insects, rodents, lives in small clans with various down prey, such as wildebeest, or
rabbits, lizards, and ground- structures, but always including drive larger predators, such as lions,
feeding birds. 1–5 females and their offspring. off their kills. The animal makes

402 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Aardwolf Other species Galapagos sea lion ● Meerkat
Zalophus wollebaeki » p123 Suricata suricatta » pp232—33
Proteles cristata ● African wild dog Giant otter
Lycaon pictus » p224 Pteronura brasiliensis » p102 ● Northern grey fox
26 in (67 cm) ● American black bear Urocyon cinereoargenteus,
E. and S. Africa Ursus americanus » p55 ● Giant panda » p67
Locally common ● Arctic fox Ailuropoda melanoleuca » pp274—75
Alopex lagopus » p27 ● Northern raccoon
This small, striped relative of the ● Bengal tiger ● Gobi bear Procyon lotor » pp68—69
hyenas has the typical hyena body Panthera tigris tigris » pp260—61 Ursus arctos gobiensis » p279
form, with short hindlegs and ● Black-footed ferret ● Ocelot
a sloping back, exaggerated by a Mustela nigripes » p48 ● Gray seal Leopardus pardalis » p80
crestlike mane on its back. But it ● Bobcat Halichoerus grypus » p135
is much more lightly built, with Lynx rufus » p37 ● Polar bear
small teeth, and instead of ● Caracal ● Gray wolf Ursus maritimus » pp28—29
scavenging for carrion, it preys Caracal caracal » p229 Canis lupus » p37
almost exclusively on termites. ● Cheetah ● Puma
Hiding in a burrow by day, it Acinonyx jubatus » p196 ● Grizzly bear Puma concolor » p62
emerges at dusk to search the dry ● Coati Ursus arctos horribilis » p36
grasslands for harvester termites, Nasua nasua » p86 ● Raccoon dog
which it licks up from the ground ● Coyote ● Harp seal Nyctereutes procyonoides » p289
with its long, sticky tongue. Canis latrans » p49 Pagophilus groenlandicus » p31
● Culpeo ● Red fox
Pseudalopex culpaeus » p109 ● Iberian lynx Vulpes vulpes » p168
● Dhole Lynx pardinus » pp154—55
Cuon alpinus » p277 ● Red panda
● Dingo ● Indian gray mongoose Ailurus fulgens » p270
Canis lupus dingo » p321 Herpestes edwardsii » p262
● Ethiopian wolf ● Sloth bear
Canis simensis » p182 ● Indochinese clouded leopard Melursus ursinus » p263
● Eurasian otter Neofelis nebulosa » p276
Lutra lutra » p167 ● Snow leopard
● European badger ● Jaguar Panthera uncia » pp268—69
Meles meles » p165 Panthera onca » pp94—95
● European pine marten ● Southern elephant seal
Martes martes » p165 ● Japanese marten Mirounga leonina » pp365
● Fosa Martes melampus » p288
Cryptoprocta ferox » ● Spectacled bear
p237 ● Kit fox Tremarctos ornatus » p87
Vulpes macrotis » p61
● Striped hyena
● Leopard Hyaena hyaena » p252
Panthera pardus » p214
● Striped skunk
● Leopard seal Mephites mephites » p54
Hydrurga leptonyx » p371
● Walrus
● Lion Odobenus rosmarus » p32
Panthera leo » pp194—95
● Wildcat
● Maned wolf Felis silvestris » p143
Chrysocyon brachyurus »
pp118—19 ● Wolverine
Gulo gulo » p38

Hoofed mammals

Orders Perissodactyla/Artiodactyla

Tibetan wild ass buff, tawny, or African wild ass Plains zebra
gray coloration
Equus kiang Equus africanus Equus quagga

7—8 ft (2—2.4 m) 7—8 ft (2—2.4 m) 7—8 ft (2—2.4 m)
W., C., and S. Asia
Common NE. Africa E. to Southern Africa

Native to the deserts Critically endangered Locally common
of central Asia, this
relative of the domestic The probable ancestor of the This is the most common and
horse is specialized for domestic donkey, with a similar widespread of the zebras. It roams
life in dry habitats. It is gray coat and a dark, bristly mane, the African savannas in herds
a nomad that wanders the African wild ass lives in rocky alongside wildebeest and gazelles,
the arid lands in herds east African deserts where the feeding mainly on grass. A typical
looking for food such as temperature on the ground can zebra herd is made up of a male,
grass and succulent desert exceed a scorching 122°F (50°C). his harem of females, and several
plants. The herds are made It survives by eating virtually young. The herds may stay
up of females and their young, any plant food it can find, from together for several years, but
or bachelor males; the mature grasses to thorny acacia foliage the male must regularly fight
males are more solitary. and it is capable of going off challenges from the younger
without drinking water for males that live in their own
several days. bachelor herds.

MAMMALS | 403

Sumatran rhinoceros Lowland tapir This bristly, brown-coated animal Malayan tapir
has white-tipped ears and a short,
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis Tapirus terrestris narrow mane. Like other tapirs, Tapirus indicus
it has a long, mobile snout, which
8—10 ft (2.4—3 m) 6—7 ft (1.8—2.1 m) it uses to browse selectively for 6—8 ft (1.8—2.4 m)
S. and SE. Asia N. and C. South America nutritious leaves, shoots, and fruit. SE. Asia
Critically endangered Vulnerable It prefers waterside habitats and Endangered
is a good swimmer—it dives into
The smallest rhinoceros, and pale brown on The largest and only Old World
the hairiest, this two-horned cheeks, throat, the water to escape predators tapir, this species is black with a
species was once widespread such as jaguars, but is sharply contrasting white back and
across Southeast Asia, but is now and chest often taken by the rump. The effect is striking, but in
extremely rare and localized. black caiman. the Malayan tapir’s shady forest
It is a solitary animal of forests Females give birth habitat, it acts as camouflage,
and swamps, spending the day in to single young, breaking up the animal’s outline so
a mud wallow to keep cool. It feeds which are born it is not recognizable by predators
mainly in the evening and early with white spots such as tigers. The Malayan tapir
morning, gathering leaves, tender and stripes. is a solitary browser that feeds on
shoots, and fruit, and often uses These provide a variety of soft twigs and young
its weight to push over young trees camouflage in leaves of bushes and saplings, as
so it can get at their foliage. the dappled shade. well as fallen fruit.

Giant forest hog Bushpig Moluccan babirusa Collared peccary

Hylochoerus meinertzhageni Potamochoerus larvatus Babyrousa babyrussa Pecari tajacu

4—7 ft (1.2—2.1 m) 4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m) 3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m) 30—39 in (75—100 cm)
W., C., and E. Africa E., C., and Southern Africa SE. Asia SW. US to S. South America
Locally common Common Vulnerable Common

Perfectly described by its name, The long-snouted bushpig is similar This wild pig is notable for the Built like a small wild boar, with
the giant forest hog is the biggest to the Eurasian wild boar, with a male’s tusks, which curve upward a barrel-shaped body, slim legs,
of the wild pigs and lives almost coat of coarse dark hair, a paler, from its upper jaw to its forehead; and a pale band around its neck,
entirely in the African tropical bristly mane, and a pale head with they may be up to 12 in (30 cm) long. this omnivore thrives in a range of
forests. Its dark skin is covered white face markings. It lives in It has shorter, sharper tusks in its habitats. Extremely sociable, it lives
with coarse black hair, and it has forests and swamps, in groups of up lower jaw for fighting rivals, and in tightly knit mixed-sex groups for
enlarged canine teeth forming to 12 that usually consist of several uses the upper tusks for defense. mutual defense against
tusks that grow up and out from females, juveniles, and a single adult Males usually live alone, but females enemies such as pumas.
each jaw. Unlike most pigs, it does male. Bushpigs use their snouts to and their young travel in small It feeds mostly on plant
not root in the ground for food, poke around in the soil for roots, groups. They eat a range of leaf, material, but also eats
but eats grasses, leaves, and bulbs, tubers, and insect grubs, root, fruit, and animal foods, but worms, lizards,
occasionally cultivated crops. but may also scavenge for carrion. do not root in the ground for them. and snakes.

Pygmy hippopotamus Guanaco Dromedary

Choeropsis liberiensis Lama guanicoe Camelus dromedarius

up to 5 ft (up to 1.5 m) 3—7 ft (0.9—2.1 m) 7—11 ft (2.1—3.4 m)

W. Africa W. to S. South America N. and E. Africa, W. and S. Asia

Endangered Common Not known

The pygmy hippopotamus is much This slender, brown-coated relative Although widespread across north
smaller and rarer than its big of the domestic llama is specialized Africa and the Middle East, this
relative, with a more compact head for life in the cold, arid foothills one-humped camel is extinct in the
and narrower feet with fewer of the Andes, where it is found at wild. The only place where it lives
webbed toes. A solitary animal, altitudes of up to 15,000 ft (4,500 m) in the wild is Australia, where
it follows well-worn forest trails or more. It lives in family groups of captive dromedaries, imported to
to forage at night for leafy foliage one breeding male and up to seven work in the desert, have formed
and fruit, retreating to a muddy adult females and young; unmated feral breeding populations. The
swamp during the day. Like its males live in separate herds. dromedary is superbly adapted for
larger cousin, it has delicate skin Guanacos feed mainly on grasses desert life. The hump stores fat that
that dries out easily in the sun, and shrubs, but some also survive can be broken down into water and
so it must keep the skin moist in the hostile Atacama Desert, energy, allowing the camel to
by staying close to water. where they eat cacti and lichens. survive for weeks without drinking.

404 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Alpine musk deer Common fallow deer broad, flattened
antlers
Moschus chrysogaster Dama dama

28—39 in (70—100 cm) 5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m) Adam’s apple
S. Asia North and South America, Europe, prominent
Endangered southern Africa, Australia, and in male
New Zealand
This species is remarkable for the Common and the victors mate with
long canine teeth in the upper jaw receptive females that enter
of both males and females. Those of Native to the Near East but their territory.
males can be up to 4 in (10 cm) long; introduced widely elsewhere,
they are used in displays and fights the common fallow deer is brown
between rivals. The deer live on with white spots in summer,
forested mountains with rocky becoming darker in winter.
slopes, and have unusually big toes Mature males have antlers, which
that can be spread for a secure fall off in spring and regrow by the
footing on rocks and soft snow. The end of summer. During the fall
name refers to a musky secretion breeding season, rival males use
of the males, used to attract females. them to fight over small territories,

Mule deer Marsh deer Southern pudu

Odocoileus hemionus Blastocerus dichotomus Pudu puda

3—7 ft (1—2.1 m) Up to 7 ft (2.1 m) 34 in (86 cm)
W. North America C. and E. South America SW. South America
Common Vulnerable Vulnerable

The mule deer is named for Adapted for life in wetlands, the Pudus are the world’s smallest deer.
its large ears, which reminded marsh deer has long legs and broad There are two species—northern
American settlers of the ears of hooves that allow it to wade easily and southern—both native to the
a mule. Rusty brown in summer, through swamps and walk over Andes of South America. The
and gray-brown in winter, it has a soft mud. It is also a capable southern pudu of Chile and
large, white rump patch and black swimmer. Reddish brown with Argentina is buff to reddish or dark
tail tip. Widespread and adaptable, dark lower legs and a black muzzle, brown, with rounded ears. The male
it lives in a broad variety of it is the largest South American has short antlers that are just spikes,
habitats, ranging from cactus deer. It eats a variety of grasses, used to defend territory against
deserts to the boreal forests of water plants, and leaves gathered other males. It lives alone or in
Canada, and eats an equally broad from bushes, feeding alone or in pairs, browsing on leaves, buds,
range of plants. groups of two or three. flowers, and fruit.

Bongo Common eland Greater kudu

Tragelaphus eurycerus Tragelaphus oryx Tragelaphus strepsiceros

6—8 ft (1.8—2.4 m) 7—11 ft (2.1—3.5 m) 2—2.5 m (61⁄2—81⁄4 ft)
W. and C. Africa C., E, and S. Africa E. to Southern Africa
Near threatened Common Common

This is the largest forest antelope Resembling a cow but with against hunters such as lions. A woodland browser, the
and also the most striking because a smaller, dark-crowned head Herds mainly consist of females greater kudu is one of the tallest
of the pattern of narrow, vertical and tightly spiraling horns, with calves and juveniles; males antelopes. The height of the male is
white stripes on its chestnut-brown the common eland is an antelope may be solitary. increased by a spectacular pair of
body. In addition, it has a white of open grassland, where it eats spiral horns that can be well over
chest crescent, cheek spots, nose grass during the rainy season, but 120 cm (47 in) long. The male uses
chevron, and leg bands. Both sexes switches to browsing on leaves in these horns to impress rivals,
have spiral, lyre-shaped horns, the dry season. During droughts, forcing any antelopes with shorter
although those of the male are it can allow its body temperature horns to give way. If two equally
longer. It lives in tropical forests to rise by up to 44°F (7°C) to avoid matched males confront each
with dense undergrowth and is losing body moisture as sweat, other, they may fight; sometimes
mainly a selective browser on the reducing its need for water. It they lock horns so tightly that they
tender young leaves of bushes and typically lives in large herds of cannot free themselves and die as
low-growing trees. up to 500 for mutual protection a result.

MAMMALS | 405

Asian wild buffalo Wisent Yak

Bubalus arnee Bison bonasus Bos mutus

8—10 ft (2.4—3 m) 7—11 ft (2.1—3.4 m) Up to 11 ft (3.4 m)
S. Asia E. Europe C. Asia
Endangered Vulnerable Vulnerable

The big, powerful Asian wild solitary; they compete for females The wisent is the European bison, The larger, wild form of the
buffalo is the ancestor of the by sparring with their horns, which a very close relative of the similar domestic yak is now extremely
domestic water buffalo, but while can span more than 79 in (200 cm). American bison. Driven to rare and restricted to the desolate,
the latter is widespread and extinction in the wild by the bitterly cold steppe grasslands
common, its wild counterpart is 1920s, it was reintroduced to the of the Tibetan plateau and part of
now very rare. It is adapted for Bialoweiza forest in eastern Europe neighboring Kashmir. It is one of
eating lush marsh vegetation, with using animals bred from bison the wild cattle, but specialized for its
broad, splayed feet that help stop it held captive in zoos. Small wild hostile habitat with a coat of long,
from sinking into the mud. populations have also been shaggy, black or dark brown hair
Females live in herds with their established elsewhere. It feeds on concealing a dense, soft undercoat.
young, while young males form grasses and the leaves of forest trees It grazes on plants and eats snow
bachelor groups. Older males are and shrubs, and lives in small herds. when it cannot find water.

Nilgai Bush duiker Common waterbuck

Boselaphus tragocamelus Sylvicapra grimmia Kobus ellipsiprymnus

6—7 ft (1.8—2.1 m) 2—4 ft (0.7—1.2 m) 4—8 ft (1.3—2.4 m)
S. Asia W., C., E., and Southern Africa W., C., and E. Africa
Common Common Common

Also known as the bluebuck or The common duiker is a small The waterbuck is adapted for wet
blue bull, this large antelope has an antelope with a dark stripe down habitats. It has skin glands that
oxlike appearance, but with longer its nose and short, sharp horns. It secrete a musky-smelling oil, which
legs and a much smaller head. has a wide range across Africa. Its waterproofs its long, coarse fur.
Females are tawny with a white diet ranges from various plant foods When threatened, it leaps into the
throat and a dark mane; males are to occasional small animals. The nearest water body, where it either
larger and bluish gray, with a pair duiker can survive without water swims to safety or submerges except
of short horns. Nilgai live in open for long periods, obtaining all the for its nose. It feeds on grass and
woods, where they feed on leaves, moisture it needs from its food. lives in herds of 6–20 animals. Males
fruit, and grasses while staying The males use their horns to defend use their long, ridged and ringed
sharply alert for powerful territories against rivals; females horns to fight for dominance,
predators, such as tigers. use them to defend their young. sometimes inflicting deadly wounds.

horns used as Southern sable Gemsbok
defensive weapons antelope
Oryx gazella
against predators Hippotragus niger
5—8 ft (1.5—2.4 m)
vertical mane 6—9 ft (1.8—2.7 m) SW. Africa
E. to SE. Africa Locally common
white facial Common
patch The big, long-horned gemsbok
A mature male southern sable roams in nomadic herds across
antelope is black all over, except the deserts of southwest Africa,
for its cheeks, chin, and underparts; searching for the grass, leaves,
females are smaller and browner, and fruit that appear after sporadic
but both sexes have heavily ringed rainstorms. It relies on fruit such
horns that curve up and back from as wild melons and cucumbers to
the forehead. In the rainy season, supply much of its water, although
males compete for territories, and it is well adapted to avoid moisture
the victors dominate small herds of loss, not sweating until its body
females. During the dry season, they temperature reaches 113°F (45°C).
switch from grazing to browsing, Like many desert species, gemsbok
sometimes gathering in larger, breed opportunistically, and
mixed-sex herds of 100 or more. year-round when food is available.

406 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

ringed, Addax Southern gerenuk
spiral
horns Addax nasomaculatus Litocranius walleri

5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m) Up to 5 ft (1.5 m)
NW. Africa E. Africa
Critically endangered Near threatened

black-and- Like the gemsbok, the spiral- Also called the giraffe-gazelle, the
white face horned addax is specialized slender, elegant gerenuk is highly
for life in deserts, with adapted for browsing on foliage
a nomadic lifestyle and that is out of reach of most
physiological adaptations to help antelopes. It has a very long, slim
it conserve body moisture. It rarely neck and a modified spine that
drinks, getting nearly all the water it allows it to stand vertically on its
needs from succulent desert plants. long hindlegs for long periods to
Grayish brown in winter, it turns pluck young, tender leaves with
almost white in summer, with its sharp teeth. It lives in dry
a white facial patch and a dark shrubland and semidesert, where
crown. Always elusive, it is now it feeds mainly on thorny bushes
on the brink of extinction. and trees such as acacia.

Alpine ibex Markhor Barbary sheep

Capra ibex Capra falconeri Ammotragus lervia

4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m) scimitar- 5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m) 4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m)
S. Europe shaped C. and S. Asia N. Africa
Locally common horns Endangered Vulnerable

Famous for its fearless agility on woolly The spiral horns of the male This reddish brown wild goat lives
steep mountain terrain, this wild beard markhor can be up to 63 in (160 cm) in the mountains of north Africa,
goat lives in the Alps at altitudes long. The female’s horns are much where it feeds on grass, herbaceous
of up to 22,000 ft (6,700 m). Both shorter; she is also only half the plants, and the foliage of desert
sexes have long, curved, ridged male’s weight and lacks the shaggy bushes. Both sexes have crescent-
horns, but those of the male grow mane that falls from the male’s neck shaped horns, but those of the
to over 39 in (100 cm) long. Males and chest almost to his feet. Now males are bigger. They are used for
use them to spar with rivals—in rare, markhors live in the mountains ritual combat as the males charge
general, the male with the longest to the west of the Himalayas, each other to determine status and
horns dominates the others. mainly in oak and pine forest. gain access to females.

Other species ● Gaur ● Muskox ● Vicuña
Bos gaurus » p257 Ovibos moschatus » p26 Vicugna vicugna » p110
● Alpine chamois
Rupicapra rupicapra » p159 ● Grant’s zebra ● Okapi ● Western red deer
● American bison Equus quagga boehmi » p200 Okapia johnstoni » p216 Cervus elaphus » p141
Bison bison » pp46—47
● Arabian oryx ● Hippopotamus ● Reindeer ● Western roe deer
Oryx leucoryx » pp250—51 Hippopotamus amphibius » pp186—87 Rangifer tarandus » p26 Capreolus capreolus » p153
● Bactrian camel
Camelus bactrianus » p281 ● Indian rhinoceros ● Pronghorn ● White-lipped peccary
● Bhutan takin Rhinoceros unicornis » p256 Antilocapra americanus » p45 Tayassu pecari » p101
Budorcas whitei » p267
● Bighorn sheep ● Japanese serow ● Przewalski’s wild horse ● White rhinoceros
Ovis canadensis » p53 Capricornis crispus » p285 Equus przewalskii » p282 Ceratotherium simum »
● Blackbuck pp222—23
Antilope cervicapra » p257 ● Kalahari springbok ● Iberian ibex
● Camargue horse Antidorcas hofmeyri » p230 Capra pyrenaica » p153 ● White-tailed deer
Equus caballus » p147 Odocoileus virginianus » p40
● Cape buffalo ● Ethiopian klipspringer ● Red lechwe
Syncerus caffer » p220 Oreotragus saltatrixoides » p179 Kobus leche » p221 ● Wild boar
● Impala Sus scrofa » p169
Aepyceros melampus » p197 ● Giraffe ● Red muntjac
● Common warthog Giraffa camelopardalis » p201 Muntiacus muntjak » p258 ● Wildebeest
Phacochoerus africanus » p230 Connochaetes mearnsi » p198
● Moose ● Red river hog
Alces alces » p39 Potamochoerus porcus » p215 ● Yarkand gazelle
Gazella yarkandensis » p279
● Mountain nyala ● Mongolian saiga
Tragelaphus buxtoni » p179 Saiga mongolica » p280

● Mountain tapir
Tapirus pinchaque » p85

MAMMALS | 407

Cetaceans Southern right whale Bowhead whale Humpback whale

Order Cetacea Eubalaena australis Balaena mysticetus Megaptera novaeangliae

Gray whale Up to 59 ft (18 m) 46—59 ft (14—18 m) 43—46 ft (13—14 m)
Southern Ocean Arctic and subarctic waters Worldwide (except Mediterranean,
Eschrichtius robustus Common Common Baltic, Red Sea, Arabian Gulf)
Common
43—49 ft (13—15 m) One of two species of right whale, This large filter-feeding whale gets
North Pacific this mammal lives in the Southern its name from its high-arched The humpback whale has a
Locally common Ocean around Antarctica, but upper jaw—part of a massive head knobbly head and unusually long
avoids the very coldest waters; that accounts for 40 percent of the pectoral flippers. It feeds by using
This coastal Pacific species is one the other species lives in the Arctic. animal’s length. It lives near the its expandable, pleated throat to
of the larger filter-feeding whales, It feeds on small planktonic edge of the Arctic pack ice, where engulf large quantities of water,
albeit one with an unusual animals by straining food-rich it feeds by swimming with its which it then strains for small prey.
foraging technique. As well as water through the bristlelike mouth open to force water in at Groups also herd fish to the surface
sifting small planktonic animals baleen that lines its mouth in the front and out through the mesh by blowing bubbles around them,
from open water, it dives to the place of teeth. Unusually, up to of baleen at each side. This traps and lunge upward through the
shallow seabed and scoops up eight males may mate with each swarming animals, such as water to swallow them. Vocal and
mouthfuls of mud; it then strains female—there is no rivalry shrimplike copepods, which sociable, it communicates using
the mud for animals such as between the males. it then swallows. various sounds, including “whale
worms, starfish, and shrimp. In songs” performed by the males.
summer, it migrates north along
the coast to feed in the Arctic seas Amazon river dolphin Pantropical spotted
north of Alaska, returning south dolphin
in winter to breed in the warm Inia geoffrensis
waters off Mexico. Stenella attenuata
7—9 ft (2—2.7 m)
mottled gray skin South America (Amazon and 5—9 ft (1.5—2.7 m)
Orinoco basins) Temperate and tropical waters
Locally common worldwide
Common
One of five river dolphin species,
this pink or gray mammal has a Widespread in all warm oceans,
long, slim snout and a flexible neck. this slender dolphin swims in
It uses echolocation to find its way large schools, often associating with
in muddy rivers and seasonal schools of tuna to hunt smaller
floodwaters, probing submerged fish. Once threatened by industrial
vegetation for freshwater crabs, fish, tuna fishing—thousands were
and turtles. It seizes prey with peg- trapped and drowned in tuna
like teeth at the front of its jaws and nets—“dolphin friendly” techniques
crushes it with bigger cheek teeth. have allowed it to recover.

Short-beaked Short-finned pilot Sperm whale Other species
common dolphin whale
Physeter macrocephalus ● Beluga
Delphinus delphis Globicephala macrorhynchus Delphinapterus leucas » p31
36—65 ft (11—20 m)
8—9 ft (2.4—2.7 m) 16—23 ft (5—7 m) Deep waters worldwide ● Blue whale
Temperate and tropical waters Temperate and tropical waters Vulnerable Balaenoptera musculus » p373
worldwide worldwide
Common Not known The largest of the toothed ● Harbor porpoise
whales, this oceanic giant has an Phocoena phocoena » p135
A typical fast-swimming, sociable This stocky relative of the dolphins enormous, boxy head and a long,
dolphin, this species has a dark back has a very short snout topped with a narrow lower jaw armed with ● Hourglass dolphin
and a distinctive wavelike pattern bulbous forehead. It is black or dark 20–26 pairs of large, conical teeth. Lagenorhynchus cruciger » p372
of yellow on each flank, overlapping gray all over, aside from an anchor- It uses them to catch squid,
with a similar pattern in gray nearer shaped pale patch on its throat. It octopus, and fish, diving to depths ● Narwhal
the tail. It hunts offshore in deep feeds mainly on deep-water squid, of well below 3,300 ft (1,000 m), Monodon monoceros » p30
waters, pursuing schooling fish diving to depths of 1,600 ft (500 m) sometimes staying submerged for
and squid in large schools. The to pursue them through the almost an hour. It regularly targets ● Orca
dolphins stay in contact with a oceanic twilight zone. Males weigh deep-water giant squid—many Orcinus orca » p136
variety of clicking, squeaking, and almost twice as much as females, sperm whales bear big circular
croaking calls that are loud enough and scars on their bodies may be scars inflicted by the giant squid’s ● Spinner dolphin
to be heard from nearby boats. evidence of fights between rivals. toothed suckers. Stenella longirostris » p303

408 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

BIRDS

Birds are perhaps the most strikingly conspicuous of all land colors or melodious calls. Today, most birds have a
vertebrates. The first feathered birds evolved from a small high-speed metabolism suited for a frenetic lifestyle.
group of hollow-boned dinosaurs. These warm-blooded Some rank among the fastest vertebrates on the planet
flying animals went on to become one of the most and they combine speed with impressive brain power to
species-rich of vertebrate classes—many with dazzling find food and raise a family.

Anatomy Reproduction ▷ DANCE DISPLAY
Bird courtship
Birds are unique among vertebrates in many Birds are the only class of vertebrates that involves displays
respects. Their skin is feathered, their bones are exclusively egg-laying. Their eggs have of song or even—
contain air spaces to make them lightweight, hard, chalky shells and extra yolk to support as in great crested
and their tail vertebrae are fused into a stump grebes—displays
—the so-called “Parson’s nose.” All birds the developing embryo. Virtually all of dance. Such
birds take advantage of their warm- rituals help seal
light skull with many bloodedness to incubate their the cooperative
bones fused together eggs, and many build elaborate bonds needed
nests to house them. Some, such to raise a family.
▷ BIRD SKELETON hollow wing as weaver birds, are particularly
A massive keel bones help Behavior
is prominent in a in flight skilful in their nest-building. However, a few
bird’s skeleton. It birds—such as cuckoos and the finchlike Birds exhibit complex behavior that is made
anchors enormous whydahs—have evolved to be brood possible by good senses of sight and hearing.
pectoral muscles parasites, which lay their eggs in the The higher parts of their brain—including
that account for nests of other species. the cerebellum, the part involved in the
10 percent of the coordination of complex movements and
bird’s body weight. Like mammals, most birds are dedicated important for flying—are especially well
parents. They care for both their eggs and developed. Many combine flight with
keel on breastbone hatchlings. More primitive ground-dwelling impressive navigational skills to accomplish
birds hatch precocious chicks that are feathered long-distance migrations. The Arctic tern’s
walk, run, or perch on their hindfeet, while and capable of running soon after breaking migration—longer than that of any other bird
their forelimbs are adapted as wings—with from the shell. But most birds, including almost —takes it between the Arctic and Antarctic
the wrist and “hand” modified for greater all tree-dwellers, hatch “altricial” chicks, which summers every year. It sees more daylight than
rigidity. A few birds are flightless, but the are born naked, blind, and entirely dependent any other animal. Some birds demonstrate
vast majority are aerobatic and have a on the parents to provide them with food. skills that can only be developed by learning
prominent keel on their breastbone for and a few—like some mammals—even use
supporting the massive muscles needed ▽ CATCHING PREY
to flap. Tiny hummingbirds, beating their Flight helps birds escape tools to manipulate their environment
wings up to 50 times per second, can even danger, while turning some and find food.
fly backward. A bird’s head contains a large into stealthy predators. The Birds vary widely in the
brain and big eyes—and is supported by a type and extent of their social
long, flexible neck with more neck vertebrae flight feathers of owls are behavior. Many use elaborate
than in mammals. Its jaws are toothless and fringed to muffle any courtship displays to find
have a horny covering that makes up the sound as they swoop a mate—showing off with
bill. The shape of the bill varies a great deal, down on prey. colorful plumage, rich
depending on dietary habits—for example, calls and songs, or even
sharply hooked in predators, strong and stubby ritual dances. Breeding for
in seedeaters. most birds is a private,
monogamous affair—even
Like mammals, birds have a warm-blooded for species that flock together
body and a strong, four-chambered heart. for the rest of the year. But
In order to maximize oxygen intake, their others—such as many seabirds
respiratory system also has a complex —nest communally, raising
arrangement of sacs in the chest and abdomen, their families in noisy,
which helps flush stale air out of the lungs and crowded rookeries.
replace it with fresh air.

BIRDS | 409

BIRD CLASSIFICATION

In most systems, bird species are classified into 29
orders. One of these orders, the passerines, contains
more species than all the others put together.

Tinamous » p410
Order Tinamiformes Species 45

Kiwis » p410
Order Apterygiformes Species 5

Cassowaries and emus » p410
Order Casuariiformes Species 4

Ostrich » p234
Order Struthioniformes Species 1

Rheas » p410
Order Rheiformes Species 2

Gamebirds » p410
Order Galliformes Species 290

Waterfowl » p411
Order Anseriformes Species 174

Penguins » p411
Order Sphenisciformes Species 17

Albatrosses and petrels » p412
Order Procellariiformes Species 133

Divers » 412
Order Gaviiformes Species 5

Grebes » p413
Order Podicipediformes Species 22

Flamingos » p413
Order Phoenicopteriformes Species 6

Herons and relatives » p413
Order Ciconiiformes Species 121

Pelicans and relatives » pp413—14
Order Pelecaniformes Species 67

Birds of prey » pp414—16
Order Falconiformes Species 319

Cranes and relatives » p416
Order Gruiformes Species 228
Waders, gulls, and auks » pp417—18
Order Charadriiformes Species 379

Pigeons » p418
Order Columbiformes Species 321

Sandgrouse » p419
Order Pteroclidiformes Species 16

Parrots » p419
Order Psittaciformes Species 375

Cuckoos and turacos » p419
Order Cuculiformes Species 170

Owls » p420
Order Strigiformes Species 202

Nightjars and frogmouths » p420
Order Caprimulgiformes Species 125

Hummingbirds and swifts » p420
Order Apodiformes Species 447
Mousebirds » p421
Order Coliiformes Species 6

Trogons » p421
Order Trogoniformes Species 40

Kingfishers and relatives » p421
Order Coraciiformes Species 218

Woodpeckers and toucans » p422
Order Piciformes Species 411

Passerines » pp422—25
Order Passeriformes Species c.6,000

◁ NOISE AND COLOR
With a good sense of vision and
hearing, birds use color and voice
to communicate—turning a flock of
green-winged macaws into a noisy
rainforest spectacle.

410 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Tinamous Kiwis

Order Tinamiformes Order Apterygiformes

Elegant crested tinamou Great spotted kiwi

Eudromia elegans Apteryx haastii

15—16 in (38—41 cm) bird, it usually lives in small to 26—28 in (65—70 cm) night, they probe for invertebrates
S. South America moderately large groups that search South Island, New Zealand using their sense of smell and by
Locally common dry grassland and woodland for Vulnerable detecting vibrations with their bills.
seeds and insects. Both sexes may
Resembling a large partridge with have several mates. The male This is the largest of five kiwi Other species
dark-speckled plumage, this plump incubates the eggs and guards the species. Like all kiwis, it has a big, ● North Island brown kiwi
ground bird is identified by the young, which can feed themselves round body, small head, and slim Apteryx mantelli » p357
slender, forward-curving crest on within minutes of hatching. bill. Pairs defend large territories,
top of its head. A relatively shy sleeping by day in burrows. At

Cassowaries and emus Rheas

Order Casuariiformes Order Rheiformes

Southern cassowary hornlike crest. It has naked, bright Darwin’s rhea mountains of Patagonia feeding
blue skin on its head and neck, on fruit and insects. This flightless
Casuarius casuarius with two dangling red wattles. Rhea pennata bird runs to escape predators, but
It feeds mainly on fallen fruit that may also squat under a bush and
4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m) it finds on the forest floor, and 35—39 in (90—100 cm) flatten its body against the ground.
New Guinea, NE. Australia defends itself with a lethally sharp W. and S. South America It eats shrubs and seeds as well as
Vulnerable claw on the inner toe of each foot. Locally common small vertebrates such as frogs.

The cassowaries are ostrichlike Other species Rheas are the South American Other species
flightless birds that live in dense, equivalents of the African ostrich.
tropical forests. This is the biggest ● Emu The smaller of two extant species, ● Greater rhea
and most powerful, with coarse, Dromaius novaehollandiae » p322 Darwin’s rhea lives in flocks of Rhea americana » p121
bristly black feathers and a large, up to 30 on the grasslands and

Gamebirds eggs need to develop. The male Wild turkey
heaps up a mound of sticks and
Order Galliformes leaves— 15ft (4.5m) across and 5ft Meleagris gallopavo
(1.5m) high—and the female lays
Malleefowl her eggs in it. The male then tends 4 ft (1.2 m)
the mound for up to 11 weeks, North America
Leipoa ocellata adding more vegetation if it needs Common
more heat, and removing some if it
24 in (61 cm) gets too hot. When the young hatch, Ancestor to the domestic turkey, this courting them with strutting,
W. and S. Australia however, they have to dig their big gamebird has bronze plumage fan-tailed displays while giving
Vulnerable own way out of the mound. and, in males, a bald blue head and the characteristic gobbling and
a naked red wattle. Male turkeys are booming calls.
The chicken-sized malleefowl is black, white, and chestnut much larger than females and try to
one of a small group of birds that barred feathers mate with as many as possible,
incubate their eggs in mounds of
decaying vegetation. Common quail characteristic “whit wit-wit”
The decay process call. The common quail lives on
generates the Coturnix coturnix the ground, preferring to slip into
warmth cover rather than fly from danger.
that the 7 in (18 cm) Yet it is one of the few gamebirds
Europe, Asia, Africa, Madagascar that makes long migratory flights,
Common with the birds that breed in Europe
flying all the way from Africa
This small, streaky brown bird is or India.
so secretive that it is rarely seen and
is usually detected by the male’s

BIRDS | 411

Red junglefowl males and the less colorful females. Other species
Hens and chicks use calls to keep
Gallus gallus in contact and signal danger. The ● Arabian partridge
species lives in mixed flocks during Alectoris melanocephala » p253
32 in (80 cm) the nonbreeding seasons. ● Golden pheasant
S. and SE. Asia Chrysolophus pictus » p277
Common ● Greater sage-grouse
Centrocercus urophasianus » p50
Native to the tropical forests of long tail ● Helmeted guineafowl
southern Asia, the red junglefowl feathers Numida meleagris » p207
was first raised in captivity at least ● Indian peafowl
5,000 years ago, to become the Pavo cristatus » p271
ancestor of the domestic chicken. In ● Ptarmigan
spring—the breeding season—the Lagopus muta » p161
male looks much like many ● Western capercaillie
farmyard cockerels, with a golden Tetrao urogallus » p145
cape, and a fleshy comb and red
wattles on his head. He also
performs the same “cock-a-doodle-
doo” when displaying to rival

Waterfowl Common teal Penguins penguins, it hunts at sea, but
forms large breeding colonies on
Order Anseriformes Anas crecca Order Sphenisciformes the Antarctic Peninsula and the
sub-Antarctic islands to the south
Black swan 14—15 in (36—38 cm) Macaroni penguin of Africa and South America.
North America, Europe (including Noisy and aggressive, it competes
Cygnus atratus Iceland), Asia, N. to C. Africa Eudyptes chrysolophus for breeding territory with loud,
Common braying calls. Females lay two
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m) 28 in (71 cm) eggs, and both sexes share
Australia (including Tasmania), Much smaller than most wild S. Chile, South Atlantic, incubation duties—although,
New Zealand ducks, the teal is widespread on S. Indian Ocean unlike in other penguin species,
Common lakes and wetlands throughout Vulnerable females take the first shift.
Eurasia, gathering in large flocks
With its sinuous neck and elegant in winter. In the breeding season, The macaroni penguin is Named for the black line around
appearance, this is a typical swan. the male develops a chestnut head, distinguished by its conspicuous its chin, this penguin feeds mainly
Its plumage is black, aside from with metallic green around the crest of golden plumes and its on swarming, shrimplike krill
white flight feathers that are hidden eyes, and a speckled gray body large, orange-brown bill. Like all in the waters around the Antarctic
when its wings are folded; it has a with a bright green wing patch. peninsula. It lives at sea most
uniquely bright red bill with a white The female is mainly brown but has Chinstrap penguin of the year, resting on the floating
bar near the tip. It feeds on aquatic the same green wing patch. The pack ice that covers the Southern
plants, often in large groups. common teal eats seeds in winter Pygoscelis antarctica Ocean in winter. In spring, the
and small animals in summer. chinstrap penguin makes its way
Canada goose 28—30 in (71—76 cm) to dense colonies on ice-free
in V-formations with loud honking Circumpolar around Antarctica shores, laying two eggs in nests
Branta canadensis calls. Males and females of this Common made of small stones and feathers.
species tend to mate for life, and
22—39 in (55—100 cm) pairs remain together year round. Other species
North America, N. Europe, NE. Asia,
New Zealand Other species ● Adelie penguin
Common Pygoscelis adeliae » p372
● King eider ● Emperor penguin
This dark, black-necked goose is Somateria spectabilis » p137 Aptenodytes forsteri » pp374–75
native to North America, but has ● Mandarin duck ● Galapagos penguin
been introduced to other regions Aix galericulata » p290 Spheniscus mendiculus » p124
where its adaptability has enabled ● Mute swan ● Rockhopper penguin
it to thrive in a wide range of Cygnus olor » p148 Eudyptes chrysocome » p368
habitats, from remote wetlands ● Plumed whistling-duck
to urban parks. It lives in flocks, Dendrocygna eytoni » p322
eating mainly grasses and aquatic ● Snow goose
plants. In its native range, it Chen caerulescens » p33
migrates north to breed and
returns south for the winter, flying

412 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Albatrosses and petrels Divers

Order Procellariformes Order Gaviiformes

Atlantic yellow-nosed of its black bill. It lives in the South Red-throated diver and a brick-red patch at the base
albatross Atlantic, ranging widely over the of its thick, long neck. It is the
ocean in search of fish, squid, and Gavia stellata smallest of the divers—birds
Thalassarche chlororhynchos krill, as well as scraps scavenged so specialized for hunting fish
from fishing fleets. In the breeding 22—28 in (55—70 cm) underwater that they are almost
32 in (81 cm) season, it nests in colonies on North America, Greenland, helpless on land. It feeds at sea in
South Atlantic Ocean remote islands, each pair building Europe, Asia winter, but nests by freshwater
Endangered a column-shaped nest of mud Common lakes and marshes in the far north,
and vegetation for their single claiming its territory with loud
One of the smallest of the southern egg. Both parents rear the chick, In breeding plumage this sleek, wailing cries. The nests are usually
albatrosses, this black-and-white which is able to fly within about elegant diving bird has a gray head a simple platform of reeds, rushes,
species has a distinctive orange- four months. set off by red eyes, vertical black and grass.
tipped yellow ridge along the top and white stripes on the hindneck,

dark brown Wilson’s storm petrel Grebes
plumage
Oceanites oceanicus Order Podicipediformes
white
U-shaped 7 in (18 cm) Little grebe likely to fly outside of migration.
Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Although wary and secretive,
patch Southern oceans Tachybaptus ruficollis it often reveals its presence with
Common a high-pitched trill during the
10—12 in (25—30 cm) summer breeding season.
Only slightly bigger than a Europe, Asia, Africa, Madagascar,
sparrow, this seabird has New Guinea
a vast distribution across the Common
southern oceans, ranging north
of the equator in the northern The plump, almost tailless grebe
summer. Dark brown with a white appears buoyant on the water, but
patch on its rump, it flies over the is in fact a skilful diver, staying
ocean surface in search of small underwater for up to half a minute
prey, often pattering on the water as it hunts for aquatic insects and
with its dangling feet. It nests in similar freshwater prey. It stands
coastal colonies in Antarctica and and walks on land more easily
nearby islands, in rock crevices than other grebes, and is also more
and shallow burrows.

Northern fulmar Although it looks like a gull, Western grebe Hoary-headed grebe
the northern fulmar is a petrel,
Fulmarus glacialis more closely related to the Aechmophorus occidentalis Poliocephalus poliocephalus
albatrosses. It is a superb flier,
18—20 in (45—50 cm) soaring on updrafts near cliffs 22—30 in (55—75 cm) 12 in (30 cm)
Arctic, North Pacific, North on stiff, straight wings. It hunts at Australia (including Tasmania),
Atlantic oceans sea for small fish, jellyfish, and C. and S. North America S. New Zealand
Common squid, seizing most of its prey Common
at the surface, but sometimes Common
plunging into the water. It also This species is a specialized
follows fishing fleets to feast on This is the largest North American water bird; an expert diver, but
discarded fish scraps. This habit grebe. It is black and white with clumsy on land. It breeds in large
has led to a rapid increase in a long, slim neck and a long, sharp colonies, building floating nests of
its population. yellow bill. It has a spectacular vegetation on the floodwaters that
courtship display, during which rise after heavy rain.
Other species the courting pair rear up out of
the water and, holding themselves Other species
● Wandering albatross erect, run across the surface ● Great crested grebe
Diomedia exulans » pp366—67 together for 66 ft (20 m) or more. Podiceps cristatus » p157
● Waved albatross They build their nest on the water, ● Titicaca grebe
Phoebastria irrorata » p125 anchored to reeds. The parents Rollandia microptera » p111
take turns carrying the newly
hatched young on their backs
for the first two to four weeks.

BIRDS | 413

Flamingos Herons and relatives

Order Phoenicopteriformes Order Ciconiiformes

Puna flamingo Gray heron American bittern

Phoenicoparrus jamesi Ardea cinerea Botaurus lentiginosus

4 ft (1.1 m) red pigments in 35—39 in (90—98 cm) 24—34 in (61—86 cm)
W. South America algae give Europe, Asia, Africa North and Central America,
Near threatened Common Caribbean
feathers pink Common
Also known as James’ flamingo, coloration Found in wetlands throughout most
this was once believed to be of its range, this tall, long-legged The American bittern is a type
extinct, but in 1956, it was Other species bird typically hunts in shallow of heron but with a shorter neck
discovered in a remote part of the ● Greater flamingo water, either wading slowly or and legs. This marshland bird
Andes. It lives in the salt lakes of Phoenicopterus roseus » p149 watching for prey such as fish. On is camouflaged among dense
the high Andean plateau —locally ● Lesser flamingo spotting a victim, it darts its head reedbeds, with streaked and
known as the puna—where it Phoenicopterus minor » p188 forward on its long neck to seize mottled brown plumage. If
feeds on microscopic algae by it in its sharp bill and swallows it disturbed, it enhances the effect
sifting the water through filters whole. Gray herons usually nest by standing with its neck extended
in its bill. The female lays a single high in trees in small colonies; they and bill pointing up, and even
egg on a mound of mud, and both pair for life, returning to the same swaying in the wind with the
parents feed the chick. nest each spring. surrounding reeds.

Wood stork Sacred ibis African spoonbill

Mycteria americana Threskiornis aethiopicus Platalea alba

34—43 in (85—100 cm) 26—35 in (66—89 cm) 30—36 in (76—91 cm) bare red
North, Central, and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar face and
Caribbean Aldabra Island, W. Asia Common legs
Common Common
Like all spoonbills, this graceful, Other species
One of the largest North American Similar to the wood stork, with red-legged white bird is specially
wading birds, the wood stork is white plumage, black legs and tail, adapted for feeding in shallow ● Great blue heron
white with a black tail and flight and a naked black head and neck, water by sweeping the spoon- Ardea herodias » p71
feathers. It has a naked, dark gray this bird has a long, downcurved shaped tip of its long bill from side ● Jabiru stork
head and a long, heavy gray bill, bill adapted for searching wet mud to side to snap up shrimp and Jabiru mycteria » p103
which it uses to probe in the mud for prey. However, it has learned other small animals. It may also ● Roseate spoonbill
for food. It feels for prey such as to exploit other food resources, create currents that bring small Platalea ajaja » p104
fish with its sensitive bill tip and including carrion and edible refuse. fish within striking range. The
snaps up any animal it touches. It It also stalks across grasslands broad bill develops as the bird
favors wooded marshland habitats, in the wake of fires, looking for grows; when it hatches, it has a
resting and nesting in the trees. animals killed by the flames. short bill resembling that of an ibis.

Pelicans and relatives Great cormorant

Order Pelecaniformes Phalacrocorax carbo

Hamerkop the name hamerkop, dark brown 32—39 in (80—100 cm)
which means primary E. North America, S. Greenland,
Scopus umbretta “hammerhead.” It feeds in feathers Europe, Asia, Southern Africa, Australia
shallow water, raking the Common
16—22 in (40—56 cm) mud at the bottom with its bill
Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, for frogs and fish. Breeding pairs A specialized fisheater, this goose-
SW. Asia use twigs, mud, and grass to sized bird can swallow a large
Common build an enormous domed nest eel whole. It pursues its prey
in a tree, up to 6ft (2m) high underwater, propelling itself on
The short, heavy bill and long crest and wide—the largest roofed large webbed feet. Its loose plumage
of this brown bird give its head an nest made by any bird. is easily wetted, allowing water to
unusual shape; this is reflected in penetrate and reduce its buoyancy
for easy diving.

414 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Red-billed tropicbird Dalmatian pelican Northern gannet Other species
● Great white pelican
Phaethon aethereus Pelecanus crispus Morus bassanus Pelecanus onocrotalus » p189
● Shoebill
31—32 in (78—81 cm) 5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m) 32—35 in (80—90 cm) Balaeniceps rex » p190
E. Pacific, C. Atlantic, and N. Indian SE. Europe, S. and SW. Asia, N. Atlantic, Mediterranean
oceans NE. Africa Common buff-colored
Common Vulnerable head and neck
This big, long-billed seabird is
This seabird spends most of its time Silvery white, with black wingtips, specialized for plunge-diving, with webbed feet
in the air, flying over the tropical this is one of the largest flying birds. a highly streamlined head and
oceans in search of fish and squid Its expandable throat pouch turns a body, and shock-absorbing air sacs
that it catches by plunge-diving rich reddish orange in the breeding under its skin. These adaptations
into the sea. Both sexes have white season. Sociable and intelligent, the allow it to plunge into the sea from
plumage, black wingtips, and two pelican feeds in small flocks that heights of 100 ft (30 m) or more,
long, white tail streamers that often cooperate to drive fish into scything into the water with swept-
create a spectacular effect as they shallow water, where they are more back wings at speeds of up to
flick from side to side during the easily caught. Each bird scoops up a 60 mph (100 km/h). It plunges deep
birds’ aerial courtship displays. Like mass of water and fish, filling its beneath the surface to catch fish,
many ocean birds, it breeds in large throat pouch, which it then drains swallowing them underwater. The
colonies on remote islands. of water by tipping its head back. northern gannet breeds in large,
densely packed colonies on small
elastic Brown pelican islands and remote clifftops.
throat pouch Once paired, a male and
Pelecanus occidentalis female will remain
long, pale together for years.
yellow bill 3—5 ft (1—1.5 m)
North, Central, and South America, black,
Caribbean tapering
Common wingtips

Although similar to other pelicans
in build, this is the only pelican that
feeds by plunge-diving instead of
fishing from the surface. Typically, it
searches for prey by gliding low over
the water. When it sights a fish, it
flies up to gain height, then folds its
wings back and plunges into the
sea. As it enters the water, it opens
its bill to trap its victim in its
expanded throat pouch.

Birds of prey distinctive Osprey
black eyestripe
Order Falconiformes Pandion haliaetus
brown
California condor on its broad black wings and once plumage 22—25 in (56—64 cm)
ranged as far east as Florida. Now Worldwide (except Antarctica)
Gymnogyps californianus reduced to just a few hundred Common
individuals, its future is still in the
4 ft (1.2 m) balance; many have died from lead This large bird of prey has an almost
W. US (California, Arizona) poisoning as a result of eating worldwide range. It is found on
Critically endangered animals killed by coasts, lakes, and large rivers. The
hunters using lead osprey is a fish hunter, famous for
Rescued from certain extinction ammunition. the way it plunges into the water
by captive breeding and released California feet-first to seize large fish with its
back into the wild, this relative condors powerful curved talons. Its feet have
of the majestic Andean condor generally mate spiny soles that give it a firm grip on
is the largest flying bird in North for life, producing its prey as it flies off to a perch to
America and also one of the most one chick every tear it apart with its hooked bill.
endangered. It searches for carrion two years. During the breeding season, pairs
by soaring high over open country mate following dramatic courtship
displays by the males.

BIRDS | 415

Snail kite African fish eagle

Rostrhamus sociabilis Haliaeetus vocifer

16—18 in (40—45 cm) 25—29 in (63—73 cm)
SE. US (Florida), Cuba, Central Sub-Saharan Africa
America, South America Locally common
Common
fine, squarely Well known in Africa for its loud,
Widespread across South and Central heavily tipped tail penetrating, yelping calls, the
America, with a small population curved African fish eagle has a unique and
in Florida, this broad-winged kite bill distinctive plumage, with a white
is adapted for flying slowly over head and breast contrasting with
marshland in search of its only prey long legs broad black wings and a chestnut
—large aquatic snails. Snatching belly and back. It habitually perches
them up with one foot, it carries in trees overlooking rivers, watching
them to a perch. Its hooked bill for fish, which it catches by
has a long, narrow tip, which it slips swooping down and seizing them
into the snail’s shell to sever the in its talons. This bird also eats
attachment muscle, allowing it to small mammals, birds, and carrion,
extract the soft body. and steals fish from other eagles.

Egyptian vulture Northern goshawk white brow

Neophron percnopterus Accipiter gentilis white front with
gray barring
23—28 in (58—70 cm) 19—28 in (48—70 cm)

Europe, Africa, Asia Canada to Mexico, Europe, Asia

Endangered Common

The relatively small, mostly This gray-backed forest hawk is
white Egyptian vulture shares adapted for hunting on the wing
the scavenging habits of its bigger in woodland, with relatively short,
relatives, but as it cannot compete rounded wings for swerving
with them for food, it has to wait its between trees and a long tail for
turn at sharing the carcass. It makes steering and braking hard. It is
up for this with its versatility, taking adept at plucking forest animals
all kinds of scraps and even eating off the ground and even snatching
live prey such as mice and lizards. It squirrels from branches. The
also steals the nestlings and eggs of female is larger than the male; in
other birds and is well known for its this species, she is up to 50 percent
habit of dropping stones on ostrich heavier. Goshawks are mainly
eggs to break them open. secretive and often go unseen.

Harpy eagle Wedge-tailed eagle

Harpia harpyja Aquila audax

35—39 in (89—100 cm) 32—39 in (81—100 cm)
S. Mexico to C. South America S. New Guinea, Australia (including
Near threatened Tasmania)
Common
The massively built harpy eagle has
hugely powerful feet and talons, Australia’s largest bird of prey,
ideal for its preferred hunting the wedge-tailed eagle is a huge,
technique of swooping into a dark brown bird with a distinctive
tropical forest tree to rip a sloth or diamond-shaped tail. It hunts a
monkey from its perch. It is strong variety of small animals such as
enough to carry off an adult howler rabbits and wallabies, searching
monkey weighing 20lb (9 kg) and for them by soaring overhead or
even seizes small deer. Largely watching from a high perch. Young
black above and white below, it has eagles also eat a lot of roadkill
a gray head crowned with an and other carrion, acting as the
impressive crest of darker feathers. Australian equivalent of vultures.

416 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Southern caracara as feeding on road kill, rotting finely dark brownish
vegetables, dead and dying fish, barred breast black wings
Caracara plancus worms, and insects. Its name is
based on its harsh, cackling call. bare legs
20—23 in (51—58 cm)
South America Other species
Common
● Andean condor
Although a member of the highly Vultur gryphus » p112
aerial falcon family, this large, ● Bald eagle
crested, mainly dark bird of prey Haliaeetus leucocephalus » pp42—43
spends most of its time on the ● Golden eagle
ground, scavenging for carrion like Aquila chrysaetos » p162
a crow. It has long legs with strong ● Lammergeier
feet, well suited to walking and Gypaetus barbatus » p183
investigating carcasses. An ● Peregrine falcon
opportunistic scavenger, it will Falco peregrinus » p144
often dig for food or chase other ● Secretary bird
birds, including raptors and Sagittarius serpentarius » p206
vultures, to steal it. It also preys ● Turkey vulture
on live frogs and reptiles, as well Cathartes aura » p56

Cranes and relatives Sandhill crane Limpkin

Order Gruiformes Grus canadensis Aramus guarauna

Common crane wetlands to pair up and breed, 4 ft (1.2 m) 22—28 in (56—71 cm)
each pair performing a courtship North America, NE. Asia SE. US (Florida), Central and
Grus grus display in which they walk in Common South America
circles with wings raised, bobbing Common
4 ft (1.2 m) and pirouetting, while picking Similar to the common crane, but
Europe, Asia, N. Africa up small objects and tossing with no black on its head, this is Named for its curious limping
Common them over their heads. The a widespread species with several walk, this wetland bird has brown,
performance is accompanied by distinctive subspecies. Like most white-speckled plumage and a long,
A tall, long-legged, elegant gray loud, trumpeting calls, given with cranes, it is an opportunistic feeder, curved, slender bill, which it uses to
bird with a red spot on top of their bills pointing skyward. The gleaning a range of plant foods and pry aquatic snails from their shells.
its black-and-white head, the sound is amplified by an enlarged prey from the ground. In winter, However, it also eats other prey such
common crane can gather in huge windpipe that is fused with the birds that breed in Alaska as freshwater mussels, insects, and
flocks in winter to feed on crops the breastbone. and Canada migrate southward, frogs. The male is highly territorial,
such as grain. In spring, it moves to gathering at stopover sites and defending his patch with loud calls
wintering grounds in large flocks. and fighting off intruders and rivals.

Corncrake widespread in summer across Kori bustard however, it lives on the ground and
Europe and western Asia, it has is reluctant to fly unless in serious
Crex crex been badly hit by modern farming Ardeotis kori danger. The males perform
practices involving the destruction dramatic courtship displays to
11—12 in (28—30 cm) of old, species-rich grasslands. 4 ft (1.2 m) attract the much smaller females,
Europe, W. to C. Asia, SE. Africa E. and Southern Africa inflating their throats like feathery
Common tawny back with Near threatened white balloons.
bold black
Superbly camouflaged by its streaky streaks The kori bustard is a very large, Other species
brown plumage, the corncrake is long-legged, mainly gray and
hard to see in its grassland habitat. legs trail behind brown bird of dry grasslands and ● Great bustard
But where it is still body in flight deserts, where it typically lives Otis tarda » p283
common, the male alongside large grazing animals ● Gray crowned crane
is easily heard and preys on the insects disturbed Balearica regulorum » p189
in spring as by their hoofs. It also inhabits ● Purple gallinule
he raises his areas that have recently been Porphyrio martinica » p71
head to burned, eating the new shoots of ● Red-legged seriema
advertise his grass and insects exposed by the Cariama cristata » p120
territory with the loud, lack of vegetation. Adult males ● Sarus crane
rasping, “krek-krek” call may weigh up to 44 lb (20 kg), Grus antigone » p263
reflected in the species’ making them among the heaviest
scientific name. Although of all flying birds. Like its relatives,

BIRDS | 417

Waders, gulls, and auks Black-winged stilt

Order Charadriiformes Himantopus himantopus

Wattled jacana the males, defend territories, and 14—16 in (36—41 cm)
compete with rivals for mates; each Europe, Asia, Africa, North, Central,
Jacana jacana may mate with up to three males, and South America
which incubate the eggs and care Common
7—10 in (18—25 cm) for the young.
S. Central America, South America The long, pink legs of this black
Common red wattle and white wader allow it to
feed in much deeper water than
In many ways similar to the most of its competitors. It gathers
moorhen, this tropical waterbird small aquatic animals by sweeping
has enormously elongated toes. its slender, straight black bill
These spread its weight so through the water, detecting
effectively that it can walk on them by touch—although it also
floating vegetation as it searches seizes insects from the surface.
for aquatic insects and snails. The black-winged stilt may also
Unusually, the females forage on land, but has to bend
are larger than its legs awkwardly to pick prey
off the ground.

Eurasian pied black-and-
oystercatcher white plumage

dark plumage Haematopus ostralegus

extremely long toes 16—19 in (40—48 cm)
Europe, NW., N., and E. Africa,
SW., C., E., and S. Asia
Common

Recognizable by its piping
calls, this bird has a long
bill adapted for feeding on shelled
mollusks, such as limpets, with
a sharp tip, which it uses to detach
them from rocks or pry them apart
to sever the shell-closing muscle
within. But some oystercatchers
probe for prey in sand and mud,
and their bills are more pointed.

Common ringed When this compact, short-necked Eurasian curlew Australian pratincole
plover plover is feeding on a mudflat, the
contrasting white collar and black Numenius arquata Stiltia isabella
Charadrius hiaticula bands on its head and breast can
be conspicuous. But on a shingle 20—24 in (51—61 cm) 9 in (23 cm)
7—8 in (18—20 cm) Europe, Asia, Africa Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia,
N. North America, Greenland, beach, where it nests, Near threatened Papua New Guinea
Europe, Asia, Africa, Madagascar the pattern disrupts Common
Common its outline so This large, brown-streaked wader
effectively has a long, downcurved bill—the This sandy-brown bird has very
clean white that the bird is perfect tool for probing coastal long, pointed black wings, a white
underparts sand or mud for burrowing prey underside, and a vent with a
almost invisible. Nesting such as worms, clams, and tiny chestnut-and-black patch at the
pairs rely on this for crabs. The curlew also feeds on side. When breeding, the bill
protection, but when their the surface, especially in summer, is bright red at the base. Non-
young hatch, the adults when breeding adults move to breeding birds are duller, with
may lure predators away inland nesting sites and feed on a mostly black bill, black spotting
from them with a “broken wing” insects, earthworms, and berries. on the throat, and smaller flank
display that makes them look This bird has a loud ringing markings. Pratincoles feed on
like temptingly easy prey. “courli” call. invertebrates.

418 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Spotted sandpiper Herring gull

Actitis macularius Larus argentatus

dark summer 7—8 in (18—20 cm) 22—26 in (55—67 cm)
plumage North, Central, and South America North and Central America, Europe,
Common NE. and E. Asia
bold spots on Common
pale underparts Breeding across most of North
America and migrating to the Few seabirds are as familiar as the
tropics in winter, this small, active, herring gull—a large, gray and
white and brown wader is common white bird with a loud bugling
in a wide variety of habitats ranging call that is one of the emblematic
from city parks to the Arctic sounds of northern shores. Highly
tundra—although it is nearly adaptable, it will eat almost
always near water. As with some anything and has become an
other waders, the female courts the expert at surviving on refuse
male with quivering wings and scavenged from city streets and
fanned tail, and may mate with garbage dumps. This allows it
several different males; each male to forage well inland, and it often
then incubates a clutch of eggs. nests on rooftops in coastal towns.

Sooty tern Guillemot leave the cliff nest site when they dark brown
are just three weeks old, leaping to black head
Onychoprion fuscatus Uria aalge into the sea on half-fledged wings.
dark rump
14—18 in (35—45 cm) 16—17 in (41—43 cm) Other species with narrow
Worldwide, in tropical seas North Atlantic, North Pacific white sides
Common Common ● African jacana
Actophilornis africanus » p224
Mainly black above and white One of the auks—northern ● African skimmer
below, with a long, forked tail, this counterparts of the penguins— Rynchops flavirostris » p226
tropical tern is one of the world’s this neat, black-and-white seabird ● Antarctic tern
most abundant seabirds. It lives uses its short wings for swimming Sterna vittata » p369
out on the open ocean in large underwater in pursuit of fish and ● Atlantic puffin
flocks, snatching small prey from other prey. It breeds in large Fratercula arctica » p138—39
the surface rather than plunge- colonies on coastal cliffs, each pair ● Pied avocet
diving like a typical tern. It incubating their single egg on a Recurvirostra avosetta » p149
remains at sea for most of the year, narrow ledge of bare rock. The egg
returning to remote islands to has a conical form, so it rolls in a
breed in noisy colonies that may circle if dislodged rather than
have more than a million pairs. falling off the ledge. The young

Pigeons Common wood Southern crowned
pigeon pigeon
Order Columbiformes
Columba palumbus Goura scheepmakeri

Rock dove on seeds and nest on sea cliffs 16—18 in (41—45 cm) 26—29 in (66—74 cm)
and in river gorges—a habit
Columba livia that was readily adaptable Europe, NW. Africa, W. and C. Asia S. New Guinea
to urban landscapes,
12—14 in (30—36 cm) where their feral Common Vulnerable
North, Central and South America, counterparts nest
Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia on buildings. The throaty, cooing calls of the This big, blue and maroon tropical
Common wood pigeon are a familiar feature pigeon owes its name to its
black bars of the countryside throughout flamboyant crest of lacy blue-gray
Also known as the rock pigeon, on wings most of its wide range. Originally feathers. It feeds on the ground in
this species is the wild ancestor a woodland bird, it has adapted so small groups, searching the forest
of the common feral pigeon, found well to feeding on farmland that it floor for seeds, fallen fruit, and
in cities worldwide. In its wild has become a pest, with big flocks small animals. It retires to a roost
form, it is largely gray, with raiding fields for the seeds of in the branches during the hottest
iridescent feathers on its neck and cereals and other crops. Males part of the day and nests high in
upper breast. The wild birds feed perform distinctive gliding, a tree. Like other pigeons—and
wing-clapping displays, which flamingos—it feeds its young on
are sometimes echoed by females. “milk” secreted from its crop.

BIRDS | 419

Sandgrouse Parrots screeching flocks in open or thinly
wooded terrain, feeding on seeds,
Order Pteroclidiformes Order Psittaciformes buds, and insects, as well as juicy
roots, which it digs up with its bill.
Crowned sandgrouse Galah The expansion of arable
farming in Australia has
Pterocles coronatus Eolophus roseicapilla dramatically increased
its food supply, and the
11—12 in (27—30 cm) 14 in (35 cm) galah is commonly seen
N. Africa, W. to. S. Asia Australia (including Tasmania) as an agricultural pest.
Common Common

This partridgelike desert bird can Elegant in pale gray with deep gray wings
survive air temperatures of up to rose-pink underparts and a paler
122°F (50°C), thanks to its ability pink crown, this cockatoo is one of short,
to conserve moisture and drink the the most abundant and widespread square tail
salty water formed by evaporation Australian parrots. The sexes are
under the desert sun. It feeds on similar, differing only in eye color:
seeds and the tips of plants that brown in the male and red in the
sprout after rare rainstorms. female. The galah lives in large,

Rainbow lorikeet Gray parrot Red-and-green macaw Other species

Trichoglossus haematodus Psittacus erithacus Ara chloropterus ● Kakapo
Strigops habroptila » p356
12 in (30 cm) 13 in (33 cm) 35 in (90 cm) ● Kea
New Guinea, SE. Asia, SW. Pacific, W. to C. Africa N. and C. South America Nestor notabilis » p356
Australia (including Tasmania) Vulnerable Common ● Scarlet macaw
Common Ara macao » p97
Renowned for its ability to imitate This big, long-tailed parrot ● Sulfur-crested cockatoo
This long-tailed parrot is named human speech and perform tricks, is similar to the scarlet macaw Cacatua galerita » p341
for its multicolored plumage, this stocky, short-tailed African but has green wing patches
with patches of blue, green, yellow, parrot is gray overall aside from its contrasting with its mainly red and
orange, and bright red. But it is bright red tail and black wingtips. blue plumage. It lives in tropical
very variable, with 22 distinct races It lives in flocks in tropical lowland forests, where it forages in the tree
across its large range. Like most forests and mangroves, as well as canopy for fruit and seeds, usually
lorikeets, it has a brush-tipped farmland, feeding on seeds, nuts, in pairs that stay together for life.
tongue for gathering nectar and and oil palm fruit. In some parts The mated pairs generally nest in
pollen from flowers, and typically of its range, it spends the night tree holes, but in some regions,
feeds in noisy flocks on treetops. in roosts of up to 10,000 birds. they use crevices in rock faces.

Cuckoos and turacos Hoatzin

Order Cuculiformes Opisthocomus hoazin

Common cuckoo cuckoo is a notorious brood pointed 24—28 in (62—70 cm)
parasite. The female removes wings N. South America
Cuculus canorus an egg from the nest of another Common
species and lays one of her
32—33 cm (121/2—13 in) own; when the cuckoo chick This heavy-bodied tropical forest
Europe, Asia, NW. and Southern hatches, it throws out the bird feeds almost entirely on
Africa other eggs so it can eat all leaves, digesting them with the
Common the food brought to the help of bacteria in its gut. It nests
nest by its foster parents. on branches overhanging water;
A medium-sized, dark gray bird, Adult cuckoos resemble if threatened, the young dive
the common cuckoo is more often small-headed hawks into the water, then climb up
heard than seen. The hollow, in flight; the male has through the vegetation using
breathy, two-note “cuck-coo” gray plumage and a tiny wing claws.
call of the male is a welcome sign dark-barred breast, while
of spring in its Eurasian breeding the female is browner. Other species
range. But it is less welcome to
many small birds, for the common ● Greater roadrunner
Geococcyx californianus» p63

420 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Owls Nightjars and frogmouths

Order Strigiformes Order Caprimulgiformes

Barn owl Spectacled owl European nightjar its presence after nightfall with a
churring song. It hunts for airborne
Tyto alba Pulsatrix perspicillata Caprimulgus europaeus insects such as moths, scooping
them up in its gaping mouth as it
12—18 in (30—46 cm) 17—21in (43—53 cm) 10—11 in (25—28 cm) flies on long, pointed wings. Males
North, Central, and South America, S. Mexico to C. South America Europe, W. to E. Asia, NW., W., and display in the air, clapping their
Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia Common SE. Africa wings together and gliding to show
Common Common off the white spots on their
Deep chocolate brown above and wingtips and tail feathers.
The most widespread of all owls, the creamy white below, with a dark Rarely seen because of its excellent
barn owl has a white, heart-shaped head and pale “spectacles” around camouflage, this nocturnal
face with black eyes and typically its big yellow eyes, this forest bird summer visitor to Europe reveals
buff upperparts mottled with gray. has unusually striking plumage
It usually hunts by night, flying low for an owl. The pattern helps to
over the ground in search of small conceal it from enemies as it roosts
prey such as voles, locating them by day on treetops. At night, it
mainly by sound. Barn owls often hunts from a perch, ambushing
nest in barns and other buildings, birds sleeping on trees and
but may also use holes in trees. swooping down to the forest floor.

Great horned owl at night, usually from a perch, Tawny frogmouth
seizing and killing its victims with
Bubo virginianus its strong talons. Large prey are Podargus strigoides
ripped apart, while smaller ones
20—24 in (50—60 cm) are swallowed whole. 14—21 in (36—53 cm)
North, Central, and South America S. New Guinea, Australia (including
Common Other species Tasmania)
Common
The largest of all American owls, ● Burrowing owl
the great horned owl occurs in a Athene cunicularia » p121 Related to nightjars, the tawny
variety of habitats ranging from ● Great gray owl frogmouth has a similar nocturnal
rocky deserts to the cold northern Strix nebulosa » p58 hunting habit. Instead of patrolling
conifer forests. It has a similarly ● Snowy owl the air, however, it hunts from a
wide range of prey, taking anything Nyctea scandiaca » p33 perch, gliding down to catch prey
from beetles to jackrabbits. It hunts on the ground. Its large mouth lets
it swallow animals as big as mice
long, feathery, hornlike and even snakes. By day, it sits still
ear tufts on a tree, where its cryptic, mottled
plumage matches the bark and
makes it all but invisible.

Hummingbirds and swifts

Order Apodiformes

Ruby-throated few small insects, this species is
hummingbird remarkable for the long migrations
between Central America and its
Archilochus colubris breeding grounds, which may lie
as far north as Canada. For some
4 in (10 cm) birds, this involves crossing the
S. Canada, C. and E. US, Mexico to Gulf of Mexico, in a nonstop flight
S. Central America of some 530 miles (850 km) on tiny,
Common whirring wings. Both sexes are
green above and mainly grayish
In many ways a typical small white below, but only the male has
hummingbird, with a diet of a ruby-red throat.
nectar, sweet tree sap, and a

BIRDS | 421

Crimson topaz Common swift Kingfishers and relatives

Topaza pella Apus apus Order Coraciiformes

9 in (23 cm) 7 in (18 cm) Common kingfisher Mainly blue above, but with bright
N. South America N. and Southern Africa, Europe, orange underparts, this short-tailed,
Common W. to C. Asia Alcedo atthis heavy-billed bird can be surprisingly
Common inconspicuous as it sits quietly on
The male crimson topaz is one of the 7 in (18 cm) a perch overlooking the water,
most striking hummingbirds, with A familar summer sight in many Europe, Asia, N. Africa watching for prey. But when it
an iridescent crimson-purple breast northern towns, the common swift Common
and upperparts, a yellow-green hunts in the air for small insects spreads its wings, it reveals
throat, and a pair of long, dark tail and carries them back to its young. a vivid, electric-blue streak
feathers that curve in to cross over But this is the only time the swift down its back, catching the
near their tips. The female is far less returns to a perch, for it is the most
conspicuous, with mainly green aerial of all birds—able to eat, eye as it skims across the water in
plumage and a shorter tail. A drink, sleep, and even mate in flight. fast, direct flight. It dives to seize
denizen of tropical forests, the small fish, returning to beat the
crimson topaz feeds in the middle Other species victim against its perch before
and upper canopy, taking nectar swallowing it head first. It
from a wide variety of flowers. ● Booted racket-tail supplements its diet with insects,
It is rarely seen on the ground. Ocreatus underwoodii » p88 crustaceans, and amphibians.

Mousebirds Southern yellow-billed hornbill

Order Coliiformes Tockus leucomelas

Speckled mousebird 20—24 in (51—61 cm) southern Africa, it forages on the
Southern Africa ground for seeds, fruit, and insects,
Colius striatus Common occasionally catching larger animals
such as mice and even scorpions.
12—16 in (30—40 cm) This long-tailed hornbill has a much It sometimes forms foraging parties
C., E., and Southern Africa smaller horny crest—or casque— with dwarf mongooses, which flush
Common than most hornbills. It has a bright out locusts on which the birds feed.
red patch of naked skin around its The hornbill, in turn, warns them
This bird owes its name to the way eyes and on each side of its throat. of approaching danger.
it scrambles through vegetation Widespread on the savannas of
like a mouse, searching for insects,
flowers, and fruit. The effect is solitary, it lives in the rainforests Blue-crowned motmot aside from slowly
enhanced by its mainly brown of Amazonia and adjacent regions. swinging its extended
plumage, although it has a very The trogon usually nests in a tree Momotus momota tail from side to side.
long, stiff tail. It often roosts hole, but may also use an old wasp It eats insects
in groups of up to 20, hanging or termite nest. It feeds on fruit, 19 in (48 cm) and spiders,
together in a cluster from a branch. insects, and other invertebrates. Central America to C. South America, gleaning them
Trinidad and Tobago from tree trunks
Trogons Other species Common or the ground;
it often
Order Trogoniformes ● Resplendent quetzal Like many of its close relatives, immobilizes
Pharomachrus mocinno » p81 this tropical forest bird has them by hitting
Violaceous trogon elongated central tail feathers them against
that are bare except for the tips. a branch before
Trogon violaceus It spends much of its time perched swallowing them.
among the trees, barely moving
9—10 in (23—25 cm)
SE. Mexico to C. South America Other species ● Lilac-breasted
Common roller
● Blue-winged kookaburra Coracias caudatus » p207
The male violaceous trogon is dark Dacelo leachii » p323
blue and green above and yellow ● European bee-eater ● Red-billed hornbill
below, with black wings and a Merops apiaster » pp150—51 Tockus erythrorhynchus »
yellow eye-ring; the female, by ● Great Indian hornbill p206
contrast, is mostly gray. Usually Buceros bicornis » p264
● Hoopoe ● Stork-billed kingfisher
Upupa epops » p157 Pelargopsis capensis » p299

422 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Woodpeckers and toucans Chestnut-eared
aracari
Order Piciformes
Pteroglossus castanotis
Yellow-bellied pale yellow
sapsucker underparts 13—16 in (33—40 cm)
N. to C. South America
Sphyrapicus varius Common

9 in (23 cm) barred This relatively small toucan has light
North and Central America, black-and- a long, slim, gently curved bill build
Caribbean Islands white body with serrated edges and yellow
Common markings resembling teeth. Its Other species
name refers to the brown patch ● Andean flicker
This species mainly eats sugary sap, return from behind each eye; otherwise it Colaptes rupicola » p111
which it obtains by drilling holes in migration. The is mainly dark with yellow ● Black woodpecker
the bark of trees such as maples and yellow-bellied underparts and a red band across Dryocopus martius » p169
waiting for the sap to ooze out. It sapsucker claims its its chest. Small parties forage ● Toco toucan
also snaps up any insects attracted territory in spring by together in the forest canopy for Ramphastos toco » p96
by the sap. The holes may be tended drumming on a dead insects and fruit, often hanging
to keep them open and renewed on branch with its bill. upside down from branches
to reach it.

Passerines Carrion crow crows, it is highly intelligent,
exploiting a huge range of food
Order Passeriformes Corvus corone resources—on coasts, for example,
it drops shellfish onto rocks to
Eurasian magpie 19—21 in (48—53 cm) crack them open. The crow lives in
Europe, W. and C. Asia many habitats including woodland,
Pica pica Common moorland, farmland, and towns.
Although usually seen alone or in
18 in (46 cm) The carrion crow and the similar pairs, it may feed in loose flocks
Europe, NW. Africa, Middle hooded crow were once considered in winter. A solitary nester, it
East, C. and E. Asia subspecies of the same bird, but usually makes its home in a tree,
Common have been reclassified as separate although cliff ledges are often
species. The carrion crow has used in mountainous areas.
Boldly pied in black and white, a heavy black bill. Like many
with a blue-purple sheen on its
wings and a harsh, chattering call, Wilson’s bird-of-paradise

the long-tailed Eurasian Cicinnurus respublica
magpie is common and
conspicuous across 7 in (16 cm) yellow neck patch contrast
its wide range. It is Indonesia strikingly with the bare crown on
an intelligent, Near threatened its head, which is turquoise with
resourceful bird a pattern of black lines. It also has
Like all its relatives, this bird is a pair of spiral, wirelike tail
with a broad diet of small animals, renowned for the male’s dazzling feathers that it flicks when
carrion, bird eggs, fruit, and seeds. plumage. Its black and crimson displaying to females.
Notorious for being attracted to back, emerald green breast, and
shiny objects, the magpie also has
a reputation for stealing the eggs
and nestlings of other birds, but
this has been exaggerated. It is
a territorial bird; it forms flocks
after the breeding season and
roosts in groups.

iridescent sheen
to wings and tail

BIRDS | 423

Blue tit the young depends on a House martin Eurasian skylark
continuous supply of caterpillars
Cyanistes caeruleus —each nestling can eat up to 100 Delichon urbicum Alauda arvensis
caterpillars a day. Both parents
5 in (13 cm) help to feed the young, making 5 in (13 cm) 7—8 in (18—20 cm)
Europe, N. Africa, Middle several excursions a day to Africa, Europe, SE. and N. Africa, Europe, parts of
East, parts of Central Asia collect food. northern Asia Asia; introduced to Australia and
Common Common New Zealand
greenish blue Common
Mainly yellow below, the blue tit upperparts Closely related to the swallows, this
has a bright blue cap and greenish small, highly aerial, black-and- Celebrated for its liquid, silvery
blue wings and tail; the blue of white bird is a common sight in song, performed while rising high
a breeding male’s plumage is European towns in summer, where in the air on fluttering wings, the
brighter than that small groups gather to swoop and skylark is a common grassland bird
of the female. dive in pursuit of airborne insects. across most of Eurasia, although
It is naturally It usually nests on buildings, high its numbers have declined due
a woodland bird, up beneath overhangs that provide to changes in farming regimes.
but is widespread on shelter from the rain; the nest is Its streaky brown plumage makes
farmland and in backyards. Pairs a cup built from pellets of mud it inconspicuous on the ground,
may raise large broods of up to 16 attached to the wall. At the end where it nests in the shelter of
in tree holes, but the survival of of summer, it migrates to Africa. a grass tussock or similar cover.

Eurasian wren Eurasian nuthatch Northern mockingbird

Troglodytes troglodytes Sitta europaea Mimus polyglottos

3 in (8 cm) 6 in (15 cm) 10 in (26 cm)
Europe, Asia, N. Africa Europe, C. and E. Asia North America, Mexico
Common Common Common

This tiny, brown, short-tailed wren This small woodland bird uses its Mainly gray with paler underparts
is frequently seen darting between powerful bill to probe for insects and a white bar across each wing,
shrubs on whirring wings or in tree bark and hammer into nuts. the northern mockingbird
searching for insect prey among It is very agile, climbing up and possesses remarkable vocal skills.
dense thickets near the ground. down tree trunks and branches It has a wide repertoire, made up
The male draws attention with his with distinctive jerky movements, of original phrases combined with
pugnacious posturing, bobbing clinging on with its sharp claws mimicry of almost anything it
his head with his tail cocked and and often descending head first. hears, from other birds to sounds
delivering an astonishingly loud Blue-gray above with rich buff such as car alarms; it typically
song for his size. In winter, wrens underparts and a black streak repeats each phrase several times.
often gather in communal night through its eye, it often gives itself It thrives in a variety of habitats
roosts to keep warm. away with loud, fluting calls. from semideserts to city centers.

Common myna pale spots European starling Common, widespread, and
on body invasive, the European starling has
Acridotheres tristis Sturnus vulgaris spread to every continent (except
Antarctica), in some cases through
10 in (25 cm) 8—9 in (20—23 cm) deliberate introduction. In North
Southern Asia Europe, N. Africa, Asia America, for example, 60 birds
Common Common released in 1890 have multiplied to
an estimated 150 million. Glossy
This dark, yellow-billed grassland brown wings iridescent black in summer, with
starling is a native of southern Asia, pale spots in winter, the starling is
but has been widely introduced to a swaggering, quarrelsome, yet
other regions such as Australia, sociable bird that feeds in flocks,
where it is now so common that it is often probing the ground for insect
considered a pest. In the wild, it grubs. It forms huge communal
eats fruit, seeds, and insects, but roosts, preceded at dusk by
it is an adaptable opportunist, spectacular mass aerial displays
scavenging for scraps of all kinds resembling clouds of smoke. In the
in towns. At dusk it gathers in wild, these birds are hole-nesters,
large tree roosts, calling noisily although they also nest in
with a cacophony of gurgling, buildings and nest boxes.
squawking, and clicking sounds.

424 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Blackbird brown upperparts boldly spotted Song thrush
in both sexes creamy underside
Turdus merula Turdus philomelos
short tail, brown
10—12in (25—30cm) above and pale below 8—10in (20—25cm)
Europe, N. Africa, Asia; introduced Europe, N. Africa, northwest Asia;
in Australia, New Zealand, and introduced in Australia and
South America New Zealand
Common Common

The blackbird is a type of thrush This small thrush is well-known
instantly recognizable in the case of for its habit of smashing the shells
the male by its all-black plumage of garden snails on large stones
and contrasting yellow bill and and bricks, returning to the same
eye-ring. The female is a well- stone time after time to build up a
camouflaged brown. Common in litter of shell fragments. The sexes
backyards, it feeds on earthworms look alike, but the male has a loud,
and other small animals and also inventive song made up of a variety
eats berries in fall. The male has of phrases, each repeated two to
a rich, musical song, usually four times before moving on to
performed from a high perch. the next.

Nightingale Northern wheatear House sparrow

Luscinia megarhynchos Oenanthe oenanthe Passer domesticus

7in (18cm) 6in (15cm) 6in (15cm)
Europe, C. and S. Asia
S. Europe, C. Africa, W. Asia N. North America, Asia, Central Africa Common

Common Common The sociable, noisy house sparrow
has been spread far beyond its
Secretive and inconspicuous, with One of the world’s great migrants, original Eurasian range through
a habit of hiding in dense cover, the northern wheatear breeds in its association with humans and
this small, brown, russet-tailed the far north—often on Arctic now flourishes on every continent
bird reveals its presence with one tundra—yet flies south to spend except Antarctica. Very adaptable,
of the most beautiful and varied the winter in sub-Saharan Africa. it feeds mainly on seeds, but often
of all bird songs. Often performed While on migration, it stops off to gathers to eat household scraps
at night as well as by day, it is an feed in many regions in between. or crumbs from picnic sites.
arresting combination of slow, Elegant in black, white, and It naturally nests in tree holes
rich, fluting notes, throaty croaks pinkish-buff plumage, and with a and rock crevices, but takes
and gurgles, and rapid trills and blue-gray back in the male, it feeds readily to nest boxes and cavities
whistles. It nests in tangled mainly on the ground, searching in buildings. Both sexes have a
thickets, often returning to the for insects and often perching on brown back streaked with black.
same site each year after spending rocks or anthills with a bold,
the winter in Africa. upright stance.

Zebra finch Named for its barred black-and- Chaffinch
white tail, this small, largely
Taeniopygia guttata gray bird is the most common Fringilla coelebs
of Australia’s grass finches—
4in (10cm) birds that typically live on open 6in (15cm)
Australia grasslands with scattered bushes W. Europe and N. Africa
Common and trees. It primarily feeds on Common
plants and has a stout red bill that
black patch it uses to crack and remove the Like that of many small songbirds,
on breast husks of small seeds, but it also the breeding plumage of the male
of male eats insects and even catches chaffinch is much brighter than the
termites on the wing. It forages in female’s, with pink underparts, a
lively, noisy flocks and breeds at blue-gray cap, chestnut back, green
any time of the year after periods rump, and white bars on its mainly
of heavy rain that stimulate plant black wings. Breeding males sing
growth. Unlike most other birds, loudly from perches to claim their
it drinks by sucking rather than territories. Chaffinches prey mainly
scooping up water in its bill. on insects in summer, but feed in
flocks on seeds in winter.

BIRDS | 425

Common yellowthroat Crested oropendola Yellowhammer

Geothlypis trichas Psarocolius decumanus Emberiza citrinella

4in (10cm) 14—20in (36—51cm) 7in (18cm)
N. and C. America N. and E. South America Europe and Central Asia
Common Common Common

This New World warbler is Looking mainly black from a The yellowhammer can be a
common among damp thickets distance, but with a striking yellow conspicuous feature of farmland
and reedbeds across most of tail and a long, heavy white bill, and bushy heaths—especially
North America. Mainly greenish this Amazonian bird’s breeding the bright yellow male singing
brown, the common yellowthroat colonies consist of up to 100 with a rapid, repeated “tzi-tzi-tzi-
has a bright yellow chin, throat, intricately woven hanging nests tzi-tzi-tzeeee.” On sunny summer
and breast which, in the male, suspended from a tree. The tree days, it may sing nonstop for
are set off by a striking black face is usually isolated from the forest hours. Yellowhammers join
mask, edged with white. It feeds edge to deter arboreal predators other buntings and finches in
close to the ground on small such as snakes; it may also be flocks that forage on the ground
insects, usually in dense cover, but chosen because it contains the for seeds, especially in arable
is often betrayed by its “wichity- extra defense measure of a nest fields with plenty of weeds and
wichity-wichity” song. of hornets. spilled grain.

Spotted towhee Painted bunting Scarlet tanager

Pipilo maculatus Passerina ciris Piranga olivacea

9in (23 cm) 5in (13cm) 7in (18cm)
W. US, SW. Canada, Mexico, North and South America
Guatemala S. North America and Mexico Common
Common
Near threatened A male scarlet tanager in breeding
The spotted towhee was considered plumage is a striking sight, with a
to be the same species as the Aptly named, the male painted bright crimson head and body, and
Eastern towhee, but differences bunting is the most colorful North contrasting black wings and tail.
in their voice and plumage resulted American bird, with a vivid blue Outside the breeding season,
in their separation into distinct head, bright green mantle, and it exchanges the red for green,
species. However, the two species scarlet rump and underparts. Yet, to resemble the far less flamboyant
hybridize where their range despite its striking appearance, it can female. These birds feed on insects,
overlaps. Spotted towhees forage be difficult to see among the dense which they find in treetops, along
on the ground to feed on insects, foliage that it favors; the confusion with some fruits. After breeding in
caterpillars, and seeds. They move of colors helps to disguise its outline. the deciduous woodlands of eastern
in pairs or alone, but small family The female is even less visible, being North America, they migrate south
groups stay together after the green overall. It feeds mainly on to winter in the tropical forests of
nesting season. seeds, supplemented by small western Amazonia.
animals, but nurtures its young
exclusively on insects.

pointed red Northern cardinal Other species
crest in male
Cardinalis cardinalis ● Andean cock-of-the-rock
Rupicola peruvianus » p89 ● Welcome swallow
9in (23 cm) ● Black-and-red broadbill Hirundo neoxena » p355
North America Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos »
Common p299 ● Woodpecker finch
● Black-capped social weaver Camarhynchus pallidus » p125
One of North America’s most Pseudonigrita cabanisi » pp204—05
eye-catching birds, the northern ● Collared sunbird ● Yellow-billed chough
cardinal is instantly recognizable Anthreptes collaris » p216 Pyrrhocorax graculus » p161
by its crest and crimson color. Its ● Greater bird-of-paradise
exotic appearance makes it look like Paradisaea apoda » pp318—19
a summer migrant, but it is actually ● Mountain chickadee
a year-round resident throughout Poecile gambeli » p56
most of its range. Females are ● Red-billed quelea
olive-brown with darker wings Quelea quelea » p225
and tails. Like males, they have ● Scottish crossbill
conspicuous, pointed crests. Loxia scotica » p143

426 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

REPTILES

Reptiles occupy a pivotal position in the history of vertebrate warm-blooded, all modern reptiles rely more on the warmth
life—they were the first vertebrates to truly conquer the world’s derived from the sun than from their metabolism to stay active.
driest places. In their heyday, they evolved into dinosaurs—the Their scaly skin—largely impervious to moisture—helps many
biggest animals that have ever lived—but they diversified into to thrive in deserts, but thousands of species also live in wet,
birds and mammals as well. Although dinosaurs may have been humid rainforests.

Anatomy Reptiles share this feature with birds and

The archetypal reptile is a lizard—an elongated, mammals, so these vertebrates are collectively

scaly-skinned, long-tailed vertebrate that crawls called amniotes. The evolution of the amnion

on land on all four limbs, was critical in allowing vertebrates to

its body hanging close to the survive on dry land. Reptile eggs

ground. The scales erupt have a leathery or

from the outer layer of its chalky shell. A few

skin and are reinforced lizards and snakes

with a tough protein retain the developing

called keratin—the same eggs in their reproductive

substance found in hair, system and give birth to

feathers, and finger- live young. Many reptilian

nails. Reptiles replace parents guard their eggs △ BREAKING OUT
Although some reptiles—such as sea turtles—
their old scales either or young, and a few have conquered the oceans, their eggs must
hatch—and hence, are laid—on land. Only live-
by shedding their build nests. Crocodilians bearing sea snakes are permanently aquatic.

outer skin in flakes or show special care, ▷ PROTECTIVE COVERING
Waterproof skin lets reptiles cope with some of the
by sloughing it in one unusually long and when the eggs hatch, the driest habitats. Some reptiles, such as this agama
piece. In some kinds of lizards, vertebral column mother carries the hatchlings lizard, use colorful skin to make territorial claims.

the hindlimbs—or both sets of △ SKELETON WITHOUT LIMBS to a nearby pool for release. scent molecules and transfers them to a sensory
limbs—have been lost. All Reptiles have a bony skeleton, which organ, called Jacobson’s organ, in the roof the
snakes lack limbs, but some is highly modified in limbless snakes. Behavior mouth. Some snakes also have sensory pits on
primitive constrictors retain Pythons and related constrictors, their head that detect the infrared radiation given
Although tortoises and some out by warm-blooded prey.

clawlike rudiments of the however, retain claw-like remnants lizards are herbivorous, most Most reptiles have a sluggish metabolism
compared to mammals and birds, so they
hindlegs. Turtles and tortoises of the pelvic girdle. reptiles are predatory. Reptiles generate limited body warmth. They rely on the
environment to raise their body temperature to
have toothless beaks, but most have well-developed senses for a level at which they can become active. Most
achieve this by basking in the sun.
reptiles have teeth—conical, needlelike, or tracking their prey on dry land. The sense of
REPTILE CLASSIFICATION
jagged, but never differentiated into molars smell is especially well developed—most lizards
There are four orders of reptiles. Most species belong
and canines as in mammals. The teeth of many and all snakes have a forked tongue that collects to one of these orders, the squamates, which includes
lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians.
snakes are modified as fangs for injecting venom.
Tortoises and turtles » p428
Some lizards have particularly big scales, so ▽ SENSING DIRECTION Order Testudines Species 341
they look armor-plated, but reptilian armor is Typical of other snakes—and most lizards—the
especially solid in the bony shells of turtles and mangrove snake’s forked tongue enables it to sense Tuatara » p358
tortoises. The shells are usually covered with scent molecules coming from different directions, Order Rhynchocephalia Species 1

horny plates, but some are soft and leathery. helping it to track its prey. Snakes and lizards » pp429–35
Order Squamata Species c.9,810
Their upper shell is fused to the ribs in such
Crocodiles and alligators » p435
a way that these reptiles have to breathe by Order Crocodilia Species 25

pumping the muscles at the top of their legs.

Crocodilians, the largest living reptiles, are

armored differently: they have plates—called

osteoderms—that are reinforced with bone.

Reproduction

All reptiles reproduce by internal fertilization
that involves copulation. Unlike the soft-coated
eggs of amphibians, reptiles produce eggs that
are surrounded by a protective membrane, called
an amnion, derived from the developing embryo.

REPTILES | 427

428 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Tortoises and turtles Matamata

Order Chelonia Chelus fimbriata

Common snake-necked turtle its shell—but cannot retract its 12—18 in (30—45 cm)
head entirely. This turtle has N. South America
Chelodina longicollis earned the local name of “stinker” Not known

8—10 in (20—25 cm) because it releases a foul-smelling black to light brown Unlike other side-necked turtles,
S. New Guinea, N. Australia defensive fluid when disturbed. oval carapace the matamata rarely swims in open
Not known water. Instead it stays still on the
neck covered with bottom of stagnant wetlands until
prey gets close enough to grab
With a neck nearly two- short nodules with its wide mouth. Its bizarre
fleshy adornments camouflage it
thirds the length of its against the background of weedy
debris. In the shallows, its long
shell when fully extended, neck can reach the surface to
breathe with its tubular, snorkel-
this Australian river turtle like snout. Female matamatas lay
up to 28 eggs in a single nesting.
has a long reach for catching

invertebrates, frogs, and fish.

Like other snake-necked turtles,

it withdraws its neck sideways into

Loggerhead turtle Alligator snapping European pond turtle Leatherback sea
turtle turtle
Caretta caretta Emys orbicularis
Macrochelys temminckii Dermochelys coriacea
28—39 in (71—100 cm) 6—8 in (15—20 cm)
Tropical, subtropical, and temperate 16—32 in (40—80 cm) N. Africa, Europe, W. Asia 4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m)
waters worldwide SE. US Near threatened Tropical, subtropical, and temperate
Endangered Vulnerable waters worldwide
This species ranges further north Vulnerable
The world’s biggest, hard-shelled The weightiest freshwater turtle than most other freshwater turtles,
sea turtle is named for its large head, is an aggressive predator. It and populations in the coldest This jellyfish-eating predator is
armed with powerful jaws for crawls along the bottom of parts survive the winter by the biggest of all turtles—and the
crunching crustaceans and swamps for prey, waiting among hibernating in shallow water. fastest swimming reptile. Its
mollusks. Like all other sea turtles, water weed with its mouth open. Typical of many reptiles, this turtle muscles generate enough body
its limbs are modified into flippers A wriggling appendage on its routinely basks in the sun. It heat to stay active even in the cold
for swimming, but females must tongue then lures fish in. To make spends more time on land than ocean. Its blood circulation also
“beach” themselves to lay eggs. a catch, the turtle’s head shoots other, more strictly aquatic, species traps this heat close to vital organs,
Loggerheads breed only every two forward and the jaws snap with —often wandering miles away giving it the stamina to dive deep
years—sometimes longer. a powerful bite. from wetlands. and travel far.

African helmeted Red-footed tortoise Indian star tortoise against the leaf litter on the forest
turtle floor as it feeds on grasses and
Chelonoidis carbonaria Geochelone elegans low-growing succulent plants. The
Pelomedusa subrufa plates of its shell are raised into
16—20 in (41—51 cm) Up to 11 in (28 cm) distinct peaks—which help the
8—13 in (20—33 cm) N. to C. South America S. Asia animal to right itself if it falls on its
Sub-Saharan Africa Not known Common back. This tortoise needs plenty of
Not known water and is most active during the
This tortoise ranges widely in South Named for the striking pattern on monsoon season. In drier weather,
This turtle can retract its neck American grasslands and open its shell, this tortoise lives in dry it stirs only in the morning and
completely by folding it sideways woodland, but is absent from the scrubby forests, where its yellow, late afternoon.
under the leading edge of the shell. wettest parts of the Amazon basin. starlike markings camouflage it
It is an opportunistic marshland The orange or yellow color pattern Other species
predator and will even grab birds is highly variable, and a closely
that come down to drink, pulling allied species—the yellow-footed ● Common snapping turtle
them underwater to drown them. tortoise (C. denticulata)—may Chelydra serpentina » p73
It lives in rain pools and watering occur in the same habitat. This ● Galapagos tortoise
holes in Africa’s open country. group of tropical American Chelonoidis elephantopus » p127
During the rainy season, it wanders tortoises also includes ● Green sea turtle
from pool to pool foraging for prey. the ancestors of the Chelonia mydas » p346
It may estivate in dry conditions giant tortoises of the ● Leopard tortoise
by burying itself in mud. Galapagos Islands. Stigmochelys pardalis » p227

REPTILES | 429

Snakes Sunbeam snake Rainbow boa

Suborder Serpentes Xenopeltis unicolor Epicrates cenchria

South American venomous—coral 3—4 ft (1—1.2 m) 3—7 ft (1—2.1 m)
pipe snake snakes. However, it SE. Asia Central and South America
lacks venom and is Common Not known
Anilius scytale more closely related to
constricting boas and This snake spends much of its time Named for the colored sheen of its
28—35 in (70—90 cm) pythons. It is a secretive, in underground burrows, but when skin, the rainbow boa is a typical
SE. US ground-dwelling species— it emerges into sunlight, its muscular constrictor. Its color
Vulnerable preying on cold-blooded iridescent scales shine with many varies across its range from plain
animals. It hunts in burrows, and colors—inspiring its name. The brown to a pattern of orange,
The sole member of the its diet is thought to consist of young have a distinctive white color red, and black, depending upon
family Aniliidae, this small vertebrates, including that disappears once the skin has subspecies. The back has black
snake of the Amazon basin, snakes. It may be preyed upon molted two or three times. This circles, while the flanks have
is also called the “false coral by other snakes. snake’s flat head may help with light-centered spots. It climbs into
snake” due to its superficial burrowing. An egg-laying low vegetation, but also inhabits
resemblance to the vividly flattened head constrictor, it comes above ground open savanna. Like other boas, this
colored—and highly only at night and preys on frogs, snake bears live young, sometimes
lizards, snakes, and small mammals. producing litters of over 20.
Burmese python
pythons, this species lays eggs. The Common egg-eating
Python bivittatus female vibrates her body to generate snake
heat to warm the brood.
16—23 ft (5—7 m) Dasypeltis scabra
S. and SE. Asia
Vulnerable cryptic 28—39 in (70—100 cm)
coloring
One of the biggest of the Africa and W. Asia
Old World pythons, the
Burmese python climbs Common
well and swims—
despite its bulk. This toothless snake has a special
Full-grown pythons feeding technique. Flexible jaws
can overpower pigs and throat allow it to swallow
and goats—and hard-shelled eggs whole—even
backward-pointing teeth ones wider than its head. Once in
help grip the victim for the throat, bony projections of the
swallowing whole. Like other snake’s spine puncture the shell, so
the yolk and white can flow into the
digestive system. The crushed
remains of the shell are regurgitated.

Boomslang Corn snake slender,
muscular
Dispholidus typus Pantherophis guttatus body

3—6 ft (1—1.8 m) 3—6 ft (1—1.8 m)
Sub-Saharan Africa C. and SE. US
Not known Common

One of the most potently The corn snake is so-called
venomous of all climbing snakes, because it is often drawn to
the boomslang—meaning “tree caches of corn and grain,
snake” in Afrikaans—spends where it kills rats and
much of its life among branches. mice by constriction and
Here, its agility and good binocular can be effective at pest
vision help it prey on climbing control. It is common in
lizards, mammals, and birds the eastern US, and in
during the day. It has large rear colder, northern parts of
fangs and a wide gape. Its venom its range it hibernates
causes internal bleeding that can during winter. This non-
quickly lead to death. Females lay venomous snake is harmless to
clutches of up to 14 eggs in tree humans and its docile nature
hollows and dead vegetation. makes it a popular pet.

430 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Golden flying snake Milksnake smooth scales Common kingsnake

Chrysopelea ornata Lampropeltis triangulum Lampropeltis getula

3—4 ft (1—1.2 m) 1—7 ft (0.3—2.1 m) 3—7 ft (1—2.1 m)
S. and SE. Asia North America, Central America, W. and S. US, N. Mexico
Not known N. South America Common
Not known
Superbly adapted for climbing, Closely allied to milksnakes,
this mildly venomous snake uses One of the this nonvenomous snake is
its underside scales to grip bark most widely harmless to humans—but is
and branches—and is capable distributed a formidable predator of small
of scaling near-vertical surfaces. terrestrial animals. It hunts warm-blooded
Once it reaches a high perch, it snakes, the mammals and birds, entering
can even launch itself into the air milksnake’s colors rodent burrows and killing the
and glide across forest clearings. mimic those of the occupants by constriction. It also
By spreading its ribs, it pulls its venomous coral snakes—a feature preys on amphibians and other
underside to form a U-shape along that probably evolved to warn reptiles—even venomous snakes.
its length so its body acts like predators to stay away. Milksnakes It is largely immune to their venom
a lengthened parachute. feed on invertebrates, amphibians, and may subdue them by biting
and small rodents. down onto their jaws.

slender body European grass snake Brown house snake
yellow collar
Natrix natrix Boaedon capensis

4—7 ft (1.2—2.1 m) 3—4 ft (1—1.2 m)
Europe to C. Asia, NW. Africa S. Africa
Common Not known

Widespread in open woodland and House snakes—so called because of
grasslands of Europe, this snake their fondness for entering buildings
neither uses venom to kill prey nor —are nonvenomous African snakes.
constricts them—it swallows them They may bite if provoked, but are
alive. The snake targets amphibians, harmless to humans. It may be tan,
such as frogs, and stays close to their brown, orange, or black with cream
wetland habitat. It can also swim stripes on the sides of its head. It
well. It rarely bites except when constricts and kills small mammals
hunting; if molested by predators, and may be significant in the
it plays dead and releases a foul- control of mice and rats in towns
smelling fluid from its anal glands. and villages.

Australian Yellow-lipped South American
copperhead sea krait coral snake

Austrelaps superbus Laticauda colubrina Micrurus lemniscatus

4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m) 3—7 ft (1—2.1 m) 24—35 in (61—89 cm)
N. and C. South America
SE. Australia, N. Tasmania S. and SE. Asia Common

Not known Common Around 80 species of American
coral snakes have their greatest
This elapid snake—a relative of Although oceangoing in habit, the diversity in the South American
cobras and mambas—thrives in yellow-lipped sea krait is less well tropics. Each has a body pattern
cool parts of eastern Australia. adapted to an aquatic life than of vibrant red, yellow, and black
It is often seen flattening its body, other sea snakes. It returns to bands—a warning that the venom
perhaps as a way of increasing shore to lay eggs, whereas most of these front-fanged snakes is
absorption of the sun’s heat— other sea snakes give birth to live very potent. The South American
but can stay active in lower young in the ocean. Its large belly coral snake is one of the most
temperatures where other snakes scales help it to grip land. This sea widespread coral snakes, but—like
are dormant. Like other elapids, it krait is common on coral reefs, others—it is a shy ground-dweller
has dangerously potent venom, but where it hunts at night using that spends part of the day in a
mainly hunts cold-blooded prey, powerful venom to kill fish— burrow and hunts other reptiles.
such as amphibians, which it particularly eels. However, it
targets in wetland habitats. is very reluctant to bite humans.

REPTILES | 431

King cobra Puff adder Gaboon viper

Ophiophagus hannah Bitis arietans Bitis gabonica

10—16 ft (3—5 m) geometric patterning
S. and SE. Asia
Vulnerable 3—6 ft (1—1.8 m) 4—7 ft (1.2—2.1 m)
Sub-Saharan Africa W. and C. Africa
The world’s longest venomous Not known Not known
snake is also a specialist hunter
of other snakes. Like other cobras, This ground-dwelling, highly A massive head and bulky body triangular
it rears up when threatened, but venomous snake, often found near make the gaboon viper the world’s head
its hood is narrower than that human habitations, is responsible heaviest venomous snake. It also
of other cobras. Females have for more fatal bites in Africa than has the biggest fangs of any snake
an especially aggressive threat any other species. It is a well- —and delivers the greatest volume
display when guarding camouflaged, thick-bodied snake of venom. Its coloration and
their nests from and, when threatened, it hisses patterning camouflage it
intruders. They and puffs before striking with perfectly against the leaf
lay their eggs in considerable force. Like most other litter of its woodland
warm mounds members of the viper family, this habitat. It strikes with
of woodland species bears live young, sometimes lightning speed and keeps a
debris and producing litters of more than 100 hold of its victim, killing prey
remain in —more than any other snake. up to the size of small antelopes.
attendance until
the eggs start Southern copperhead Sidewinder
to hatch.
Agkistrodon contortrix Crotalus cerastes
tan, olive-brown,
or black 24—51 in (61—130 cm) 18—32 in (45—80 cm)
colored body C. and SE. US SW. US, NW. Mexico
Common Locally common

This woodland snake hunts The “side-winding” form of
in the dark, targeting warm- locomotion—where the snake
blooded prey, such as rodents, moves in a diagonal direction with
using heat-seeking sensory two parts of its body touching the
“pits” on the sides of its ground at any one time—is a
head. Like other pit vipers, specialized technique used for
it waits for prey to approach moving quickly on unstable,
within striking range shifting sand. The sidewinder,
before attacking. Its a species of rattlesnake, hunts
venom, although fatal desert rodents. Like other vipers,
to small animals, is less it is an ambusher—and attacks
prey from the cover of clumps
dangerous to humans than that of shrubby vegetation.
of related species.

South American Texas thread snake Other species ● Mojave rattlesnake
bushmaster Crotalus scutulatus » p65
Rena dulcis ● Asian tiger keelback
Lachesis muta Rhabdophis tigrinus » p291 ● Mountain kingsnake
6—11 in (15—30 cm) ● Black mamba Lampropeltis zonata » p59
8—12 ft (2.4—3.7 m) S. US, NE. Mexico Dendroaspis polylepis » p207
S. Central America, N. South America Locally common ● Cape cobra ● Turtle-headed seasnake
Not known Naja nivea » p234 Emydocephalus annulatus » p347
This earthwormlike snake has ● Common adder
Widespread in forests and open smooth skin and scale-covered Vipera berus » p145 ● Woma python
country, the bushmaster is the eyes as adaptations for burrowing ● Common garter snake Aspidites ramsayi » p333
longest venomous snake in the through the soil. It is one of nearly Thamnophis sirtalis » p50
Americas. It exhibits the tail- 300 species of superficially similar ● Emerald tree boa
shaking behavior of rattlesnakes thread and blind snakes—a group Corallus caninus » p97
when threatened, but lacks their that includes the world’s smallest ● Giant parrot snake
noisy rattle. Like other pit vipers, snake. It uses its tiny mouth to hunt Leptophis ahaetulla » p105
it hunts warm-blooded animals, underground ants and termites, ● Green anaconda
but differs from most by laying and even releases a pheromone that Eunectes murinus » p105
eggs instead of giving birth to pacifies the insects so it can invade ● Indian cobra
live young. their nests unmolested. Naja naja » p264

432 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Lizards Widespread in open countryside, Asian water dragon North African
this day-active lizard has strong mastigure
Order Lacertilia limbs for climbing rocks and trees, Physignathus cocincinus
where it hunts insects. During the Uromastyx acanthinura
Rainbow lizard breeding season, and especially in 32—39 in (80—100 cm)
SE. Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, 12—16 in (30—41 cm)
Agama agama bright sunlight, males and Vietnam) N. Africa
develop their most vivid Not known Not known
12—16 in (30—40 cm) colors—an orange
W., C., and E. Africa head and a blue body This long-tailed lizard climbs trees Mastigures are mainly plant-eaters.
Not known —to attract females. in dense forests, usually in pool- This species grazes on succulent
side thickets. Its emerald green desert vegetation, supplemented
This makes them one skin camouflages it in the foliage, with occasional insects. It rarely
of the most distinctive of all but if disturbed, it jumps into the drinks, getting the water it needs
African lizards. Rival males water. Here, it swims well and can from the plants it eats. Like other
nod vigorously and sometimes remain submerged for nearly half mastigures, it lashes out with its
clash with whipping tails. an hour. Larger males develop thick, spiny tail when threatened by
head crests to impress the females. predators. It also uses its tail to block
The dragon is an opportunistic the entrance of its underground
feeder—it hunts smaller lizards burrows and may even inflate its
but also grazes on vegetation. body to wedge itself inside.

Jackson’s chameleon Smooth Green anole slender body
helmeted iguana
Trioceros jacksonii Anolis carolinensis toes have pads and
Corytophanes cristatus claws for climbing
8—12 in (20—30 cm) 5—8 in (13—20 cm)
E. Africa, introduced in Hawaii 12—16 in (30—41 cm) SE. US erected for displaying to other
Locally common S. Mexico to N. South America Locally common members of the same species.
Not known The dewlap is larger in the males
Like all chameleons, this lizard Nearly 400 species of anoles— than in the females.
has eyes on turrets that can move A group of mainly tree-climbing small and medium-sized relatives
independently of one another and lizards, largely confined to the of the iguanas—occur in tropical
an extendible, sticky-tipped tongue American tropics, iguanas have and subtropical parts of the
for catching insect prey. It is a large well-developed gripping feet, but Americas. The green anole is
tree-dwelling species—opposable their tails are not prehensile. One found further north than others
digits on its feet and a prehensile of many species with a head crest, and often frequents backyards
tail help it to grip branches. Males or casque, this iguana can change in warmer US states. Like other
develop three head horns and flush its color. It runs quickly and may anoles, it has a prominent fleshy
with bright colors when courting even scurry away on two hindlegs colored fan on its throat—
females or showing off to rivals. when fleeing from predators. called a dewlap—that can be

Green basilisk from predators by running away high crest
on its hindlegs. Its feet have flaps on back
Basiliscus plumifrons of skin, which trap bubbles of air
as it scampers across pools of orange eyes
24—30 in (61—76 cm) water—this ability to run on water
Central America has earned it the name “Jesus
Locally common Christ lizard.” Green basilisks
can live up to 10 years
A member of the so-called in captivity.
helmeted iguana family, this
rainforest lizard climbs and swims
well, hunting for insects and
other small animals near
river banks. It escapes

long hindlimbs
for running

tail raised when
running on two legs

REPTILES | 433

Desert horned lizard A thorny-skinned reptile, the Northern chuckwalla Rhinoceros iguana
desert horned lizard gets all its
Phrynosoma platyrhinos nourishment by eating ants. It Sauromalus ater Cyclura cornuta
laps up columns of these insects
3—5 in (8—13 cm) in quick succession using an 11—17 in (28—43 cm) 3—4 ft (1—1.2 m)
SW. US extendible tongue. The lizard is SW. US, N.W. Mexico Caribbean
Locally common camouflaged against the stony Locally common Vulnerable
desert ground, but if threatened,
small spikes on it inflates its body to appear bigger. A large, desert-living member of the One of the bulkiest of all iguanas,
back and tail iguana family, the chuckwalla feeds this species is confined to the dry,
Related species can even squirt mainly on vegetation—including scrubby Caribbean habitat of
blood from the corners leaves, flowers, and fruit. Males are Hispaniola. It is named for the
of their eyes as an highly territorial and defend their raised scales on the head, which
extra deterrent. areas from rivals using various resemble horns. These “horns”
threat displays, including head- are more prominent in the highly
short, blunt bobbing, push-ups, and flushing territorial males. The rhinoceros
snout with color. Like some other related iguana is a ground-living
species, the chuckwalla retreats vegetarian that is adapted to feed
horns to rocky crevices when a predator on the leaves of some plants that
on head comes too close, where it secures contain bitter alkaloids—toxic to
itself by inflating its body. many other animals.

African Common leopard gecko
fat-tailed gecko
Eublepharis macularius
Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
8—10 in (20—25 cm) geckos have the leopardlike spots; underground, surviving by
6in (15cm), max 10in (25cm) S. Asia juveniles have saddlelike blotches metabolizing the fat reserves
W. Africa Locally common instead. This gecko preys on insects built up in its tail. The common
Common and other invertebrates, hunting gecko’s tail may be discarded
This desert lizard belongs to a group mainly at dusk and dawn. Under in defense, but not as readily
Like the closely related leopard of geckos that, unlike others, have extreme temperatures, it stays as in some other lizards.
gecko, this desert lizard can store fully working eyelids. Only adult
fat reserves in its tail to help it
survive periods when food is tail contains eye protected by
scarce. Its tail is fattest when it is food reserves movable eyelid
well fed, but shrinks as the stored
nutrients are metabolized. It can
also shed its tail when danger
threatens, temporarily distracting
a predator while it escapes.

Common Tokay gecko species has a powerful bite and Northern
house gecko will attack other lizards that stray leaf-tailed gecko
Gekko gecko too close. When threatened by
Hemidactylus frenatus snakes and small, nocturnal Saltuarius cornutus
7—14 in (18—36 cm) mammals, it delivers a hard bite
5—6 in (13—15 cm) SE. Asia and, if grasped, it discards its tail. 6—9 in (15—23 cm)
Tropical regions worldwide Not known The male mates with several E. Australia
Common females. The females then attach Locally common
One of Asia’s largest geckos, this a pair of spherical, hard-shelled
This small, widespread gray or is a nocturnal lizard with a loud eggs to a vertical surface, usually Named for its flattened tail, the
brown gecko is so-called because “tokay” call. Males are among the protected inside a crevice. leaf-tailed gecko is a tree-dweller
of its habit of entering human most vocal of geckos and call to and has a body pattern that
dwellings. The undersides of its attract females—or to defend their distinctive pattern camouflages it against lichen- and
feet are covered with rows territories from other males. The of orange spots moss-covered tree bark. Its
of microscopic hairs, which flattened body reduces shadow as
allow the gecko to cling it hugs the surface of a branch or
to flat, vertical surfaces. trunk. Southern-ranging forms
It climbs walls easily and can
even cling to glass. House of leaf-tailed geckos
geckos often gather near hibernate during
electric lamps, drawn by cooler months, but
the insects that are attracted there. this species is active throughout
the year in the tropical zone.

434 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Kuhl’s flying gecko Rough-scaled Africa. This species eats leaves, fruit, Sand lizard
plated lizard and insects. Its armorlike skin
Ptychozoon kuhli protects it from predators—and Lacerta agilis
Broadleysaurus major keeps it wedged in rocky crevices
7—8 in (18—20 cm) when danger threatens. Males are 7—9 in (18—22 cm)
SE. Asia 16—19 in (40—48 cm) highly territorial and flaunt a pink Europe to C. Asia
Not known C., E., and Southern Africa throat during the breeding season. Common
Not known
Several species of so-called flying light brown to In the northern part of its range,
geckos have elaborate webbing Named for their prominent, shiny medium brown body this lizard is confined to coastal
of skin between their digits and scales, about eight species of plated sand dunes and sandy heaths, but
along their body, which serve to lizards live in dry, rocky habitats of further south it is more widespread
help these tree-dwelling lizards in open country and yards; here, it
glide from perch to perch. This long tail rectangular is called the “agile lizard.” There is
species is widespread in rainforests plates cover body considerable geographic variation
of Southeast Asia and is colored in color, but males are always more
for effective camouflage against vivid in the breeding season. The
the background of foliage and sand lizard is active by day, feeding
tree bark. It usually rests head- on small insects and spiders, and—
down on a tree trunk, in like related species—may shed its
readiness to jump. tail if attacked by predators.

Viviparous lizard African fire skink Eyed skink Blue-tongued skink

Zootoca vivipara Lepidothryis fernandi Chalcides ocellatus Tiliqua scincoides

4—5 in (10—13 cm) 9—15 in (23—38 cm) 12 in (30 cm) 18—20 in (45—50 cm)
Europe to C. and E. Asia (including W. and C. Africa S. Europe, N. and NE. Africa, W. Asia N., E., and SE. Australia
Japan) Not known Not known Not known
Common
The bright stripe of orange-red on A native of dry Mediterranean Unlike its smaller, nimble insect-
This species belongs to an Old its flank gives this African lizard scrub, this short-limbed skink is eating cousins, this heavy-bodied,
World family of fast-running, its name. It belongs to a group of one of many species called “sand- slow-moving skink mainly eats
so-called lacertid lizards. It is the skinks characterized by a similar swimming” skinks. In loose sand, flowers, fruit, and berries, but may
only member of this family to have pattern. Like most other skinks, it moves swiftly forward by supplement this diet with small
populations that give birth to live this is a slender-bodied, shiny- undulating its body, like a snake. animals. In its native land, it is
young; it ranges farther north than scaled lizard with small limbs. Above ground, it can use its feet often seen basking on roads, where
any other species of lizard—where It lives among leaf litter on the for walking, but some related a flash of its bright blue tongue may
it is too cold for eggs to develop ground and is active at twilight. sand-swimmers lack limbs help to deter predators. Like other
properly. Close to the Arctic Circle, It hunts for insect prey among tree altogether. It is named for the giant skinks of the Australasian
it survives the coldest periods in roots in woodland, but may also pattern of eyelike spots that region, it gives birth to live young
underground hibernation. venture into open grassland. occur on its body. —after a 5-month gestation period.

Emerald tree skink Australasia. Like other tree-living Slow worm Komodo dragon
lizards, its dispersal through the
Lamprolepis smaragdina region is perhaps facilitated by Anguis fragilis Varanus komodoensis
rafting over water on “islands”
7—10 in (18—25 cm) of floating vegetation. 12—20 in (30—50 cm) 7—10 ft (2—3 m)
SE. Asia, New Guinea, Pacific islands Europe to W. Asia, NW. Africa Indonesia (Komodo, Rinca, Padar,
Not known green color Not known W. Flores)
camouflages Vulnerable
This agile, tree-living skink climbs against foliage One of several legless lizards, the
well and hunts for insects, flowers, slow worm is often mistaken for The world’s largest lizard is
and fruit. The species occurs on a snake—but its eyelids serve to a powerful, clawed flesh eater,
many islands throughout distinguish it as a true lizard. Its perfectly suited as the top predator
archipelagos of scientific name, fragilis, refers to on its native island habitat—where
Southeast its habit of shedding its tail when it preys on animals as big as deer.
Asia and attacked. A new tail grows slowly, This giant monitor lizard delivers
and so many of these lizards a savage bite with sharp teeth.
have a truncated appearance. Venom in its saliva, along with
Slow worms have a long lifespan, possible bacterial infections, means
but they hibernate for nearly half that the wound festers, eventually
the year in the coldest parts of disabling the prey so the dragon
their range. can make an easier kill.

REPTILES | 435

Savanna monitor —including invertebrates and Other species ● Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko
small vertebrates. Its chief Uroplatus henkeli » p243
Varanus exanthematicus predators are martial eagles and ● Armadillo lizard
ratels, and it is sometimes eaten by Ouroborus cataphractus » p235 ● Jeweled lizard
3—5 ft (1—1.5 m) humans, despite legal protection. ● Australian water dragon Timon lepidus » p157
Sub-Saharan Africa Savanna monitors breed in the wet Intellagama lesueurii » p342
Locally common season. Females dig nests and lay ● Common flying dragon ● Marine iguana
about 20–50 eggs. Draco volans » p298 Amblyrhynchus cristatus
Monitors include some of ● Fabian’s lizard » pp128—29
the largest of lizards. They have rows of circular, Liolaemus fabiani » p113
powerful bodies and sharp claws dark-edged yellow ● Frilled lizard ● Nile monitor
—and most are opportunistic spots across back Chlamydosaurus kingii » pp324—25 Varanus niloticus » p227
in their feeding ● Gila monster
habits. This Heloderma suspectum » p64 ● Panther chameleon
species is ● Golden tegu Furcifer pardalis » p242
widespread Tupinambis teguixin » p105
across Africa in ● Przewalski’s wonder gecko
open woodland and Teratoscincus przewalskii » p283
grassland, spending most
of its time on the ground, but ● Thorny devil
occasionally climbing into low Moloch horridus » p332
trees. It also swims well and preys
on anything that it can overpower

Amphisbaenians Crocodiles and alligators

Order Amphisbaenia Order Crocodylia

Speckled worm lizard closely related to the family that Black caiman alligators—even though this
includes sand and viviparous species is one of the largest
Amphisbaena fuliginosa lizards. Like other worm lizards, Melanosuchus niger predators in wetlands of
this species has poor vision, but Amazonia, and a fully grown black
12—18 in (30—45 cm) can detect invertebrate prey 13—20 ft (4—6 m) caiman is capable of bringing
N. South America, Trinidad by vibrations. N. South America down a small deer. Its dark color
Not known Locally common provides camouflage, and a wide,
mosaiclike heavy head means it has a strong
Worm lizards are burrowing pattern Caimans are members of the bite. The female lays and guards
reptiles, with a superficial alligator family characterized by 30–65 eggs and stays with the
resemblance to earthworms or a bony ridge running from eyes to young after they hatch.
snakes—but they are most snout. Most are smaller than true

Saltwater crocodile Dwarf crocodile it hides during the day in burrows Other species
or beneath tree roots. At night, ● American alligator
Crocodylus porosus Osteolaemus tetraspis it feeds near the water’s edge. Alligator mississippiensis » p72
The dwarf crocodile hunts for fish ● Gharial
16—23 ft (5—7 m) 6ft (1.8m) during the wettest months, but Gavialis gangeticus » p265
SE. Asia to N. Australia W. and C. Africa turns to bankside crustaceans and ● Nile crocodile
Common Vulnerable amphibians during the dry season. Crocodylus niloticus » p191
● Yacare caiman
The world’s largest living reptile is This shy, nocturnal reptile is one yellowish underside Caiman yacare » pp106—07
a formidable predator, capable of of the smallest of crocodilians and with black patches
preying on large mammals. Once quickly dives under water when blunt snout
the victim is grabbed, the crocodile disturbed. It inhabits rainforest
rolls in the water to drown the prey. wetlands in tropical Africa, where
Unlike most other crocodilians, it
can swim considerable distances bony plates
out to sea. This salt tolerance cover body
means the species can disperse
between islands—
and this has helped
to make it widespread
throughout Southeast
Asia and Australasia.

436 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

AMPHIBIANS

The Age of Amphibians—when amphibian giants ruled the poison. It also makes them vulnerable to dehydration and
planet—belongs to the prehistoric past. However, amphibians prevents them from entering salty ocean waters. However, in
still include more than 7,000 species today—a thousand more moist habitats such as rainforests, amphibians have evolved
than all the known mammals. Moist, glandular skin helps many into a multitude of frogs, toads, and salamanders, which includes
amphibians to absorb oxygen and protects some with deadly some of the most exquisitely colorful species on the planet.

Anatomy △ ATTRACTING A MATE Behavior
Courtship in amphibians can be elaborate. Male
Six out of seven kinds of amphibians are frogs frogs call for attention, but the smooth newt—like The aquatic larvae of amphibians retain some
or toads, and they embody the essential aspects related species—uses color to impress a mate. of the sensory features of fish—including their
of amphibian biology: adults have lungs but can vibration-detecting lateral line system,
also breathe through their moist skin. Their soft Reproduction which senses water currents. But the sensory
eggs usually hatch into aquatic larvae. The emphasis in land-living adults is different.
frog’s build—with its long hindlegs—is adapted Amphibian eggs are coated with soft jelly that is Burrowing caecilians rely on a sense of smell
for jumping, but many species use their legs for not drought-resistant. This means that the eggs to hunt underground invertebrates or find
digging or even swimming. must be laid in water or moist places. Almost all mates—and have a tiny tentacle below each
frogs and toads—and most eye to collect this information. Frogs and toads
Other groups of living amphibians are primitive salamanders— usually have good vision and a very sharp sense
the wormlike caecilians and lizardlike newts reproduce by external fertilization: of hearing—evident from their big eyes and
and salamanders. Burrowing caecilians lack sperm and eggs are released into conspicuous eardrums. Many are highly vocal
limbs, and their tiny eyes are sometimes hidden water. Males of more advanced and amplify their calls with bulbous, air-filled
by a heavily roofed skull, which is used for salamanders and newts deposit vocal sacs. Calls—ranging from insectlike
bulldozing through soil. Salamanders—and a packet of sperm, which the chirps to barks and metallic peals—are
their more aquatic relatives, the newts—are female manipulates into her species specific and the principal means
generally crawling amphibians with long tails. genital opening. Caecilians, of communication between individuals,
A few lack hindlegs and are eel-like swimmers. by contrast, are some of the especially when breeding.
only amphibians that practice
As amphibians lack the sharp teeth and Salamanders and newts rely more on
claws of reptiles, many rely on chemical defense internal fertilization by underwater pheromones or sometimes
to deter predators. Their skin is peppered with direct copulation. visual cues. Their elaborate
numerous glands, many of which secrete slime, Many rainforest frogs breed courtship rituals often involve
but others produce toxins. The so-called in puddles or pools that collect flaunting bright, dramatic colors.
“poison frogs” are notorious for their deadly in leaves. Others lay eggs on
toxicity—and advertise the fact by flashing moist ground—or in elaborate ◁ FIRE BELLY
bright warning colors. bubble nests made in vegetation, Some amphibians use shock tactics
when under threat. The fire-bellied
▽ COLORFUL WARNING large, black relying on their tadpoles being able toad flashes its orange underside
Otherwise largely defenseless, amphibians eyes to drop into a pool of water underneath. Some using various gymnastics—including
rely on poisonous skin to deter predators. kinds hatch into tiny froglets instead of tadpoles flipping onto its back.
Brightly colored poison frogs accumulate and a few parents even carry their eggs or
their potent toxins from the invertebrates offspring around with them, piggyback fashion. ▷ SPAWNING SITE
they eat. A range of developmental changes occurs in Many amphibians release sperm and eggs in open
salamanders: the eggs directly hatch into water. Communally breeding frogs spawn in thick
masses, warming the eggs to speed up hatching.
miniature versions of the parents, while
a few give birth to live young. AMPHIBIAN CLASSIFICATION

There are three orders of amphibians: frogs and
toads, the largest group; the lizardlike newts and
salamanders; and the wormlike caecilians.

Newts and salamanders » p438
Order Caudata Species 691

Caecilians » p439
Order Gymnophiona Species c.203

Frogs and toads » pp439—41
Order Anura Species 6,481



438 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Newts and salamanders Hellbender Mudpuppy

Order Caudata Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Necturus maculosus

Greater siren 12—29 in (30—74 cm) 12—19 in (30—48 cm)
E. US S. Canada, C. and E. US
Siren lacertina Near threatened Common

20—35 in (50—90 cm) feathery, America’s largest salamander is a The mudpuppy is a water-breathing
E. and SE. US external member of the same family as the salamander—its feathery gills
Locally common gills Oriental giant salamanders, the become bigger in stagnant habitats
biggest in the world. It rarely leaves with lower oxygen concentration.
This large salamander of the lower leaves the water, except during the water. Adults have lungs, but An aggressive, nocturnal predator of
Mississippi valley lacks hindlimbs heavy rains—but can survive in their oxygen-rich, fast-flowing small animals, it may become active
and the entire pelvic girdle. It drought by cocooning in mud. river habitat, gaseous exchange is by day when the water is muddy.
has tiny front feet and can move supplemented by absorption of Unlike many other exclusively
through the water with eel-like oxygen across the flabby skin. aquatic salamanders, which disperse
undulations of the body. Larval The male uses his flat head to sperm into the water, the mudpuppy
gills are retained into adulthood, excavate a protective cavern reproduces like newts—males
growing large and feathery as the beneath rocks, in which he produce a spermatophore (sperm
animal matures. The siren rarely fertilizes the female’s eggs and package) for transferring sperm
guards them until they hatch. to the female’s body.

short, stout yellow markings Fire salamander Alpine newt
limbs may consist of
stripes, spots, Salamandra salamandra Ichthyosaura alpestris
or blotches
7—11 in (18—28 cm) 2—5 in (5—12.7 cm)
Europe Europe
Common Not known

The bright warning spots of this A typical newt, this amphibian
woodland salamander mark the leads a dual aquatic–terrestrial life.
locations of glandular patches of Outside the breeding season, the
skin that secrete toxic secretions, adults live on land, moving into
which are used in defense against ponds to breed. Here, the males
predators. Fire salamanders grow a dorsal crest and develop
typically develop from aquatic brighter colors to court females.
larvae. Adults are almost entirely Eggs hatch into larvae, which
terrestrial, except when breeding; metamorphose into terrestrial
however, some populations give adult forms called efts. Only
birth to live young on land that southern populations are truly
are miniature versions of adults. alpine in habitat.

Eastern newt Mexican axolotl Eastern tiger short, powerful
salamander limbs used for
Notophthalmus viridescens Ambystoma mexicanum burrowing
Ambystoma tigrinum
3—5 in (7.6—12.7 cm) 4—8 in (10—20 cm) Other species
E. Canada, E. US Mexico (Lake Xochimilco) 7—14 in (18—35 cm) ● Ensatina
Common Critically endangered North America Ensatina eschscholtzii » p59
Common ● Great crested newt
After metamorphosing from the Although the Mexican axolotl Triturus cristatus » p170
aquatic larval stage, this newt belongs to a family of mole Named for its vivid skin pattern, this ● Japanese giant salamander
develops into a tiny, terrestrial, salamanders that are typically typical burrowing mole salamander Andrias japonicus » p291
lizardlike eft with red spots. The terrestrial as adults, it remains usually spends its adult life on
pattern may act as a warning to aquatic and retains some larval land. Adults breed in ponds—often
predators that the skin of this characteristics into adulthood, returning to their place of birth to
amphibian is extremely toxic. including feathery gills and a do so. Most larvae metamorphose
The efts spend up to four years of finlike tail. Axolotls are popular into terrestrial adults, but under
their life on land in woodland, but pets, but the wild population— some conditions—such as in the
return to pools to grow into larger almost entirely confined to cool Rocky Mountains—they may
breeding adults; they retain the a lake near Mexico City— stay aquatic and retain gills right
red-spotted colors. is critically endangered. into sexual maturity.

AMPHIBIANS | 439

Caecilians Frogs and toads

Order Gymnophiona Order Anura

Ringed caecilian Oriental lifting its legs, and sometimes even rounded warts
fire-bellied toad rolling onto its back. The male calls on back
Siphonops annulatus to attract a mate. The female lays
Bombina orientalis eggs under rocks in streams.
8—16 in (20—40 cm)
N. South America 1—2 in (2.5—5 cm)
Common E and SE. Asia
Locally common
Like all caecilians, this legless,
burrowing amphibian preys on This small, vivid green toad of
small invertebrates. Unusually for wet Asian forests uses color
amphibians, caecilians reproduce to startle predators and
by internal fertilization, with the warn them of its skin’s
male and female physically toxicity—just like several
mating together. The female lays other species of fire-bellied
her eggs in the soil. The newly toads. Its belly is bright red
hatched infants are nourished by with black spots. When
grazing on the outer layers of the attacked, the toad flashes the
mother’s skin. pattern by flattening its body,

Surinam toad Mexican of its mouth—more like an
burrowing toad anteater than a toad. In the rainy
Pipa pipa season, it emerges to breed in
Rhinophrynus dorsalis temporary pools. The eggs float
2—8 in (5—20 cm) singly on the surface and quickly
N. South America 2—3 in (5—7.6 cm) hatch into filter-feeding tadpoles.
Common S. US to Central America
Common
This entirely aquatic toad has
remarkable breeding habits. This small-headed toad—
A mating pair does somersaults the sole species in its
in the water, and fertilized eggs family—has large feet for
attach to the back of the female— digging burrows. It feeds
where they develop in honeycomb- on underground insects,
like pockets. The eggs hatch into uniquely catching them
miniature toads; in related species, by projecting its tongue
they release filter-feeding tadpoles. through a gap at the front

Common Parsley frog in ponds. The tadpoles grow Holy cross frog
spadefoot toad for several months, often attaining
Pelodytes punctatus lengths considerably bigger than Notaden bennettii
Pelobates fuscus those of metamorphosed adults.
1—2 in (2.5—5 cm) Like most frogs, this species is 2—3 in (5—7.6 cm)
2—3 in (5—7.6 cm) W. and SW. Europe active at night, spends winter E. Australia
C. and E. Europe, W. Asia Common and dry spells hibernating Locally common
Common underground, and feeds on
Named for the parsleylike green insects and other invertebrates. This small, round-bodied native
Spadefoot toads are so-called flecks on its skin, this is a primitive of Australia has been named
because their feet have a horny burrowing frog—although it lacks after the distinct, crosslike
lump for pushing soil as they the hardened feet of the related pattern of warts on its back.
burrow backward into the ground. spadefoot toads. It also climbs well, Like many of its relatives, this
This common European species is its perching ability assisted by a ground-dwelling species spends
also known as the “garlic toad” suckerlike underside. During the dry periods underground and
because of its distinctive odorous breeding season, males call out emerges during very heavy rains
secretion, which may serve to repel from underwater to attract females, to breed in temporary ponds.
predators. Like other spadefoot who answer back. Spawning is The holy cross frog feeds on
toads, this amphibian is most triggered by rainfall, when each ants and termites and produces
active above ground during rains, female can produce over 1,000 a sticky, defensive secretion
when it lays its eggs in ponds. eggs. These are laid in broad strips when handled.

440 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

South American dry, warty skin large parotid gland European
bullfrog toes not webbed common toad

Leptodactylus pentadactylus Bufo bufo

3—9 in (8—23 cm) 3—8 in (8—20 cm)
N. South America NW. Africa, Europe to C. Asia
Common Common

Males of this large rainforest frog This species belongs to a family of
have spines on their chest and true toads, characterised by warty
thumbs for fighting rivals. In skin and two large glands behind
its humid habitat, the species is the eyes; these release a toxic
adapted for laying eggs on land. secretion that deters predators.
While mating, a male and female Southern populations—regarded
whip watery mucus into a froth by some scientists as a separate
using their hindlegs. Fertilized species—have spiny warts for extra
eggs are deposited in this “bubble- protection. This toad breeds in
nest.” Eggs hatch during rainfall, ponds, laying its eggs in “strings”
and larvae get washed into pools of jelly that become entwined
to complete their development. around water weeds.

Cane toad Darwin’s frog Paradoxical frog Spring peeper

Rhinella marina Rhinoderma darwinii Pseudis paradoxa Pseudacris crucifer

2—9 in (5—23 cm) 1 in (2.5 cm) 2—3 in (5—8 cm) 3/4—2 in (2—5 cm)
Central America, South America; S. South America N. and C. South America SE. Canada, E. US
introduced to Australia and elsewhere Vulnerable Common Common
Common
Restricted to the cool, wet This highly aquatic frog spawns in The scientific name “crucifer” refers
Originally from South America rainforests of southern Chile and floating foam nests. The eggs have to the crosslike pattern on the back
(where it is known as the marine Argentina, this pointed-nose frog abundant yolk, which can sustain of the peeper. It belongs to a group
toad), one of the world’s biggest resembles a dead leaf, which the tadpoles for weeks. If other of highly vocal frogs called “chorus
toads has spread far and wide. It camouflages it against forest leaf food is available, they grow more frogs.” The peeper retires under
was introduced to control insect litter. The female lays eggs on the quickly, reaching up to 10 in (25 cm) logs to hibernate during winter,
pests of sugarcane, but its voracious moist forest floor. The attending in length—the largest of any frog. even tolerating partial freezing in
predatory habits and toxic skin father takes them into his vocal During metamorphosis, their long the northernmost reach of its range.
have proved harmful to vulnerable pouch—where they continue their tail is reabsorbed, so the fully When it stirs from dormancy,
wildlife. It lays clutches of up to development. Hatching froglets developed frog is just a quarter its high-pitched “peeping” call
20,000 eggs in ponds. jump out of their father’s mouth. of the tadpole’s maximum length. is a sign that spring has arrived.

plain green back Common tree frog European
and limbs can common frog
change to brown Hyla arborea
Rana temporaria
1—2 in (2.5—5 cm)
W. Europe, Asia 2—4 in (5—10 cm)
Common Europe, NW. Asia
Common
True tree frogs make up a large
family that have their greatest Familiar in northern Europe as the
diversity in the tropical Americas archetypal frog, the distribution of
—but this is a member of a small this species reaches inside the
species group from Eurasia. Like Arctic Circle. The European
its cousins, its eyes have horizontal common frog is common in
pupils and its toes are tipped with wetlands and backyards across
small disks to help with climbing its range—and sometimes
trees. The skin color varies from overwinters by hibernating in mud
green to yellow or brown over its under water. Arctic frogs survive
wide geographic range. During the the bitter winter by staying inactive
breeding season, males make loud under the cover of tundra ice. In
quacking sounds building up into springtime, large numbers of this
a noisy chorus. species gather in ponds to breed.

AMPHIBIANS | 441

American bullfrog Males of North America’s biggest Wood frog Marsh frog
species of frog are so vocal in
Rana catesbeiana defending their territories that Lithobates sylvatica Pelophylax ridibundus
their call has been likened to
4—8 in (10—20 cm) a roaring bull, inspiring the 2—3 in (5—8 cm) 4—6 in (10—15.2 cm)
SE. Canada, W., C., and E. US; Canada, E. US Europe, W. and SW. Asia
introduced to Europe, South America, common name. Groups Common Common
and E. Asia of males even
Common call together This frog’s blood contains anti- This frog is the largest in Europe
in chorus. The freeze chemicals, enabling it to —and big enough to take prey up
American bullfrog reach further north into the Arctic to the size of mice, lizards, and
is native to the than any other American frog. It snakes. It is related to the European
is one of the first frogs to emerge common frog, but the marsh frog is
eastern US, but has from hibernation in spring, when larger and spends more time in
spread to other parts of it favors temporary seasonal rain water. It thrives in many aquatic
pools for breeding. These have the habitats—including lakes, ditches,
the world—including benefit of lacking predatory fish— and streams—and can even
Europe—where but the strategy carries the risk tolerate the salty water around the
its predatory of entire broods being lost if pools shores of the Caspian Sea. Females
habits make it dry up too soon. lay up to 12,000 eggs in the water.
a destructive
invasive species.

Goliath frog Green mantella robust body

Conraua goliath Mantella viridis

4—16 in (10—40 cm) 1 in (2.5 cm)
Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea N. and E. Madagascar
Endangered Endangered

This rainforest amphibian grows Mantellas are small, strikingly
bigger than any other species of colored frogs that are confined to
frog or toad. In its native Cameroon, the island of Madagascar. Like the
it inhabits clean, well-oxygenated, poison frogs of South America,
fast-flowing streams. Unusually for their bodies harness toxins from
frogs, the goliath frog lacks a vocal the tiny invertebrates they eat—
sac—adults are silent, even when then store them in their skin. The
breeding. Males are larger than colors warn of toxicity. This green
females and assemble stony nests or yellow species has a prominent
to accommodate the female’s eggs black face mask and—like others
—perhaps as a way of stopping —is endangered by habitat loss
them from being washed downriver. and the exotic animal trade.

Gray foam-nest frog More than 10 males may gather Tailed frog Other species
in a mating frenzy to fertilize the
Chiromantis xerampelina eggs. Hatched tadpoles drop into a Ascaphus truei ● Argentine horned frog
pool beneath the nest. Usually gray Ceratophrys ornata » p121
2—4 in (5—10 cm) or pale brown, this frog can change 1—2 in (2.5—5 cm) ● Couch’s spadefoot
S. Africa color for camouflage. SW. Canada, NW. US Scaphiopus couchii » p64
Common Locally common ● Dyeing poison frog
prominent eyes Dendrobates tinctorius » p98
By laying eggs in a “foam nest” This green, brown, gray, or reddish ● Green tree frog
attached to a tree branch, this long, slender amphibian is the only aquatic frog Litoria caerulea» p326
frog avoids losing its vulnerable limbs that breeds by internal fertilization. ● Midwife toad
clutch to aquatic predators, During mating, the male uses his Alytes obstetricans » p162
such as fish. The nest unique “tail”—an extension of his ● Red-eyed tree frog
is built by the cloaca—to deposit sperm inside Agalychnis callidryas » pp82—83
male as he mates the female’s cloaca. Eggs are laid ● Tomato frog
with a female in cold mountain streams, and the Dyscophus antongilii » p243
on her perch. hatching tadpoles take two years ● Trueb’s cochran frog
to mature. The tadpoles have large, Nymphargus truebae » p89
suckerlike mouths so they can ● Wallace’s flying frog
attach themselves to the underside Rhacophorus nigropalmatus » p300
of rocks and avoid being swept ● Yellow-legged frog
away by fast-flowing currents. Rana sierrae » p59

442 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

FISH

Fish are the vertebrates most perfectly adapted to living in water. genetic stock from which all other land-living vertebrates
They are also among the most advanced of all aquatic animals. emerged. Some deep-sea fish plumb depths traversed by no
Typically, they have a streamlined, muscular body for swimming other vertebrate, and in some places, such as coral reefs and
and a set of fins to help control their movement in water. Fish tropical rivers and lakes, they have evolved into an astonishing
were the first of the world’s vertebrates to evolve and include the —sometimes richly colorful—variety.

Anatomy and their blood-rich, feathery gills extract it from ◁ LIFE ON LAND
water. A few fish can even supplement this by Fish have gills for
A small minority of fish lacks jaws, but all others breathing air with lunglike structures. breathing in water,
are jawed, making many formidable predators. but some can
Along with rays, sharks have a skeleton made Reproduction survive for short
largely from mineralized cartilage, while their periods on land.
Most fish release eggs and sperm into the The mudskipper
dorsal fin vertebral column water, often in copious quantities to optimize breathes the air
supports ribs and spine fertilization. Ocean sunfish produce hundreds trapped in its
of millions of eggs per spawn—more than any modified throat.
tail fin operculum
other vertebrate. Other fish take better care down both sides of a fish’s body. It contains
rear anal fin of their brood and deposit their eggs in microscopic “hair cells” that detect movement
discrete clusters. Eggs, and sometimes in the water. This helps fish to respond to water
front anal fin fry, may be fiercely guarded. Some fish currents, as well as detect predators and prey.
even make nests.
△ BONY SKELETON All sharks and rays reproduce through Many fish are sensitive to chemical cues as
well: sharks are drawn to blood in the water.
Most fish have a bony skeleton. The rest, including internal fertilization: the male grasps his mate Cartilaginous fish even have sensory pores for
and transfers sperm with the help of modified picking up the electrical activity of prey. Several
sharks and rays, are cartilaginous. In all fish, fins called claspers. Most sharks give birth to fish species routinely use their underwater senses
live young, but others produce egg capsules. to gather and swim in coordinated schools,
skeletal rods, or spines, help support the fins. Bony fish are mostly egg-layers with external making it harder for predators to single out
fertilization, but there are exceptions. Males of a target. The biggest schools of herrings and
skin is covered in hard, pricklelike scales a group of freshwater live-bearers, including the sardines may number hundreds of millions of
that give it the texture of sandpaper. Bony guppy, have a tubelike anal fin for channeling individuals and stretch across miles of ocean.
fish—comprising 95 percent of living fish sperm into the female.
species—differ from cartilaginous fish in ▷ TROPICAL DIVERSITY
having a skeleton made of bone as well as a Behavior Warm, sunlit waters of tropical reefs host the planet’s
swim bladder, which is usually filled with gas, biggest diversity of marine fish, where many—such
for controlling buoyancy. Their gills are Water transmits sound and vibrations, so fish as blue-striped snappers—gather in large schools.
covered by a shieldlike flap called the sense underwater disturbances. A system of tiny,
operculum. Their scales can be thick like jelly-filled channels, called the lateral line, runs FISH CLASSIFICATION
armor or thin and flexible.
Unlike other vertebrates, fish are not a formally
A few primitive fish rely on the support recognized group. Instead, they are a collection
of a rubbery rod, called the notochord, of three distinct classes that evolved separately.
instead of a spine. In all other vertebrates,
the notochord is replaced by the spine Jawless fish » p444
during development. When muscles Class Cyclostomata Species 123
contract, the spine bends sideways,
helping the body flex for swimming. Cartilaginous fish » pp444—45
Fish need plenty of oxygen to do this, Class Chondrichthyes Species c.1,235

▷ MOUTHFUL OF EGGS Sharks and rays
Fish from many different groups have Subclass Elasmobranchii Species c.1,182
independently evolved strategies to care for Chimaeras
their young. The male jawfish is a mouthbrooder, Subclass Holocephali Species 53
tending eggs in his cavernous mouth.
Bony fish » pp445—47
Class Osteichthyes Species c.32,075

Fleshy-finned fish
Subclass Sarcopterygii Species 8
Ray-finned fish
Subclass Actinopterygii Species c.32,067

FISH | 443

444 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Jawless fish Cartilaginous fish

Class Cyclostomata Class Chondrichthyes

Sea lamprey Spotted wobbegong Zebra shark predators away by mimicking
the highly venomous banded sea
Petromyzon marinus Orectolobus maculatus Stegostoma fasciatum snake. In adults, the stripes are
replaced by leopardlike spots.
Up to 4 ft (1.2 m) 4—6 ft (1.2 —1.7 m) 5—8 ft (1.5 —2.4 m) A suction feeder, the shark draws
North Atlantic, Mediterranean S. Australia Indo-Pacific bottom-living fish and invertebrate
Locally common Near threatened Vulnerable prey into its mouth cavity—located
just behind the
This is the largest species of Flattened like a ray, wobbegongs— Only juvenile zebra sharks have snout—with the help
lamprey. An adult sea lamprey uses sluggish inhabitants of tropical a black-and-white striped body of powerful muscles.
its suckerlike mouth—armed with inshore waters of the Indo-Pacific— pattern—possibly to help keep
horny teeth—to clamp onto the are among the most distinctive of
sides of another fish, scrape a hole sharks. This species’ mottled skin
in the host’s skin, and suck out pattern and tasseled body help it to
flesh and fluids. Sexually mature blend in with seaweed and coral—
individuals migrate upriver to ideally suited for ambushing smaller
spawn in fresh water. Here, larvae fish. It hunts on the bottom,
may live for more than five years sometimes using its paired
before maturing into adults and pectoral fins to climb between
moving out to sea. Lampreys breed rock pools, with parts of its body
only once and die after spawning. showing above the water.

Blacktip reef shark Great white shark A formidable hunter, the great Leopard shark
white shark has one of the most
Carcharhinus melanopterus Carcharodon carcharias powerful bites of any living Triakis semifasciata
animal. It is a particularly efficient
Up to 3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m) 12—17 ft (3.7—5.2 m) predator of marine mammals, such Up to 7 ft (2.1 m)
Tropical Indo-Pacific, E. Mediterranean Temperate and tropical waters as seals, sea lions, and dolphins, E. North Pacific
Near threatened worldwide; at times in cold waters although it will feed on any large Locally common
Vulnerable creature that it can catch. A core
Named for its black-tipped fins—its of heat-generating body muscles The spots on the leopard shark’s
dorsal fin is often seen projecting keep it alert and active even in body may help camouflage it among
above the surface—this is one of the cold waters, while circulatory the weeds and corals of coastal
most common predatory sharks of modifications help retain the waters. It hunts in schools for small
tropical Asian and Australasian heat. Although usually solitary, fish and invertebrates, sometimes
waters. Individuals spend much of it may sometimes be seen in pairs venturing into estuaries and bays as
their time in a territorial patch of or small groups feeding at a well. The shark shuns colder waters,
reef. Pregnant females move into carcass, with larger individuals and northern populations migrate
shallow, sand-bottomed lagoons eating first. to greater depths in winter, where
to give birth. temperatures are less extreme.

Smooth hammerhead Giant manta ray

Sphyrna zygaena Manta birostris

7—8 ft (2.1—2.4 m) 13—23 ft (4—7 m)
Tropical, subtropical, and temperate Tropical and sometimes warm
waters worldwide temperate waters worldwide
Vulnerable Vulnerable

The anatomy of a large The world’s biggest ray virtually
hammerhead shark’s skull is likely “flies” underwater by flapping its
to provide extra lift as the shark giant pectoral fins. The manta has
swims. The “blade” of the head vestigial teeth that are useless for
helps with maneuverability, while processing food. Instead, it is a filter
a battery of chemical and electrical feeder—with the help of two lobe-
receptors along its front edge like horns, small planktonic animals
detects prey, especially bottom- are channeled into the mouth and
living stingrays. then trapped by the gill rakers.

FISH | 445

Common eagle ray Smalltooth sawfish Spotted ratfish

Myliobatis aquila Pristis pectinata Hydrolagus colliei

2—6 ft (0.6—1.8 m) 18—25 ft (5.5—7.6 m) 7—24 in (18—61 cm)
E. Atlantic, Mediterranean, W. Atlantic, Indo-Pacific E. North Pacific
SW. Indian Ocean Critically endangered Locally common
Not known
Sawfishes have a sharklike body, Ratfishes—also called chimaeras— Other species
Eagle rays have massively but are more closely related to rays. are big-headed cousins of sharks.
expanded triangular pectoral fins Like its relatives, the smalltooth They share their cartilaginous ● Ribbontail stingray
for swimming through open sawfish—also called the wide skeleton, but differ from sharks in Taeniura lymma » p304
waters—most species of rays, in sawfish—has an elongated snout having their gill slits covered by a ● Scalloped hammerhead shark
comparison, are bottom-dwellers. that is about one-quarter of its flap of skin and in having rubbery, Sphyrna lewini » pp348—49
Eagle rays’ jaws are armed with body length. The snout is edged instead of sandpaperlike, skin. Like ● Whale shark
teeth that form plates for crushing with 23–32 pairs of teethlike other ratfish species, the spotted Rhincodon typus » pp306—07
the shells of mollusks and projections as well as sensory ratfish has a ratlike tail, wingslike
crustaceans. This species, like receptors for detecting prey. The pectoral fins, a dorsal fin spine, a
others, occasionally performs smalltooth sawfish swims close downward-facing mouth equipped
spectacular leaps from the water— to the bottom of inshore waters, with platelike teeth for crushing
perhaps as a way of escaping where the “saw” is swept from side hard-shelled invertebrates, and
predators or clearing parasites to side to disturb and immobilize a sensory snout for detecting prey
from the surface of its body. prey living in the sediment. buried in sediment.

Bony fish European sturgeon

Class Osteichthyes Acipenser sturio

Coelacanth Up to 11 ft (3.5 m)
North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Europe
Latimeria chalumnae Critically endangered

Up to 6 ft (2 m) steel-blue iridescent Sturgeons make up a family
W. Indian Ocean body white flecks of northern circumpolar
Critically endangered fish. Although classified with
currents. It has fleshy fins and is vertebrates is not completely bony fishes, its skeleton
This “living fossil” belongs to a closely related to lungfish, but the understood. Today, it uses its fins is composed of both bone and
lineage of fish once thought to have way it evolved in relation to other as stabilizers in deep waters. cartilage. The skin lacks scales,
died out 400 million years ago— but is covered with an armor of
until a living specimen was caught bony plates instead. The European
in 1938. The coelacanth is found at sturgeon breeds in cold, gravel-
depths of 500–2,300 ft (150–700 m) bottomed river waters, where it
along rocky slopes with submarine produces an astonishing output
caverns swept by strong oceanic of up to 6 million eggs at a
single spawning.

Arapaima European eel waters, but the European eel continuous
spends its adult life in freshwater dorsal, anal,
Arapaima gigas Anguilla anguilla rivers. It migrates to saltwaters
to breed, spawning in the North and tailfin
Atlantic’s Sargasso Sea. Typical
Up to 10 ft (3 m) Up to 3 ft (1 m) of eels, the eggs hatch into
N. South America E. North Atlantic, Mediterranean, transparent larvae. These migrate
Not known Europe back to European rivers, developing
Critically endangered first into silvery, pigmented
One of the biggest freshwater fish, juveniles called elvers before
the arapaima is a long-bodied Eels are snakelike fish that maturing into adults.
predator of Amazon swamplands lack pelvic fins and girdles. Most
with particularly hard scales. species live permanently in ocean
A lunglike swim bladder and a
specialized organ located above the narrow, pointed
gills that lets it take in air from the snout of adults
water surface help the arapaima to
survive in warm, stagnant pools
with little oxygen.

446 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Atlantic herring confuse predators also makes it an Common carp Northern pike
important species in commercial
Clupea harengus fisheries. Other schooling Cyprinus carpio Esox lucius
members of the herring family,
Up to 18 in (46 cm) such as sardines, form some of Up to 4 ft (1.2 m) Up to 4 ft (1.2 m)
North Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic Sea the biggest aggregations of fish W. Europe to SE. Asia North America, Europe, Asia
Locally common on the planet. Herrings spawn Vulnerable Common
in schools too, laying adhesive
A typical open-ocean schooling eggs that form a thick mat on The deep-bodied common carp No more than half a dozen species
fish, the Atlantic herring’s behavior the seabed. belongs to the cyprinid family— of pike live in cool weed-choked
of gathering into large groups to the largest family of freshwater fresh waters around the northern
fish, with over 2,000 species found hemisphere. All are elongated,
in temperate America and across big-mouthed predators of other
the Old World. This fish feeds on fish that rely on ambushing prey
a wide range of invertebrates and from the cover of water plants.
pond plants using its protrusible They have a distinct shovel-like
mouth. The common carp has snout and sharp teeth. The
been introduced to many parts northern pike is the most
of the world as a source of food— widespread species—and the
in places, it has become only one found in both North
destructively invasive. America and Eurasia.

Sockeye salmon Prickly lanternfish Atlantic cod They spawn in schools in
established breeding grounds, with
Oncorhynchus nerka Myctophum asperum Gadus morhua each female releasing millions of
eggs. The larvae spend time in the
Up to 33 in (84 cm) Up to 4 in (10 cm) Up to 5 ft (1.5 m) ocean’s plankton, taking up to seven
NE. Asia, North Pacific, NW. and North and South Pacific, W. and E. North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean years to reach their adult forms.
W. North America Atlantic, Indian Ocean Vulnerable
Common Not known
This large, schooling,
Salmonids, including salmon, trout, The skin of lanternfish carries predatory fish with
and chars, are cold-water fish of the light-producing organs, called a huge head and
northern hemisphere. Many live in photophores, which help them overhanging upper jaw
fresh waters, while others spend to communicate in the dark can live for more than 60
their adult lives at sea, but return deep-water environment. This years. However, overfishing has
upriver to breed at sites where they species migrates closer to the reduced the average age and size of
hatched. Sockeye salmon migrate surface at night to feed on tiny populations. Atlantic cod live in the
from the Pacific Ocean into North planktonic crustaceans. During the water over the continental shelf and
American rivers and lakes, flushing day, they descend to depths of more usually feed at 100–250 ft (30–80 m)
red when breeding. than 2,450 ft (750 m). above areas of flat mud or sand.

Angler Tropical two-wing
flying fish
Lophius piscatorius
Exocoetus volitans
Up to 7 ft (2 m)
E. North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Up to 12 in (30 cm)
Black Sea Tropical and subtropical
Not known waters worldwide
Not known
Anglerfish are so-called because
their first dorsal fin spine is Despite its name, this species
modified to form a line-and-bait does not actually fly; instead,
structure for attracting prey. Many this open-ocean fish uses its
are found in deep water, but winglike pectoral fins to glide
members of the monkfish family— short distances across the water’s
including this European species— surface—at full speed, it can glide
occupy the continental slope. They for up to 12 seconds. This is used
hunt on the seabed, using massive as an escape mechanism—the fish
jaws equipped with hard backward- darts to the surface, where aerial
pointing teeth for grabbing large launching is helped by a quivering
prey. They have even been known tail that beats more than 50 times
to lunge at diving birds. per second.

FISHES | 447

Stonefish waiting to ambush passing prey, Giant grouper Emperor angelfish
sometimes half burying itself in
Synanceia verrucosa the seabed. Epinephelus lanceolatus Pomacanthus imperator

Up to 16 in (40 cm) dorsal spines Up to 9 ft (2.7 m) Up to 16 in (40 cm)
Indo-Pacific, E. Africa have sharp tip Indian Ocean, W. and C. Pacific Indian Ocean, Pacific
Not known Vulnerable Common

A stout, slow-moving predator, One of the largest bony fish on Large members of the butterflyfish
this species is among the most coral reefs, the giant grouper is family, marine angelfish are
dangerously venomous of fish. a widespread predator, ranging characterized by a side-flattened
The aptly named fish lacks throughout the warm coastal body, bright colors, small mouth,
scales—instead, its body is waters of the Indo-Pacific region. and comblike teeth. Juveniles have
covered in glandular Young fish have a black, white, and striking blue-and-white ringlike
warts, which afford yellow beelike pattern, but adults markings. However, after two years,
perfect camouflage are uniformly gray with some they change to their adult form,
against the rocky mottling. Like most other grouper with a yellow tail, longitudinal blue
background of its species, this fish may be and yellow stripes, and a black face
coral reef habitat. It a sequential hermaphrodite, in mask. Emperor angelfish graze on
usually stays which the gonads can change to sponges and algae in their coral-
motionless at the bottom, produce either eggs or sperm. reef habitat.

Atlantic bluefin tuna Atlantic mudskipper

Thunnus thynnus Periophthalmus barbarus

Up to 15 ft (4.6 m) Up to 10 in (25 cm)
Atlantic E. Atlantic
Endangered Locally common

The torpedo-shaped Atlantic bluefin Mudskippers are amphibious
tuna is one of the fastest fish, members of the goby family.
reaching speeds of at least 40 mph They can use their pectoral fins
(70 km/h) in pursuit of mackerel to “walk” out of water and can
and squid. Its tail helps propulsion, extract oxygen from air through
while its circulatory system helps their throat lining and skin. An
it to retain body heat. Oxygen is enlarged gill cavity also works
extracted from water across thin- much like a lung. Like other
walled blood vessels, and high mudskipper species, the Atlantic
hemoglobin levels allow it to mudskipper uses these adaptations
deliver oxygen to its muscles to stay active and to feed on
highly effectively. mudflats at low tide.

Clown triggerfish hard-shelled invertebrate prey, Atlantic halibut Other species
including crustaceans, mollusks,
Balistoides conspicillum and echinoderms. Like other Hippoglossus hippoglossus ● Arctic char
triggerfish, this species can be Salvelinus alpinus » p33
Up to 20 in (50 cm) very territorial, especially during Up to 8 ft (2.4 m) ● Atlantic salmon
Pacific, Indian Ocean the mating season. North Atlantic, Arctic Salmo salar » p137
Not known Endangered ● Barrier Reef anemonefish
Amphiprion akindynos » p351
This coral-reef fish gets its name This commercially valuable—but ● Electric eel
from its colorful body, with overfished—species is one of the Electrophorus electricus » p98
yellow lips, and the triggerlike largest of the flatfish. Juvenile ● Great barracuda
mechanism of its dorsal fin spines, flatfish are upright-swimming Sphyraena barracuda » p308
which, when erected, can lock it and have unmodified symmetrical ● Green humphead parrotfish
into the safety of a rocky crevice anatomy. But as they develop, one Bolbometopon muricatum » p309
as protection from predators. eye migrates to the other side of ● Mandarinfish
Its large head is covered with the head. The adult fish settles Synchiropus splendidus » p305
tough, protective scales and on its “blind” side and becomes ● Ocean sunfish
measures a third of its total bottom-living. The Atlantic halibut Mola mola » p347
length. Although its mouth has both eyes on its right side— ● Zebra mbuna
is small, it has strong jaws and other flatfish species may have Maylandia zebra » p191
incisorlike teeth for crushing eyes on their left or right side.

448 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

INVERTEBRATES

Invertebrates are animals without backbones. They account for ocean’s shrimplike krill outnumber all the humans who have
97 percent of all animal species, almost covering the full range ever lived; and a single super-colony of ants can contain billions.
of animal diversity—from brainless jellyfish to flying insects. Some invertebrates even occupy habitats too hostile for other life
Beetle species alone may outnumber vertebrates ten to one. forms—including around boiling hot vents on the ocean floor or
Invertebrates dominate by individuals too: at any one time, the in lakes of hypersaline brine.

Anatomy Minute, anemonelike polyps of a coral reef ◁ GROWING UP
Larval invertebrate
Invertebrates are defined by exclusion. They eject billions of eggs and sperm at once, stages may be different
from their adult forms.
include all the species that are not classified with external fertilization happening in The mullein moth
caterpillar is a colorful
as vertebrate (back-boned) animals, thus open water. Other invertebrates transfer leaf-eater before
metamorphosing
covering more than 30 phyla. sperm directly into the female’s body. This into a drab, nectar-
drinking adult.
The lowliest of kind of internal fertilization
female miles away, while predatory mantis
invertebrates— is crucial on land but shrimps see sun-dappled coral reefs using highly
sophisticated color vision.
shapeless sponges— demands complex sexual
However, invertebrates generally have simple
lack all bodily organs. parts. Slugs, for instance, brains for habitual tasks—for example, a fairy
wasp, which is the size of a period, has a brain
The rest are muscular, jab their partners with with 10 billion times fewer neurons than that of
a human. The wasp’s behavior is genetically
animate creatures that can “love darts” to facilitate “hard-wired” and inflexible although still
complex enough to parasitize the eggs of other
swim, burrow, walk, or fly. sperm transfer. insects. Many invertebrates—such as ants,
termites, and bees and wasps—are highly social
Jellyfish and anemones have a Some invertebrates may live and exhibit a bigger behavioral repertoire by
living in complex societies with division of labor.
radial anatomy. Their tentacles only for a few hours, but some These colonies are made up of different “caste”
members devoted to foraging, defense, and
encircle a single gut opening, ocean clams survive for centuries. breeding—effectively meaning that the entire
colony works more like a super-organism with
so —anatomically—they have row of spines The life of many invertebrates a “super-brain.”

“up” and “down” but no along center is punctuated by episodes of ◁ PREDATORY ACT
“front” and “back.” Most other of arm metamorphosis too, whereby Although hard-wired,
invertebrate behavior
animals have a “head end” that △ RADIAL SYMMETRY larval forms undergo considerable is complex. A spider-
leads forward—with a brain Most invertebrates have an reshaping as they develop into hunting hawk wasp
that can coordinate the sensory elongated body, running from adults. For example, many kinds drags its victim—
information received from head to “tail.” However, some— of marine worms, snails, and paralyzed by stinging—
the surroundings. such as starfish—have a radial crustaceans start their lives as to a nest to provide
body encircling a central gut cavity. food for its larva.

The biggest range of minute planktonic larvae.

anatomical types among invertebrates occurs

in the world’s oceans, including animals that Behavior

burrow in sediments or swim in open water, but Invertebrates have varied and impressive sensory

groups from different phyla have invaded land adaptations. Male moths can sense just a few

too. On land, invertebrates need an especially molecules of sexual pheromone wafting from a

effective skeleton for support—as well as

protection from dehydration. Arthropods—

jointed-legged invertebrates, such as insects and

spiders—have their cuticle reinforced into a rigid

exoskeleton. It makes them true conquerors of

the planet—they now make up more than 80

percent of the world’s animal life, the articulated

parts of their jointed legs giving them superior

mobility in running, digging, and swimming.

Reproduction ▷ SUPERSIZED
The widest variety
Some invertebrates can reproduce without sex: of invertebrate phyla
sponges and some flatworms can fragment, is oceanic. Many are
while aphids give birth to young without being tiny, wormlike animals,
fertilized. However, sexual reproduction, where but others—such as
sperm cells fuse with eggs, is more widespread this octopus—grow
because it has the benefit of mixing up genetic large and exhibit
variety. It can be astonishingly productive. complex behavior.