WHAT IS A BIRD?
There are more than 10,000 species of birds throughout the world, from the tiny Anna’s hummingbird at 4.07 g to 4.31 g (.143 oz to .152 oz.) to the African ostrich 90 to 130 kilograms (198 to 287 pounds). Birds are endothermic or warm blooded, two-legged, egg-laying vertebrates with feathers and wings – though many species of birds are unable to fly such as emus and penguins. Some birds hatch and are covered in down and able to eat on their own, such as chickens or geese. This is called precocial. Others, such as robins, are altricial, and are hatched without down, are blind, and must be fed by one or both of the parents.
To learn more about the bird species on exhibit here at the zoo, please choose from the Animal Fact Sheets dropdown menu to the left.
BIRD SPOTLIGHT
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Humboldt Penguin
(Speniscus humboldti)
HABITAT: Rocky mainland shores, especially near cliffs, or on coastal islands off the west coast of South America.
DIET: In the wild: Fish, especially anchovies, herring and smelt.
WEIGHT: Adult weight: approx. 9 pounds (4 kg)
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