In Photos: Birds

Feathered and winged, they roam the world's skies. Some have even reverted back to land.

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Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds derive their name by the rapid flapping of their wings - up to 80 times per second! This motion allows them to hover in the air and creates a humming sound. A hummingbird is also the smallest known bird; the 5cm bee hummingbird.
Red Kite

The red kite is a bird of prey found in Europe and north-west Africa. Elegantly soaring on its 70 inch wingspan, red kites can be seen circling above carrion, while it also preys on mice, shrews, voles, rabbits and hares. Recently, it has seen a come back in the UK, having all but died out.
Birds Of Paradise

Birds of paradise are an exotic, beautifully feathered bird, found mostly in New Guinea. Their impressive plumage alongside vocalisations are used to impress potential mates. Birds of paradise can go down as having been stated as one of Sir David Attenborough's favourite animals.
Parrots

Parrots can be found all over the world. Well known for their ability to mimic human phrases and for their acute intelligence - this has ultimately led to them being kept and exploited as pets.
Peregrine Falcon

The fastest animal on the planet. Peregrine falcons can stoop at up to 389 km/h smashing into their prey.
Owls

With adapted feathers for silent flight, heads that can rotate 270 degrees, eyes that are so big they can't turn in their socket and offset ears to hear prey from many metres away, owls are some of the most incredible of birds.
Geese

Despite being fairly ubiquitous and often over-looked, geese are brilliant fliers. For such big birds their migrations are feats of locomotive efficiency.
Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is a well known bird of prey and the symbol of the United States. They scope their prey from the North American sky before swooping down to seize them with powerful talons.
Ostriches

The ostrich is the biggest living bird, growing up to 2.8 metres. They are flightless birds but also the fastest of the species on land, being able to run up to 70mph.
Penguins

Penguins are aquatic, flightless birds found from Antarctica with some species as far north as the Equator. Their flippers are modified wings, allowing them to "fly" through the water.