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A bittern, a type of fowl, is about the size of a heron.

Bittern

A bittern, a type of fowl, is about the size of a heron.

The Gadwall (Chaulelasmus streperus) is a widely distributed duck, appearing throughout Europe and N. America, as well as in Asia and the north of Africa. It is a freshwater species, remarkable for the great development of the comb-like 'teeth' at the margin of the bill. It is 19-20 inches long, generally grayish, finely mottled, with chestnut wing coverts. The underside of the wing pure white, while the speculum of the drake is blue.

Gadwall Duck

The Gadwall (Chaulelasmus streperus) is a widely distributed duck, appearing throughout Europe and N.…

The bill of the Gadwall Duck, showing the comb-like 'teeth' that they are known for.

Bill of Gadwall

The bill of the Gadwall Duck, showing the comb-like 'teeth' that they are known for.

Also known as a Solan Goose (Sula bassana), the Gannet is a large marine bird which nests in scattered localities in most parts of the world. Its specific name refers to the fact that it has long been a denizen of Bass Rock -- a famous craggy islet on the coast of England. This bird also nests on Bird Rock in the gulf of St. Lawrence, and other species exist in the tropics. It belongs to the same sub-order as the cormorant, and may be recognized by the fact that, as in the latter, all four toes are united by a web. Its bill is long, strong, and compressed to a point. In adult life, the plumage is white, save for the black primaries and a buff patch on the head or neck; the young are dusky, and do not acquire the white plumage until their sixth year. Their nests contain only one egg.

Gannet

Also known as a Solan Goose (Sula bassana), the Gannet is a large marine bird which nests in scattered…

Also known as the Kinglet, the Golden-Crested Wren (Regulus cristatus) is the smallest of European birds. In America, only the hummingbird is less in size. It is one of the warblers (Sylviidæ). The length of the body is from three to six inches, there is a bright yellow crest, the back is yellowish olive green, the wings and tail ash brown with black and white markings. The Golden-Crested Wren is generally distributed over Europe. In spring it utters a sweet and surprisingly loud song.

Golden-Crested Wren

Also known as the Kinglet, the Golden-Crested Wren (Regulus cristatus) is the smallest of European birds.…

The Goshawk (Astur palumbarius) is a hawk abundant in the forest regions of northern Europe and Canada, but rarely seen southward, except occasionally in winter. The upper part of the body is ash-brown, with four broad dark bands on the tail; the under part white, barred with black. The bird is bold and rapacious, and remarkable for the skillful turns by means of which it follows every movement of the quarry. It was one of the favorite hawks in falconry.

Goshawk

The Goshawk (Astur palumbarius) is a hawk abundant in the forest regions of northern Europe and Canada,…

The Great Crested Grebe (Lophæthyia cristata) is a fresh-water, migratory, diving bird of the family Podicipidæ. It has a duck-like body, brownish and white plumage, long neck, short wings, no tail, and large, flattened toes furnished with lobate membranes serving the purpose of webs. Most of its life is spent in fresh water lakes and ponds, but in winter and during migration, it often resorts to the sea. It is an excellent diver. The nest is made of rushes and other aquatic plants and usually floats on the water, being loosely anchored to weeds and grass. It is found in nearly all parts of Europe and Asia.

Great Crested Grebe

The Great Crested Grebe (Lophæthyia cristata) is a fresh-water, migratory, diving bird of the family…

The Common Guillemot (<i>Uria troile</i>) is a member of the auk family. It breeds on all rocky coasts of the North Atlantic. The bill is long, straight, and strong, the wings and tail short. In spring, the upper surface of the body is brownish black, the under white, save for the dark throat; in winter, the throat becomes white or mottled. All guillemots lay a single pear-shaped on the ledge of a sea-cliff. They make no nest whatever, and large colonies brood in company.

Common Guillemot

The Common Guillemot (Uria troile) is a member of the auk family. It breeds on all rocky coasts of the…

Guinea Fowl are the African representatives of the pheasants, from which they differ in that the plumage of both sexes is alike. The origin of the domesticated stock is <i>Numida meleagris</i>, from W. Africa. A number of other species occur in other parts of Africa. In the black guinea fowl (<i>Phasidus niger</i>), which ranges from Cape Lopez to Loango, spurs are present in the male as in pheasants. Guinea fowl are nearly all gregarious, are ground feeders, and roost in trees. Most species seek to escape danger by running rather than by flying. As in the turkeys, parts of the head and neck are without feathers, and these bare patches are often highly colored.

Guinea Fowl

Guinea Fowl are the African representatives of the pheasants, from which they differ in that the plumage…

Lapwing, or hoopoe bird.

Lapwing

Lapwing, or hoopoe bird.

Jungle-fowl is a general name given to the members of the genus Gallus. The red jungle-fowl, G. jerrugineus, is the origin of the domesticated breeds of poultry. It inhabits India, Farther India, Sumatra, the Philippines, Celebes, and Timor, and strongly resembles the 'black-breasted game' variety of domesticated birds, with its fine orange or purplish-red upper surface, and greenish-black wings, tail, and under surface. Though excessively pugnacious in the wild state, polygamy is stated to be then rare. Three other species of jungle-fowl are known: the gray jungle-fowl of S. Central, and W. India (G. Sonnerati), G. Lafayettii of Ceylon, and G. varius of Java, Lombok, and Flores; but all these are stated to be sterile when mated with the common fowl.

Jungle-fowl

Jungle-fowl is a general name given to the members of the genus Gallus. The red jungle-fowl, G. jerrugineus,…

European Kites are very miscellaneous feeders, but depend largely on offal, and in the eastern tropics they are valuable as scavengers. The nest is usually placed in a tree, and consists of a mass of sticks lined with rags and paper; the eggs are three to four in number. The name kite is strictly applicable to the rare European Red Kite.

European Kite

European Kites are very miscellaneous feeders, but depend largely on offal, and in the eastern tropics…

The Kittiwake gull (Rissa tridactyla) is a sea-gull characterized by the absence of the hind toe. It is resident on both sides of the N. Atlantic, and breeds in large colonies where sea-cliffs provide it with ledges of rock. It measures fifteen inches in length, and in summer is white below, with black tips to some of its wing primaries. The legs are black, a distinction from the related R. brevirostris of the N. Pacific, which has orange legs and feet.

Kittiwake Gull

The Kittiwake gull (Rissa tridactyla) is a sea-gull characterized by the absence of the hind toe. It…

A handsome plover-like bird of Northern Europe and Asia (Vanellus cristatus), also known in Great Britain as peewit, or green plover, the lapwing is greenish above, with a black breast and white abdomen and cheeks, and erectile plumes in the crest. The four eggs (known in British markets as 'plover eggs') are laid in a depression of the ground without any nest; but the watchful care of the parents, and the artifices by which they seek to divert attention from the eggs or young, are so familiar as to be often referred to in poems and homilies. The food consists of worms, insects, and slugs.

Lapwing (or Peewit)

A handsome plover-like bird of Northern Europe and Asia (Vanellus cristatus), also known in Great Britain…

The common skylark is a small bird of the passerine family Alaudidae. In all larks, the first toe has a very long, straight claw; the wings are long and pointed, as are also the inner secondaries of the wing. The skylark (A. arvensis) prefers open districts. It nests on the ground and lays spotted eggs.

Common Skylark

The common skylark is a small bird of the passerine family Alaudidae. In all larks, the first toe has…

The Settler's Clock <i>('Dacelo gigs')</i>, is a very large kingfisher found in Australia, where it receives its popular name from the peculiar gurgling cry uttered with great regularity at dawn and dusk. It is one of the wood kingfishers, the food consisting of of reptiles, birds, insects, and even small mammals. The name is also applied to other species of the same genus found in Australia and New Guinea, and possessing similar habits. The coloring is not brilliant, consisting of a mixture of brown, black, and white, but the male has the lower part of the back of a greenish-blue color.

Kingfisher, Dacelo gigas

The Settler's Clock ('Dacelo gigs'), is a very large kingfisher found in Australia, where it receives…

This illustration shows a human leg (front view), and comparative diagrams showing modifications of the leg: 1. Human, 2. Ox, 3. Horse, 4. Bird, 5. Frog, 6. Crocodile, 7. Seal, 8. Dog, 9. Bear P. Pelvis, FE. Femur, TI. Tibia, FI. Fibula, TA. Tarsus, MT. Metatarsus, PH. Phalanges, OC. Os Calcis.

Human Leg (Front View), and Comparative Diagrams showing Modifications of the Leg

This illustration shows a human leg (front view), and comparative diagrams showing modifications of…

This illustration shows the leg of a bird. P. Pelvis, FE. Femur, TI. Tibia, FI. Fibula, TA. Tarsus, MT. Metatarsus, PH. Phalanges, OC. Os Calcis.

Leg of Bird

This illustration shows the leg of a bird. P. Pelvis, FE. Femur, TI. Tibia, FI. Fibula, TA. Tarsus,…

An ostrich, one of two large flightless birds found in Africa.

Ostrich

An ostrich, one of two large flightless birds found in Africa.

A barn owl, Strix flammea.

Owl

A barn owl, Strix flammea.

A red-legged partridge; Perdix rubra.

Partridge

A red-legged partridge; Perdix rubra.

A quail; Coturnix communis.

Quail

A quail; Coturnix communis.

(Archeopteryx macrocrura), an ancient bird fossil showing claws.

Fossil

(Archeopteryx macrocrura), an ancient bird fossil showing claws.

The claws of a skylark.

Skylark

The claws of a skylark.

Macaw claws.

Macaw

Macaw claws.

An ostrich claw.

Ostrich Claw

An ostrich claw.

A crossbill.

Crossbill

A crossbill.

A curlew.

Curlew

A curlew.

A great blue heron, commonly found in tropical areas like Florida. They belong to the order Grallatores, tribe Cultrirostres, and family Ardeida, which also includes spoonbills, storks, boatbills, night-herons, bitterns, adjutants, and ibises.

Heron

A great blue heron, commonly found in tropical areas like Florida. They belong to the order Grallatores,…

A ship wreck with men trying to repair or salvage parts. One man rests on a rock, staring at a panel. Others work in the background. A large bird is perched on the ship.

Ship Wreck

A ship wreck with men trying to repair or salvage parts. One man rests on a rock, staring at a panel.…

"And Noah builded an altar unto Jehovah, and took of every clean beast, and of every clean bird, and offered burnt-offerings on the altar." Genesis 8:20 ASV <p>Illustration of Noah and his family offering sacrifice after disembarking from the ark.

Noah Gives Thanks after the Flood

"And Noah builded an altar unto Jehovah, and took of every clean beast, and of every clean bird, and…

The winter plumage of a Ptarmigan, a grouse of the genus Lagopus. Usually a light reddish brown tint, it becomes pure white except for a black, white tipped tail in the winter months.

Rock Ptarmigan Winter Plumage

The winter plumage of a Ptarmigan, a grouse of the genus Lagopus. Usually a light reddish brown tint,…

Puffins are a bird genus of the auk family, characterized by the great development of the beak. In habits, the birds are oceanic and gregarious. They feed chiefly on the fry of fish, and swim and dive with great ease.

Common Arctic Puffin

Puffins are a bird genus of the auk family, characterized by the great development of the beak. In habits,…

Illustration of a Greek war-ship from the 5th century BC. There are two masts, a large decorative bird element at the bow, and shell-like enclosure at the stern. Three rows of oars are manned by several men. A large, steering oar at the starboard bow is controlled by a man on a raised platform. A flag flies from the stern.

Greek War-Ship with Three Rows of Oars

Illustration of a Greek war-ship from the 5th century BC. There are two masts, a large decorative bird…

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 ASV <p>Illustration of God sitting on a cloud with his arms outstretched as he creates the earth. He has a triangular halo behind his head. Adam and Eve (left) stand partially hidden by plants and Adam reaches out to the animals, including an elephant, turtle, snake, rooster, lion, rabbit, horse, peacock, tropical bird, sheep, duck, elk, and goat.

The Creation of the World - Adam and Eve, Animals, Plants,

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 ASV Illustration of God sitting…

"...And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him." Genesis 4:8 ASV <p>Abel lies dead on the ground, his left arm propped behind his head and his staff discarded next to him. Cain is slinking away, hiding his face. God appears in the smoke from the sacrifices burning on a nearby altar. A tree stands just behind the altar and a small bird watches from the bottom left corner of the image. Sheep gather in the background.

Cain and Abel- Cain Runs Away as Abel Lies Dead on the Ground

"...And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and…

"And every living thing was destroyed that was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only was left, and they that were with him in the ark." Genesis 7:23 ASV <p>People watch the flood waters rise around them as Noah's ark floats away in the distance. The people are huddled on a structure being taken over by the flood. An awning is seen barely above the water level. A woman sits with her lifeless child in her lap. Several people reach up to the heavens or out toward Noah. A horse and bird lie on a nearby raft.

The Deluge - Noah's Ark Floats into the Rising Flood Waters as People Trapped on Land Watch in Horror

"And every living thing was destroyed that was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and…

"And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured them:" Matthew 13:3-4 ASV <p>Illustration of a man sowing seed. He tosses the seed onto rocks. The plowed fields stretch out behind him. A bag of seed is sitting in the field. Birds are eating the seed that fell on the road. More birds approach in the background The man is wearing a short tunic and he is wearing a bag over his shoulder and across his body.

The Parable of the Sower - Birds Eat the Seed by the Wayside

"And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he…

"A duck, <i>Fuligula</i> or <i>Fulix marila</i> and related species. The common scaup inhabits Europe, Asia, and North America. It is from 18 to 20 inches long, and from 30 to 35 in extent of wings." &mdash;Whitney, 1889 <p>In this illustration the duck is sitting on placid water, its feet tucked up underneath its body. Its head and upper body is dark, while its belly is white. There is a tree line in the distance.

Scaup, a Common Duck

"A duck, Fuligula or Fulix marila and related species. The common scaup inhabits Europe, Asia, and North…

<i>Melanitta americana or &OElig;demia nigra</i> A large sea-duck of the genus <i>CEdemia</i>, belonging to the subfamily <i>Fuligulinaea</i>, having in the male the plumage black and a red gibbosity of the bill, as <i>&OElig;demia nigra</i> of Europe. <p>In this illustration, the duck is swimming in a large body of water. There is a lighthouse in the background.

A Black Scoter Swimming

Melanitta americana or Œdemia nigra A large sea-duck of the genus CEdemia, belonging to the subfamily…

<i>Scytalopus magellanicus</i>. "A genus of South American formicarioid passerine birds, of the family <i>Pteroptochidae</i>. <i>S. magellanicus</i> is curiously similar to wrens in general appearance and habits, though belonging to a different suborder of birds." —Whitney, 1889 <p>This illustration features a darkly colored bird sitting on a branch with small leaves.

Magellanic Tapaculo

Scytalopus magellanicus. "A genus of South American formicarioid passerine birds, of the family Pteroptochidae.…

Also called Sexton Beetles, these beetles bury the carcasses of small vertebrates as food for their larvae. This illustration shows four beetles, one flying, working to bury a dead bird on its back.

Burying Beetles, Burying a Dead Bird

Also called Sexton Beetles, these beetles bury the carcasses of small vertebrates as food for their…

<i>Siphonorhis americana</i>. "A genus of American <i>Caprimulgidae</i> or goatsuckers, having tubular nostrils. The only species, <i>S. americana</i> inhabits Jamaica." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Nightjar Profile and Tubular Nostrils

Siphonorhis americana. "A genus of American Caprimulgidae or goatsuckers, having tubular nostrils. The…

"In Greek mythology, one of two, or three, or an indeterminate number of sea-nymphs who by their singing fascinated those who sailed by their island, and destroyed them. In works of art they are represented as having the head, arms, and generally the bust of a young woman, the wings and lower part of the body, or sometimes only the feet, of a bird." &mdash;Whitney, 1889. <p>This illustration is of two of the sirens depicted on a funeral marble in Chios. The top siren appears to be dancing. The one on the bottom is playing an instrument.

Sirens on a Greek Funeral Marble

"In Greek mythology, one of two, or three, or an indeterminate number of sea-nymphs who by their singing…

"The so-called green jackdaw of Asia, <i>Cissa sinensis</i>. The sirgang inhabits the southeastern Himalayan region, and thence through Burma to Tasserim, and has occasioned much literature." &mdash;Whitney, 1889 <p>The bird is perched on a branch with a few leaves.

Sirgang

"The so-called green jackdaw of Asia, Cissa sinensis. The sirgang inhabits the southeastern Himalayan…

"The common lark of Europe, <i>Alauda arvensis</i>: so called because it mounts toward the sky and sings as it flies. Also called sky-laverock, rising-lark, field-lark, short-heeled lark, etc." &mdash;Whitney, 1889 <p>This illustration shows a skylark perched on the ground with some grass surrounding it.

Skylark

"The common lark of Europe, Alauda arvensis: so called because it mounts toward the sky and sings as…

<i>Mergellus albellus</i>. "A small merganser or fishing duck...The male in adult plumage is a very beautiful bird, of a pure white, varied with black and gray, and tinged with green on the crested head; the length is about 17 inches. The female is smaller, with reddish-brown and gray plumage, and is called the red-headed smew." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Smew - A Merganser or Fishing Duck

Mergellus albellus. "A small merganser or fishing duck...The male in adult plumage is a very beautiful…

<i>Circaetus gallicus</i> is a "bird of prey inhabiting all the countries bordering the Mediterranean, and thence eastward to the whole of the Indian peninsula and part of the Malay archipelago. The male is 26 inches long; the female, 30 inches; the pointed wings are more than half as long again as the tail; the tarsi are mostly naked; the nostrils are oval perpendicularly; the head is crested with lanceolate feathers; and in the adult the breast is white, streaked with brown." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Snake Buzzard, Also Called a Short-Toed Eagle

Circaetus gallicus is a "bird of prey inhabiting all the countries bordering the Mediterranean, and…

The winter plumage of a Ptarmigan, a grouse of the genus Lagopus. Usually a light reddish brown tint, it becomes pure white except for a black, white tipped tail in the winter months.

Rock Ptarmigan Summer Plumage

The winter plumage of a Ptarmigan, a grouse of the genus Lagopus. Usually a light reddish brown tint,…

<i>Padda oryzivora</i>. "...the rice bird of Java...about as large as the bobolink, of a bluish-gray color with pink bill and white ear-coverts; a well-known cage bird." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Java Sparrow on a Branch

Padda oryzivora. "...the rice bird of Java...about as large as the bobolink, of a bluish-gray color…

<i>Spathura underwoodi</i>. The <i>Spathura</i> is a "remarkable genus of <i>Trochilidae</i>, containing hummingbirds with the lateral tail-feathers, long-exerted, narrowed, and then dilated into a spatule or racket at the end, and with conspicuous leg muffs." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Racket-Tailed Hummingbird

Spathura underwoodi. The Spathura is a "remarkable genus of Trochilidae, containing hummingbirds with…

A Graeco-Roman marble table support in the shape of a sphinx. It was found in the ruins of the Villa of Antoninus Pius at Lanuvium. The sculpture is half woman, half bird, with wings stretching out behind the body. <p>"In Greek mythology, a female monster, said to have proposed a riddle to the Thebans who passed her as she sat on a rock by the roadside, and to have killed all who were not able to guess it." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

Sphinx of Lanuvium

A Graeco-Roman marble table support in the shape of a sphinx. It was found in the ruins of the Villa…

<i>Arachnothera magna</i>. Also called a spider-catcher, the Streaked Spiderhunter is "a bird that catches spiders...They are small creeper-like birds with long bills, and belong to the family <i>Nectariniidae</i>." &mdash;Whitney, 1889 <p>A bird with a long, pointed, thin beak, sitting on a branch.

Streaked Spiderhunter

Arachnothera magna. Also called a spider-catcher, the Streaked Spiderhunter is "a bird that catches…