All are carnivorous and eat only freshly caught prey. Humans have long used members of this family for food.įound on all continents except Antarctica and in every kind of land habitat - from tundra to deserts, wetlands, mountains, and cities. They have long, sometimes very long, necks, short strong legs and webbing between three toes.
They do not build a nest, eggs are placed in a hollow tree or log, crevice in rocks or on the ground.īirds in this family are found from the Arctic Circle to the equatorial rainforests, where they live in lakes, ocean, bays, marshes and ponds. When captured or frightened, American Vultures vomit the contents of their stomach. Large birds with naked heads and hooked bills, they feed almost exclusively on carrion. Sociable birds, Ibises usually roost, breed and feed in large groups. In flight, they hold their necks and legs extend straight out. These long-legged birds live in wetlands or wooded areas near water where temperatures are warm. Most feed in shallow water, where they wade in search of prey to capture with their long, sharp bills. Bitterns, egrets and herons are carnivorous. Lacking the water repellant oils of other water birds, Cormorants spend considerable time drying their wings.įound on all continents except Antartica, these birds prefer wetlands, damp meadow and forest stream habitats. Grebes can sink slowly into the water, sometimes leaving only their head and neck above like a periscope.Ī family of fisheaters that lives along the shorelines of freshwater and saltwater worldwide. They are expert divers that catch fish and other aquatic animals. Sometimes mistaken for ducks, grebes have lobed not webbed feet. They glide across the waters surface, then abruptly plunge into the water to catch fish with spear-shaped bills. Loons Aquatic birds with a haunting, yodeling call, loons are seldom found on land. To use or purchase images by Julia Flanagan, email For all photographers, email request for contact information to Lists - Merrimac Farm Featherstone NWR Occoquan Bay NWR Rte 234 Wetland Mitigation Area Backyard Other Northern Virginia sites
Photos - Julia Flanagan, Judy Gallagher, Tony Coomer, Kim Hosen, Eli Hosen
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