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10 most beautiful hummingbird species

Green-throated mango hummingbird

Green-throated mango hummingbird

This species loves mangrove and swamp forests, and can be found along a narrow strip of the Atlantic Coast along the north and south of the Amazon river outlet. Though not much is known about this species, it is known that the population occurring in Trinidad is now rare due to the loss of its preferred swamp and mangrove habitat.

Long-tailed sylph

Long-tailed sylph

The males of this species sport an amazingly long tail — so long that it hampers their flight and a male has to be a particularly strong and skilled flier to survive to breeding age. Females choose to mate with males with the longest tail feathers, since the length proves the male’s level of strength and fitness.

Rufous-crested coquette

Rufous-crested coquette

Coquettes are some of the smallest species of hummingbird, and the rufous-crested coquette measures only a little more than 2.5 inches in length and weight just under 3 grams. Now that’s a featherweight!

Anna’s hummingbird

anna hummingbird

Those of us living along the western coast of North America will likely recognize the species below. This is the most common hummingbird along the Pacific Coast. And they have a fascinating courtship dance. Males will fly up to 130 feet in the sky and swoop down to Earth with alarming speed, making a chirp sound with their tail feathers before swooping back up to the sky again.

Booted racket-tail hummingbird

Booted racket-tail hummingbird

The male of this species has a pair of impressive tail feathers. The feathers extend well past his body and end in two iridescent racket-like flares. Many native flowering plants rely on this hummingbird species for pollination, since they can reach into the long tubular flowers that exclude bees or butterflies from access.

Cinnamon hummingbird

Cinnamon hummingbird

This long-winged lovely gets its name from its light brown coloring on the underside of its body. Found in western Mexico down to northwestern Costa Rica, they thrive in dry forests, and are sometimes spotted as far north as Texas and the southwest U.S.

Velvet purple coronet

Velvet purple coronet

This incredibly beautiful bird may appear all black at first, but just wait until the light catches those iridescent feathers and you’ll see flashes of vivid purple, blue and green. The underparts of its wings are also a contrasting chestnut color. No wonder it is called a flying jewel!

White-necked Jacobin hummingbird

White-necked Jacobin hummingbird

It’s hard to miss this species of hummingbird, with the bright white belly and tail of the males, and of course that dark blue head. Like many hummingbird species, the Jacobin feeds not only on nectar but also gets protein from small insects, which it catches by “hawking” or snatching in mid-air.

Ecuadorian hillstar

Ecuadorian hillstar

This species’s name is apt, given that they live at high altitudes in the Andes, feeding along the slopes right up to the snowline. Because they live in such cold areas year-round, they save energy by taking shelter in protected roosts and going into torpor (lowered metabolic rate, heart rate, oxygen intake and body temperature) at night.

Rufous-tailed hummingbird

Rufous-tailed hummingbird

This is a common bird of riverbanks and woodlands, living everywhere from open country to the edges of forests, and even coffee plantations (yes, your morning coffee might have been pollinated by a rufous-tailed hummingbird!). Not only your coffee, but perhaps also the banana you’re snacking on, since they also love visiting the flowers of banana trees. Highly aggressive about defending their feeding territory, they’re usually the top hummingbird in an area.

Animal

Top 10 Surprising Facts About Sharks

Many people consider sharks as predators that may attack at any time, divers possess a different viewpoint. We find these animals that are diverse ancient and lovely entrancing, also it appears like there something new to find out about sharks.

 sharks-orig

1. Sharks normally have about 45 to 50 teeth but that’s just the front row teeth. Additionally they have, on the other side of the leading row typically, up to seven replacement rows of teeth ready to move into place if a tooth is damaged or falls out. With the activity a shark’s mouth sees throughout its life, an individual might go through as many as 30,000 teeth.

2. Even though we associate sharks with big, sharp chompers, some species barely need their teeth. Basking sharks and whale sharks, two of the largest species, are both filter have numerous, tiny teeth – a whale shark may have up to 300 lines of teeth and feeders.

3. While sharks don’t use sounds to communicate, they do rely on body language. If you’re snorkeling or diving, it’s good to be aware of the body language sharks use to communicate that they’re uneasy. Hunched backs, lowered pectoral fins, sharp movements (in zig-zag or back-and-forth patterns), and diving down to touch the bottom are all good indicators that a shark is feeling uncomfortable.

4. Some big sharks have dramatically longer life-spans than small sharks. For instance, whale sharks (which normally range from 18 to 32 feet/5.5 to 10 meters in length) can live up to 100 years, while the smooth dogfish (with a typical length between 2 and 4-feet/0.6 and 1.2 meters) might just live for 16 years.

5. Whale sharks claim the title of largest shark species, and are also the largest species of fish in the world. The basking shark, the second largest shark (and fish), averages between approximately 22 and 29 feet/ 7 and 9 meters. Pygmy Ribbontail Catsharks are perhaps the smallest, at about 6 to 7 inches/ 17 to 18 centimeters . Other small species include the Dwarf Lanternfish and the Spined Pygmy Shark , both of which are roughly the same average size as Pygmy Ribbontail Catsharks.

6. Sharks have of giving birth to their own young, complicated and diverse ways. Some lay egg cases, which have been nicknamed “mermaid’s purses” and sometimes wash up on beaches. However, live birth is given by a lot of sharks, along with a female might give birth to as several as 48 puppies in one litter.

7. There are some estimates that for each person people yearly kill 25 million sharks. There are 201 sharks on the “Red List” of endangered species, published by by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While estimates vary as to how many sharks are killed, either for harvesting fins, hunting or in incidental “bycatch” in fishing equipment, the figures are all dramatic, ranging from 70 to 100 million. Sharks are an essential component in marine environments, and their fast dwindling numbers are a main source of concern among conservationists. Movements like Project AWARE are bringing attention to and fight the over exploitation of sharks.

8. Research has helped break the myth that sharks are attracted to the color yellowish – in fact, they probably can’t see colour at all. The old saying “yum yum yellow” was rooted in the idea that sharks could see and were more likely to approach divers wearing the color. Because sharks’ eyes were found to lack or have minimal color-sensing cells , it seems to make more sense that what actually draws attention is the contrast in colors, rather than the color itself.

9. Sharks live in all seven of the world oceans, but they’re maybe not limited exclusively to wide-open bodies of salt water. There are species that can survive in mixed salt- and freshwater environments like estuaries and watersheds that connect to an ocean, while other species can live in completely fresh water. Bull sharks can survive in both saltwater and freshwater, and have been known to frequent the river.

10. Sharks are a living link with the period of the dinosaurs. Scales and teeth dating from more than 400 thousand years past offer hints about how those early ancestors appeared to us. However, what we consider as “ sharks that were modern appeared around 100 million years ago. The frilled shark, which can be uncommon but still in being, has developed almost no over the millennia and is regarded as one of the finest examples of what sharks that were early appeared to be.

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Top 10 biggest snakes in the world

10. Diamondback Rattlesnake

Diamondback Rattlesnake

Average length of Diamondback Rattlesnake  3.9 feet (1.1 meter)
Maximum length of Diamondback Rattlesnake  6.99 feet (2.1 meter)

Adults commonly grow to 120 cm (3.9 ft) in length. The maximum reported length considered to be reputable is 213 cm (6.99 feet) (Klauber, 1972). Even though this variation in dimension will not happen until they’ve reached maturity, Males become much bigger than females.

9. Giant Brown Snake

Giant Brown Snake

Average length of Giant Brown Snake  4.9 feet (1.5 meter)
Maximum length of Giant Brown Snake  9.8 feet (3 meter)

Giant Brown snakes growing up to 2.5 to 3.0 m (8.2 to 9.8 feet) in length in the largest specimens, although 1.5 m (4.9 ft) is a more typical length for an average adult. The brown snake is known as Dangerous to man. Bites from this species of snake have caused death within minutes, rather than hours or days, with even  a juvenile (newborn) potentially delivering enough venom in one bite – to kill 20 adults.

8. Bushmaster

Bushmaster

Average length of Bushmaster  6.5–8.25 feet (2–2.5 meter)
Maximum length of Bushmaster  12 feet (3.65 meter)

Adults Grown-ups vary in size from 2 to 2.5 m (6.5 to 8.25 ft), although some may grow to as much as 3 m (10 ft). The largest known specimen was just under 3.65 m (12 feet ), making it the longest venomous snake in the Western Hemisphere. This is also the longest viper, though not the heaviest (it is surpassed by the gaboon viper and the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake). The bushmaster’s tail ends with a horny spine which it occasionally vibrates when disturbed in a similar manner to rattlesnakes.

7. Diamond Python

 Diamond Python

Average length of Diamondback Rattlesnake  6.6 feet (2 meter)
Maximum length of Diamondback Rattlesnake  13 feet (4 meter)

It is a medium to large snake, found in coastal areas and adjacent ranges of south-eastern Australia. They can be the most southerly happening python in the world and are also found at higher altitudes than any other species of Australian python.

6. Boa Constrictor

Boa Constrictor

Average length of Boa Constrictor  3–10 feet (1–3 meter)
Maximum length of Boa Constrictor  14 feet (4.2 meter)

The Boa constrictor is a large snake, although only modestly sized compared to other large snakes like the Burmese and Reticulated python and can reach lengths of anywhere from 1–3 meters (3–10 feet) depending on the locality and the availability of suitable prey. There is clear sexual dimorphism seen in the species, with females generally being larger in both length and girth than males.

5. Black Mamba

Black Mamba

Average length of Black Mamba  8 feet (2.4 meter)
Maximum length of Black Mamba  14 feet (4.25 meter)

Black mambas have coffin-shaped heads and are lithe, athletic snakes. Based on National Geographic, they can grow to be 14 feet long (4.25 meters), although their average length is approximately 8 feet (2.4 m). These snake can live up to 1 1 years in the wild.

4. King Cobra

King Cobra

Average length of King Cobra  9.8–13 feet (3–4 meter)
Maximum length of King Cobra  18.8 feet (5.7 meter)

The king cobra is the world’s  longest venomous snake, having a length up to 18.5 to 18.8 ft (5.6 to 5.7 m). This snakes, which feeds primarily on other snakes, is found mostly in forests from India through South East Asia to the Philippines and also Indonesia.

The king cobra averages at 3 to 4 m (9.8 to 13 ft) in length and generally weighs about 6 kg (13 lb). The longest known specimen was kept captive at the London Zoo, and grew to around 18.5 to 18.8 ft (5.6 to 5.7 m).

3. Indian Python

Indian Python

Average length of Indian Python  7.9–9.8 feet (2.43 meter)
Maximum length of Indian Python  21 feet (6.4 meter)

The color pattern is whitish or yellowish with the blotched patterns varying from shades of tan to dark brown. This varies with habitat and terrain. Specimens in the hill forests of Assam and Western Ghats are darker, while these from the Deccan Plateau and East Coast are generally lighter.

In Pakistan, Indian Pythons commonly reach a length of 2.4–3 metres (7.9–9.8 feet). In Indian, the nominate subspecies grows to 3 metres (9.8 ft) on average. This value is supported with a 1990 study in Keoladeo National Park, where the largest 25% of the python people was 2.7–3.3 metres (8.9–11 foot) long. It can grow to a length of about 21 feet (6.4 m)

2. Green Anaconda

Green Anaconda

Average length of Green Anaconda  1517 feet (4.55.1 meter)
Maximum length of Green Anaconda  28 feet (8.5 meter)

The Green Anaconda is reputed to be the 2nd biggest snake in the world. It is a semi-aquatic boa that lives in the marshlands of South America. The common adult size to get a green anaconda is 15-17 feet; its weight can easily surpass 200 lbs, (the heftiest one found was 550 lbs). The largest to be confirmed is about 28 ft.

See also: Top 10 Most Amazing Colorful Snakes

1. Reticulated Python

Reticulated Python

Average length of Reticulated Python  1018 feet (3.6–5.4 meter)
Maximum length of Reticulated Python  32 feet (9.7 meter)

The reticulated python is found in South East Asia. Adults can grow to over 8.7 m (28 feet) in length but normally grow to an average of 3-6 m (10–20 feet). They’re the world snakes and longest reptile, but aren’t the most heavily built. Like all pythons, they’re nonvenomous constrictors and usually not considered harmful to individuals. The longest one was recorded to be 32 feet. The reticulated python is biggest snakes in the world.

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Top 10 Ugliest Animals in the World

Animals come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some are beautiful, majestic and endearing. Others are downright nasty and repugnant. Wouldn’t it be fun to try and narrow down the worst looking of the bunch? Here is my unofficial list of the top ten ugliest animals in the world.

10. Sphynx Cat

Sphynx Cat

This cat is hairless and hideous. Despite its horrible looks, it is known as quite loving towards its human owners. They are also said to have fantastic personalities.

9. Warthog

Warthog

Found in Africa, the warthog looks like a pig with horns. Warts cover their large flat heads.   Even though these warts are for protection, they are not aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

8. Baird Tapir

Baird Tapir

The baird tapir is the largest mammal found in Mexico and South America. As if a nose and upper lip that stick straight into the air isn’t ugly enough, they also have four toes on the front feet and three toes on the back.

7. Proboscis Monkey

Proboscis Monkey

The proboscis monkey is on the endangered species list. Their long, protruding noses are used to honk in a form of communication with other monkeys.

6. Celestial Eyed Gold Fish

Celestial Eyed Gold Fish

Goldfish remind us of a small, cute pet fish. This is hardly the case with the celestial eyed gold fish. With eyes larger than their stomachs, they can be quite frightening.

5. Aye-Aye

Aye-Aye

Found in Madagascar, this is the largest nocturnal primate.   It taps on trees to find food, similar to the woodpecker. The aye-aye is on the endangered species list because it is thought to be bad luck and killed on sight.

4. Star Nosed Mole

Star Nosed Mole

The star nosed mole is located in parts of the United States and Canada. It has a star shaped nose with 22 fleshy tentacles reaching out. This absurd nose is so sensitive, it can even sense electricity.

3. Tarsier

Tarsier

As the smallest known primate, the tarsier is the size of a human hand. They like to jump from tree to tree to catch flying birds. If captured, this animal is known to kill itself due to the stress.

2. Naked Mole Rat

Naked Mole Rat

Also known as “sand puppy,” the naked mole rat is found in East Africa. They have large protruding teeth used for digging. The naked mole rats eyes are small and narrow, perfect for its life underground.

1. Blobfish

Blobfish

Found in the deep waters of Australia, the blob fish is the ugliest known animal in the world. It is rarely seen by humans because it lives in the deepest parts of the ocean. Due to its body make up, the blob fish can float above the sea floor without wasting any energy.

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