The largest known specimen of wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans), a male caught and measured by the Antarctic research ship USNS Eltanin in the Tasman Sea in 1965, had a wingspan of 11 ft. 11 in. As a result of its impressive wingspan, the wandering albatross is an expert glider and can remain aloft for long periods without beating its wings. In fact, the wandering albatross has sometimes been known to sleep while it flies. Even the wandering albatross, however, can't compete with the extinct South American teratoron (Argentavis magnificens). The teratoron, which existed 6 to 8 million years ago, had an estimated wingspan of 25 feet!

There are approximately 10,000 known species of birds in the world. The best continent for bird watching is South America where over 3,200 species are known to exist.

Many birds have pigment glands that deposit colors on their eggs as they pass through the mother's oviduct. In the case of the American robin, the eggs are an eye-catching blue. Normally, a robin will lay three to five eggs per clutch. It takes about two weeks to incubate the eggs. The mother robin will spend most of her time sitting on the nest, but the male bird may occasionally sit on the eggs to give her a break. After hatching, the young robins will remain in the nest for about fifteen days.

During mating season, male quetzals grow twin tail feathers that form an amazing train up to three feet (one meter) long.

A group of owls is called a parliament. Group names for other birds include a bevy of quail, a brood of hens, a cast of hawks, a company of parrots, a dole of doves, a gaggle of geese, a host of sparrows, a murder of crows, a party of jays, a rafter of turkeys, and a watch of nightingales.

Some species of parrots have been known to live more than 100 years. Cockatoos aren't far behind, sometimes living as long as 75 years.

Birds evolved not only wings, but many other adaptations that make it possible to fly. Feathers provide insulation, waterproofing, and a lightweight means to become airborne. Birds have honeycombed or hollow bones, reducing body weight. And instead of weighty jawbones and teeth, birds evolved a light and serviceable beak made of keratin. Most birds consume energy-packed foods rich in calories--like seeds, fruits, and meat, which add as little as possible to a bird's payload. And what they eat is processed rapidly, so they aren't weighed down by waste.

A sociable weaver nest is perhaps the most spectacular structure built by any bird. Like an apartment complex, it can house hundreds of birds and can be used for generations.

When the balloon is fully inflated to half the size of the magnificent frigate bird's body, he flaps his wings and rattles his bill.

One ostrich egg weighs 3 to 4 pounds -- the equivalent of about 24 chicken eggs. An ostrich can lay as many as 70 of these massive eggs in one year.