Ecology Blueprints

Griffon Vultures are one of the largest vulture species and are one of the largest birds in Europe. 1&2 They stand about 37-43 inches tall and have a wingspan of about 9 feet!3 Because of their size, it takes a lot of energy to get them airborne, and so they spend most of their time along cliffs, where they can use the sun to get into the air by riding thermals.

How many species of skunk do you think there are?  If you guessed 11, you’d be right! But we only have 5 species within the US. 1&2  These animals are nocturnal and are burrow-dwellers.

Let’s check out another vulture species today: the King Vulture!  These vultures stand out from other vultures we’ve gone over (the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture) because of their brightly colored heads.

Many birds migrate, and their migration patterns all look different. Some may go north to south (or vice versa), east to west, or even go from lower altitudes to higher elevations.

Beaks are a very important feature of birds. They help them eat, drink, build their nests, feed their young, and preen their feathers.

Are you a bird watcher? Or are you interested in it but don’t know where to start?  Birdwatching is a hobby of passionate wildlife lovers throughout the world and it’s easy to get started! .

You’ve probably noticed a hawk circling in the sky while you’ve been outside at least once.

These wild cats are found from Texas down to Argentina.  They are about twice the size of a normal house cat and they have a protected status in many areas where they live.

They also are the most populous vulture species in the western hemisphere, although Turkey Vultures outnumber them within the United States.

These birds are common throughout North and Central America.  They like open areas, like open country, woods, and deserts.

All animals adapt to their environment and evolve certain traits that help them survive. Some animals evolve in similar ways, even though they are very different animals.

Do you know the difference between vultures and buzzards? There are pretty big differences, but there is often confusion between the two because of the name being used interchangeably when, in fact, these birds are separate species.