Birds

• Abyssinian ground hornbills can fly but prefer to walk. They can travel long distances on the ground. They even prefer to escape predators on foot rather than by flying.
• Abyssinian ground hornbills have long ‘eyelashes’, which are actually modified feathers. They help protect their eyes from dirt and injury.
• Abyssinian ground hornbills have a large bony part above their beak. This is called a casque and is a spongy structure made of keratin, which is the same material as hair and nails. This casque acts as an echo chamber, amplifying their calls to make them sound louder. They use these loud calls to attract a mate.

Abyssinian Ground Hornbills face significant conservation challenges due to habitat loss, degradation, and hunting throughout their range in sub-Saharan Africa. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization have resulted in the fragmentation of their natural habitats, making it increasingly difficult for these birds to find suitable nesting sites and forage for food. Additionally, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills are often hunted for their meat, feathers, and traditional medicinal uses, further contributing to their decline in the wild. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting Abyssinian Ground Hornbills include habitat preservation, community education and engagement, and anti-poaching measures.

Little Rock Zoo is home to a small group of female ostriches that live with zebras in the African Savanna habitat. The females often lay eggs, but, as there are no male ostriches, the eggs are infertile.

• In the wild, these flightless birds can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour. They use the long dagger-like claws on their two-toed feet to defend themselves, landing kicks that can kill lions.
• The ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird.
• Contrary to the popular myth, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand! When an ostrich senses danger and cannot run away, it flops to the ground and remains still, with its head and neck flat on the ground in front of it. 
• Ostriches have some of the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, they're even bigger than their brains!

At one time, most of Africa was home to the ostrich. Today, although not threatened, the ostrich requires strict protection and farming to conserve the remaining wild populations. Please join our efforts to secure a future for this species by donating to our conservation fund.

The Blue Crane is the national bird of South Africa.

Vulnerable. They are at risk due to purposeful and accidental poisoning in areas where they and other animals are seen as pests due to farming. The most significant threats are death due to power-lines, wetlands drying out, and the removal of grasslands and planting of trees for plantations.

Conservation Actions:

Some habitat protection has been established, and more ecologically sensitive chemicals are being used by agricultural workers to reduce the risk of poisoning cranes. A Crane Working Group has been organized in Namibia to facilitate education and conservation.

• The grey crowned crane is the national symbol of Uganda.
• They have been known to forage on grain and other crops from agricultural lands.

Endangered. They are threatened by loss or degradation of suitable wetlands due to damming, drainage, and deforestation as well as being preyed upon by domestic dogs. Live birds and eggs are also taken from the wild. They are the National bird of Uganda. International trade of this animal is very closely monitored.

Conservation Actions:

Captive breeding populations and wetland conservation projects have been established in Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Also known as Southern Crowned Pigeon.

IUCN lists as a vulnerable species. This species faces many threats. The largest may be from hunting and trapping. Their meat and feathers are sold and both young and adult birds are sold for the pet trade. It also is faced with habitat loss and has gone extinct in several areas it used to inhabit.

Conservation Actions:

The Scheepmaker's Crowned Pigeon is protected by law in Papua New Guinea.

Their bill is 32” long.

IUCN lists as a species of least concern. Previously, they were hunted for their feathers and meat during the 1800s, they also suffered disturbances due to shared habitat with egrets which are greatly hunted. Now their main threat is habitat loss due to coastal dwellings. Pollution and climate change also have an effect on their numbers.

Conservation Action:

It is protected under the Migratory Bird Act.

IUCN lists as an endangered species. Habitat loss is the major threat facing these birds. Wetlands are turned into rice fields and mangrove forests are cut down for timber and prawn pond construction.

Conservation Actions:

A captive breeding program, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, initiated in 1993 has been successful and sheds light on the biology and behavior of these ducks.

• Chilean flamingos don’t gain their pink plumage until they are two to three years old.
• Crop milk is produced by a gland in the crop when special hormones become present in the adults after a chick hatches. The “milk” is mostly protein and fat with very little carbohydrates.
• Flamingos will not breed if not the right shade of pink.
• Chilean flamingos can eat up to 10% of their body weight per day.
• One source states that the oldest known fossil of a primitive flamingo dates back to about 10 million years ago.
• Chilean flamingos have been hard to classify. They are similar to storks, herons, waterfowl and waders.
• You are what you eat! Flamingos owe their pink coloration to the carotenoids in the food that they eat.

Chilean Flamingos face significant conservation challenges due to habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbance throughout their range in South America. Wetland degradation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion have resulted in the loss of important feeding and breeding habitats for these iconic birds. Additionally, pollution from industrial activities and agricultural runoff threatens the quality of their aquatic habitats, affecting their food sources and overall health. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting Chilean Flamingos include habitat restoration, wetland conservation, and public education on the importance of preserving these charismatic birds and their ecosystems.