Every year thousands of birdwatchers flock to the Peruvian Amazon to visit the famous cliff faces and river banks where at least 21 different species of parrots gather in huge numbers to eat dirt. Not only is this a curious phenomenon to witness in and of itself, but the highly localized nature of this bizarre behavior makes for easy viewing of some of the most beautiful birds you might ever hope to see mingling in one place. Research at these sites has revealed that the parrots' preferences are highly specific to the extent that they concentrate their activities to narrow...

If the world's smallest and largest birds were to sit next to each other, the effect might be that of a city bus parked next to a tricycle. Birds have evolved to fill every ecological niche on the planet, and have developed body sizes and other adaptations to help them survive.

A medium-sized bird (approx 32g) with distinct plumage coloration. Overall, waxwings are grayish brown with a large crest and black facial mask and chin patch. On the tips of their secondary feather, adults have bright red wax-like feathers.

For many of us, when we witness a fellow creature writhing in pain, our altruistic instincts urge us to rush to their aid. However, in the case of an injured bird, curb that compulsion momentarily and consider the following.

Many people think that the best way to lure birds to their yard is with bagged bird seed. While this does draw in birds to their yards, there are alternative ways to entice our feathered friends without visiting the store every couple of weeks.