species.json

{"1049272": {"scientific_name": "Grus canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049272", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/11/10/41840_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Sandhill Crane", "sid": 1049272, "text": "The sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) is a species of large crane of North America and extreme northeastern Siberia. The common name of this bird refers to habitat like that at the Platte River, on the edge of Nebraska's Sandhills on the American Plains. This is the most important stopover area for the nominotypical subspecies, the lesser sandhill crane (Grus canadensis canadensis), with up to 450,000 of these birds migrating through annually.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/11/10/41840_98_68.jpg"}, "915736": {"scientific_name": "Asio flammeus (Pontoppidan, 1763)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/915736", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/26/05/70878_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Short-eared Owl", "sid": 915736, "text": "The small tufts of feathers on its forehead give the Short-eared Owl its name. Like all birds, however, the Short-eared Owl\u2019s real ears are small openings hidden underneath the feathers on the sides of its head. This species possesses the short legs, rounded wings, large yellow eyes, and disk-shaped face characteristic of owls. The Short-eared Owl may also be identified by its size (15 inches), streaked brown-and-tan body, and off-white face. Males and females are similar at all seasons. The Short-eared Owl occurs across much of the world, being absent only from polar regions, isolated oceanic islands, and Australia. In North America, the Short-eared Owl breeds across Canada, Alaska, and the northern tier of the United States. Populations breeding in colder regions migrate south for the winter, while warmer parts of the Short-eared Owl\u2019s breeding range host this species all year. In winter, Short-eared Owls may be found across much of the United States and south to central Mexico. Short-eared Owls breed primarily in open, treeless habitats such as tundra, grassland, and prairie. This species also frequents open habitats in winter, when it may be found in fields and marshes. Typical for an owl, the Short-eared Owl eats small mammals, such as mice, voles, and shrews, and may be found in greater numbers where prey is plentiful. The Short-eared Owl is an adept night hunter, using its excellent hearing to locate prey on the ground in order to fly down and capture it with its talons. However, like some other owls, this species frequently hunts during the day as well. This fact, combined with the Short-eared Owl\u2019s preference for open habitat, makes this a comparatively easy owl species to observe.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/26/05/70878_98_68.jpg"}, "1049603": {"scientific_name": "Pygoscelis papua (J. R. Forster, 1781)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049603", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/12/39450_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Gentoo Penguin", "sid": 1049603, "text": "A gregarious bird, but less so than some other penguin species (2), the gentoo can form breeding colonies ranging from thirty to thousands of pairs (5).  Arriving at suitable nesting ground between June and November (the exact date depending on the location) (2), each pair of penguins will set about the task of constructing a nest from stones, tussock grass and moss (2).  The penguins tear up plants to use as nest material and fertilise the ground with their droppings, resulting in grass growing well the subsequent year, hence their favourable reputation with sheep farmers (5).\u00a0Into these nests two white, spherical eggs are laid, which are incubated by both the male and female for 31 to 39 days (2).  The penguin chicks fledge after 85 to 117 days, but continue to be fed by their parents for a further 5 to 50 days.  Gentoo penguins, which reach sexual maturity at the age of two years (2), are not only faithful to certain nest sites, with most returning to the previous year's nest, but they are also loyal to breeding partners, with many forming long-lasting pair bonds (3).\u00a0Walking with a rather comedic, waddling gait on land, the gentoo penguin shows its true talents when in the water.  With its stream-lined body and 'flippers' that provide effective propulsion through the water (6), the gentoo penguin dives deep into the ocean in pursuit of its prey, and is capable of reaching impressive depths of up to 170 metres (3).  The exact diet of the gentoo penguin varies depending on location, but can include Atlantic krill, other crustaceans, fish, cephalopods and polychaetes (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/12/39450_98_68.jpg"}, "1012686": {"scientific_name": "Dasyatis americana Hildebrand and Schroeder, 1928", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1012686", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/11/87287_orig.jpg", "common_name": "southern stingray", "sid": 1012686, "text": "The southern stingray is an active swimmer that feeds primarily at night, on a diet of invertebrates and small fishes.  They feeding by flapping their wing-like pectoral fins to disturb the sand, and expose their prey (2).  This bottom-dwelling species is often found singly or in pairs, except in the summer months when it migrates in schools to higher latitudes (4) (5).\u00a0Very little is known about the natural mating behaviour and reproductive biology of the southern stingray.  Mating stingrays are rarely encountered in the wild; during one such rare occasion, the male was observed closely following the female, and then biting her before grasping the female's pectoral fins with his mouth, and then copulating.  It is thought that southern stingrays are polyandrous, as a female was observed mating with two males in quick succession (6).  The southern stingray is ovoviviparous, a method of reproduction in which the egg develops within the female's brood chamber.  The pups hatch from their egg capsules inside the mother, and are born soon afterwards (5).  In captivity, gestation lasted 135 to 226 days, after which a litter of two to ten young were born (7).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/11/87287_98_68.jpg"}, "1037712": {"scientific_name": "Pecari tajacu (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1037712", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/02/03/57407_orig.jpg", "common_name": "collared peccary", "sid": 1037712, "text": "There are only three species of Peccaries in the world, all in South America. Only Collared Peccaries also live in North America. Their range includes a great variety of habitats, and they eat all kind of vegetation, including cactus. They live in highly social and communicative groups. Grooming is an important social behavior, and they have at least 15 different types of calls signaling alarm, submission, and aggression. Territorial groups of 15-50 animals stay together, and cooperate to defend the herd, but they form subgroups that disperse to feed. An alpha male is the dominant animal in the herd. Peccaries often have twins.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/02/03/57407_98_68.jpg"}, "1019093": {"scientific_name": "Lithobates pipiens (Schreber, 1782)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1019093", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/16/86027_orig.jpg", "common_name": "northern leopard frog", "sid": 1019093, "text": "Rana pipiens is a wide-ranging species.  It can be found across a broad swath of territory from the Hudson Bay south to northern Virginia, and to the west as far as southern British Columbia and eastern Washington and Oregon.  In the west its range extends south through Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.  It exists in scattered populations in some areas of California and Nevada, and has been introduced in other areas of California.  In the western U.S. its range is now greatly fragmented and lacks confirmation in recent years. (Stebbins 2003).  ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/16/86027_98_68.jpg"}, "1049641": {"scientific_name": "Sterna dougallii Montagu 1813", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049641", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/14/07/12661_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Roseate Tern", "sid": 1049641, "text": "In Britain and Ireland, the diet consists mainly of small fish, especially sand eels (5), which are caught by plunge-diving (2) or are stolen from other tern species (5).The roseate tern arrives back in Britain later than other terns and soon starts to lay eggs (5). One brood containing between 1 and 3 pale eggs is produced between the end of May and early June, but a replacement brood can be produced if this clutch is lost. Juveniles reach maturity at 3 years of age (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/14/07/12661_98_68.jpg"}, "1178539": {"scientific_name": "Poecile atricapillus (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178539", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/05/13047_orig.jpg", "common_name": "black-capped chickadee", "sid": 1178539, "text": "Black-capped chickadees have short plump bodies, a solid black cap and bib, and white cheeks.  They are a small bird weighing only 11 g and measuring 13.3 cm in length.  Their wingspans measure 20.3 cm in flight.  Their backs and wings are dark greenish-gray, with some streaks of white and black adorning the wing feathers.  Their bellies are white with a light-reddish color on the flanks.  They have small, pointed black beaks and dark legs. Male and female chickadees are identical.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/05/13047_98_68.jpg"}, "328076": {"scientific_name": "Tremarctos ornatus (Cuvier, 1825)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328076", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/02/08502_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Andean bear", "sid": 328076, "text": "Very little is known about these bears even though they are one of the largest carnivores in South America. They are believed to be diurnal (6) and have been observed to make nests in the trees whilst foraging or resting (4). Like other bears they are omnivores although vegetation appears to make up the majority of the diet, particularly fruit of plants from the Bromelid family (5). These bears are an important component of the ecosystem they inhabit, distributing a wide variety of seeds (5).\u00a0The mating season runs from April to June, the female alone cares for the litter of 1-3 cubs that are born between November and February (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/02/08502_98_68.jpg"}, "1048612": {"scientific_name": "Sula sula (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048612", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/23/90551_orig.jpg", "common_name": "red-footed booby", "sid": 1048612, "text": "Sula sula is the smallest booby, and is well suited for its long flights out to sea in search of prey.  It has strong neck muscles, and a wedge-shaped tail.  It has a long, tapering bill with serrated cutting edges to help catch and eat its prey.  Its external nostrils are closed to allow for plunge-diving, but it has developed secondary nostrils beside the mouth which are automatically covered by flaps when it plunges.  The skin around its face is generally bare.  The eyes are beside the bill, face forward, and have very pale irises.  The wings are long, pointed, and situated fairly far back on the body.  They help the bird to fly in high winds (which it does by alternating powerful flaps with gliding) and also to dive.  When diving, the wings close around the body of the bird, making it more aerodynamic.  The legs are short and strong, and the feet are large and totipalmate (webbed between all four toes).  The feet are highly vascular because it is through the feet that heat is transmitted from the parent to the offspring.  The legs are set far back on the body, helping it to swim.  The feet and legs are also red, thus giving the bird its name.  Sula sula is very buoyant, having developed a series of air-sacs which are extensions of the bronchi.  They help in its plunge-diving.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/23/90551_98_68.jpg"}, "206970": {"scientific_name": "Manta birostris (Walbaum, 1792)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/206970", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/11/05/02/15367_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Giant manta ray", "sid": 206970, "text": "The graceful manta ray is a stunning member of the devil ray family, if only for its sheer size. These large rays have a distinctive body shape with triangular pectoral 'wings' and paddle-like lobes extending in front of their mouths (2). They are generally dark on the upper surface, ranging from black to greyish-blue and brown, with pale undersides; individuals have a unique pattern of blotches and scars that can be used to identify them (2). The large, cavernous mouth is situated at the front of the body and contains 18 rows of teeth on the lower jaw (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/11/05/02/15367_98_68.jpg"}, "308531": {"scientific_name": "Connochaetes taurinus (Burchell, 1823)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/308531", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/12/06/96248_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Blue Wildebeest", "sid": 308531, "text": "The blue wildebeest is a grazer, its broad mouth adapted to bulk feeding on short grass. However, its dependence on short grass, together with its need to drink at least every other day, limits the species to moist grassland and to areas within reach of water (4) (8), although interestingly it is also known to survive in waterless regions of the Kalahari by feeding on melons and water-storing roots and tubers (4). The need to follow seasonal grazing and water supplies leads the blue wildebeest to form some of the largest migratory herds of all antelopes, with those in the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem of Kenya and Tanzania forming part of the world's largest remaining aggregations of large land mammals (4). However, not all wildebeest migrate, with some remaining in the same area year-round, generally forming small herds of up to ten females plus immature offspring (2) (4). The females in these herds tend to establish dominance hierarchies and harass any outsiders who attempt to join. In contrast, the only stable associations in migratory herds are between a female and offspring. Depending on the environmental conditions, different blue wildebeest populations, and even the same population at different times, may show every variation between these social extremes (4).\u00a0The blue wildebeest has an unusually restricted breeding season. Around 80 to 90 percent of calves are born within a two to three week period, usually at the start of the rains, when conditions are most favourable (2) (4). This also helps to protect the calves by creating a glut for predators. The female blue wildebeest gives birth annually, to a single calf, after a gestation period of around eight months. The calf follows the female from the moment it can stand, usually within 15 minutes of birth, and is weaned by nine months (2). The young male is pushed out of the herd by territorial males after the first year, after which it joins a bachelor herd, which may also contain older and non-territorial males (2) (4). After reaching sexual maturity at three to four years old, the male becomes solitary and attempts to establish its own territory, which may be temporary in migratory populations, or may be continuously occupied and defended for years (2). Territorial competition between males typically involves ritualised displays, pushing with the horns, and the loud 'ge-nu' call that gives the wildebeest its other name, the gnu (2) (6). The lifespan of the blue wildebeest is around 20 years in the wild (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/12/06/96248_98_68.jpg"}, "328593": {"scientific_name": "Mephitis mephitis (Schreber, 1776)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328593", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/13/19/86763_orig.jpg", "common_name": "striped skunk", "sid": 328593, "text": "The Striped Skunk is the most common skunk in North America, yet most of what we know about it comes from studies of captive individuals. Like all skunks, it has a superb defense system, the ability to spray a foul-smelling fluid from two glands near the base of its tail. Skunk musk is oily and difficult to remove. If sprayed in the eyes, it causes intense pain and temporary blindness. Skunk kittens can spray when they are only eight days old, long before they can aim, a skill they exhibit only after their eyes open at about 24 days. Skunks attempt to give a warning before they spray: both Hooded and Striped skunks stamp their front feet before turning around and spraying. Like all skunks, Striped Skunks are nocturnal and eat a variable diet, mostly of insects, but also including small mammals, carrion, and some vegetation.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/13/19/86763_98_68.jpg"}, "917207": {"scientific_name": "Melanerpes carolinus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917207", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/09/55162_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red-bellied Woodpecker", "sid": 917207, "text": "A medium-sized (9-10 \u00bd inches) woodpecker, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is most easily identified by its black-and-white striped back, pale flanks, and pale buff-brown face. Ironically, this woodpecker has very little red on its belly, being visibly red on its head alone. Male Red-bellied Woodpeckers have a red forehead, crown, and neck, whereas females only have red on the neck. This species may be distinguished from the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), another woodpecker with black, white, and red plumage, by that species\u2019 entirely red head and face. The Red-bellied Woodpecker inhabits much of the eastern United States and southern Canada north to the Great Lakes and west to the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. Generally, this species is non-migratory in most parts of its range. However, northern Red-headed Woodpeckers may move short distances south in harsh winters when temperatures and food supplies become too low. Red-headed Woodpeckers inhabit a variety of deciduous, evergreen, or mixed woodland habitats. This species may also be found in more built-up areas, and can sometimes be found in suburban backyards and large urban parks. Red-headed Woodpeckers primarily eat seeds, nuts, and insects, although this species tends to dig into bark less than most other woodpecker species, preferring to take insects from the surface. In appropriate habitat, this species may be seen climbing trees and branches head-first while foraging for food. When moving from tree to tree, this species undertakes short, undulating flights through the canopy. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/09/55162_98_68.jpg"}, "1178181": {"scientific_name": "Piranga olivacea (Gmelin, 1789)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178181", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/17/60251_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Scarlet Tanager", "sid": 1178181, "text": "A medium-sized (7 inches) songbird, the male Scarlet Tanager is most easily identified by its bright red body, black wings, and black tail. Female Scarlet Tanagers are green above and dull yellow below with dark wings. Males of this species may be separated from male Summer Tanagers (Piranga rubra) by that species\u2019 red wings and tail and from male Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) by that species\u2019 black face and conspicuous crest, while females may be separated from female Summer Tanagers by that species\u2019 paler back and darker breast. The Scarlet Tanager breeds across much of the northeastern United States and southern Canada south to Alabama and west to Nebraska. In winter, this species migrates to Panama and northern South America. Migrating Scarlet Tanagers may be seen in areas of the southeastern U.S.where this species does not breed. Scarlet Tanagers breed in a number of mature forest types, preferring larger areas of unbroken forest to smaller, more fragmented habitats. In winter, this species is found in a variety of dense humid tropical forests. Scarlet Tanagers primarily eat insects and spiders during the breeding season, but may eat fruits, berries, and earthworms at other times of the year or when insects are scarce. In appropriate habitat, Scarlet Tanagers may be seen foraging for insects on leaves and branches in the tree canopy, in undergrowth, or, more rarely, directly on the ground. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 song, a series of whistled notes recalling that of the American Robin. Scarlet Tanagers are most active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/17/60251_98_68.jpg"}, "1049604": {"scientific_name": "Aptenodytes forsteri G. R. Gray, 1844", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049604", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/26/09/28976_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Emperor Penguin", "sid": 1049604, "text": "The\u00a0Emperor Penguin\u00a0(Aptenodytes forsteri) is the tallest and heaviest of all living\u00a0penguin\u00a0species and is\u00a0endemic\u00a0to\u00a0Antarctica. The male and female are similar in\u00a0plumage\u00a0and size, reaching 122\u00a0cm (48\u00a0in) in height and weighing anywhere from 22 to 45 kg (49 to 99 lb). The dorsal side and head are black and sharply delineated from the white belly, pale-yellow breast and bright-yellow ear patches. Like all penguins it is flightless, with a streamlined body, and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine\u00a0habitat.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/26/09/28976_98_68.jpg"}, "1049728": {"scientific_name": "Hydroprogne caspia (Pallas, 1770)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049728", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/02/04/76129_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Caspian Tern", "sid": 1049728, "text": "A large (19-23 inches) tern, the Caspian Tern in summer is most easily identified by its gray-tipped wings, black cap, and large orange bill. In winter, the black in this species\u2019 cap is replaced by mottled gray. Male and female Caspian Terns are similar to one another in all seasons. The Caspian Tern inhabits every continent except Antarctica. In North America, this species breeds locally in central Canada, the Great Lakes, along the Gulf coast of the United States, and along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the U.S.and Canada. In winter, Caspian Terns may be found in southern California, along the coast of the southeastern U.S., and further south into Mexico and Central America. In the Old World, this species breeds in Eurasia from Eastern Europe east to China, along the coasts of Africa and South Asia, and in Australasia, wintering widely in the tropics. Caspian Terns breed in a variety of habitats, including marshes, estuaries, barrier islands, bays, and lakes, and may be found either in freshwater or in saltwater. In winter, this species utilizes similar habitat types as in summer. Caspian Terns primarily eat fish and small crustaceans. Caspian Terns may be most easily seen standing or walking along the shore or on the beach, where their large size and bright orange bill are most apparent. With the aid of binoculars, it may also be possible to observe this species feeding by diving headfirst into the water. Caspian Terns are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/02/04/76129_98_68.jpg"}, "327977": {"scientific_name": "Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327977", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/06/07/11219_orig.jpg", "common_name": "European rabbit", "sid": 327977, "text": "The European rabbit or common rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a species of rabbit native to southwestern Europe (Spain and Portugal) and northwest Africa (Morocco and Algeria).\u00a0 It is also known as an invasive species because it has been widely introduced to countries on all continents with the exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, often with devastating effects on local biodiversity, environments and ecosystems. Australia has the most problems with European rabbits, due to the lack of natural predators there.\u00a0 Although world-wide this species is frequently eradicated as a populous pest, it is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN red list, because the designation is based on the population in its native range, which is declining due to \"disease, habitat loss and human-induced mortality\" (Smith and Boyer 2008).\u00a0 Its decline in its native range has caused subsequent decline of its highly dependent predators, the Iberian lynx and the Spanish Imperial eagle.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe European rabbit is well known for digging networks of burrows, called warrens, where it spends most of its time when not feeding. Unlike the related hares (Lepus spp.), rabbits are altricial, the young being born blind and furless, in a fur-lined nest in the warren, and they are totally dependent upon their mother. Much of the modern research into wild rabbit behaviour was carried out in the 1960s by two research centres. One was the naturalist Ronald Lockley, who maintained a number of large enclosures for wild rabbit colonies, with observation facilities, in Orielton, Pembrokeshire. Apart from publishing a number of scientific papers, he popularised his finding in a book The Private Life of the Rabbit, which is credited by Richard Adams as having played a key role in his gaining \"a knowledge of rabbits and their ways\" that was espoused in the novel Watership Down. The other group was the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia, where Mykytowycz and Myers performed numerous studies of the social behaviour of wild rabbits. Since the onset of Myxomatosis, which is a disease caused by the Myxoma virus and the decline of the significance of the rabbit as an agricultural pest, few large-scale studies have been performed and many aspects of rabbit behaviour are still poorly understood (Wikipedia 16 October 2013).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/06/07/11219_98_68.jpg"}, "317313": {"scientific_name": "Choeropsis liberiensis Morton 1844", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/317313", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/14/23/88048_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Pygmy hippopotamus", "sid": 317313, "text": "The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis) is a small hippopotamid native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily in Liberia and small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast. The pygmy hippo is reclusive and nocturnal. It is one of only two extant species in the Hippopotamidae family, the other being its much larger cousin the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/14/23/88048_98_68.jpg"}, "323910": {"scientific_name": "Saimiri boliviensis (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire and de Blainville, 1834)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323910", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/08/07/01485_orig.jpg", "common_name": "bolivian squirrel monkey", "sid": 323910, "text": "Saimiri boliviensis, Bolivian squirrel monkeys, can be found in the tropical rain forests of South America. They are found from the Andes in the east, north to the Caribbean Sea, and south and east into Brazil. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/08/07/01485_98_68.jpg"}, "347685": {"scientific_name": "Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin, 1788", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/347685", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/17/16/13267_orig.jpg", "common_name": "eastern gray squirrel", "sid": 347685, "text": "\"The adaptable, omnivorous, diurnal Eastern Gray Squirrel is the native American mammal people most frequently see east of the Mississippi River. It prefers to den inside trees, but will construct large nests of leaves in the canopy if tree cavities are not available. An average of two to three blind, hairless young make up a litter. Litters are produced once or twice a year, in February and March and again in July through September. The young are weaned at eight or nine weeks, when their previously protective mother abandons them. In September, yearlings and some adults strike out to establish their own home ranges in a process called the \"\"fall reshuffle.\"\" These home ranges are rarely more than one or two hectares in size. Successful as they are, Eastern Gray Squirrels live only 11-12 months on average, but some individuals have survived more than ten years in the wild. Factors affecting survival include the severity of winter, abundance of food, and parasites. One parasite, the mange mite, may cause enough hair loss to threaten survival through winter.\"Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/17/16/13267_98_68.jpg"}, "1049620": {"scientific_name": "Spheniscus mendiculus Sundevall 1871", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049620", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/08/09763_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Gal\u00e1pagos penguin", "sid": 1049620, "text": "The Galapagos penguin is the most northerly of all penguins, occurring on the Galapagos Islands, on the equator (3). It is the third smallest penguin in the world (4) and is the smallest member of the Spheniscidae family (5). This diminutive penguin has a black head and upperparts, with a narrow white line extending from the throat around the head to the corner of the eye (6). The underparts are white with two black bands extending across the breast (2). The upper part of the bill and the tip of the lower part of the bill are black, the rest of the bill and a bare patch around the eye and bill are pinkish yellow (6). Although the sexes are generally similar in appearance, males are larger than females (5). Juveniles have a totally dark head, and lack the dark breast bands seen in adults (2). This species has more bare skin on the face than other penguins; this is an adaptation to the hot temperatures experienced on the Galapagos (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/08/09763_98_68.jpg"}, "448836": {"scientific_name": "Sepia officinalis Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/448836", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/31/15/03101_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common cuttlefish", "sid": 448836, "text": "The cephalopods (meaning 'head-footed'), a group of molluscs containing the octopuses, squid and cuttlefish, are probably the most intelligent of all invertebrates. They have well-developed heads, with large eyes and mouths that feature beak-like jaws (3). The body of the common cuttlefish is flattened and broad, and is therefore oval in cross-section (2). A fin runs around the body from behind the head (2). Encircling the mouth there are eight 'arms' with suckers, which are used to manipulate prey, there are also two tentacles with flattened paddle-like tips, which can be rapidly extended and are used to catch prey (4). This species has excellent camouflage; it is able to change its colour to match its surroundings (2). Colour is therefore extremely variable, but is typically blackish-brown, mottled or striped, usually with paler underparts (2). Cuttlefish have an internal shell known as a cuttlebone, which is filled with gas and aids buoyancy; these shells are found washed ashore, and are often given to pet birds as a source of calcium and other minerals.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/31/15/03101_98_68.jpg"}, "1059929": {"scientific_name": "Pinus sylvestris L.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1059929", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/18/17877_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Scots Pine", "sid": 1059929, "text": "Scots pine is one of only three native conifers found in the UK and our only true cone-bearing tree. Although Scots pine can trace its earliest British ancestry back to the end of the Ice Age, it is something of an anomaly in that relatively few of the trees living today are directly descended from those early colonisers.\u00a0Originally forming extensive forests over most of Britain, a change in the climate to warmer temperatures some 5000 years ago favoured deciduous trees and pushed the range of the Scots pine northwards, out of most of England and Wales. In the seventeenth century, a combination of tree-felling for industrial use and the notorious Highland clearances all but eradicated the tree in northern Scotland. There was estimated to be little more than 10,000 hectares of native Scots pine forest left in Scotland by the 1970s.\u00a0This tree can grow as high as 40 metres and often has a trunk that is extensively forked. The bark is reddish-brown and forms flaky plates. In common with other pines, the tree bears stiff waxy needles instead of flattened leaves. These grow in pairs from the twigs and are between five and seven centimetres long. The tree also bears its seeds in cones, small egg-shaped woody structures which appear green and resinous in their first year, later drying to produce the familiar mini-pineapple shaped pinecones from which the seeds are dispersed.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/18/17877_98_68.jpg"}, "1049145": {"scientific_name": "Pandion haliaetus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049145", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/41345_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Osprey", "sid": 1049145, "text": "The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a fish-eating hawk found along coastlines and around marshes, lakes, and rivers almost worldwide. Ospreys are often seen flying over water searching for prey, then hovering and plunging feet first to capture a fish in their talons (fish are normally carried head first and belly down). Bald Eagles may sometimes chase them and force them to drop their catch. During migration, Ospreys may be seen far from water, even over deserts. Migrants travel singly, not in flocks. \r\n\r\nThe Osprey's diet consists almost entirely of fish, generally in the range of 10 to 30 cm in length. Rarely, small mammals, birds, or reptiles may be eaten. \r\n\r\nOspreys breed in the New World over most of North America south to Guatemala; in the Old World, they breed from the British Isles, Scandinavia, northern Russia, and northern Siberia south (at least locally) through much of Eurasia and most of Africa and Australia to South Africa, the Himalayas, Tasmania, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands. They winter from the southern United States south through Middle America, the West Indies, and South America (including the Galapagos Islands) to southern Chile, northern Argentina, and Uruguay; in the Old World, Ospreys winter from the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Seas, India, and eastern China south through the remainder of the breeding range. \r\n\r\nThe Osprey's courtship display includes the pair circling high together; the male may fly high and then dive repeatedly in the vicinity of the nest site, often carrying a fish or stick. The nest is usually constructed at the top of a large tree (often with a dead or broken top) not far from water. Utility poles or other structures, including nesting platforms erected by humans expressly for Ospreys, may also be used. They may nest on the ground on small islands and on cliffs or giant cacti in western Mexico. The nest site is typically very open to the sky. The bulky nest, built by both sexes, is made of sticks and lined with smaller materials. Nests may be reused for many years, with material added each year. Typical clutch size is 3 (range 2 to 4). The eggs, which are creamy white with brown blotches, are incubated by both parents (but mainly the female) for around 38 days. When the young first hatch, the female remains with them most of the time, sheltering them from sun and rain, and the male brings fish back to the nest, which the female feeds the young. Age at first flight is around 51 to 54 days. \r\n\r\nIn the mid-20th century, Osprey populations in the United States and elsewhere plummeted as a result of accumulations of the pesticide DDT in the food chain, which prevented the formation of normal eggshells (DDT can interfere with normal calcium absorption, resulting in thin eggshells). With the reduction in use of DDT and other conservation efforts, populations of Ospreys and some other affected species have rebounded.\r\n\r\n (Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/41345_98_68.jpg"}, "1046068": {"scientific_name": "Apus apus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1046068", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/09/52451_orig.jpg", "common_name": "common swift", "sid": 1046068, "text": "For the moth Korscheltellus lupulina, see Common swift (moth).The common swift (Apus apus) is a medium-sized bird, superficially similar to the barn swallow or house martin but somewhat larger. It is, however, completely unrelated to those passerine species, since swifts are in the separate order Apodiformes. The resemblances between the groups are due to convergent evolution reflecting similar life styles. Swifts' nearest relatives are thought to be the New World hummingbirds and the Southeast Asian treeswifts.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/09/52451_98_68.jpg"}, "323954": {"scientific_name": "Macaca nigra (Desmarest, 1822)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323954", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/01/22/35196_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Celebes crested macaque", "sid": 323954, "text": "Crested black macaques are social monkeys and, before their decline in the wild, were often seen in groups of up to 100 individuals (5). At present they are found in smaller groups. During the day they split into smaller units of 10 to 25 individuals, led by dominant males who police the group and prevent serious fights developing. They feed on figs, other fruit, vegetation, insects and small animals such as mice, crabs and lizards (6). Sometimes food is not eaten immediately but is stored in cheek pouches for a while. Individuals in the group maintain relationships by grooming each other and communicating vocally with grunts (4). Adult males 'yawn' to display their large canine teeth in order to assert dominance and avoid conflict (5).\u00a0Breeding is non-seasonal and therefore occurs at any time of year. Females come into oestrous every 33 to 36 days and advertise their fertility with swollen pink bottoms. The females are monopolised by the group's dominant male, and after a gestation period of five and a half months a single infant is born (5). The offspring reach sexual maturity at four to six years and may live for up to 25 years (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/01/22/35196_98_68.jpg"}, "1048013": {"scientific_name": "Mycteria americana Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048013", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/07/16/02996_orig.jpg", "common_name": "wood stork", "sid": 1048013, "text": "A large (34-47 inches) wader, the Wood Stork is most easily identified by its white body, black wing edges, and large bald head. In flight, this species is easily separated from cranes by its short neck, from egrets by its ability to hold its neck extended in flight (as opposed to folding it back on its body), and from ibises by its extremely long legs. In fact, with its bald head and soaring flight, this species is more easily mistaken for a vulture than for any wader. Male and female Wood Storks are similar to one another in all seasons. The Wood Stork primarily breeds in the American tropics from southern Mexico and the Caribbean south to tropical portions of South America. In North America, this species is a local breeder and uncommon winter resident from south Florida north to coastal South Carolina. Non-breeding and post-breeding birds may wander widely during late summer, when they may turn up as far north as the Mid-Atlantic region and New England. Wood Storks breed in freshwater and brackish wetlands surrounded by trees, which this species uses to nest and roost colonially. In the non-breeding season, this species may be found in a number of wetland habitats ranging in size from large expanses of marshland to small ponds and canals. Wood Storks primarily eat small fish, but may also eat small quantities of insects and other small animals when available. Wood Storks may be best observed wading in shallow water, where they may be seen plunging their bills into the water to catch fish. It is also possible to see Wood Storks at their nest trees, especially when they return to roost at sunset, or while soaring singly or in small groups high above marshland. Wood Storks are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/07/16/02996_98_68.jpg"}, "1048664": {"scientific_name": "Ardea cinerea Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048664", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/20/16/60363_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Grey Heron", "sid": 1048664, "text": "Grey herons feed on a wide range of prey items but are primarily piscivores. In addition to fish (Class Actinopterygii), their diet consists of insects (Class Insecta), crustaceans (Subphylum Crustacea), frogs (Class Amphibia) and small mammals. They sometimes even ingest tiny birds. Recent studies have documented grey herons attempting to prey upon and consume white-throated rails (Dryomnas cuvieri aldabranus). This is the largest bird species upon which grey herons attempt to prey. While it is not clear how often grey herons succeed in feeding on rails, injuries have been noted after feeding attempts. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/20/16/60363_98_68.jpg"}, "1048011": {"scientific_name": "Botaurus lentiginosus (Rackett, 1813)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048011", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/11/14/04808_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Bittern", "sid": 1048011, "text": "Although not particularly small (around 23 inches), the American Bittern\u2019s mottled brown plumage and short, thick build provide it with excellent camouflage in its heavily vegetated habitat. This heron may be best identified by its coloration, short yellow legs, white throat, and black neck stripes. Male and female American Bitterns are similar to one another in all seasons. The American Bittern breeds widely across the northern United States and the southern half of Canada. In winter, American Bitterns migrate to coastal areas of the United States south to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. This species may be found all year along the Pacific coast as well as in the Mid-Atlantic Region. American Bitterns breed primarily in shallow, heavily-vegetated freshwater wetlands. In winter, this species utilizes many of the same habitat types as in summer, but some bitterns wintering close to the coast may be found in brackish water. American Bitterns primarily eat animal matter, both invertebrates (mainly insects) and vertebrates (including fish, amphibians, and small mammals). Due to its short stature and the nature of its habitat, American Bitterns are difficult to observe while feeding or standing still. Bitterns may be more visible in the air, undertaking short flights above the top of the marsh grass. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/11/14/04808_98_68.jpg"}, "339109": {"scientific_name": "Neoceratodus forsteri (Krefft, 1870)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/339109", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/18/11/85014_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Australian lungfish", "sid": 339109, "text": "Inhabits mud, sand or gravel bottoms (Ref. 44894).  Sluggish species that prefers still or slow-flowing waters, usually in deep pools.  During period of drought, it can tolerate stagnant conditions by breathing air, surfacing 1-2 times per hour; however, it lacks the ability to survive dry spells by aestivation; it is a facultative air-breather that will die if forced to depend on air breathing (Ref. 36739, 44894).  The sound of the lungfish exhaling air at the surface prior to inhaling a fresh breath has been likened to that made by a small bellows.  Nocturnally active (Ref. 44894).  Feeds on frogs, tadpoles, fishes, shrimp, earthworms, snails, aquatic plants and native fruits fallen from trees overhanging the creeks (Ref. 36739, 44894).  It browses among the detritus, using its electroreceptors to pick up hidden mollusks, worms or crustaceans.  Protected by law.  Fossil records show that this species remained virtually unchanged for over 380 million years.  The Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco had a specimen of 1 m length, 20 kg weight, and more than 65 years of age.  In 1933, an Australian lungfish was transported as a fully mature male (10 yrs. old at maturity) to the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago (C. Skonieczny, pers. comm. 11/08, e-mail: CSkonieczny@sheddaquarium.org).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/18/11/85014_98_68.jpg"}, "313018": {"scientific_name": "Sciurus variegatoides Ogilby, 1839", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/313018", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/05/08750_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Variegated squirrel", "sid": 313018, "text": "Sciurus variegatoides is a large, long-tailed species of tree squirrel.  Its pelage is shiny and bristly.  The fourteen different subspecies exhibit a wide range of color and color pattern.  Dorsally, the color ranges from blackish to reddish brown to yellowish-gray to white.  On the underside, the color ranges from white to cinnamon-buff.  The feet and sides of the body are pale gray or yellowish; the ears have a pale patch of fur on the outside.  Different subspecies may have a combination of dorsal and lateral stripes and forehead patches or may be completely grizzled in coloration.  The guard hairs on the back and sides are agouti, and are made up of several different color bands.  The underside is not usually banded.  The tail is bushy and long and has black hairs tipped in white on its dorsal side.  The underside of the tail is usually lighter in color. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/05/08750_98_68.jpg"}, "205276": {"scientific_name": "Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/205276", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/11/91124_orig.jpg", "common_name": "brook trout", "sid": 205276, "text": "The Brook Trout is a beautifully-colored fish, iridescent blue to green with yellow spots and sometimes orange to red spots with blue halos across its side. The back may darken to an olive green with dark, wavy, worm-like lines which are lacking in other salmonids. While their undersides lighten to a silvery white, their lower fins are orange with white margins. They have teeth located only in the front of their mouths. Average size of the fish is ten to twelve inches long and one to four pounds, but largest on record was over 14 pounds. The Brook Trout eats a wide variety of insects and small animals. A juvenile will eat insect larva, plankton, and small crustaceans while a larger adult may eat small fish and crayfish.\r\n\r\nIn the late fall the female will scoop out a shallow hole in the gravel of the streambed or lake bottom around the shoreline. The male and female together then extrude eggs and milt into the hole, the female then covering the fertilized eggs (100 to 5000, depending on her size) to incubate them during the winter. In two or three months the surviving eggs hatch. The young go through a couple of stages before they reach adulthood. During the fry and fingerling stages they eat plankton and as they grow into adulthood they will begin to eat insects and larger prey. The Brook Trout commonly lives its entire life in the same streams and lakes in which it was born or sometimes it may travel out to sea, returning to freshwater to spawn. Maximum life expectancy is about five years old.\r\n\r\nAlthough the Brook Trout is more commonly found at high elevations in the cold water of mountain streams, rivers, lakes and ponds, it populates many watersheds in New England at nearly all elevations. It requires high oxygen content in the water and does not do well in water that gets above 68 degrees in the summer. The Brook Trout is distinguished as being the only trout native to New England waters: brown trout originated from Europe, and rainbow trout came from the northwest United States.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/11/91124_98_68.jpg"}, "1037909": {"scientific_name": "Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1037909", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/06/15/08390_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eurasian red squirrel", "sid": 1037909, "text": "Red squirrels do not hibernate and lay down stores of food to see them through periods when fresh food is not available. Where they are found in mixed broadleaf and coniferous woodland they have a source of food all year round, as pine seeds are present over the winter months. However, red squirrels have quite a varied diet which includes seeds, buds, flowers, leaves and fruit. They are known to take insects, fungi and birds' eggs.\u00a0Red squirrels build nests, called dreys, from sticks and moss placed high in the branches. They produce two litters of three to four kittens a year, usually in March and July.  The drey is often the first evidence of the presence of red squirrels in a wood. Other signs are chewed pine cone 'cores' (birds leave ragged remains), split hazel nut shells (dormice make a hole to extract the kernel), cut tree shoots and scattered droppings.\u00a0Red squirrels can live for up to six years. They are chiefly active during the day and most of this time is spent foraging. Bad weather can seriously hinder this activity and, without food the squirrels can only survive for a few days.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/06/15/08390_98_68.jpg"}, "1050671": {"scientific_name": "Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050671", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/21/77517_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Carolina Wren", "sid": 1050671, "text": "A medium-sized (5 \u00be inches) wren, the Carolina Wren is most easily identified by its plain reddish-brown back, buff breast, long tail (often held up at an angle), long curved bill, and conspicuous white eye-stripes. This species may be distinguished from the similar House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) by that species\u2019 small size and fainter eye-stripes and from Bewick\u2019s Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) by that species\u2019 smaller size and paler plumage. Male and female Carolina Wrens are similar to one another in all seasons. The Carolina Wren occurs in much of the eastern United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico, being absent only from northern New England and the upper Midwest. Isolated populations also occur in southern Mexico and Central America. The Carolina Wren is non-migratory in all parts of its range. Carolina Wrens inhabit a variety of well-vegetated habitats, including bushy fields, woodland undergrowth, and (in the southern part of its range) palmetto scrub. Where food and groundcover is available, this species is also present in suburban areas. Carolina Wrens primarily eat small insects, but may also eat small quantities of seeds and berries during the winter when insects are scarce. In appropriate habitat, Carolina Wrens may be seen foraging for food on the ground or in the branches of bushes and shrubs. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 song, a series of \u201cchirpity\u201d phrases repeated in rapid succession. Carolina Wrens are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/21/77517_98_68.jpg"}, "328630": {"scientific_name": "Halichoerus grypus (Fabricius, 1791)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328630", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/22/82453_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Grey seal", "sid": 328630, "text": "Grey seals feed on a wide range of fish species, and also take crustaceans, cephalopods and the occasional seabird. When feeding they can dive to depths of 30 to 70 metres (3).  In autumn females congregate at traditional pupping sites, called rookeries. At birth the pups weigh 14 kilograms, but as the mother's milk contains 60 percent fat, they rapidly put on weight and develop the blubber layer essential for maintaining body temperature when at sea (4). Males come ashore at the pupping sites to mate; they compete for sole access to a group of females (3), and successful dominant males can secure access to up to as many as ten females (3). After mating the seals disperse. The pups stay in the rookery surviving on their blubber reserves until after the moult, they then go to sea and may disperse over large distances (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/22/82453_98_68.jpg"}, "327954": {"scientific_name": "Tadarida brasiliensis (Geoffroy 1824)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327954", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/00/34597_orig.jpg", "common_name": "brazilian free-tailed bat", "sid": 327954, "text": "A member of the Molossidae family, the Brazilian free-tailed bat has the characteristic mouse-like tail protruding beyond the flight membrane stretched between its hind legs. Relatively plain when compared to many bats, this species has brown fur, large ears that are nearly square, and a strongly wrinkled upper lip. However, it is superbly adapted to its aerial lifestyle, having long, narrow wings with pointed tips to enable very fast flight, and long hairs on the toes to judge flight speed and turbulence. The hind legs are short and powerful, making this bat an excellent climber (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/00/34597_98_68.jpg"}, "1019448": {"scientific_name": "Rana boylii Baird, 1854", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1019448", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/02/14/18474_orig.jpg", "common_name": "foothill yellow-legged frog", "sid": 1019448, "text": "Global Range: (20,000-200,000 square km (about 8000-80,000 square miles)) Range includes Pacific drainages from the upper reaches of the Willamette River system, Oregon (west of the Cascades crest), south to the upper San Gabriel River, Los Angeles County, California, including the coast ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills in the United States (Stebbins 2003). The species occurred at least formerly in a disjunct location in northern Baja California: two specimens (identified by R. C. Stebbins and R. G. Zwiefel) were collected in 1965 at an elevation of 2,040 meters at the lower end of La Grulla Meadow, Sierra San Pedro Martir, Baja California, Mexico (Loomis 1965); subsequent searches have not detected the species in that area (Grismer 2002, Stebbins 2003). The species apparently has disappeared from portions of its historical range, especially in southern California (see Hayes and Jennings 1988). Extant R. boylii populations are not evenly distributed in California; in the Pacific Northwest, 40 percent of the streams support populations, whereas that number drops to 30 percent in the Cascade Mountains (north of the Sierra Nevada), 30 percent in the south coast range (south of San Francisco), and 12 percent in the Sierra Nevada foothills (Fellers 2005). Elevational range extends from sea level to around 2,130 meters.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/02/14/18474_98_68.jpg"}, "289588": {"scientific_name": "Desmodus rotundus (E. Geoffroy, 1810)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/289588", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/20/20489_orig.jpg", "common_name": "common vampire bat", "sid": 289588, "text": "No species has contributed more to the misunderstanding and fear of bats than the vampire bat (4). Public perception and movie portrayal of them as huge, creepy, blood-sucking killers is sensationalist and incorrect. The common vampire bat in fact rarely kills its prey and is relatively small and ordinary looking, although it does possess some fascinating adaptations to its specialized feeding behaviour (5). The thin, pointed, blade-like incisors are so sharp that the victim seldom notices the incision into its flesh (6). Heat sensors on their nose are also an adaptation to help the vampire bat find a good spot on an animal's body to feed (5). Strong hind legs and a special thumb help the bat to climb around on its prey and to take off after feeding (5) (7). The coat is dark greyish-brown, paler on the stomach and females are usually larger than males (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/20/20489_98_68.jpg"}, "326524": {"scientific_name": "Propithecus verreauxi Grandidier, 1867", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326524", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/22/38888_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Verreaux's Sifaka", "sid": 326524, "text": "Verreaux's sifaka is a diurnal, social species existing in groups that are typically 5 members strong (4). These groups are mixed, and females appear to be dominant over males, who are the dispersive sex. The mating system is poorly understood, but in small groups only one female breeds each year. The season occurs in late January and early February and births are 6 months later; during the mating season males may fight between themselves for access to females (6). The single young develops rapidly, initially riding on its mothers belly and moving to her back after a month; young are fully independent at around 6 months of age (6). Groups inhabit home ranges that vary in size depending on the resources available; a core territory within this range is usually defended against neighbouring groups (6). \u00a0Sifakas spend the majority of their time in the treetops, travelling via vertical clinging and leaping from one tree to the next (2). This method of locomotion can take them as far as 10 m in one leap (2). To cross open spaces they descend to the ground and adopt what looks like a skipping 'dance' on their hind legs with forearms outstretched for balance (2). The diet varies with season but encompasses a wide range of leaves, fruit, flowers and bark (3). Group members are vigilant for predator attacks, and aerial predators such as the Madagascar harrier-hawk (Polyboroides radiatus) excite different calls than those for predators on the ground (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/22/38888_98_68.jpg"}, "1052070": {"scientific_name": "Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052070", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/08/09/27485_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Cardinal", "sid": 1052070, "text": "The loud, clear songs of the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) are a familiar part of the suburban soundscape across the eastern United States. The Northern Cardinal is abundant throughout the eastern United States and adjacent Canada, with a range extending south to Belize. This species has also been introduced to the Hawaiian Islands, where it is well established on all the main islands from Kauai eastward, and has been established locally in coastal southern California and in Bermuda. These striking birds inhabit woodland edges, swamps, streamside thickets, and suburban gardens, as well as the Sonoran Desert and riparian areas of the Southwest. In the East, the Northern Cardinal has expanded its range northward during the past century. Northern Cardinals are permanent residents throughout their range. The Northern Cardinal has been selected as the state bird of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. \r\n    \r\nThe diet of the Northern Cardinals is highly varied, but consists mainly of seeds, insects, and berries. The young are fed mostly insects. \r\n\r\nThe male sings to defend his nesting territory and actively attacks intruders. In courtship, both male and female raise their heads high and sway back and forth while singing softly. Early in the breeding season, the male often feeds the female. The female sings mainly in the spring before nesting. The nest, which is an open cup built by the female, is typically hidden in dense vegetation 1 to 3 m above the ground, sometimes higher.  The 3 to 4 (sometimes 2 or 5)  eggs (whitish to pale bluish or greenish white marked with brown, purple, and gray)  are incubated for 12 to 13 days, almost always by the female alone.  Both parents feed the young, which leave the nest around 9 to 11 days after hatching. The male may continue to feed the fledglings as the female initiates a second brood. There may be two to three broods per year (rarely four). \r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/08/09/27485_98_68.jpg"}, "2925218": {"scientific_name": "Papio ursinus (Kerr, 1792)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/2925218", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/14/79910_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Chacma baboon", "sid": 2925218, "text": "The chacma baboon (Papio ursinus), also known as the Cape baboon, is, like all other baboons, from the Old World monkey family. It is one of the largest of all monkeys.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/14/79910_98_68.jpg"}, "1065132": {"scientific_name": "Cygnus melancoryphus (Molina, 1782)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1065132", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/12/17/70774_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Black-necked Swan", "sid": 1065132, "text": "Black-necked swans are native to south coastal South America and inland lakes in the Neotropical region. Black-necked swans breed in Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the Falkland Islands. In winter they migrate northward to Paraguay and southern Brazil. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/12/17/70774_98_68.jpg"}, "223782": {"scientific_name": "Amia calva Linnaeus, 1766", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/223782", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/25/02/84752_orig.jpg", "common_name": "bowfin", "sid": 223782, "text": "Bowfin are found as far north as the upper St. Lawrence River in Quebec and Ontario, and as far south as Southern Texas and Florida.  They can be found from the east coast and west into South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and Central Oklahoma  (Scott and Crossman, 1973). ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/25/02/84752_98_68.jpg"}, "796029": {"scientific_name": "Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin 1802)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/796029", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/22/07425_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American alligator", "sid": 796029, "text": "Crocodilia, originating more than 200 million years ago in the late Triassic Period natives to the super continent Pangea. Fossils of these early crocodilians were among the first vertebrates to be scientifically studied  by pioneers of paleontology in the early 19th century. Unlike present crocodilians, their predecessor's had longer limbs and shorter snouts, making them more equipped for a terrestrial life. \r\n \r\nThis genus represents evolution at it's best. These living fossils have survived an array of mass extinctions including continental drift. Spawning 22 different species, all adapted to a more Amphibious life style, most well know being the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).\r\n \r\nThe American Alligator typically ranges from 10 to 15 feet, the largest being male, although the biggest on record ranges to 20 feet long. This unique animal has internal sexual organs, so a probe is needed to determine sex. Running down the entire back side of the alligator is a protective bony plate called osteoderms. On land they can reach speeds between 9 to 19 miles an hour, surprisgly they have also been known to survive temperatures as low as 26.5 degrees Fahrenheit. \r\n \r\nIn early June most of the Florida population of Alligators lay their eggs. The female will pile various vegetation from her environment together, then will repeatedly drag her body over to create a mound to nest her eggs. The eggs are about the size of an ostrich egg and she will lay between 30 to 40 eggs. They incubate for about 65 days. The temperature of the incubation determines the sex of the hatchlings. 90 to 93 for a male, 82 to 86 a female, with Crocodiles it is the opposite, the warmer eggs will be females, the cooler eggs will be males, this phenomenom is referred to as Temperature-Dependant Sex Determination or (TSD). When born these hatchlings are prey to anything in the environment so, evolution has equppied them with yellowish bands to camouflage them with their environment. Unusual for the reptile kingdom, the American Alligator is very protective of it's young and will guard the nest. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/22/07425_98_68.jpg"}, "330984": {"scientific_name": "Oophaga pumilio (Schmidt, 1857)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/330984", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/13/83100_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Strawberry Poison-dart Frog", "sid": 330984, "text": "Oophaga pumilio are slender frogs with bilateral symmetry. They are small frogs measuring 17 to 24 mm in length at adulthood. They feature four, un-webbed digits on each hand and foot, and the body is overall quite compact. These frogs have fairly large, dark eyes set on the sides of the head. The skin of a poison dart frog is very moist which gives them a somewhat glossy appearance in bright light. This species is sexually monomorphic.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/13/83100_98_68.jpg"}, "208520": {"scientific_name": "Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/208520", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/30/10/41105_orig.jpg", "common_name": "guppy", "sid": 208520, "text": "Inhabits warm springs and their effluents, weedy ditches and canals (Ref. 5723).  Found in various habitats, ranging from highly turbid water in ponds, canals and ditches at low elevations to pristine mountain streams at high elevations (Ref. 11225).  Occurs in wide variety of habitats with low predation pressure, usually in very small streams and densely vegetated lakes and springs (Ref. 59043).  Has a wide salinity range but requires fairly warm temperatures (23-24 \u00b0C) and quiet vegetated water for survival (Ref. 7248, 44894, 79840).  Feeds on zooplankton, small insects and detritus.  One of the most popular aquarium fishes with many standardized varieties.  Used in genetics research.  Female reaches 5 cm SL (Ref. 2847).  Males mature at 2 months and females at 3 months of age (Ref. 1672).  Aquarium keeping:  in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539).  A very popular and widely available species in the aquarium trade.  In Australia, wild populations were established prior to the 1970s, undoubtedly the result of thoughtless aquarists discarding unwanted pets (Ref. 44894).  Maximum length for female taken from Ref. 43281.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/30/10/41105_98_68.jpg"}, "327958": {"scientific_name": "Tursiops aduncus Ehrenberg 1832", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327958", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/27/23/48424_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin", "sid": 327958, "text": "Indo-Pacific bottlenosed dolphins tend to live in shallow water near the shore at depths of less than 300 m. The habitat of some Indo-Pacific bottlenosed dolphins is estuarine but spatial distribution of dolphins varies depending on season and tidal state. These variables influence water temperature and prey distribution. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/27/23/48424_98_68.jpg"}, "1050125": {"scientific_name": "Zenaida asiatica (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050125", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/02/05/42275_orig.jpg", "common_name": "White-winged Dove", "sid": 1050125, "text": "The white-winged dove is a fairly large dove with a long bill. Its name derives from a broad white band that can be seen along the edge of the wing when it is folded and across the wing when it is opened. The reddish eye is surrounded by bright blue skin, and there is a dark streak on the cheek below the eye.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/02/05/42275_98_68.jpg"}, "922309": {"scientific_name": "Perisoreus canadensis (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/922309", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/08/18285_orig.jpg", "common_name": "gray jay", "sid": 922309, "text": "Breeding range: The Gray Jay is found from tree line in northern Canada and Alaska south through boreal and subalpine forests to northern California on the west coast, Arizona and New Mexico in the Rocky Mountains, northern Wisconsin in the midwest, and New York in the east.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/08/18285_98_68.jpg"}, "1049123": {"scientific_name": "Circus cyaneus (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049123", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/23/66511_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Harrier", "sid": 1049123, "text": "Intermediate in appearance between the slim bird hawks (genus Accipiter) and thick-set buzzards (genus Buteo), the Northern Harrier is most easily identified by its size (17 \u00bd - 24 inches), long wings, long squared-off tail, and conspicuous white rump patch. Male Northern Harriers are light gray above and pale below, while females are solid brown above and streaked brown and tan below. Like most species of raptors, females are larger than males. The Northern Harrier is found widely across Eurasia (where it is known as the Hen Harrier) and North America. In the New World, this species breeds across Canada, Alaska, and the northern tier of the United States. In winter, Northern Harriers may be found from the southern Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest south to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. In the Old World, this species breeds across northern Europe and Asia south to Portugal and northern China, wintering as far south as North Africa and South Asia. The Northern Harrier inhabits a variety of open habitats, including grassland, marshes, and agricultural fields. This species avoids built-up areas and forests. The diet of the Northern Harrier consists primarily of small mammals and songbirds. Due to this species\u2019 preference for open habitat, Northern Harriers may be most easily observed flying low over the tops of tall grasses in search of prey. Less frequently, Northern Harriers may be seen soaring high over open areas, displaying their characteristic long tail and wings. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/23/66511_98_68.jpg"}, "328661": {"scientific_name": "Antilocapra americana (Ord, 1815)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328661", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/08/52233_orig.jpg", "common_name": "pronghorn", "sid": 328661, "text": "Pronghorn are endemic to North America, and are the only living members of the family Antilocapridae. In the Pleistocene, about a dozen species roamed the continent. Two things distinguish their horns from those of all other mammals: they fork, and the black, outer, forked sheath is shed annually from the unforked, bony core. The horns of females are shorter and do not develop a pronounced prong-like shape. Pronghorns stay in the open, relying on their excellent eyesight and speed for protection - they have been clocked at 72 km per hour. They communicate with each other visually, by raising the mane on the back of the neck into a stiff brush and erecting the white hairs on the rump. When a Pronghorn activates this visual beacon, it is coupled with an olfactory signal: the rump glands emit a strong smell.Adaptation: Pronghorn have large eyes projecting away from the skull. A prominent ring-like eye socket supports the eyes, giving them a very wide field of view.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/08/52233_98_68.jpg"}, "922786": {"scientific_name": "Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/922786", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/30/10/99807_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Mink", "sid": 922786, "text": "This semi-aquatic species is a versatile opportunistic predator (2) (4), preying on rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), water voles (Arvicola terrestris), and many other mammals, as well as a range of fish, birds, eggs, crayfish, and a variety of invertebrates (6). This species has had a devastating effect on native species; it has been implicated in the precipitous decline of the water vole, and poses a serious threat to game birds, fish and birds nesting on offshore islands (6). Although it can be active at any time during the 24-hour period, the activity of the American mink tends to peak at night and at dusk (6). They are solitary and territorial, with the male home range overlapping several female ranges (6). Mating occurs once a year, between February and April (6). During this time males leave their territories and increase their range in search of females (2). A single litter of four to seven young is produced between April and May (6). When they reach 13 to 14 weeks of age, the young disperse away from the place of birth (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/30/10/99807_98_68.jpg"}, "1178476": {"scientific_name": "Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178476", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/09/03/03/11969_orig.jpg", "common_name": "common myna", "sid": 1178476, "text": "Not to be confused with Common miner.The common myna (Acridotheres tristis), sometimes spelled mynah, also sometimes known as \"Indian myna\",[2] is a member of the family Sturnidae (starlings and mynas) native to Asia. An omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct, the myna has adapted extremely well to urban environments.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/09/03/03/11969_98_68.jpg"}, "1036116": {"scientific_name": "Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1036116", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/15/21/01276_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eurasian Beaver", "sid": 1036116, "text": "The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber was once widespread in Europe and Asia. However, by the beginning of the 20th century, over-hunting had drastically reduced both the numbers and range of the species. In Europe, only a few isolated sites remained: parts of the Rhone (France) and Elbe (Germany), southern Norway, the Neman River and Dnepr Basin (Belarus) and Voronezh (Russia). A series of management measures and reintroductions have enabled the beaver to return to much of its former range, and there are now a number of rapidly expanding populations extending from Spain and France across central and eastern Europe to European Russia, and in Scandinavia and parts of western Finland. Free-living populations of beavers are now established or establishing in most regions of their former European range, the main exceptions to date being Portugal, Italy, the south Balkans and Great Britain (Halley and Rosell 2002, Ce\u00f1a et al. 2004). Detailed information on the status and distribution of the Eurasian beaver in each range state can be found in Halley and Rosell (2002), and information on the population that was translocated to Spain in 2003 can be found in Ce\u00f1a et al. (2004). It is generally a lowland species, but occurs up to 850 m in Europe (Halley pers. comm. 2006). In Mongolia, a small population exists along the Bulgan River in northern Dzungarian Govi Desert, in the south-western corner of Mongolia. Mongolian-German Biological Expeditions carried out conservation introductions along Hovd River in Mongol Altai Mountain Range in 1974, 1975, and 1978, and along Tes River in northern Hangai Mountain Range in 1985, 1988 and 2002. In all cases Mongolian beavers from the Bulgan River were used in order to protect the gene pool in the central Asiatic hydro-geographic basin (Stubbe and Dawaa, 1982; Stubbe et al., 2005a). A separate attempt to reintroduce beavers from Voronezh Reserve (Russian Federation) was unsuccessful (M. Stubbe pers. comm.).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/15/21/01276_98_68.jpg"}, "328609": {"scientific_name": "Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328609", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/12/47078_orig.jpg", "common_name": "red fox", "sid": 328609, "text": "Red foxes are the most widely distributed wild carnivores in the world, occurring in North America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. They are also widespread in Australia, where they were introduced in about 1850 so that fox-hunters would have something to hunt. Their range in North America has expanded since colonial times as their competitors, wolves, were eliminated, but their range has also contracted in areas where they are in competition with coyotes. Red foxes prey on voles, rabbits, hares, and other small mammals, and also eat birds, fruits, and invertebrates even beetles and earthworms. A male female pair typically inhabits a territory, and older, usually female, siblings help care for the younger offspring by bringing them food. Red foxes are among the main carriers and victims of rabies.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/12/47078_98_68.jpg"}, "1049617": {"scientific_name": "Spheniscus demersus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049617", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2016/01/04/20/93489_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Jackass Penguin", "sid": 1049617, "text": "The African penguin is a medium-sized penguin, and the only species breeding on the African continent (5). Penguins have a robust, heavyset body and this species are black on the back and white below, with variable black markings on the breast and belly (2). Juvenile plumage is slate blue on the upper surface and this gradually turns darker, developing the adult black-and-white facial pattern in the second or third year. Penguins have small muscles at the base of each feather that enable them to be held tightly against the body whilst in water, forming a waterproof layer; alternatively, on land they are held erect, trapping an insulating layer of air around the body (5). These penguins are also known as 'jackass penguins' due to their loud, braying call (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2016/01/04/20/93489_98_68.jpg"}, "1044544": {"scientific_name": "Nicrophorus americanus Olivier 1790", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1044544", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2008/10/08/13/51407_orig.jpg", "common_name": "american burying beetle", "sid": 1044544, "text": "The American burying beetle, or ABB, is a very large and spectacularly colored burying beetle species once found in nearly all eastern states of the USA and two adjoining provinces of Canada.  Listed as critically endangered, it now occupies only about 10% of its former range and probably much less than 1% of its originally occupied habitat.  ABB seem to be habitat generalists, occurring in both forested and grassland areas, but require soils suitable for digging.  Like other burying beetles, pairs of adults bury carcasses of small animals (preferably 50-200 g body mass for this species), mate nearby, and use the carrion to feed their larvae in a subterranean chamber.   Adults also feed on carrion of any size.  The reasons for the species' dramatic decline are not entirely certain, but evidence points increasingly to a cascade of changes in vertebrate communities resulting from habitat fragmentation and other human-caused disturbances. Loss of the largest mammal predators has resulted in increases of smaller mammal predator-scavengers that are more likely to compete with ABB for carcasses of still smaller mammals or birds.  ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2008/10/08/13/51407_98_68.jpg"}, "311953": {"scientific_name": "Nasua narica (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311953", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/19/11/81299_orig.jpg", "common_name": "white-nosed coati", "sid": 311953, "text": "White-nosed Coatis are the most diurnal members of the family Procyonidae. They often sleep curled up in trees, and come down at dawn to forage, rooting with their long, mobile snouts and digging with long, curved claws for insects, larvae, eggs, and small vertebrates. Adult males often live alone, but females and young coatis travel together in bands, vocalizing and grooming each other. They do not hunt cooperatively or share food, but they join forces to defend against male coatis and other intruders. Females raise their young alone, in a nest. Mortality can be high when the young first leave the nest, from predators\u2014including male coatis, big cats, monkeys, and boa constrictors\u2014and accidents and disease.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/19/11/81299_98_68.jpg"}, "1178371": {"scientific_name": "Struthio camelus Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178371", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/26/14/18755_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Ostrich", "sid": 1178371, "text": "The flightless Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the only species in the genus Struthio and in the family Struthionidae. The Ostrich is the tallest and heaviest living bird. Males are 2.1 to 2.75 m tall and weigh 100 to 130 (or even 150) kg; females are around 1.75 to 1.9 m tall and weigh 90 to 110 kg. The eyes are the largest of any terrestrial vertebrate, with a diameter of 5 cm. Its long, stout legs allow an Ostrich to cover a lot of ground quickly and can also serve as powerful weapons; each foot has a 10 cm sturdy flattened claw on the thick inner toe (uniquely among living birds, there are only two toes on each foot). The Ostrich is the fastest runner among birds. It can maintain a speed of 50 km/h for around half an hour and can sprint to 70 km/h with strides of 3.5 m, using its wings for balance at high speeds.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/26/14/18755_98_68.jpg"}, "206857": {"scientific_name": "Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/206857", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/10/52919_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Striped mullet", "sid": 206857, "text": "Global Range: Tropical and subtropical coastal areas throughout world; also in temperate zone. North to Monterey Bay, California, and to Nova Scotia (most common from Chesapeake Bay south and south of Los Angeles). Native to perennial Hawaiian streams. Absent from Bahamas and most of West Indies and Caribbean.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/10/52919_98_68.jpg"}, "1045608": {"scientific_name": "Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1045608", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/12/23/64315_orig.jpg", "common_name": "European honey bee", "sid": 1045608, "text": "The European honey bee, also known as the common or western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is so named because it produces large amounts of honey. It is believed that the honey bee originated in Africa and spread to northern Europe, India, and China. The honey bee is not native to North America, but was brought here with the first colonists. The honey bee is now distributed world wide.\r\n\r\nEuropean honey bees are variable in color, but are some shade of black or brown intermixed with yellow. The bee ranges from 3/8 to 3/4 of an inch long, with workers being the smallest and the queen being the largest. A queen bee is elongate and has a straight stinger with no barbs. A worker bee has hind legs specialized for collecting pollen - each leg is flattened and covered with long fringed hairs that form a pollen basket. A worker bee's stinger has barbs. A drone bee is stout-bodied and has large eyes.\r\n\r\nWild European honey bee nests are found in hollow trees or man-made structures. Managed colonies are often kept in wooden hives. Flowers in meadows, open woods, agricultural areas, and yards and gardens are visited by worker bees.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/12/23/64315_98_68.jpg"}, "1047329": {"scientific_name": "Gavia immer (Brunnich, 1764)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1047329", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/55139_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Loon", "sid": 1047329, "text": "A large (28-36 inches) loon, the Common Loon in summer is most easily identified by its black head and bill, black-and-white \u201ccrosshatched\u201d back, and conspicuous white breast patch visible immediately above the waterline. Winter Common Loons are dark above and pale on the breast, throat, and head, appearing slightly darker than the related Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata). Male and female Common Loons are similar to one another in all seasons. The Common Loon inhabits parts of Eurasia (where it is known as the Great Northern Diver) and North America. In the New World, this species breeds across Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the northern tier of the United States. Red-throated Loons breeding in North America spend the winter along the Pacific coast from southern Alaska south to central Mexico, along the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to Florida, along the Gulf coast from Florida to eastern Mexico, and at a few locations in the interior southeast. In the Old World, this species breeds in Iceland, wintering along the coasts of Northern Europe. In summer, Common Loons breed in large lakes either on the tundra or in evergreen forests. During the winter, Common Loons are found along the coast in near-shore waters and on large bays and reservoirs. On migration, this species may be found on large bodies of freshwater in the interior. Common Loons primarily eat small fish, which they catch by diving. In appropriate habitats in summer, Common Loons may be seen nesting on small islands in lakes or directly on the lake shore. At this time of the year, birdwatchers may hear this species\u2019 haunting \u201cyodeling\u201d calls on calm nights. During the winter, Common Loons are most easily observed out at sea through binoculars or spotting scopes, and may be seen floating low in the water, diving below the surface in pursuit of prey, or flying awkwardly close to the tops of the waves. This species is primarily active during the day, but calls at night during the breeding season.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/55139_98_68.jpg"}, "1050134": {"scientific_name": "Zenaida macroura (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050134", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/86630_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Mourning Dove", "sid": 1050134, "text": "The mourning dove is widely distributed across North and Central America where it is common in urban areas and farmlands.  These doves can often be seen feeding in pairs or small groups on the ground. Their diet consists of seeds of annual weeds and grains.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/86630_98_68.jpg"}, "815711": {"scientific_name": "Dermochelys coriacea VANDELLI 1761", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/815711", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/14/11/18074_orig.jpg", "common_name": "leatherback sea turtle", "sid": 815711, "text": "This taxon is found in the Panamanian dry forests, but not necessarily limited to this ecoregion. The Panamanian dry forests ecoregion occupies approximately 2000 square miles of coastal and near-coastal areas on the Pacific versant of Panama, around portions of the Gulf of Panama. Plant endemism is intermediate, and vertebrate species richness is quite high in the Panamanian dry forests.This key ecoregion is highly threatened from its extensive ongoing exploitation. Beyond the endemism and species richness, the ecoregion is further significant, since it offers a biological corridor from the moist forests to the coastal mangroves.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/14/11/18074_98_68.jpg"}, "328614": {"scientific_name": "Otaria flavescens Shaw 1800", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328614", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/19/51823_orig.jpg", "common_name": "South American sea lion", "sid": 328614, "text": "Otaria flavescens inhabits South American coastlines from Rio de Janeiro (23 degrees south latitude) on the Atlantic ocean side and coastal Per\u00fa (5 degrees south latitude) on the Pacific coast to southernmost South America. There are records of Otaria flavescens inhabiting the Galapagos and Falkland Islands. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/19/51823_98_68.jpg"}, "913227": {"scientific_name": "Cygnus olor (Gmelin 1789)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/913227", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/28/22/07492_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Mute Swan", "sid": 913227, "text": "The mute swan feeds chiefly on submerged aquatic vegetation, which is obtained by upending (tipping head first into the water, so that the tail remains visible above the surface) (4). It also feeds in fields on young cereal crops (8), spilt grain (4), and on artificial food sources, such as bread given by the public (3).\u00a0Territorial disputes may result in aggressive fights between males, in which they rush at one another and slide along the surface of the water (2). Pairs typically nest solitarily, although semi-domesticated birds may nest in large colonies (6) (notably at Abbotsbury in Dorset) (8). The cone-shaped nest is built at the edge of the water, and may be used in subsequent years by the same pair (4). After mid-April, between 5 and 7 (up to 12) whitish or pale blue eggs are laid. They are incubated, mainly by the female, for 35-42 days; the young, known as 'cygnets', leave the nest soon after hatching (4). Both parents take care of the cygnets for an extended period, often until the next breeding season (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/28/22/07492_98_68.jpg"}, "332931": {"scientific_name": "Silurana tropicalis Gray, 1864", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/332931", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/14/16/55253_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Tropical Clawed Frogs", "sid": 332931, "text": "This West Africa species ranges from Senegal to western Cameroon north and west of the Sanaga River. It also occurs on the island of Bioko (Equatorial Guinea). We follow Loumont (1983) in provisionally assigning records to the east and south of this range to Silurana epitropicalis. However, the distributional limits of both species require further clarification. There do not appear to be any records from Mali, but it might occur in the extreme south of this country.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/14/16/55253_98_68.jpg"}, "313989": {"scientific_name": "Axis axis (Erxleben, 1777)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/313989", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/19/16/75073_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Chital", "sid": 313989, "text": "", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/19/16/75073_98_68.jpg"}, "1178565": {"scientific_name": "Merops ornatus Latham 1802", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178565", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/25/01/88051_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Rainbow Bee-eater", "sid": 1178565, "text": "All members of the Meropidae family (Bee-eaters) are considered \u201cOld World\u201d birds, inhabiting the Eastern hemisphere. Rainbow bee-eaters are the only species of bee-eaters that inhabits Australia.  Most of the population breeds and inhabits mainland Australia but other populations of rainbow bee-eaters have been recorded in eastern Indonesia, New Guinea and a few in the Solomon Islands. Rainbow bee-eaters also have been recorded to fly as far north as the southern Ryuku islands of Japan, Saipan, Palau, and northern Mariana islands, though only as temporary visitors and not permanent residents to these regions. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/25/01/88051_98_68.jpg"}, "1145612": {"scientific_name": "Alnus rubra Bong.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1145612", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/11051_orig.jpg", "common_name": "red alder", "sid": 1145612, "text": "General: Birch family (Betulaceae). Red alder is a deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. The trees are medium-sized, reaching various heights from 15 to 30 meters tall when mature. These fast-growing trees often grow 1 meter per year until 20 years of age. The trees can live to 100 years of age with trunks from 36 to 46 cm in diameter. A shrub form occurs when the trees grow in open exposed areas. The branches are slender and spreading. The thin bark is generally smooth, ashy gray to grayish-brown, and is usually covered with white lichens as it ages. The inner bark is reddish brown.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/11051_98_68.jpg"}, "206878": {"scientific_name": "Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/206878", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/09/03/05/69009_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Swordfish", "sid": 206878, "text": "Swordfish have evolved to be formidable predators.  They possess acute eyesight, with which they can locate prey, and their flesh consists primarily of 'white' muscle which provides energy for sudden bursts of activity, such as when in pursuit of their quarry (3).  The swordfish then uses its bill to stun or impale its victim, slashes it into pieces or swallows it whole (3) (5).  Swordfish feed during the day (3), primarily on squid, but also fish and occasionally crustaceans (6) (7) (8).  They undertake vertical migrations in the ocean, following the movement of many small shrimp, fish and squid that move with the changing light intensity in a (somewhat unsuccessful) attempt to avoid predators (3) (7).  Unlike some fish, swordfish are unable to maintain a body temperature higher than the temperature of the surrounding water.  Instead, they have a unique muscle and brown tissue that warms blood flowing to the brain and eyes, enabling it to tolerate the extreme cold of the ocean depths (3).\u00a0Swordfish also undertake lengthy seasonal migrations, to temperate or cold waters in the summer where they feed, and back to warm waters in autumn for spawning (2).  Unlike tuna, which have mostly 'red' muscle which is good for endurance activities, the mostly 'white' muscle of swordfish is not suited to swimming for long periods without fatigue (3).  Therefore, swordfish undertake their long migrations by moving with prevailing currents (3).\u00a0Spawning occurs year-round in warm equatorial waters, while in cooler regions it occurs in the spring and summer (2) (4).  The best known spawning grounds of the swordfish are found in the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Italian peninsula and Sicily (2).  Swordfish eggs have been found here from June to September, and large numbers of juveniles occur throughout the Mediterranean from November to March (2).  Fertilization is external (3), whereby a female releases millions of buoyant eggs into the water, which are then fertilised by sperm secreted by the male.  From the fertilised eggs hatch swordfish larvae.  At only four millimetres long, with a short snout, and distinct, prickly scales (4), the larvae is vastly different to the great predator it will become.  During the first year of life the larvae grow at a phenomenal rate, reaching a length of 90 centimetres (3).  Female swordfish are thought to reach maturity at around 150 centimetres; whereas males are thought to mature at much smaller sizes, perhaps at around 100 centimetres (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/09/03/05/69009_98_68.jpg"}, "1047338": {"scientific_name": "Podiceps grisegena (Boddaert, 1783)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1047338", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/03/17/86569_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red-necked Grebe", "sid": 1047338, "text": "A large (18 inches) grebe, the Red-necked Grebe in summer is most easily identified by its dark back and head, brown neck, and conspicuous white chin patch. In winter, this species becomes dark gray above and light gray below, retaining some white on its chin. Male and female Red-necked Grebes are similar to one another in all seasons. The Red-necked Grebe occurs across wide area of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, this species breeds across central Alaska, western Canada, and locally in the western United States, wintering along the Pacific coast from Alaska to California, along the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to North Carolina, and locally in the Great Lakes. In the Old World, this species breeds in Northern Europe and East Asia, wintering along the coast as far south as the Mediterranean Sea, south China, and India. Red-necked Grebes breed in ponds, lakes, and shallow marshes, preferring areas with thick vegetation to more open water. In winter, this species may be found in shallow marine environments near the coast. Red-necked Grebes primarily eat small insects in summer, switching to small fish during the winter. In appropriate habitat, Red-necked Grebes may be observed floating low in the water, periodically diving down to capture prey. Like most grebes, this species must run and flap along the surface of the water in order to become airborne, subsequently flying swiftly low over the water. Also like most grebes, this species\u2019 legs are positioned at the far end of its body, making it an adept swimmer but rendering it almost entirely unable to move on land. Red-necked Grebes are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/03/17/86569_98_68.jpg"}, "328029": {"scientific_name": "Pteronura brasiliensis (Gmelin, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328029", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/06/08111_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Giant Otter", "sid": 328029, "text": "The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. It is the longest member of the Mustelidae, or weasel family, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7m (5.6 ft). Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggressiveness, and reassurance.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/06/08111_98_68.jpg"}, "1177912": {"scientific_name": "Psittacus erithacus Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177912", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/17/07/06654_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Grey Parrot", "sid": 1177912, "text": "The African grey parrot feeds on a variety of fruits, seeds and nuts, particularly those of the oil-palm, Elaeis guineensis. It is also known to do damage to maize crops (3) (8). The species can travel considerable distances in search of fruiting trees (3), and may also make seasonal movements out of the driest parts of its range during the dry season (2). The African grey parrot often roosts in large groups, and forms large, noisy flocks, the birds calling to each other with a variety of squawks, whistles, shrieks and screams, both at rest and in flight (7). In addition to its ability to mimic human speech, this parrot has also been found to mimic other bird and mammal calls in the wild (12).\u00a0Nests are generally a simple cavity, high in a tree (3). Usually, two to three eggs are laid, and hatch after an incubation of between 21 and 30 days, the young leaving the nest around 80 days later (3). Captive individuals may live up to 50 years (13).\u00a0In recent years, research on a captive African grey parrot known as 'Alex' has highlighted the impressive intelligence of this species. As well as learning the names of over 50 objects, Alex was able to use English words to identify colours, shapes and quantities up to six, as well as to demonstrate an understanding of concepts such as bigger / smaller, same / different, and absence, and to use words and phrases to make simple requests. Such studies suggest that the intelligence of African grey parrots is comparable to that of marine mammals, apes and even young children (14).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/17/07/06654_98_68.jpg"}, "328450": {"scientific_name": "Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328450", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/11/16311_orig.jpg", "common_name": "house mouse", "sid": 328450, "text": "The house mouse (Mus musculus) probably has a world distribution more extensive than any mammal apart from humans. Its geographic spread has been facilitated by its commensal relationship with humans which extends back at least 8,000 years. They do considerable damage by destroying crops and consuming and/or contaminating food supplies intended for human consumption. They are prolific breeders, sometimes errupting and reaching plague proportions. They have also been implicated in the extinction of indigenous species in ecosytems they have invaded and colonised which are outside their natural range. An important factor in the success of the house mouse is their behavioural plasticity brought about by the decoupling of genetics and behaviour. This enables the house mouse to adapt quickly and to survive and prosper in new environments.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/11/16311_98_68.jpg"}, "593213": {"scientific_name": "Sepia apama Gray, 1849", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/593213", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/25/02/74956_orig.jpg", "common_name": "giant Australian cuttlefish", "sid": 593213, "text": "Aitken, J. P. and R. K. O'Dor. 2004. Respirometry and swimming dynamics of the giant Australian cuttlefish, Sepia apama (Mollusca, Cephalopoda). Mar Freshw Behav Physiol 37: 217-234", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/25/02/74956_98_68.jpg"}, "1052763": {"scientific_name": "Melospiza melodia (A. Wilson, 1810)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052763", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/20/60864_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Song Sparrow", "sid": 1052763, "text": "The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) has a very broad geographic distribution that encompasses most of Canada and the United States south to (locally in the highlands) southern Mexico during either the breeding season or winter. This is among the most familiar birds in the northeastern and midwestern United States, where it is often seen singing heartily from a conspicuous perch or flying from bush to bush with a characteristic pumping tail motion. Numerous geographic subspecies have been described that vary substantially in size, bill shape, overall coloration and streaking (ranging from larger, darker birds in the Aleutians to smaller, paler ones in the deserts of the southwest). Song sparrows are found in thickets, in brush, around marshes, along roadsides, and in gardens. \r\n\r\nSong sparrows feed mainly on insects and seeds (the latter especially in winter, mainly grass and \"weed\" seeds). In coastal marshes and on islands, Song Sparrows also feed on small crustaceans and mollusks and perhaps, rarely, even small fish.\r\n\r\nMales often defend only a small nesting territory, so high densities may be present in good habitat. In courtship, the male may chase the female and may perform a fluttering flight among the bushes with neck outstretched and head held high. \r\n\r\nNests are typically constructed on the ground under a clump of grass or shrub or less than 1 m above the ground (although they may sometimes be 3 m or higher). The nest, which is constructed mostly or entirely by the female, is an open cup of weeds, grass, leaves, and bark strips lined with fine grass, rootlets, and animal hair. The typical clutch size is 4 eggs, but 3 or 5 eggs are common (rarely 2 or 6). The eggs are pale greenish white and heavily spotted with reddish brown. Incubation (for around 12 to 14 days) is apparently by the female only, although both sexes feed the nestlings. Young typically leave the nest around 10 to 12 days after hatching, but remain with their parents for around 3 weeks more. \r\n\r\nIn many parts of their range, Song Sparrows are year-round residents, but birds from the northern interior winter in the southern United States or extreme northern Mexico.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/20/60864_98_68.jpg"}, "915325": {"scientific_name": "Grus japonensis (Statius Muller, 1776)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/915325", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/13/12/69725_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red-crowned Crane", "sid": 915325, "text": "There are currently two main populations of Japanese crane; one is resident to the Island of Hokkaido in northern Japan and does not migrate (6). The second population breeds in north-eastern China, Russia and Mongolia and migrates to eastern China, and North and South Korea where it spends the winter (1). Recent estimates of the total population of these birds stand at around 2,200 individuals (8).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/13/12/69725_98_68.jpg"}, "1019159": {"scientific_name": "Anaxyrus americanus (Holbrook, 1836)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1019159", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/22/19/60211_orig.jpg", "common_name": "american toad", "sid": 1019159, "text": "American toads, Anaxyrus americanus, are only native to the Nearctic region. They are found throughout large portions of North America, from northern Chihuahua in Mexico, northward to James Bay in Canada and eastward from the Imperial Valley of California and the Columbia River Valley in Washington and Oregon to the Atlantic coast from Florida to southern Quebec. They are generally not present in the most southern states or, if they are, only in the northern part. These toads have an immense ability to adapt to their surroundings as long as there is a source of semi-permanent water for them to use in the breeding season. This quality has allowed them to successfully colonize suburban and agricultural areas. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/22/19/60211_98_68.jpg"}, "1177835": {"scientific_name": "Nymphicus hollandicus (Kerr, 1792)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177835", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/11/20/02/27111_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Cockatiel", "sid": 1177835, "text": "Cockatiels are native to the Australian mainland; they are widely distributed throughout Australia, with denser populations in the southwestern region of the continent. \u00a0Cockatiels are also found in Tasmania, but are considered to have been introduced to this island accidentally. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/11/20/02/27111_98_68.jpg"}, "347438": {"scientific_name": "Cryptoprocta ferox Bennett, 1833", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/347438", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/02/17/56839_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Fossa", "sid": 347438, "text": "Cryptoprocta ferox belongs to the Mammalian order Carnivora, meaning \u2018flesh-eating\u2019.Cryptoprocta means \u2018hidden in the hinder parts\u2019. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke, 1986).The name ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).The vernacular name \u2018fossa\u2019 or \u2018foussa\u2019 is a Malagasy name and is often confused with the generic name of Fossa fossana, the Malagasy civet. The 2 are not closely related (Nowak, 2005). The vernacular name may also be spelt as \u2018fosa\u2019 (Kohncke, 1986).The taxonomy of the Malagasy carnivores is problematic and the classification for Cryptoprocta ferox is still in debate (Wilson, 2005).MorphologyCryptoprocta ferox has several features similar to the Felidae. The dentition is characteristic of advanced carnivores - the carnassials are enlarged and there is one reduced upper molar. The skull has a shortened braincase and enlarged orbits (Ewer 1973).Scent glandsThe anal scent glands produce a pungent odour when the animal is aggravated (Nowak, 2005).Cryptoprocta ferox also has chest glands that fully develop upon sexual maturity. They are larger in males and secretions are more active during the breeding season (Ewer, 1973).See video footage of the fossa scent marking on the Arkive website.ClawsCryptoprocta ferox is plantigrade and the retractile claws are short, sharp and curved (Nowak, 2005).See video footage of the fossa grooming on the Arkive website.PelageThe fur is short, dense, soft and usually red-brown but occasionally black.Malagasy people originally thought this variation represented different species but it is more widely accepted that the colouration is melanistic.The vibrissae (whiskers) are especially pronounced and are as long as the head (Kohncke, 1986), (Nowak, 2005).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/02/17/56839_98_68.jpg"}, "1039149": {"scientific_name": "Agalychnis callidryas (Cope, 1862)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1039149", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/26/10/72373_orig.jpg", "common_name": "red-eyed treefrog", "sid": 1039149, "text": "Agalychnis callidryas usually reproduce in the rainy season.  The reproduction process is initiated by a croaking and quivering mating ritual described below.  Red-eyed tree frogs utilize a process called amplexus, a common form of reproduction for frog species.  In amplexus the smaller male clasps the larger female when her eggs are mature.  The male inseminates the eggs as they emerge from the female, and he does not leave until the eggs have been laid.  Amplexus may persist for a day or longer.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/26/10/72373_98_68.jpg"}, "1052723": {"scientific_name": "Lobodon carcinophaga Hombron and Jacquinot 1842", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052723", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/17/10/51563_orig.jpg", "common_name": "crabeater seal", "sid": 1052723, "text": "The crabeater seal, Lobodon carcinophaga, is primarily found on the coast and pack ice of Antarctica.  In the winter months, it may be found on the shores of South America, Australia, South Africa, Tasmania, New Zealand, and various islands surrounding Antarctica.  In the winter its range covers about 22 million sq km. (Kooyman 1981, Nowak 1997). ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/17/10/51563_98_68.jpg"}, "328649": {"scientific_name": "Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328649", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/22/16/31998_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Elk", "sid": 328649, "text": "Stags and hinds tend to stay in separate groups for most of the year (1); stags group into unrelated 'bachelor herds', and hinds live in groups consisting of a dominant female and her daughters (1). They are active throughout the 24-hour period, but tend to be more so in the evening and at night, possibly due to human activity (4). The diet consists of shrub and tree browse (4), grasses, sedges and rushes (1), as well as heather (4).\u00a0Mating occurs between late September and November (1), during this time, known as 'the rut', mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females at traditional rutting areas (1). Roaring contests and parallel walking allow males to 'size each other up' without violence; evenly matched stags may then escalate the contest and lock antlers, push each other and try to throw their opponent off-balance by twisting, sometimes leading to serious injuries and even death (5). After the rutting period, males and females go their separate ways. Births, usually of a single young (3), occur from late May and peak towards the beginning of June (4). Male offspring disperse when they reach one or two years of age, but female calves usually stay with their mother (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/22/16/31998_98_68.jpg"}, "916378": {"scientific_name": "Calypte anna (Lesson, 1829)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/916378", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/16/15/31980_orig.jpg", "common_name": "anna's hummingbird", "sid": 916378, "text": "Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a year-round resident along the Pacific coast of North America, breeding north to British Columbia and east to Arizona. These hummingbirds are abundant in open woodlands, chapparal, scrubby areas, and partly open situations, as well as in deserts, especially in winter. They often forage in gardens and parks. They ascend to montane regions in the summer postbreeding season to forage in high mountain meadows.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/16/15/31980_98_68.jpg"}, "913235": {"scientific_name": "Branta canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/913235", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/88440_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Canada Goose", "sid": 913235, "text": "The Canada Goose is the goose species most familiar to people living across much of North America, often occurring in large numbers in lakes and parks near cities and towns. This large goose may be anywhere from 30 to 43 inches long with a large body and short tail. Canada Geese may be identified by their brown backs, pale bellies, black necks, and large white \u201cchinstrap. \u201d Male and female Canada Geese are similar to one another in all seasons. The Canada Goose breeds widely across North America. Migratory breeding populations breed across Canada and winter in the northern half of the United States, while many populations living in human-altered environments are non-migratory. The Canada Goose has also been introduced in Britain, Ireland, and portions of western continental Europe. Wild-type Canada Geese breed in lakes and freshwater marshes, wintering in similar habitats. Non-migratory Canada Geese are habitat generalists, living in ponds and lakes as well as human-altered environments (including golf courses, city parks, and reservoirs). This species subsists primarily on plant matter, including aquatic vegetation and terrestrial grasses. Canada Geese are often present in large numbers where ducks and other waterfowl are fed by humans. Canada Geese may be best observed foraging for food; both on land, where they may be seen walking on the shore or on grass further inland; or in the water, where they may be seen submerging their upper bodies to seek out aquatic vegetation. They may also be observed in the in large \u201cV\u201d-shaped flocks flying on migration or between bodies of water. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/88440_98_68.jpg"}, "1178081": {"scientific_name": "Cacatua galerita (Latham, 1790)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178081", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/15/10490_orig.jpg", "common_name": "sulphur-crested cockatoo", "sid": 1178081, "text": "With its pristine white plumage and striking, bright yellow crest, the sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of Australasia's most recognisable parrot species (2) (4). The crest is erectile and can reach up to 14 centimetres in length (2). The undersurfaces of the wings and tail are washed with pale yellow, while the bill and feet are black and dark-grey respectively. The sexes are almost identical, except for the eye, which is brown in the male and red-brown in the female. There are four recognised subspecies of sulphur-crested cockatoo which are distinguished by location, as well as by differences in body size, bill size, and the colouration around the eye, which is white in all of the subspecies except for Cacatua galerita fitzroyi,in which it is blue (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/15/10490_98_68.jpg"}, "327985": {"scientific_name": "Marmota flaviventris (Audubon and Bachman, 1841)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327985", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/09/14/10/36710_orig.jpg", "common_name": "yellow-bellied marmot", "sid": 327985, "text": "Marmota flaviventris is a species of ground squirrel found in certain higher elevation parts of western North America, occurring chiefly in meadows and open areas adjacent to woodlands. This species constructs a burrow for colonial living and enters hibernation near the onset of winter. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/09/14/10/36710_98_68.jpg"}, "572911": {"scientific_name": "Carcharhinus melanopterus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/572911", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/13/04/45994_orig.jpg", "common_name": "blacktip reef shark", "sid": 572911, "text": "This powerful swimmer is well known for its tendency to enter incredibly shallow water, and is often found in water only 30 centimetres deep or less, with its distinctive dorsal fin protruding from the surface of the water.  It is also found near the bottom or in mid-water in deeper water, singly or in small groups (2).  It feeds on a wide variety of small fish and invertebrates, including mullet, groupers, wrasses, cuttlefish, squid, shrimp (2).  Blacktip reef sharks are viviparous, and therefore the embryos develop inside the mother, for about 16 months.  Females generally give birth between late winter and early summer, to between two and four pups (2).  However, reproductive cycles appear to vary throughout the blacktip reef shark's range, with reports of annual, biannual and biennial reproductive cycles (5).\u00a0The blacktip reef shark is not an extremely dangerous species, although it is responsible for several provoked and unprovoked attacks on humans.  Many are on people that are swimming or wading on reefs, presumably because they were mistaken for small prey. These sharks are more cautious when encountering divers and can usually be driven off (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/13/04/45994_98_68.jpg"}, "860845": {"scientific_name": "Lymantria dispar Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/860845", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/12/14/00/33559_orig.jpg", "common_name": "gypsy moth", "sid": 860845, "text": "Lymantria dispar, the gypsy moth, is an invasive species in the United States, introduced from Europe in 1868 by Etienne Leopold Trouvelot, a French artist and astronomer.  Trouvelot was interested in producing a hardy silk producing moth, and imported L. dispar eggs which escaped into his back yard in Medford, Massachusetts.  Shortly after this, in 1889, the first gypsy moth outbreak in the United States occurred in the Boston area.  Gypsy moths have since spread throughout the Northeast, Canada, and the Midwest, despite huge efforts to eradicate this pest.  An outbreak of gypsy moth caterpillars can very quickly and effectively defoliate forests.  Spread of this species represents a significant risk especially to hardwood trees, their preferred hosts, but since the gypsy moth has a wide diet, most types of trees are affected.  Since 1980, the gypsy moth has defoliated about a million forested acres each year.  Infestations occur cyclically, with populations reaching outbreak levels every 5-10 years.  The USDA has a coordinated Federal-state program to control populations and limit at least the human propagated spread of the Gypsy moth from currently quarantined states into new areas. The Gypsy Moth quarantine currently includes the District of Columbia and the entire states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.  As well as spreading in concert with humans, populations can naturally spread by female moths flying to uninfested areas, or at the larval (caterpillar) stage, which are carried on the wind by their silk threads.   The government has developed another interesting control program which sprays effected areas with an engineered baculovirus, which is very effective in killing the caterpillars.  The baculovirus works by changing the nocturnally-feeding caterpillars behavior, so that they remain high in the forest canopy instead of their usual return to daytime hiding places on the ground.  When the virus then kills the caterpillar, the caterpillar's flesh dissolves and the virus rains down from the top of the tree and is widely spread to other caterpillars below. The asian subspecies of Lymantria dispar, although similar to the European subspecies described above, has never become established in North America.  Because it is a stronger flier than the European subspecies, and presumably could quickly spread throughout the US, it is considered a major threat and carefully monitored at likely entry pathways.  (Aphis-USDA 2003; Aphis-USDA 2011; Hamilton, 2011; Hoover et al. 2011; <a href=\"http://www.fs.fed.us", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/12/14/00/33559_98_68.jpg"}, "1048653": {"scientific_name": "Fregata magnificens Mathews 1914", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048653", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/04/12/85818_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Magnificent Frigatebird", "sid": 1048653, "text": "Male magnificent frigatebirds are entirely black except for brown inner secondaries on the upper wing and the presence of a red inflatable throat pouch called a gular sac. They also have faint purple gloss on the head and green on the neck, scapulars, and upper wing. Their legs and feet appear back or grayish.  Females are also entirely black with a white chest and white and tan markings on the wings. Their legs and feet are flesh-colored or pink, and they lack a gular sac. Females are, in general, 15% larger than males. Immature magnificent frigatebirds have a white head and chest while the rest of the body is black. Their legs, feet, and bill are light-bluish gray.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/04/12/85818_98_68.jpg"}, "328672": {"scientific_name": "Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328672", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/11/13/05/46343_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Lion", "sid": 328672, "text": "The Makgadikgadi spiny agama (Agama hispida makarikarika) is endemic to the Makgadikgadi Pans complex within the Botswana element of the Zambezian halophytics ecoregion. This agama typically inhabits the edges of the pans but it is difficult to spot, since it buries itself in the sand during the heat of the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/11/13/05/46343_98_68.jpg"}, "311781": {"scientific_name": "Sarcophilus harrisii (Boitard, 1841)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311781", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/02/11/62618_orig.jpg", "common_name": "tasmanian devil", "sid": 311781, "text": "Haunted by its chilling nocturnal screeches, it was the early European settlers that gave the Tasmanian devil its alarming name (3) (4) (5). The largest of the carnivorous marsupials, it is robustly built, with a broad head that supports powerful jaws and strong teeth capable of crushing all but the largest bones (3) (4) (5) (6). The hindquarters slope down in a manner reminiscent of its larger African counterpart, the hyena (5), while its tail is short and thick (3) (4). The coarse fur is mostly black, but there are often distinctive white markings across the chest, shoulders and rump (3) (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/02/11/62618_98_68.jpg"}, "1052017": {"scientific_name": "Agelaius phoeniceus Linnaeus 1766", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052017", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/10/29732_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red-winged Blackbird", "sid": 1052017, "text": "The Red-winged blackbird is a common songbird distributed widely throughout wetlands and associated habitats in North America. Iconic features of fresh and saltwater marshes, males announce themselves with territorial displays of loud \"konkeree\" songs and bright, yellow-edged red shoulder patches (epaulets) on otherwise  glossy black plumage. Females are much less conspicuous, dusky-brown with streaked bellies and off-white eyebrows. The sexes are similar in size, averaging 22 cm in length and 64 grams. Red-winged blackbirds are generalist feeders, eating more insects and mollusks when they are abundant but with the majority of the diet consisting of seeds and other plant material. Male red-winged blackbirds have on average five and up to 15 females breeding on their territories; the species is a well-studied example of polygyny. These gregarious birds are also known for large communal roosts and for mobbing predators such as crows and hawks.\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/10/29732_98_68.jpg"}, "323920": {"scientific_name": "Alouatta pigra Lawrence, 1933", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323920", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/23/11631_orig.jpg", "common_name": "mexican black howler monkey", "sid": 323920, "text": "Guatemalan black howlers live in stable troops composed of one or two adult males, a few breeding females, and their offspring, with an average group size of between four and six individuals (2) (6). Groups of bachelor males also exist, the members of which will fight resident males for possession of their troop and access to breeding females (6). The territory of each troop ranges between 3 and 25 hectares, depending upon the size of the group (10). Single offspring are usual, born after a gestation period of 180 \u2013 194 days (2).\u00a0Leaves and fruit form the bulk of the diet, although flowers and insects may also be eaten. Like other members of its genus, the Guatemalan black howler has large salivary glands that help to break down the tannins in the leaves they eat (6). This monkey is mainly active in the morning and evening, but also remains busy throughout the day (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/23/11631_98_68.jpg"}, "328570": {"scientific_name": "Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lac\u00e9p\u00e8de, 1804", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328570", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/27/16/00380_orig.jpg", "common_name": "minke whale", "sid": 328570, "text": "The Northern minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), is a very large cetacean, in the family of Rorquals (Balaenoptera). The Minke is a baleen whale, meaning that instead of teeth, it has long plates which hang in a row (like the teeth of a comb) from its upper jaws. Baleen plates are strong and flexible; they are made of a protein similar to human fingernails.  Baleen plates are broad at the base (gumline) and taper into a fringe which forms a curtain or mat inside the whale's mouth. Baleen whales strain huge volumes of ocean water through their baleen plates to capture food: tons of krill, other zooplankton, crustaceans, and small fish.The smallest of the rorqual whales (and the second-smallest baleen whale), the minke whale is also the most abundant. Two species are now recognised, the northern hemisphere minke whale (the subject of this species page) and the southern hemisphere Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). Minke whales are slim in shape, with a pointed dolphin-like head, bearing a double blow-hole. The smooth skin is dark grey above, while the belly and undersides of the flippers are white, and there is often a white band on the flipper. When seen at close quarters, minke whales have variable smoky patterns which have been used to photo-identify individuals.Minke whales feed on fish and various invertebrates; like all baleen whales they filter their food from the water using their baleen plates like sieves. Although largely a solitary species, when feeding minke whales can often be seen in pairs, and on particularly good feeding grounds up to a hundred individuals may congregate. A number of feeding techniques have been observed, including trapping shoals of fish against the surface of the water. After a ten month gestation period, births occur in mid-winter, at birth the calf measures up to 2.8 metres in length. It will be weaned at four months of age, and will stay with its mother for up to two years, becoming sexually mature at seven years of age. Minke whales have an average life span of around 50 years. Minke whales are rather inquisitive and often swim by the side of boats for up to half an hour.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/27/16/00380_98_68.jpg"}, "596370": {"scientific_name": "Hippocampus zosterae Jordan and Gilbert, 1882", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/596370", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/18/00/17254_orig.jpg", "common_name": "dwarf seahorse", "sid": 596370, "text": "Shallow grass flats, especially in association with Zostera and other seagrass; periodically found in floating vegetation.  Diurnal, males more site faithful than females.  Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205).  The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).  Specimens lose their skin filaments in aquaria (Ref. 30915).  Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35420).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/18/00/17254_98_68.jpg"}, "326517": {"scientific_name": "Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Linnaeus 1766", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326517", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/25/01/23396_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Capybara", "sid": 326517, "text": "The capybara is an efficient grazer, able to crop the short, dry grasses left at the end of the tropical dry season (3). Although the diet comprises mainly grass, it also includes aquatic vegetation, such a water hyacinths, as well as other plants, grain, and sometimes fruits (2) (3) (4). When alarmed, the capybara is capable of running swiftly over land, and often dives into water to escape (2) (4) (6). A strong swimmer, it is able to stay underwater for up to five minutes at a time (3) (6). The species is normally active morning and evening, resting during the heat of the day, but has apparently become nocturnal in areas where it is persecuted by humans (2) (4).\u00a0A social species, the capybara is typically found in family groups of around 10 to 30 individuals, comprising a dominant male, one or more females (which are often related), young of various ages, and one or more subordinate males. Most solitary individuals are male. Group size may depend on habitat, and in the dry season several groups may gather around dwindling pools, forming temporary aggregations of up to 100 or more animals. However, when the wet season returns, these aggregations split into the original groups that formed them (3) (5) (8). All adults in a group help defend the territory against intruders, and regularly scent mark the area using secretions from anal scent glands. These secretions may also be used for individual recognition, as the proportions of chemicals they contain differ between individual capybaras (3) (8).\u00a0Capybaras mate in the water (3) (6). The female usually gives birth to a single litter each year (4) (6), at the end of the rainy season, after a gestation period of around 150 days (3) (8). Usually, up to eight young are born, and are highly developed at birth, able to follow the female and even eat grass within the first week of life (3) (4) (5). Weaning takes place at around 16 weeks (4), although milk is a relatively minor part of the infant's diet compared to grass (5). All young within the group tend to stay together in a cr\u00e8che, and may suckle from any nursing female (3) (8). The capybara reaches sexual maturity at around 12 to 18 months, and may live for up to 10 years in the wild, or to 12 years in captivity (3) (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/25/01/23396_98_68.jpg"}, "1059917": {"scientific_name": "Hesperopeuce pattoniana Lemmon", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1059917", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/81960_orig.jpg", "common_name": "mountain hemlock", "sid": 1059917, "text": "Pinaceae -- Pine family\u00a0    \u00a0    Joseph E. Means\u00a0    \u00a0    Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) is usually found on cold,\u00a0      snowy subalpine sites where it grows slowly, sometimes attaining more than\u00a0      800 years in age. Arborescent individuals that have narrowly conical\u00a0      crowns until old age (300 to 400 years) and shrubby krummholz on cold,\u00a0      windy sites near timberline add beauty to mountain landscapes. Taylor and\u00a0      Taylor (76) thoroughly describe its form. Uses of its moderately strong,\u00a0      light-colored wood include small-dimension lumber and pulp.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/81960_98_68.jpg"}, "1049068": {"scientific_name": "Buteo lineatus (Gmelin 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049068", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/13/29977_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red-shouldered Hawk", "sid": 1049068, "text": "A relatively large (17-24 inches) hawk, the Red-shouldered Hawk takes its name from the large rust-colored shoulder patches visible from above or while perching. This species may also be identified by its brown back, barred white-and-black wings, and broad black tail banded with white. A pale form, with washed-out plumage on the chest, back, and head, occurs in south Florida. Like most species of raptors, females are larger than males. The Red-shouldered Hawk primarily breeds in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, withdrawing from northern portions of its range and expanding south into northern Mexico in winter. Unusually for a North American hawk, the Red-shouldered Hawk has another population, separated from the main population by thousands of miles, that is a permanent resident along the Pacific coast of California. Eastern Red-Shouldered Hawks inhabit mature forests with deciduous or mixed deciduous and evergreen trees. Western populations also inhabit these habitat types, but are also likely to be found in human-altered environments near woods. Red-shouldered Hawks primarily eat small vertebrates, including small mammals, amphibians, and occasionally small songbirds and doves. Red-shouldered Hawks may be most easily observed while hunting, when they drop down from high perches to capture terrestrial prey with their talons. This species may also be observed perching, although this hawk\u2019s coloration and the dense vegetation of its preferred habitat help to provide camouflage. Red-shouldered Hawks are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/13/29977_98_68.jpg"}, "598484": {"scientific_name": "Acanthaster planci (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/598484", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/16/13994_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Crown Of Thorns Sea Star", "sid": 598484, "text": "This asteroid is a corallivore, almost exclusively consuming live sclerectinian corals. An average sized adult (40 cm) can kill up to 478 square cm of live coral per day through its grazing activities. The crown-of-thorns starfish can be seen as an ongoing disturbance factor on the reef, removing swaths of clonal corals in its path, and opening up bare areas of coral rock for settlement and recruitment of other species of sessile invertebrates. Thus, A. planci can be seen to have a role in diversifying the habitat. However, if coral cover is drastically reduced, populations of coral reef specialists (animals that depend exclusively on coral cover for shelter and food) may decrease. Thus the impact of A. planci in their environment depends on how abundant they become. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/16/13994_98_68.jpg"}, "1049278": {"scientific_name": "Porzana carolina (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049278", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/10323_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Sora", "sid": 1049278, "text": "A medium-sized (8-9 \u00be inches) rail, the Sora is most easily identified by its mottled brown back, gray neck, and black face and throat. Other field marks include a bright yellow bill, brown striped flanks, and a short tail. Male and female Soras are similar to one another in all seasons. The Sora breeds across much of Canada and the northern half of the United States. In the west, this species\u2019 range extends as far south as central Arizona, while in the east this species breeds locally as far south as Virginia. During the winter, Soras may be found along the Pacific coast south of Oregon, along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts south of Delaware, and in the tropics as far south as northern South America. Soras breed in shallow freshwater wetland habitats. In winter, this species is less tied to freshwater, and may be found in ponds or small lakes, freshwater or saltwater marshes, flooded grasslands, and mangrove wetlands. Soras primarily eat a variety of plant and animal foods, including seeds and small aquatic invertebrates. In appropriate habitat, Soras may be seen wading in shallow water while foraging for food on the surface. If these birds are more hidden, perhaps beneath tall marsh grasses, it may still be possible to hear their call, a high tooting \u201cker-wee?\u201d repeated many times in succession. Soras are primarily active during the day, although they may be heard calling at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/10323_98_68.jpg"}, "328621": {"scientific_name": "Arctocephalus forsteri Lesson, 1828", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328621", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/18/07/02111_orig.jpg", "common_name": "New Zealand fur seal", "sid": 328621, "text": "New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) are a non-migratory coastal species. Prior to being driven to near extinction, the population was historically found all around the North and South Islands including many offshore islands and sub-Antarctic islands. Today, they are found in New Zealand, around South Island, Big Green Island, Open Bay Islands, West Coast, Cape Foulwind, Cascade Point, Wekakura Point, Three Kings Islands, eastern Bass Strait, the Nelson-northern Marlborough region, Fjordland, New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands Snares, Campbell, Chatham Islands, Antipodes, Bounty Islands, Stewart Island, the islands of the Foveaux Strait, a small colony at Cape Palliser near Wellington on the North Island and near the continental shelf edge of Otago Peninsula. There is also a population in southern and western Australia, Kangaroo Island, Tasmania and Victorian coastal waters, although the two New Zealand and Australian populations rarely overlap. On Australia\u2019s sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, a population of young non-breeding males was discovered. They are believed to have originated from New Zealand. The distribution of seals across this range is largely a result of the distribution of their food source. When New Zealand fur seals migrate it\u2019s during the breeding season. However, during the summer, they stay closer to the rookery (70 to 80 km) then they do during the fall and winter seasons (162 to 178 km). ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/18/07/02111_98_68.jpg"}, "991548": {"scientific_name": "Taxus brevifolia Nutt.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/991548", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/16/11/44639_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Western yew", "sid": 991548, "text": "Taxaceae -- Yew family\u00a0    \u00a0    Charles L. Bolsinger and Annabelle E. Jaramillo\u00a0    \u00a0    Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), also called western yew, is a\u00a0      coniferous tree associated with several conifer and hardwood tree species\u00a0      on a variety of sites. Pacific yew tolerates shade, and in undisturbed\u00a0      stands is usually found as an understory tree. Growth of such trees is\u00a0      slow, but where the overstory has been removed or thinned, diameter growth\u00a0      on undamaged yew trees may increase considerably. Pacific yew rarely\u00a0      exceeds 60 cm (24 in) in d.b.h., and 15 m (49 ft) in height. The largest\u00a0      on record is 142 cm (56 in) in d.b.h., and 18 m (60 ft) in height (28).\u00a0      The wood is hard, heavy, and resistant to decay. Although not of great\u00a0      interest to the forest products industry, it has many special uses. The\u00a0      bark of Pacific yew contains a drug, taxol, that is being used in cancer\u00a0      research, so demand for yew bark by the National Cancer Institute has\u00a0      increased dramatically in recent years (9).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/16/11/44639_98_68.jpg"}, "330761": {"scientific_name": "Alytes obstetricans (Laurenti, 1768)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/330761", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/15/70789_orig.jpg", "common_name": "common midwife toad", "sid": 330761, "text": "These frogs are well known for their male parental care behavior.  The males attach the egg masses to their body and carry them until the eggs hatch, at this point the males release the tadpoles into bodies of water. The females can produce up to four clutches of eggs per breeding season. Mating season varies throughout the range. In Westfalen, Germany one can find males carrying eggs between the end of March, and the beginning of August. Around the city of La Coru\u00c3\u00b1a, males with clutches of eggs were observed from mid-February until August. In mountain populations most males carry eggs well into August. Although males call mainly by night, they are known to call from their hiding places during the daytime. The call is a high-pitched, explosive, musical \"poo...poo\u00e2\u0080\u00a6poo\u00e2\u0080\u00a6\", about one call every 1-3 sec, usually higher and shorter than Bombina. The female seeks out the male and presents herself to him. The male grabs the female in the lumbar region. The male stimulates the females cloacal region by scratching it with its toes. After about 35 minutes, the male suddenly constricts the female's flanks. She extends her hind legs and ejects an egg mass. The male then releases his lumbar grip, takes an axillar hold and inseminates the eggs with a quantity of liquid sperm mass. After 10-15 minutes, the male distends the egg mass with his hind legs , plies them alternatingly to his body and extends them again until the strings of eggs are wound around his ankles.  A male can copulate anew and carry up to three clutches around his legs with a total of 150 eggs or more (Schleich 1996). Males keep the egg mass moist by microhabitat choice, or by taking short baths. Larvae hatch after 3 to 6 weeks. The males seek out small water bodies to discard the egg strings with the hatching larvae. Upon hatching, the larvae are about 15 mm and metamorphose the next year, when they have reached a maximum length of 5 to 8 cm (Engelmann 1985).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/15/70789_98_68.jpg"}, "224769": {"scientific_name": "Carcharhinus leucas Valenciennes 1839", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/224769", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/12/18616_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Bull shark", "sid": 224769, "text": "The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), also known as the Zambezi shark or, unofficially, as Zambi in Africa and Nicaragua shark in Nicaragua, is a requiem shark commonly found worldwide in warm, shallow waters along coasts and in rivers. The bull shark is known for its aggressive nature, predilection for warm shallow water, and presence in brackish and freshwater systems including estuaries and rivers.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/12/18616_98_68.jpg"}, "2682739": {"scientific_name": "Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/2682739", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/13/14/57638_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Monarch", "sid": 2682739, "text": "The monarch is one of the best known butterfly species.  Although native to North and South America, it has expanded its distribution to Australia, many Pacific islands, and a few places in Europe.  Monarch larvae, like those of many other Danaini, feed on milkweeds of the family Asclepiadaceae, from which they sequester cardiac glycosides that often render them unpalatable to potential predators.  The species is perhaps best known for its annual migrations, from eastern North America to the mountains of central Mexico, and from western North America to the coast of California.  The butterflies rest for the cool winter months in large aggregations which may contain tens of millions of individuals.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/13/14/57638_98_68.jpg"}, "1049112": {"scientific_name": "Buteogallus anthracinus (Deppe, 1830)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049112", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/15/00/15917_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Black Hawk", "sid": 1049112, "text": "The Common Black-hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) is a medium to large-sized hawk with broad rounded wings, and a hooked beak. The length is 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), wingspan 40-50 inches (102-127 cm), and a weight of 1.4-2.9 lbs (0.6-1.3 kg). As with most other raptor species, Common Black-hawks are sexually dimorphic, with the females being larger than the males. Adults are uniformly blackish except for the white 1-3 inch-wide median band on the short broad tail, which is the most distinctive identification mark for this species. The small white base of primaries, are not always visible. The sexes are similar and cannot be distinguished in the field with certainty except by behavioral differences, although many females have a longer light patch in the malar region below the eye. The iris of the eyes is brown. The cere (fleshy covering at the top of the beak), legs and facial skin are orange yellow to yellow; the bill tip is black.\r\n\r\nTheir range is from northern South America and Guyana, to Central America, throughout Mexico, to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, southwest New Mexico, western Texas, and southern Utah. Arrives in the U.S. to breed (northernmost breeding populations) as early as March-April, leaving by mid-October. Individuals occasionally overwinter in Arizona and New Mexico. Northernmost populations of N Mexico and S United States leave breeding area for the winter, while other populations are not known to migrate, and are presumed to be sedentary.\r\n\r\nThis species is thought to be long-lived. A nestling banded in 1977 was recovered 13 years and 6 months later. The voice of this hawk is unlike that of any other North American raptor. During the nesting season, the call is a load and hoarse piercing whistle, lasting three to four seconds and composed of about seven or eight notes that increase abruptly in intensity, then progressively decrease. The most commonly heard call is a nasal, high-pitched, cry alarm. The flight pattern alternates between strong flapping flight and gliding.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/15/00/15917_98_68.jpg"}, "791057": {"scientific_name": "Pituophis catenifer BLAINVILLE 1835", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/791057", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/03/16947_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Western Gopher Snake", "sid": 791057, "text": "Pituophis catenifer is found from southwestern Canada south to northern New Mexico.\u00a0Gopher snakes are found from south-central British Columbia and southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, through the central and western United States, and south through Baja California and Sinaloa, Durango, Zacatecas, and Tamaulipas states in Mexico. In the United States they are found from the Pacific coast eastwards to Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and western Texas. There are 11 subspecies recognized, with some of those proposed as valid species, including P. c. vertebralis, from southernmost Baja California. Several subspecies represent isolated, island forms, including Cedros Island gopher snakes (P. c. insulanus), San Martin Island gopher snakes (P. c. fuliginatus), Coronado Island gopher snakes (P. c. coronalis), and Santa Cruz gopher snakes (P. c. pumilis). ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/03/16947_98_68.jpg"}, "1049175": {"scientific_name": "Bonasa umbellus (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049175", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/16/22/48413_orig.jpg", "common_name": "ruffed grouse", "sid": 1049175, "text": "Well-adapted to living on the forest floor, the Ruffed Grouse is mottled brown-and-gray on the back and barred brown-and-gray below. This species may also be identified by its large size (16-19 inches), black-banded tail, and the ruffled head and feathers on its neck and head. Two color morphs occur, a northern morph with a gray tail and a southern morph with a rusty-red tail. Female Ruffed Grouse are slightly smaller than males, and have smaller quantities of ruffled feathers. The core range of the Ruffled Grouse is centered on southern Canada, extending north to the Arctic Circle in Alaska and south along higher elevations of the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains as far as North Carolina and Utah, respectively. Several conservation programs have led to the reintroduction of this species into isolated locations in the southern portion of its range, where it was once more common. The Ruffed Grouse is a permanent resident across its range. Ruffed Grouse inhabit cool evergreen and mixed evergreen and deciduous forests. Plant matter, including seeds, buds, leaves, and berries, make up a large proportion of this species\u2019 diet. However during the warmer months (and particularly during breeding), insects are consumed when available as a source of protein for chicks and adults alike. Ruffed Grouse may be observed while foraging for food on the forest floor or while roosting in trees at dawn or dusk. During the early part of the breeding season, males may be heard making loud drumming noises with their wings as part of their mating and territorial display. This species is primarily active during the day, but males may drum on clear nights after dark or in the morning before dawn.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/16/22/48413_98_68.jpg"}, "328532": {"scientific_name": "Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328532", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/11/14/93627_orig.jpg", "common_name": "False killer whale", "sid": 328532, "text": "For reasons unknown, the false killer whale is among the most common cetaceans involved in mass strandings. The sheer size of these episodes is hard to absorb - 835 animals were beached in the largest documented case. They are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, swimming with as many as ten other species of cetaceans. They feed primarily on fish and squid and have been seen sharing food in the wild, an unusual occurrence in mammals. In captivity, they have hybridized with bottlenose dolphins and given birth to viable offspring. The false killer whale is the second largest of the dolphins, measuring 3.3 - 6 m in length and weighing up to 1,360 kg; in the family Delphinidae, only killer whales are larger.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/11/14/93627_98_68.jpg"}, "1047051": {"scientific_name": "Picoides pubescens (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1047051", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/78038_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Downy Woodpecker", "sid": 1047051, "text": "The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is the smallest woodpecker in North America.  It is common across most of North America north of Mexico except for the Southwest, with a range extending  from Alaska and most of Canada south to the Gulf Coast. Downy Woodpeckers winter throughout most of the breeding range. They are found in deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous woodland, riparian woodland, second growth, parks, orchards, and suburbs. Downy woodpeckers are common visitors to bird feeders.\r\n\r\nIn its range, the Downy Woodpecker closely resembles the Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus), but the Downy is much smaller, with a bill that is noticeably proportionately smaller relative to the head (i.e., the bill has a more \"stubby\" appearance), and the outer tail feathers have black barring that is lacking on the Hairy's tail (these outer feathers instead being entirely white on the Hairy Woodpecker). In both species, the male has a red hindcrown spot that is not present in the female. Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are often found together, but the Hairy requires larger trees and is usually less common, especially in the eastern portion of its range, and less frequent in suburban settings and parks.\r\n\r\nDowny Woodpeckers feed mainly on a wide variety of insects.They also eat seeds and berries and will take suet at bird feeders. When feeding on trees, Downy Woodpeckers tend to do more tapping and excavating in winter and more gleaning of insects from surfaces in summer.  Confer and Paicos (1985) reported on a study of the impact of Downy Woodpeckers feeding on gall-inducing insects on Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) on the ecology of galls.\r\n\r\nIn fall and winter, the male and female maintain separate feeding areas, with pairs forming by late winter. The male and female take turns drumming loudly on dead limbs in their separate territories, with the male gradually approaching the female. \r\n\r\nThe nest site is a cavity excavated by both sexes. in a dead limb or tree, usually around 4 to 9 m above the ground (but ranging from 2 to 18 m). The cavity entrance is often surrounded by fungus or lichen, which helps to camouflage the site. The 4 or 5 (sometimes 3 or 6) white eggs are incubated by both sexes for around 12 days. Both parents bring billfulls of insects to feed the nestlings. Young leave the nest around 20 to 25 days after hatching, but may follow parents for several weeks after that. Over most of the range, Downy Woodpeckers produce just one brood per year. \r\n\r\nAlthough these woodpeckers are permanent residents over much of their range, the northernmost populations may move significantly southward in winter. Some birds in the mountains of the West may move down into valleys (as well as short distances to the south) in winter.\r\n\r\n(Confer and Paicos 1985; Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/78038_98_68.jpg"}, "1036388": {"scientific_name": "Bubo scandiaca (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1036388", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/07/15/37276_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Snowy Owl", "sid": 1036388, "text": "The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large, white owl with a rounded head and yellow eyes. The plumage ranges from all white (some old males) to white with many dark bars and spots (particularly in females and immatures). \r\n\r\nThis is a bird of the open Arctic tundra of both the New World and Old World. Snowy Owls nest on the ground and feed mainly on lemmings, which they hunt both day and night (other mammals and birds are also eaten, as well as some fish and carrion). In winter, there is some movement south and individuals are seen at least  irregularly south to the northern United States (and even, rarely, the Gulf Coast), Iceland, the British Isles, northern continental Europe, central Russia, northern China, and Sakhalin. These wandering winter birds are generally seen in open country such as prairie, marshes, fields, pastures, and sandy beaches.  In years when lemming populations crash, many Snowy Owls move south to the northern tier of states in the United States and some go much farther. These wandering birds (usually heavily barred younger birds) often perch on the ground, low stumps, or buildings. \r\n\r\nIn many Arctic regions, Snowy Owls breed mainly in years when lemmings are abundant and fail to nest at all when lemmings are scarce. Although Snowy Owls are silent off the breeding grounds, males defend their breeding territories with deep hooting in early spring. A courting male flies with deep, slow wingbeats, often with a lemming in his bill; reaching the female, he leans forward and partly raises his wings. The nest site is typically a mound or ridge in hilly country or a hummock in low-lying areas. It is always in very open tundra with high visibility. The same site may be used for several years. The nest (which is built by the female) is a simple depression in the tundra with no lining added.  Clutch size is highly variable (3 to 11 eggs) and correlated with prey abundance. The eggs are whitish, but become stained in the nest. The female incubates the eggs for 31 to 33 days and the male brings food to the incubating female. Egg hatch is not synchronized, so the female cares for her first young while still incubating her last eggs.  The female remains with the young and the male brings her food, which the female feeds them.  The young may leave the nest after 2 to 3 weeks, but they are not able to fly until around 7 weeks and are fed by their parents until at least 9 or 10 weeks.\r\n\r\nAlthough most North American Snowy Owl breeding areas are far from major human disturbance, this species has declined in parts of its breeding range in northern Europe.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/07/15/37276_98_68.jpg"}, "1051410": {"scientific_name": "Ficedula hypoleuca (Pallas, 1764)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1051410", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/05/04244_orig.jpg", "common_name": "European Pied Flycatcher", "sid": 1051410, "text": "Flycatchers get their family name from their method of catching insects on the wing. The birds choose a prominent perch from which they make rapid forays after their insect prey.\u00a0Pied flycatchers arrive in the UK in April and establish their nests in tree holes or nest boxes. The nest can be anywhere between one and fifteen metres above the ground. Up to eight pale greeny-blue eggs are laid and both sexes carry out the job of incubation. The eggs hatch after 13 days and the chicks are fed by the parent birds for another two weeks, before the young leave the nest. The birds start their return migration in October.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/05/04244_98_68.jpg"}, "1177506": {"scientific_name": "Turdus migratorius Linnaeus 1766", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177506", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/11/10/62480_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Robin", "sid": 1177506, "text": "The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) breeds from most of Canada south, in the mountains, to southern Mexico. The winter range is shifted somewhat to the south. American Robins are found in cities and towns, on lawns, on farmland, and in forests. In winter, they are often associated with berry-bearing trees. In the arid southwestern United States, they summer mainly in coniferous forests in the mountains, rarely in the well-watered lowland suburbs. This common and widespread thrush is often seen running and hopping on lawns searching for earthworms, which are an important part of the diet, along with insects and berries (fruit may account for 60% of the diet year-round). Young are fed mainly on insects and earthworms. Contrary to popular belief, earthworms are located by sight, not sound. American Robins may nest in trees and shrubs, on eaves and ledges of barns, and even on window sills.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/11/10/62480_98_68.jpg"}, "1049010": {"scientific_name": "Cathartes aura (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049010", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/20/34960_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Turkey Vulture", "sid": 1049010, "text": "A large (26-32 inches) dark raptor, the Turkey Vulture is most easily identified by its dark brown body, featherless red head, and huge wingspan. This species may be separated from the related Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) by that species\u2019 smaller size, gray head, and shorter tail. Male and female Turkey Vultures are similar to one another in all seasons. The Turkey Vulture breeds across much of the United States (patchily distributed in the Great Plains) and southern Canada south to southern South America. Populations breeding on northern and interior portions of this range migrate south to the southern half of the U.S.for the winter. Populations breeding in the southeastern U.S., California, and the tropics are generally non-migratory. Turkey Vultures typically breed and roost in dense woodland while feeding in more open habitats, such as grasslands, meadows, and fields. In some areas, Turkey Vultures also utilize man-made structures, such as abandoned buildings and utility poles. This species feeds almost exclusively on carrion, rarely killing prey itself. Due to this species\u2019 need to scavenge for food, Turkey Vultures are most easily observed soaring high above the ground in search of carrion. Scientists have discovered that this species possesses a more developed sense of smell than the Black Vulture, and that Black Vultures often wait for Turkey Vultures to find food before driving them off and taking the carcass for themselves. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/20/34960_98_68.jpg"}, "223575": {"scientific_name": "Pterapogon kauderni Koumans, 1933", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/223575", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/23/66049_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Banggai cardinalfish", "sid": 223575, "text": "The Banggai cardinalfish is remarkable among marine fishes for the extreme levels of genetic diversity found between its populations. Populations as little as five kilometres apart are as genetically distinct as separate species, a consequence of the Banggai cardinalfish's highly limited dispersal capability, the strong currents and deep channels between the islands preventing interaction with populations at other sites (4) (5) (6).\u00a0Banggai cardinalfish live in small groups of usually between 1 and 6 individuals, though a group of 500 has been recorded (1).  Reproduction in the Banggai cardinalfish begins with the female choosing a male; the pair then separate from the group and establish a territory, aggressively defending it from other fish that come too close. The female then initiates an unusual courtship ritual, swimming alongside the male, bodies touching, and making a trembling motion. This behaviour occurs repeatedly on both sides, with the only signs of the male's receptivity being a darkening of the lower jaw and an occasional opening of the mouth (7). After several hours of this behaviour, the female spawns a mass of up to 75 large eggs (a very small number for a marine fish). These are quickly swallowed by the male, and brooded in a special pouch inside the mouth (2). The eggs take about 20 days to hatch, after which, the newly hatched embryos continue to develop in the male's mouth pouch. After a further 10 days, when the young have reached around five to six millimetres in length, they are released (1). During the 30-day brooding period the male does not eat, and attends to the brood by frequently turning the eggs and expelling dead eggs and embryos. Once the brood are released, the male does not interact with them anymore (7). The small juveniles are most commonly found sheltering around sea anemones for protection. However, older juveniles and adults are more commonly found around branching corals and sea urchins (2) (8).\u00a0The Banggai cardinalfish feeds principally upon tiny planktonic crustaceans, with copepods, in particular, making up about 80 percent of the diet. Nevertheless, this species is an opportunistic feeder, and will take a variety of small organisms from the water column and the seabed, including marine worms, molluscs and fish larvae. In addition, it plays an important role in its environment by preying on the larval stages of coral reef fishes' parasites (9). The Banggai cardinalfish is preyed upon by various species, such as the crocodile-fish (Cymbacephalus beauforti), various lion-fish species (genus Pterois) and the grouper (Epinephelus merra) (1). This species may live for two years in the wild (2)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/23/66049_98_68.jpg"}, "1048731": {"scientific_name": "Nycticorax nycticorax (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048731", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/25/01/48317_orig.jpg", "common_name": "black-crowned night-heron", "sid": 1048731, "text": "A small (23-28 inches), thick-set heron, the Black-crowned Night-Heron is most easily identified by its gray wings, black back and head, pale breast, and, in the breeding season, twin white head plumes. Where their ranges overlap, this species may be distinguished from its relative, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea), by the latter species\u2019 black face, gray breast, and, logically, by its yellow crown. Male and female Black-crowned Night-Herons are similar in all seasons. The Black-crowned Night Heron inhabits every continent except Australia and Antarctica. In the North America, this species breeds at lower elevations across much of the United States and southern Canada. Some populations in warmer areas are non-migratory, but others migrate south to the southern U.S., interior Mexico, and Central America. Elsewhere in the New World, other populations exist in the West Indies, coastal Mexico, southern Central America, and South America south to southern Argentina and Chile. In the Old World, this species inhabits warmer parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with populations ranging from sedentary to fully migratory depending on climate and habitat. Black-crowned Night-Herons inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, whether flowing or standing, large or small, and freshwater or saltwater. In tropical areas, this species may be found in mangrove wetlands and lagoons. Black-crowned Night Herons primarily eat a number of plant and animal foods, including small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, reptiles, small mammals, and aquatic plant seeds and vegetation. Black-crowned Night-Herons may be best observed wading in shallow water, where they may be seen plunging their bills into the water to catch fish. It is also possible to see Black-crowned Night Herons at their nesting colonies, especially when they return to roost, or while flying with their feet extended and their necks pulled in. As its name suggests, this species hunts mainly from sunset to sunrise, although individuals may be seen during the morning and afternoon as well.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/25/01/48317_98_68.jpg"}, "455968": {"scientific_name": "Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/455968", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/19/01/47350_orig.jpg", "common_name": "hawksbill sea turtle", "sid": 455968, "text": "The hawksbill is a medium, sized sea turtle often considered the most beautiful of all sea turtles because of the amber scutes on the carapace that are usually streaked with red-brown, black and yellow. Additional distinctive characters include overlapping capace scutes, except in very old individuals.\r\n\r\nOne of smaller sea turtles with adult shell length usually 76-89 cm. Adults usually weigh between 43 and 75 kg (100-165) but may grow as large as 127 kg. Frequent warm, shallow water habitats (less than 20 m) such as bays, shoals, coral reefs, and island (nesting), females lay several hundered eggs on exposed sand beach every 2 to 3 years. \r\n\r\nTurtle has a unique characteristic that is strong homing instict or strong memory and ability as bioindikator to know an area is polluted. With a strong memory, turtles will return to shore where they were first born to spawn and hawksbill turtle have a sharp beak and tapered with a large jaw like beak of eagle and overlapping scales. Adults travel hundereds or thousand of kilometers from foraging grounds to breeding areas and neonates are broadly dispersed by ocean currents. Studies of hawksbill habitat use and behaviour on foraging grounds may also elucidate ecological roles and susceptibility to threats (Leon and Bjorndal, 2002)\r\n\r\nAlthough this species has been harvested for meat and eggs, the primary reasons for the decline was harvest for \"tortoise shell\". As recently as 1991, Japan allowed importation of up to 20 tons of hawksbill turtle shell for their industry. However, recent pressure has caused the japanese government to begin phasis out this industry. A recent trend to offer stuffed juvenile hawksbills as tourist curios continues to be a threat. Because this species tends to nest on small, isolated islands, loss of nesting habitat to development has not been as much of a threat as it has been with other sea turtles. Loss of coral reefs in tropical regions has had a serious effect because of loss of feeding areas. Erosion of barrier island and other actors which decrease available seagrass beds have been a factor in its decline. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/19/01/47350_98_68.jpg"}, "916527": {"scientific_name": "Garrulus glandarius (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/916527", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/18/23/76432_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Jay", "sid": 916527, "text": "The typical jays of the genus Garrulus number only 3 species. The Eurasian jay is polytypic and has an extensive range, while the other two, Lanceolated jay and Lidth\u2019s jay, have relatively tiny ranges. They are characterized by similar and undoubtedly homologous blue-and-black barred feathers on the wings and/or tail. Also by traces of similar barring on the head feathers in most cases, and a strong resemblance in movements, ecology and voice.They appear most closely related on one hand to the green and blue magpies of the genus Cissa and on the other to the boreal jays of the genus Perisoreus, to which they seem to be linked by the Sooty jay P. internigrans. Over the greater part of their combined ranges the species of Garullus are completely allopatric but the Eurasian jay and the Lanceolated jay overlap in the Western Himalayas.The Eurasian jay has a much more extensive range than either of its congeners. Within its range it shows considerable geographic variation. Some populations now appear to be completely isolated from their nearest relatives by sea or unsuitable terrain. As, however, at least as far as their taxonomic characters are concerned, the most divers forms are connected by intergrades and no instance is known of two forms coming together and not interbreeding to form a mixed population, they seem best all treated as members of a single polytypic species.Within each major group of the more diverse forms, numerous races (or one might better say micro-races) of the jay have been named and recognized. Sometimes, it seems, those who have done so had an ability to recognize geographical variation in inverse relation to their ability to recognize individual variation. However, the numerous races within the species can be divided in five comprehensive major racial groups.Glandarius groupCrown of head streaked or blackWhite patch on secondariesCheeks white or brownishIrides usually purplish, mauve or bluish but sometimes darkRange: Europe, western Asia and north-western AfricaBrandtii groupCrown of head streakedHead and neck rufous, contrasting with the greyish backWhite patch on secondariesBill tending to be rather smaller than in glandarius groupRange: north-eastern Russia through Siberia to Manchuria, Korea, and northern Japan (Hokkaido)Intergrades (or interbreeds) with glandarius group in the UralsJaponicus groupLoral region black and contiguous with the black malar stripesEdges of crown feathers nearly snow-white, giving a very bright black and white appearance to top head with consequent much greater contrast than in any other jays with streaked crownsRange: Japan (except Hokkaido)Bispecularis groupCrown of head immaculateBlue patch on secondariesBill rather smallIrides dark brown (western races) to greyish (eastern races)Range: western Himalayans to FormosaIntergrades with brandtii group in northern ChinaLeucotis groupCrown of head blackBlue patch on secondariesCheeks whiteIrides dark brownRange: Burma, Thailand (Siam), Laos, Annam and Cochin ChinaForms intermediate between the leucotis group and the bispecularis group occur in northern Burma", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/18/23/76432_98_68.jpg"}, "1049640": {"scientific_name": "Sterna paradisaea Pontoppidan 1763", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049640", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/31/16/54499_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Arctic Tern", "sid": 1049640, "text": "The Arctic tern is a long-distance migrant, making a staggering annual round-trip from its Arctic or northern temperate breeding range to the Antarctic where it spends winter (3). This is probably the longest migration undertaken by any bird (2) and means that the Arctic tern sees more sunlight each year than any other animal, as they experience a 'second summer' by travelling south in winter (5). They are very similar in appearance to the common tern (Sterna hirundo), so much so that birdwatchers call unidentified terns 'commic terns', an amalgamation of the two common names (6). Arctic terns are slightly smaller than common terns, and have a shorter bill and longer tail (2). The rump is white, the underparts are darker and the wing lacks the dark wedge on the outer edge, which is a key identifying feature of common terns (6) . During summer, the bill becomes bright red and lacks the black tip seen in common terns (2). Long tail streamers also develop in summer (2). A 'kee-arr' alarm call and a piping 'pi-pi-pi-pi-pi' call are produced (2) (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/31/16/54499_98_68.jpg"}, "1049023": {"scientific_name": "Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot, 1817)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049023", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/12/11/15/93694_orig.jpg", "common_name": "everglade kite", "sid": 1049023, "text": "Snail Kites can be found in both South and Central America.  Some are also found in Mexico and Cuba.  The US also has small population concentrated in Florida (Panhandle, St. Johns Marshes, Lake Okeechobee, and the Everglades)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/12/11/15/93694_98_68.jpg"}, "914958": {"scientific_name": "Bubo virginianus (Gmelin, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/914958", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/23/78618_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Great Horned Owl", "sid": 914958, "text": "The Great Horned Owl is the most common and widespread large owl found in the Americas.  Its range spans much of the New World from the Arctic tundra to the tip of South America.  A variety of subspecies are recognized based on regional differences in size and color.  Throughout its range, this owl has adapted to many different habitats and climates from temperate forests, tropical rainforests, and deserts to agricultural fields and urban parks, but it is generally more common in open, fragmented areas than in dense primary forests.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/23/78618_98_68.jpg"}, "795986": {"scientific_name": "Amblyrhynchus cristatus Bell, 1825", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/795986", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/08/14/10000_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Marine Iguana", "sid": 795986, "text": "Galapagos marine iguanas are the world's only marine lizards (4). They inhabit the Galapagos Islands and, in the absence of mammalian predators, have adapted well to the harsh marine environment. Superficially they resemble large lizards, though they have evolved blunt noses for grazing on seaweed, laterally flattened tails to assist swimming, and powerful limbs with strong claws to help them cling to rocks (5). They are grey to black in colour, though during the mating season they may have blotches of coppery green and red on their scaled body which may result from the consumption of a particular seaweed that blooms in the summer months. These iguanas have obelisk-shaped dorsal scales running from the head to the tail (6). Males are considerably larger than females, though the sexes are similar in appearance. Juveniles also look the same, but are generally darker in colour (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/08/14/10000_98_68.jpg"}, "327253": {"scientific_name": "Myotis evotis (Allen 1864)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327253", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/09/42790_orig.jpg", "common_name": "western long-eared myotis", "sid": 327253, "text": "\"With its long, luxurious fur, which can range in color from dark brown to pale yellow, and its large, coal-black ears, the long-eared myotis is a striking animal. Long-eared myotis prefer roosting in rock outcroppings and dead trees. They feed on a variety of insects, and are often seen hunting in dense vegetation or over small bodies of water. They seem to prefer moths and beetles, and it appears these bats \"\"turn off\"\" their echolocation to listen for insects, which they can pluck from trunks and branches by hovering momentarily. Like many bats, but unlike most other small mammals, they have a long life span. Individuals have been known to live for 22 years, although the average is much shorter.\"Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/09/42790_98_68.jpg"}, "328534": {"scientific_name": "Orcinus orca (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328534", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/26/17/95608_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Killer whale", "sid": 328534, "text": "The word\u00a0Orcinus\u00a0is derived from\u00a0Orcus\u00a0\u2013 the mythological Roman god of the netherworld.\u00a0 This is probably due to its fierce reputation as the \u2018wolves of the sea\u2019 as they are known to hunt other ocean mammals.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/26/17/95608_98_68.jpg"}, "1088921": {"scientific_name": "Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1088921", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/25/22/22785_orig.jpg", "common_name": "waterthyme", "sid": 1088921, "text": "Widespread from the temperate and tropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. It is considered an noxious plant in the USA and has been introduced in many European countries. This aquatic plant is believed to be native to Africa, south and southeast Asia.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/25/22/22785_98_68.jpg"}, "994810": {"scientific_name": "Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/994810", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/30/05/46367_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Nurse shark", "sid": 994810, "text": "During the day the nurse shark is a sluggish animal, spending most of its time resting on sandy bottoms, or in crevices in rocks and coral reefs.  Often several nurse sharks may congregate when resting, sometimes even piling on top of one another (2).  At night however, the nurse shark actively roams the sea bottom and reef for prey.  It feeds on bottom invertebrates such as spiny lobsters, shrimps, crabs, sea urchins, squid and octopi (2).  It is also feeds on fish, its nocturnal nature enabling it to prey on resting fish that would be too active during the day to capture (2).  The nurse shark's small mouth and large pharynx enable it to feed by a unique suction method, effectively making the nurse shark the 'hoover' of the ocean floor.  By cupping its mouth over a hole or crevice and expanding its throat, it creates a vacuum that sucks prey out of their hiding (4).  This suction-feeding is also useful for extracting snails from their shells (2), and it will dig in sand to root out prey sensed by its fleshy barbels (2).\u00a0The nurse shark is one of few sharks in which courtship behaviour is relatively well known (4).  The male swims alongside the female, grabs one of the pectoral fins in his mouth, rolls her over and they mate (4).  A large number of males will often try to mate with a single female, and females often bear numerous bite-scars and bruises received during mating attempts.  It is therefore not surprising that females frequently try to avoid males by swimming in very shallow water, where they can bury their pectoral fins in the sand (5).\u00a0Nurse sharks are ovoviviparous (2), a method of reproduction whereby the young develop inside a weakly-formed egg shell within the mother, receiving nourishment from  their yolk sac, for five to six months (2).  The females move to shallow seagrass beds and coral reefs to give birth to 20 to 30 pups in late spring and summer (2).  Like many sharks the nurse shark is slow growing, with males not reaching maturity until 10 to 15 years of age, and females 15 to 20 years (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/30/05/46367_98_68.jpg"}, "1050838": {"scientific_name": "Certhia americana Bonaparte 1838", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050838", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/25/15/48724_orig.jpg", "common_name": "brown creeper", "sid": 1050838, "text": "A small (5 inches), strangely-shaped tree-dwelling bird, the Brown Creeper is most easily identified by its mottled brown back, short legs, and long, curved bill. Other field marks include a brown tail, white breast, and white eye-stripes. Male and female Brown Creepers are similar to one another in all seasons. The Brown Creeper breeds in the northeastern U.S.and southern Canada, along the west coast from Alaska to California, and at higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains. This species also breeds in the mountains of central Mexico and locally south to Nicaragua. In winter, this species withdraws from more northern portions of its breeding range, and may be found more widely across the southern U.S.and on the Great Plains. Brown Creepers breed primarily in old-growth evergreen forests, but may also breed in deciduous forests at the southern limits of their range. In winter, this species may be found more frequently in deciduous forests and forests with younger trees. Brown creepers primarily eat bark-dwelling insects, with small amounts of seeds eaten during the winter when insects are scarce. The feeding behavior of the Brown Creeper is unique among birds in North America. Brown Creepers are most frequently observed \u201ccreeping\u201d up the sides of large trees, probing the deeply-furrowed bark with their bills to extract insect prey. After reaching the top of the main trunk, Brown Creepers will fly to the base of another nearby tree and start again. With the aid of binoculars, it may also be possible to identify Brown Creeper nests wedged behind peeling pieces of bark. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/25/15/48724_98_68.jpg"}, "328542": {"scientific_name": "Monodon monoceros Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328542", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/04/81021_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Narwhal", "sid": 328542, "text": "Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is an arctic cetacean, famous for its tusk, belong to Monodontidae (one of two whale species in the family along with Delphinapterus luecas). They live in arctic coastal waters and rivers. They are known as seasonal migrants that travel between bays and fjords in the summer and deep offshore area heavily packed in ice in the winter. In summer months, they move closer to coast which is an ice-free waters (usually in shallow one) then move offshore in winter to a deeper waters with densely packed ice on top of it though sometime surfacing in small leads in the ice (Laidre et al, 2002). They prefer deep or offshore waters almost in all area of occurrence and rarely seen south of 65oN latitude (Hay and Manfield, 1989). Supported by their ability to do deep dives and blubber up to 35% of their body weight insulation, living in a deep freezing water by the winter is not a problem. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/04/81021_98_68.jpg"}, "328652": {"scientific_name": "Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328652", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/12/14/03185_orig.jpg", "common_name": "white-tailed deer", "sid": 328652, "text": "The White-tailed Deer is distinguished from the Mule Deer by the smaller size of its ears, the color of its tail, and most strikingly, by antler shape. In Whitetails, the main beam of the antlers grows forward rather than upwards, and each tine develops as its own separate branch rather than being split into a forked pair. The two species also run differently when they are alarmed. Mule Deer stot, a boing-boing-boing motion in which all four feet leave and hit the ground with each bound, whereas White-tailed Deer spring forward, pushing off with their hind legs and landing on their front feet. Today White-tails are very widespread in North America: there may be as many as 15 million in the United States. These Deer are adaptable browsers, feeding on leaves, twigs, shoots, acorns, berries, and seeds, and they also graze on grasses and herbs. In areas where they live alongside Mule Deer, the species naturally separate ecologically, the Whitetails staying closer to moist streams and bottomlands, the Mule Deer preferring drier, upland places.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account\u00a0\u00a0More images, video and sound of the Key deer, a subspecies", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/12/14/03185_98_68.jpg"}, "1056176": {"scientific_name": "Lepidochelys kempii Garman 1880", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1056176", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/01/17/06/91130_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Kemp's ridley sea turtle", "sid": 1056176, "text": "This species is found in the Belizean coast mangroves ecoregion (part of the larger Mesoamerican Gulf-Caribbean mangroves ecoregion), extending along the Caribbean Coast from Guatemala, and encompassing the mangrove habitat along the shores of the Bah\u00eda de Annatique; this ecoregion continues along the Belizean coast up to the border with Mexico. The Belizean coast mangroves ecoregion includes the mainland coastal fringe, but is separate from the distinct ecoregion known as the Belizean reef mangroves which are separated from the mainland. This ecoregion includes the Monterrico Reserve in Guatemala, the estuarine reaches of the Monkey River and the Placencia Peninsula. The ecoregion includes the Burdon Canal Nature Reserve in Belize City, which reach contains mangrove forests and provides habitat for a gamut of avian species and threatened crocodiles.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/01/17/06/91130_98_68.jpg"}, "327375": {"scientific_name": "Scalopus aquaticus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327375", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/21/27076_orig.jpg", "common_name": "eastern mole", "sid": 327375, "text": "\"Eastern Moles have the widest distribution of any North American mole, and are common throughout most of the eastern United States where soils are favorable. They prefer moist loamy or sandy soils and are scarce or absent in heavy clay, stony, or gravelly soils. They avoid areas that are too wet or too dry. Well-adapted to a fossorial (underground) life, the eastern mole has short, fine fur that can lie flat facing forward or backward, depending on whether the animal is moving forward or backward through a tunnel. Its eyes are covered by skin, there are no external ears; and the mole's body is streamlined and powerful, equipped with broad side-facing hands for digging.\"Adaptation: The eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus, is a highly specialized digger. A flattened head makes pushing through soil easier. The breastbone, on the underside of the ribcage, is shaped like a keel, to anchor the powerful muscles that drive the digging arms. The stocky, short arm bones and the enormous, clawed hand extend open and fold back like the powerful booms and shovel of a dirt-moving backhoe.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/21/27076_98_68.jpg"}, "1048958": {"scientific_name": "Anas americana Gmelin 1789", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048958", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/21/10/08531_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Wigeon", "sid": 1048958, "text": "Known by duck hunters as the \u201cBaldpate,\u201d the American Widgeon may be readily identified by the large white forehead patch which gives this species its nickname. A medium-sized (18-23 inches) species of duck, the male American Widgeon is also characterized by a large green head patch, brown sides, and large white wing patches visible in flight. The female is less ornate, being mostly brown overall with less white on the wings. American Widgeons breed primarily from west-central Alaska east to the Hudson Bay, and from just south of the tundra in Canada south to the upper Great Plains. Recently, this species has expanded eastward, and isolate breeding occurs along the Great Lakes, around the St. Lawrence River, and in the Maritime Provinces in eastern Canada. This species migrates south for the winter, where it may be found along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts of the U.S., in the southern Plains, and points south. The American Widgeon breeds in shallow wetlands throughout its breeding range. Preferring freshwater in summer, this species is less constrained in winter, when it may be found on rivers and lakes or in saltwater estuaries and bays. American Widgeons feed primarily on aquatic plants and grasses in winter, but they may also consume insects and other small invertebrates during the breeding season. American Widgeons may be seen either on land or in the water, where they may be observed foraging for food. This species may also be observed taking off straight up from the water or undertaking straight, swift flights on migration or between breeding or foraging grounds. American Widgeons are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/21/10/08531_98_68.jpg"}, "289808": {"scientific_name": "Loxodonta africana (Blumenbach, 1797)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/289808", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/22/16/93377_orig.jpg", "common_name": "African bush elephant", "sid": 289808, "text": "One of the most emotive of the megafauna and the largest living terrestrial animal, African savanna elephants inspire awe at their sheer size; the largest recorded individual reached a massive four metres at the shoulder and weighed ten tonnes (2). The thickset body rests on stocky legs and the back has a characteristically concave shape (2). African elephants have large ears to enable heat loss (6). Their upper lip and nose is elongated into a trunk that serves multiple functions, from a dextrous fifth limb to a sound producer and amplifier, and an important method of touch between individuals (2). The African elephant trunk ends in two opposing processes (or lips), which differs from that of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), whose trunk ends in a single process (7). A further characteristic feature are the elephant's tusks, which are large modified upper incisors that continue to grow throughout their lifetime; in both sexes of the African elephant these are curved forward (7).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/22/16/93377_98_68.jpg"}, "791368": {"scientific_name": "Nerodia erythrogaster FORSTER 1771", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/791368", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/07/93193_orig.jpg", "common_name": "plain-bellied water snake", "sid": 791368, "text": "Nerodia erythrogaster is divided into a number of subspecies. Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster, found from southeastern Virginia through western North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, with the exception of the northwest corner, northern Florida and southeastern Alabama with disjunct populations in Maryland and Delaware. Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster is found in Alabama, northwestern Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas and areas surrounding the junction between the borders of Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri. Nerodia erythrogaster transversa is found in western Missouri through Kansas (except northwestern Oklahoma), Texas, southwestern New Mexico and a disjunct population in northeastern Mexico. Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta is found in southwestern Indiana and the border areas of adjacent states, with disjunct populations in southern Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, and western Ohio. Nerodia erythrogaster bogerti is found in Durango, Mexico. Nerodia erythrogaster alta is found in Zacatecas, Mexico. Nerodia erythrogaster is Nearctic in distribution. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/07/93193_98_68.jpg"}, "1177829": {"scientific_name": "Probosciger aterrimus (Gmelin, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177829", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/10/98835_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Palm Cockatoo", "sid": 1177829, "text": "Palm cockatoos are found in the Australasian region, including New Guinea, the Cape York Peninsula (Northern Australia), Aru Islands, West Irian, Misool Isle (Western Papuan Islands) and other islands. There are three subspecies, P. a. atterimus, found in the Misool Isles, Aru Islands, and Northern Australia, P. a. goliath, the largest of the subspecies, found in Western Irian and the Papuan Islands, and finally P. a. stenolopus, in New Guinea and Western Irian. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/10/98835_98_68.jpg"}, "793235": {"scientific_name": "Iguana iguana (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/793235", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/09/06/16/03893_orig.jpg", "common_name": "green iguana", "sid": 793235, "text": "The green iguana is one of the best-known reptiles due to its popularity in zoos and with private reptile keepers (3).  It has a very distinctive appearance, with a large head, a pronounced dewlap, and an impressive crest of comb-like spines that runs down the centre of the back and tail (3) (5), measuring around three centimetres high (2).  While, like its name suggests, this iguana is usually a shade of green, (from dull, grassy green to vivid turquoise), bright orange individuals may occur in the northern parts of its range (3), and the colour may also vary with temperature, particularly when young, being bright green when hot and dull and dark when cold (2).  The green iguana's scaly skin is either uniformly coloured, or bears blackish stripes or a contrasting brownish pattern (3).  Prominent large, circular scales are present on the lower jaw below the clearly visible tympanum.  Male green iguanas can be distinguished from females by the more pronounced spiny crest and larger head (5), the more noticeable femoral pores (2), and the broader cloaca opening (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/09/06/16/03893_98_68.jpg"}, "583929": {"scientific_name": "Rorippa columbiae (Suksd. ex B.L. Rob.) Suksd. ex Howell", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/583929", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/09/01006_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Columbia watercress", "sid": 583929, "text": "United StatesOrigin: Native", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/09/01006_98_68.jpg"}, "326527": {"scientific_name": "Eulemur macaco (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326527", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/07/15/10299_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Black Lemur", "sid": 326527, "text": "\r\n\tE. flavifrons is known to have a bi-modal activity pattern, where they are active during both the day and night, with most activity occurring at dusk and dawn (Schwitzer et al., 2012 & Schwitzer et al., 2007a). This activity pattern makes the species cathemeral, which means they distribute their activity over the 24-hour day (Schwitzer et al., 2007a). They are known to forage and feed for about 32% of their day (Goodchild and Schwitzer), which is necessary due to their previously discussed, low-energy diet (Goodchild and Schwitzer, 2008; Volampeno et al., 2011a). A study by Schwitzer et al. (2012) showed that the lemurs\u2019 total daily activity was higher in the secondary forest fragments compared to the primary forest fragments (Schwitzer et al., 2012), which could be due to lower food availability and wider home ranges in the secondary forests. It is also known that during the windy winter season in Madagascar, E. flavifrons has decreased activity on the ground and increased residence in the high trees. In the dry, summer season, the lemurs have an increased activity overall, because they must migrate in search of food (Schwitzer et al., 2007a).\r\n\r\n\tFemales are known to be dominant in E. flavifrons populations (Digby and Kahlenberg, 2002; Archie and Digby, 1999). When the sexes interact, Digby and Kahlenberg (2002) showed that 99% of the interactions led to the males being subordinate and submissive to the females. The females would use aggression in order to control the males\u2019 actions. All of their seven test groups showed the same results. The females were also aggressive at more times of day than just feeding time, suggesting that they show dominance over all types of interactions (Digby and Kahlenberg, 2002).\r\n\r\n\tJuvenile dominance is also present in this species. A study collected data for male offspring that were born to a dominant female and a female offspring that were born to a subordinate female. The study looked at the interactions between the juveniles and other individuals in the population. They found that maternal rank determined whether the juvenile would be dominant in conflicts. Offspring born to the dominant female had a dominant adult to help them in altercations, which made them dominant over others. They reached this conclusion because the juvenile female born to the subordinate mother was more submissive to other individuals in the group compared to the juvenile males with dominant mothers (Archie and Digby, 1999).\r\n\r\n\tBehavior between groups is interesting for this species. Each group is composed of about 8 individuals, sometimes a few more or a few less (Randriatahina and Roeder, 2013 & Volampeno et al., 2010). These populations are very stable, with no more than 3 adult females and 2-5 males in one group at a time. Encounters between groups occur at feeding and resting sites, with each group remaining intact, without switching or wandering into another group. Females act antagonistically toward other groups, exerting their dominance (Randriatahina and Roeder, 2013). More research needs to be done in this area to determine if the females limit populations of lemurs from feeding and migrating. If some populations or individuals are not thriving because of females, then management of the populations could include food distribution to see that all individuals are able to eat.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tE. flavifrons was included in a study of cognitive ability and the similarity between 3 lemur species, old world monkeys, and humans. The study showed that there is conservation among the primate order of the approximate number system, which was used to indicate cognitive ability. The study mentioned that lemurs do not demonstrate deception, or advanced visual communication, or coalition within groups. However, lemurs are capable of transitive learning (understanding that if A>B and B>C, then A<C; Bryson and Leong, 2007), object displacement, and learning contingency (stimulus-based, associative behaviors similar to Pavlovian conditioning; Penn and Povinelli, 2007) when participating in a food-rewarding task (Jones et al., 2012). This study relates to their small group size and feeding habits, indicating that they understand the numerical availability of food (Randriatahina and Roeder, 2013 & Volampeno et al., 2010).\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/07/15/10299_98_68.jpg"}, "913287": {"scientific_name": "Strix occidentalis (Xantus de Vesey, 1860)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/913287", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/09/82747_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Spotted Owl", "sid": 913287, "text": "This species of owl is found only in western North America, from southwestern British Colombia south through the mountains of Washington, Oregon and California, the western slopes of Sierra Nevada and the southern Rockies.  They are also located in Utah and central Colorado through Arizona's mountain ranges, New Mexico, extreme western Texas, and central Mexico.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/09/82747_98_68.jpg"}, "118009": {"scientific_name": "Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/118009", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/25/17/04051_orig.jpg", "common_name": "European hare", "sid": 118009, "text": "'To be as fast as a hare' is a very appropriate expression. When hares are chased, they can run up to 75 kilometers per hour, often making abrupt turns without slowing down. They easily jump 5 to 7 meters and are not bad swimmers either. But usually when hares are in danger, they lie stock-still, flattened against the ground. They generally only run away when danger approaches too closely.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/25/17/04051_98_68.jpg"}, "328448": {"scientific_name": "Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328448", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/24/00/81510_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Brown Rat", "sid": 328448, "text": "\"Rattus norvegicus\" and \"Sewer Rat\" redirect here. For the album, see Rattus Norvegicus (album). For the roller coaster, see Sewer Rat (roller coaster).The brown rat, also referred to as common rat, street rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, brown Norway rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat (Rattus norvegicus) is one of the best known and most common rat.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/24/00/81510_98_68.jpg"}, "915489": {"scientific_name": "Chordeiles minor (J. R. Forster, 1771)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/915489", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/26/16/32750_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Nighthawk", "sid": 915489, "text": "On warm summer evenings, Common Nighthawks roam the skies over treetops, grasslands, and cities. Their sharp, electric peent call is often the first clue they\u2019re overhead. In the dim half-light, these long-winged birds fly in graceful loops, flashing white patches out past the bend of each wing as they chase insects. These fairly common but declining birds make no nest. Their young are so well camouflaged that they\u2019re hard to find, and even the adults seem to vanish as soon as they land.\r\nOn summer evenings, keep an eye and an ear out for the male Common Nighthawk\u2019s dramatic \u201cbooming\u201d display flight. Flying at a height slightly above the treetops, he abruptly dives for the ground. As he peels out of his dive (sometimes just a few meters from the ground) he flexes his wings downward, and the air rushing across his wingtips makes a deep booming or whooshing sound, as if a racecar has just passed by. The dives may be directed at females, territorial intruders, and even people.\r\nThe Common Nighthawk\u2019s impressive booming sounds during courtship dives, in combination with its erratic, bat-like flight, have earned it the colloquial name of \u201cbullbat.\u201d The name \u201cnighthawk\u201d itself is a bit of a misnomer, since the bird is neither strictly nocturnal\u2014it\u2019s active at dawn and dusk\u2014nor closely related to hawks.\r\nMany Late Pleistocene fossils of Common Nighthawks, up to about 400,000 years old, have been unearthed between Virginia and California and from Wyoming to Texas.\r\nCommon Nighthawks, which have one of the longest migration routes of all North American birds, sometimes show up far out of range. They have been recorded in Iceland, Greenland, the Azores, the Faroe Islands, and multiple times on the British Isles.\r\nThe oldest Common Nighthawk on record was 10 years old.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/26/16/32750_98_68.jpg"}, "208201": {"scientific_name": "Hemiscyllium ocellatum (Bonnaterre, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/208201", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/11/10/06707_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Itar shark", "sid": 208201, "text": "Commonly found in shallow water of coral reefs (Ref. 6871).  Often in tide pools (Ref. 13575).  Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates (Ref. 6871).  Oviparous (Ref. 50449).  Squirms when captured but cannot readily escape (Ref. 247).  Survives well in aquariums (Ref. 6871). Has the ability to survive low oxygen conditions by switching of non-essential brain functions; apparently an adaption for hunting in tide-pools with low oxygen (Ref. 52022).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/11/10/06707_98_68.jpg"}, "328676": {"scientific_name": "Panthera uncia (Schreber, 1775)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328676", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/20/10/97134_orig.jpg", "common_name": "snow leopard", "sid": 328676, "text": "The Snow Leopard is restricted to the high mountains of Central Asia, with core areas including the Altai, Tian Shan, Kun Lun, Pamir, Hindu Kush, Karakorum and Himalayan ranges. (McCarthy et al. 2003). Ecological regions were defined in a workshop as Altai-Sayan, Trans-Altai Alashan Gobi, Tian Shan, Pamir, Hindu-Kush, Karakorum, Himalayas, HengduanMountains, and Tibetan Plateau (Williams 2008). Based on elevational analysis, Hunter and Jackson (1997) estimated potential range at over 3 million km, with much of this in Mongolia and the Tibetan plateau of China, although it is unclear to what extent snow leopards use much of the flatter parts of the plateau (R. Jackson pers. comm. 2008). There was evidence of snow leopard occupation in 1.83 million km, and only about 550,000 km was considered to be good habitat (Hunter and Jackson 1997, McCarthy et al. 2003). Williams (2006) used historical data to improve mapping of potential range, but there remains a significant lack lack of information about current snow leopard status across much of its known and potential distribution.  In an attempt to improve knowledge of Snow Leopard distribution and status, a conservation planning conference held in Beijing in March 2008 brought together experts from 11 of the 12 range countries. The conference was able to map specific and local knowledge about snow leopard range and determine Snow Leopard Conservation Units, areas which are the most important for conserving Snow Leopards over the long-term. The process highlighted areas where knowledge of Snow Leopard status is strong and where it is lacking, and resulting maps now provide biologists and conservationists with a more strategic approach to Snow Leopard conservation and research (Williams 2008).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/20/10/97134_98_68.jpg"}, "1049171": {"scientific_name": "Falco sparverius Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049171", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/04/06/58995_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Kestrel", "sid": 1049171, "text": "The smallest falcon in North America (9-12 inches), the American Kestrel is most easily identified by its small size, rufous-brown tail, and rufous-brown back with dark horizontal bars. Other field marks include a white throat, white cheeks, and a slate-blue head with a rufous crown. Male American Kestrels have slate-blue wings, while females are larger and have rufous wings. The American Kestrel breeds across a wide portion of North America from Alaska and Canada to central Mexico. In winter, American Kestrels withdraw from northern portions of their range, wintering from the north-central United States south to Panama. Many American Kestrels in southern portions of this species\u2019 breeding range are non-migratory, as are other populations in Central America, the West Indies, and South America. American Kestrels inhabit a number of open habitats, including grasslands, fields, meadows, and urban areas, that provide cavities for nesting as well as open areas for hunting. This species utilizes similar habitat types in winter as in summer, although nesting cavities are not necessary in that season. American Kestrels eat a variety of small animals, including insects, small birds, and rodents. Due to this species\u2019 preference for open habitat, American Kestrels may be most easily seen perched prominently, perhaps in a tree or on a utility pole, while watching for prey. This species may also be observed hunting, when it may be seen pursuing and capturing prey with its talons. American Kestrels are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/04/06/58995_98_68.jpg"}, "1048974": {"scientific_name": "Aythya fuligula (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048974", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/07/26/22/83827_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Tufted Duck", "sid": 1048974, "text": "Tufted ducks are diving ducks: they can dive down to 50 meters. Like all diving ducks, their legs are situated far back for propulsion, but it means they are clumsy birds on land. However in water, tufted ducks are capable of staying in place even if the water is flowing rapidly. Their favorite prey is the zebra mussel, a freshwater species.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/07/26/22/83827_98_68.jpg"}, "1048665": {"scientific_name": "Butorides virescens (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048665", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/47073_orig.jpg", "common_name": "green heron", "sid": 1048665, "text": "Smaller and thinner than the American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), the Green Heron is named for its back and wings, which are a dull greenish color in good light but may appear much darker when this heron is hidden well in vegetation. The Green Heron may also be identified by its dark brown neck, white throat, black bill, and black crest. Males and females are similar to one another in all seasons. The Green Heron is found widely across North and South America. In North America, this species breeds across the eastern United States and southern Canada, as well as on the Pacific coast of the U.S.In winter, Green Herons withdraw from the interior and from northern parts of their breeding range, and may be found along the coasts south from California and South Carolina as well as in Mexico and Central America. Coastal populations in the southern U.S.are non-migratory, as are most populations in the tropics. Green Herons breed in a variety of wetland habitats, both freshwater and saltwater, with tall vegetation for cover. In winter, Green Herons utilize similar types of habitats as in summer. Green Herons breeding or wintering in tropical environments also inhabit mangrove habitats. This species primarily eats small fish and amphibians. Due to the Green Heron\u2019s small size and shy nature, individuals standing still in tall vegetation are often difficult to observe. Green Herons are easier to see while walking along the edge of the water, plunging their bills into the water to catch prey, or when flying away from the observer upon being spooked. This species is primarily active during the day, but may also hunt at night to avoid being spotted by its prey.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/47073_98_68.jpg"}, "323950": {"scientific_name": "Macaca nemestrina (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323950", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/10/05/65648_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Sunda pig-tailed macaque", "sid": 323950, "text": "Macaca nemestrina  is a medium sized primate with light brown fur, which is found in a  portion of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand to the island of  Borneo. This primate is deemed chiefly terrestrial, but also exhibits  arboreal traits. Its habitat is threatened by expansion of oil palm  plantations which have been created in prior lowland rainforests; slash  and burn practices, especially in Indonesian Borneo have also destroyed  and fragmented considerable habitat area.  Colouration is a light  brown, with even lighter undersides, the tail and elongated muzzle being  nearly hairless (Cawthon Lang. 2009) The common name is associated with the  trait of this primate's tail held in a semi-erect fashion, much like the  nature of a pig's tail. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/10/05/65648_98_68.jpg"}, "1049238": {"scientific_name": "Phasianus colchicus Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049238", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/29/22/49261_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Pheasant", "sid": 1049238, "text": "A large (30-36 inches) game bird, the male Ring-necked Pheasant is most easily identified by its mottled gold-brown body, long striped tail, iridescent head with red wattles, and conspicuous white neck ring. Feral populations are derived from several distinct captive stocks, and individual males in these populations may show variation in the size and color of the body, neck-ring, head, and wattles. Females are much smaller and plainer, being mottled brown overall. The Ring-necked Pheasant is native to portions of Central and East Asia. Being a popular game bird, this species has been introduced to a number of regions outside its native range. Introductions and releases of this species have taken place in Europe since antiquity, and have more recently been successful in temperate regions of North America and Australasia. Small populations may exist for short periods of time where this species is stocked for hunting, but these populations are often not self-sufficient and may vanish without continued releases. Ring-necked Pheasants are generally non-migratory. In their native range, Ring-necked Pheasants inhabit semi-open woodland and grassland habitats. Elsewhere, this species may be found in similar habitat types as well as in agricultural fields, pastures, and marshes. Ring-necked Pheasants primarily eat plant material, including seeds, grains, shoots, and berries, although this species may also eat insects when available. In appropriate habitat, Ring-necked Pheasants may be seen walking on the ground in fields and woodlands while foraging for food. When approached, this species may run for cover or attempt to fly short distances to safety on the ground or in trees. Ring-necked Pheasants are most active during the day, although males may begin calling slightly before sunrise.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/29/22/49261_98_68.jpg"}, "1049595": {"scientific_name": "Larus ridibundus Linnaeus 1766", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049595", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/04/32762_orig.jpg", "common_name": "black-headed gull", "sid": 1049595, "text": "Black-headed gulls are not fussy eaters. They like everything, from worms to bird eggs to fish. Furthermore, they also profit from all kinds of human sources of rubbish such as garbage barrels. Not all black-headed gulls earn their meal in an honest way. They steal worms from shorebirds and fish from terns. Nor are people always safe. Should your ice cream or french fries fall on the ground, it quickly disappears in the beak of these master thieves. You find black-headed gulls almost everywhere. They are a common shorebird, land-bird and city-bird.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/04/32762_98_68.jpg"}, "1053070": {"scientific_name": "Estrilda astrild (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1053070", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/26/14/60681_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Waxbill", "sid": 1053070, "text": "Common waxbills (Estrilda astrild) are native across much of sub-Saharan Africa.  The species has been introduced to the Americas, the Mediterranean Basin, and Oceania. A high reproductive rate and ability to adapt to new food sources have allowed common waxbills to successfully naturalize in many of the areas to which it has been introduced. While most of these introductions are thought to result from the escape of caged individuals, some regions have introduced flocks deliberately. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/26/14/60681_98_68.jpg"}, "1048599": {"scientific_name": "Pelecanus occidentalis Linnaeus 1766", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048599", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/12/09/64353_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Brown Pelican", "sid": 1048599, "text": "The brown pelican's image adorns postage stamps across the Americas, from Bermuda and Belize to Venezuela and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is Louisiana's state bird and the national bird for Turks and Caicos Islands.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/12/09/64353_98_68.jpg"}, "1049263": {"scientific_name": "Gallus gallus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049263", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/19/17/69575_orig.jpg", "common_name": "red junglefowl", "sid": 1049263, "text": "Red junglefowl are the wild ancestors of all domestic poultry (3), although the rooster is said to be more brilliantly colored than its tame relative (4). The vibrant male has long, golden-orange to deep-red crown and neck feathers, and a dark metallic-green tail with a white tuft at the base. The underparts are a dull black while the upperparts are a combination of glossy blue-green, rich dark red, maroon-red, fiery orange, rufous and blackish brown (3). The colourful cock also has vivid scarlet-red facial skin, throat, two lappets and heavily dented fleshy crest (comb), and red or white ear patches on the sides of the head (3) (4) (5). The rather drab female is a dull brown-gold colour (6) with a partly naked, pale red face and throat (3). After the summer moult, from June to September, the male develops an 'eclipse plumage', in which the golden neck feathers (hackles) are replaced with dull black feathers, the long tail feathers are lost, and the comb reduces in size and becomes duller in colour (3) (4). With much hybridisation between pure and domestic stock, the standard criteria of pure wild junglefowl include the tail being carried horizontally in both sexes, the absence of a comb in the female, and dark or slate grey leg colour and an annual eclipse moult in the male (3) (7).\u00a0There are five subspecies, which vary in the colour of the facial lappets, in the size of the combs, and in the length, colour and terminal end shape of the neck hackles of males during the breeding season (2) (8).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/19/17/69575_98_68.jpg"}, "1048941": {"scientific_name": "Harpia harpyja (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048941", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/74233_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Harpy Eagle", "sid": 1048941, "text": "Harpy eagles are the largest species of eagle with a body length that can range from 89 to 102 cm and a wing span of 2 m. Their talons can be up to 12.5 cm long. Females are normally larger with an average weight of 7 to 9 kg, while the males weigh an average of 5 to 8 kg. The mantle, scapulars, the top of the secondaries and primaries, secondary coverts, greater primary coverts, and the rump are slate black in color, but can vary to gray. The tail is made up of long gray feathers with horizontal black bars. The breast, belly, and flanks, are light grey with horizontal black stripes. The head, thighs and vent are light gray and the nape has a dark band across it. The crown of harpy eagles consists of long black feathers which raise when threatened, though some theorize they also raise them to direct sound to their ears. Their bills are black and their feet are yellow with black talons. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/74233_98_68.jpg"}, "328615": {"scientific_name": "Zalophus californianus (Lesson, 1828)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328615", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/01/10/04/33236_orig.jpg", "common_name": "california sea lion", "sid": 328615, "text": "California sea lions are the best-known eared seals. All seals can hear, but earless seals (in the family Phocidae) have internal ears. The eared seals (sea lions and fur seals, in the family Otariidae) have small external ears. They also can pull their rear flippers up under their bodies and use to them move around on land, which phocids cannot do. California sea lions spend most of their time in coastal waters, and eat fish. Adult males migrate northward for the winter and return to island beaches off the California and Mexican coastlines for the May\u2014July breeding season. They loudly defend patches of territory, on land or in the shallows, fasting for 4\u20146 weeks while they are on patrol. About a month after pupping (giving birth), females are ready to mate with the males who have been waiting impatiently. Ninety percent of the young are born in June. They are born on land and nurse for a year or more.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/01/10/04/33236_98_68.jpg"}, "1049342": {"scientific_name": "Charadrius semipalmatus Bonaparte 1825", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049342", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/12/52542_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Semipalmated Plover", "sid": 1049342, "text": "The stereotypical winter plover in many coastal regions of the southern United States, the Semipalmated Plover is most easily identified by its small size (6 \u00bd to 7 \u00bd inches), yellow eye-ring, and thin bill. In summer, this species has a broad black collar, black-tipped orange bill, black face mask, and white forehead. In winter, this species loses much of the black on its upper body and becomes duller brown overall. Males and females are similar to one another in all seasons. The Semipalmated Plover breeds across northern Canada and Alaska. This species migrates south in winter, when it may be found on the coast of California and in the coastal southeastern U.S.Semipalmated Plovers also winter in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the West Indies. Semipalmated Plovers breed on rocky or gravelly beaches, as well on dry tundra further inland. On migration or in winter, this species may be found on sandy beaches, mudflats, riverbanks, and in salt marshes. The Semipalmated Sandpiper primarily eats insects, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates. Semipalmated Plovers are most easily observed along the water\u2019s edge, probing the mud for food with their bills. They may also be seen in small flocks flying above the surf, frequently mingling with other species of waders. This species is most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/12/52542_98_68.jpg"}, "314276": {"scientific_name": "Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/314276", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/07/06/17/91508_orig.jpg", "common_name": "short-beaked common dolphin", "sid": 314276, "text": "Short-beaked common dolphins hunt in groups of ten to ten thousand animals. They can reach speeds up to 45 kilometers per hour. They are also attracted to ships and like to play in their bow waves. Short-beaked common dolphins live in oceans; they aren't often seen swimming close to shore, usually preferring water no shallower than 200 meters. Nevertheless, they are occasionally seen in the Dutch section of the North Sea. Short-beaked common dolphins are the most common dolphin species in the region of the Mediterranean Sea. Pictures on ancient Greek vases show that it's been that way for centuries.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/07/06/17/91508_98_68.jpg"}, "328799": {"scientific_name": "Saccopteryx bilineata (Temminck, 1838)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328799", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/04/09/28989_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Greater Sac-winged Bat", "sid": 328799, "text": "The northern boundary of the distribution of Saccopteryx bilineata occurs in central Mexico, with capture records from Jalisco and Veracruz. The range extends south to central South America including northern Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, Guyane, and eastern Brazil, but excluding Paraguay. The range of Saccopteryx bilineata extends as far south as Rio de Janeiro on the eastern coast of South America. Saccopteryx bilineata has also been found on Antillean islands, including Trinidad and Tobago. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/04/09/28989_98_68.jpg"}, "1048393": {"scientific_name": "Accipiter nisus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048393", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/01/17/04651_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eurasian sparrow hawk", "sid": 1048393, "text": "You can really get a fright! With their broad, stubby wings and long tail, Eurasian sparrowhawks fly low above the ground at a rapid speed. It is not unusual to see them flying low between the banks of a ditch in order to approach the prey unseen. People used to believe that cuckoos changed into sparrowhawks in the wintertime. Afterall, they look a lot alike, and sparrowhawks were only seen in the winter before they started nesting in the Netherlands and cuckoos in the summer.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/01/17/04651_98_68.jpg"}, "1091931": {"scientific_name": "Colocasia konishii Hayata", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1091931", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/01/25/15/52707_orig.jpg", "common_name": "taro", "sid": 1091931, "text": "Arum Family (Araceae). Taro is an ancient crop grown throughout the tropic and subtropics. Taro is believed to have originated in South East Asia including India and Malaysia. Spencer (1966) stated that taro and other edible arioida were distributed from east India to Formosa and the Solomon Islands. Taro seeds were dispersed by birds, and palm civets .(Panoff, 1972, Hambali, 1979).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/01/25/15/52707_98_68.jpg"}, "1177487": {"scientific_name": "Nucifraga columbiana (Wilson, 1811)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177487", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/12/31/23/73728_orig.jpg", "common_name": "clark's nutcracker", "sid": 1177487, "text": "Clark\u2019s nutcracker has a wide distribution in zones of coniferous vegetation from the coastal ranges in Canada throughout the mountainous areas of the western United States.  It is a native, permanent resident of the mountainous regions of western North America.  Migration is only altitudinal with a shift to lower elevations beginning in late September (Burleigh, 1972; Coues, 1874; Tomback, 1998).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/12/31/23/73728_98_68.jpg"}, "327247": {"scientific_name": "Myotis lucifugus Le Conte 1831", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327247", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/12/27/01/59486_orig.jpg", "common_name": "little brown bat", "sid": 327247, "text": "\"Echolocation of little brown bats has been well studied since the invention of bat detectors, electronic devices that can \"\"hear\"\" the ultrasonic calls bats make, which are usually beyond the range of human hearing. Little brown bats typically produce calls lasting about 4 milliseconds. While cruising, they emit echolocation calls about 20 times per second, spacing the pulses at 50 millisecond intervals. When attacking airborne prey, the pulse rates rise drastically, to 200 per second, with only 5 millisecond gaps between calls. The information the bats receive through echolocation allows them to orient themselves, and to locate, track, and evaluate their insect prey. Little brown bats feed near or over water, mainly on aquatic insects such as caddis flies, mayflies, and midges, and typically consume half their body weight in insects each night. Nursing females may eat up to 110 percent of their body weight each night.\"Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/12/27/01/59486_98_68.jpg"}, "1049378": {"scientific_name": "Scolopax minor Gmelin 1789", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049378", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/18/14/55095_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Woodcock", "sid": 1049378, "text": "American woodcocks are short, plump, compact birds with very long (5.9 to 7.8 cm) bills that are specialized for feeding on earthworms.  Woodcocks are mottled brown, rich buff and gray in a way that camouflages them well in woodland habitat.  Their heads are large, with three dark bands across the back.  Woodcocks have large brown eyes that are set far back in the skull, providing rearview binocular vision.  Their wings are broad and rounded.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/18/14/55095_98_68.jpg"}, "1049583": {"scientific_name": "Larus delawarensis Ord 1815", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049583", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/12/06/92750_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Ring-billed Gull", "sid": 1049583, "text": "A medium-sized (19 inches) seagull, the Ring-billed Gull is most easily identified by its pale orange eye, yellow legs, and conspicuous black ring on its yellow bill. Winter and immature gulls of many species are notoriously difficult to identify as these birds may be splotched or streaked with brown on the head and breast. Male and female Ring-billed Gulls are similar to one another in all seasons. The Ring-billed Gull breeds across a large part of southern Canada and the northern United States. Most populations of this species are migratory, wintering along the coasts from British Columbia south to central Mexico in the west, from New England south to Florida in the east, in parts of the interior southeast, and around Great Salt Lake in Utah. Ring-billed Gulls occur throughout the year in parts of the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes. Ring-billed Gulls primarily breed on small sparsely-vegetated islands in northern lakes. In winter, this species is often present along sandy beaches, but may also be found inland on reservoirs or around garbage dumps. Ring-billed Gulls eat a variety of foods, including crustaceans, fish, carrion, garbage, and, occasionally, other birds. Ring-billed Gulls are most easily seen foraging for food along sandy beaches. In many coastal areas, this is one of the most common winter \u201cseagulls,\u201d and may be seen foraging for refuse and carrion on the beach, flying over the water and plunging in to catch fish, or floating on the water\u2019s surface while catching fish with its bill. Ring-billed Gulls are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/12/06/92750_98_68.jpg"}, "216662": {"scientific_name": "Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (Bleeker, 1856)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/216662", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/12/88778_orig.jpg", "common_name": "grey reef shark", "sid": 216662, "text": "Occurs on continental and insular shelves and oceanic waters adjacent to them (Ref. 244).  Common on coral reefs, often in deeper areas near drop-offs to the open sea, in atoll passes, and in shallow lagoons adjacent to areas of strong currents (Ref. 244).  Coastal-pelagic near the bottom, near drop-offs at 1-275 m (Ref. 58302).  Forms daytime schools or aggregations in favored areas (Ref. 244).  Although active during the day, it is more active nocturnally (Ref. 244).  Viviparous, with 1-6 pups (Ref. 37816).  Feeds on reef fishes, squids, octopi, crabs, lobsters and shrimps (Ref. 244, 5578).  Tends to be aggressive under baited conditions (Ref. 6871) and readily enters into a frenzy feeding pattern, at which time it may become quite dangerous.  Repeatedly incriminated in human attacks.  Utilized for human consumption, fishmeal, and other shark products.  Minimum depth from Ref. 6871.  Maximum length of female taken from Ref. 5213.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/12/88778_98_68.jpg"}, "916798": {"scientific_name": "Archilochus colubris (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/916798", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/56302_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Ruby-throated Hummingbird", "sid": 916798, "text": "The only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is more often mistaken for an insect than for another species of bird. The smallest bird encountered in its breeding range (3-3 \u00bc inches), the Ruby-throated Hummingbird may be identified by its small size, green back and forehead, long bill, and off-white breast. Males have a striking red throat (called a gorget) and forked tail, while the female lacks this adornment and has a rounded tail. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird breeds across most of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. In winter, many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico to winter in southern Mexico and Central America, while others spend the winter in south Florida and the Florida Keys. Small numbers of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds winter further north along both coasts of Florida into the Gulf States and the Carolinas. During the summer, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breed in deciduous forest, woodland edges, and around human developments. This species winters in tropical forests. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds eat small insects and drink nectar from tubular flowers, and will often enter gardens and yards to feed from hummingbird feeders. It is a major pollinator in its breeding range. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may most often be observed feeding from flowers and hummingbird feeders, where they may either hover or perch while feeding. It is also possible to observe Ruby-throated Hummingbirds defending feeders or productive patches of flowers, when they may engage in acrobatic mid-air dogfights with other hummingbirds. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/56302_98_68.jpg"}, "1049550": {"scientific_name": "Limosa limosa (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049550", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/05/44347_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Black-tailed Godwit", "sid": 1049550, "text": "The black-tailed godwit is the ambassador of Dutch polder landscapes. Its 'kru-weitoo-weitoo' call often makes it an easy bird to recognize. Around half of the world population of black-tailed godwits nest in the Netherlands, making this country the most important black-tailed godiwit land. The first godwits return at the end of February to nest. In July, most of the godwits have departed for West Africa, where they remain during the winter.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/05/44347_98_68.jpg"}, "326372": {"scientific_name": "Octodon degus (Molina, 1782)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326372", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/09/13159_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Degu", "sid": 326372, "text": "Not to be confused with Dagu (disambiguation), Dogu (disambiguation), Dugu, or Tegu.The degu (Octodon degus, /\u02c8de\u026a\u0261u\u02d0/) is a small caviomorph rodent that is endemic to the Chilean matorral ecoregion of central Chile. [2]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/09/13159_98_68.jpg"}, "1177965": {"scientific_name": "Ara militaris (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177965", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/15/17/10319_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Military Macaw", "sid": 1177965, "text": "Usually found in pairs or in small flocks of up to ten birds (6), the military macaw feeds on seeds, nuts, berries and fruit (2). Roosts consisting of far larger numbers of birds are found on cliffs or in large trees (6). The breeding season in Mexico is in June, when the military macaw lays a clutch of two to three eggs (5).  These eggs are generally laid in nests on or near cliff faces, which offers the nest and its inhabitants a little more protection (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/15/17/10319_98_68.jpg"}, "326447": {"scientific_name": "Gorilla gorilla (Savage and Wyman, 1847)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326447", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/10/56150_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Western gorilla", "sid": 326447, "text": "These powerful, graceful, iconic animals have attracted worldwide attention for decades. Although there was long considered be just one species of gorilla, the latest DNA evidence indicates that there are in fact two distinct gorilla species: the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). The eastern gorilla is made up of the most famously known gorilla sub-species - the mountain gorilla (G.b. beringei), and the eastern lowland gorilla (G.b. graueri). The former occurs at the convergence of the DRC, Uganda and Rwanda, while the latter is found only in the DRC. Approximately 1000km westwards in the forests of western equatorial Africa are the western gorillas \u2013 the western lowland gorilla (G.g. gorilla), and the isolated Cross River gorilla (G.g. diehli). Some gorilla populations \u2013 particularly the mountain gorillas \u2013 are the focus of concerted conservation and restoration efforts. However, gorillas as a whole remain in danger of extinction and face a long list of severe threats, including: habitat destruction or modification by deforestation, woodland exploitation, increasing demand for arable land and energy (charcoal), infrastructure development like forest roads, viral epidemics, unstable political climates and hunting and trading in wild bushmeat. Fortunately, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) has recognised the urgent need to protect these creatures and has established a Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP) with the aim of identifying the most effective conservation initiatives, and raising the funds and political support needed to achieve these initiatives.\u00a0 Like with any conservation effort, one of the most crucial pieces of the conservation puzzle is basic information about precisely where animals occur today. There is staggeringly little information about the whereabouts of gorillas. For more information visit the MammalMAP virtual museum or blog.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/10/56150_98_68.jpg"}, "915382": {"scientific_name": "Ardeotis kori (Burchell, 1822)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/915382", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/17/16/76954_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Kori Bustard", "sid": 915382, "text": "Ardeotis kori lives throughout eastern and southern sub-Saharan Africa. There are two populations of Kori bustards, which are separated by the miombo woodland of Central Africa. The southern population is composed of the subspecies Ardeotis kori kori, which lives in parts of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and southern Angola. The northeastern African population is composed of the subspecies Ardeotis kori struthiunculus, which inhabits parts of Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/17/16/76954_98_68.jpg"}, "328523": {"scientific_name": "Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328523", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/03/46627_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Giant anteater", "sid": 328523, "text": "As their common name suggests, this species is the largest of the living anteaters and is instantly recognised around the world. They are strange-looking animals, with the body roughly divided into three equal regions: the long nose and head, the body and the tail (3). Beneath the skin of the long nose is a bone tube formed by the fusion of the upper and lower jaw (3). The nose houses an impressively long, sticky tongue, which can measure up to 50 centimetres in length (3). They are protected from the bites of soldier ants and termites by their rubbery skin and very long hairs, which can measure up to 45 centimetres in length (3). A black stripe runs from beneath the snout to the mid-torso and is banded by white or cream (5). The front feet bear huge claws and giant anteaters walk on their knuckles with their claws folded up into their palms for protection (5). Male and female anteaters look so alike that females can only be identified when they are accompanied by their offspring (3). The name of the giant anteater in Portugese is 'tamandua-bandeira'; the word tamandua is of Indian origin and means 'insect-eater' and 'bandeira' is a portugese word meaning 'flag'. This name refers to the large tail of the species, which is thought to look like a flag (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/03/46627_98_68.jpg"}, "1049497": {"scientific_name": "Calidris alpina (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049497", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/09/25/21/36807_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Dunlin", "sid": 1049497, "text": "While many North Americans know this medium-sized (8-9 inches) sandpiper as a plain, gray bird of the winter shoreline, the Dunlin has a summer plumage which is much more striking. During the breeding season, this sandpiper is rusty-red speckled with brown above with a white eye-stripe, long black bill, black legs, and black breast patch. In winter, this species sheds its summer colors and becomes gray above with a white breast and gray throat. Male and female Dunlins are similar in summer and winter plumages. The Dunlin breeds across arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, this species breeds primarily along northwestern portions of the Hudson Bay, with smaller populations breeding in Alaska and the islands in the Canadian arctic. Most Dunlin breeding in North America winter along both coasts of the continent south to central Mexico. In the Old World, this species breeds across northern Russia, Northern Europe, and Iceland, wintering as far south as the Mediterranean Sea, West Africa, South Asia, and the Oceania. In summer, Dunlins breed on relatively wet, boggy tundra. During the winter, this species primarily inhabits shorelines of sandy beaches, although some birds winter on agricultural land in California\u2019s Central Valley. The diet of the Dunlin is comprised mostly of small aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks, although insects may also be eaten when available. Due to its remote breeding habitat, most birdwatchers never see the Dunlin during the summer. In winter, this species may be observed in groups probing the sand for food with their bills and running to avoid incoming waves. Dunlins are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/09/25/21/36807_98_68.jpg"}, "328581": {"scientific_name": "Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328581", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/11/00594_orig.jpg", "common_name": "brown bear", "sid": 328581, "text": "Brown Bears are solitary, powerful predators who can be aggressive to one another. There is a social hierarchy: adult males are dominant, and females with cubs are dominant over juvenile males and females without cubs. Brown Bears are omnivorous, consuming everything from mosses, fungi, herbs, grasses, fruits, berries, small vertebrates, insects, birds, and fish especially salmon during their spawning run to other mammals. They dig after burrowing mammals and take down large hoofed mammals caught in deep snow or otherwise disabled. They are excellent swimmers and have acute senses of hearing and smell, but poor eyesight, and can attack humans without warning. The largest North American males weigh more than 600 kg (1,325 pounds).Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/11/00594_98_68.jpg"}, "1177498": {"scientific_name": "Turdus merula Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177498", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/11/13825_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Blackbird", "sid": 1177498, "text": "The common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian blackbird (especially in North America, to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds),[2] or simply blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. It breeds in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to Australia (where it is considered a pest) and New Zealand. It has a number of subspecies across its large range; a few of the Asian subspecies are sometimes considered to be full species. Depending on latitude, the common blackbird may be resident, partially migratory or fully migratory.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/11/13825_98_68.jpg"}, "311544": {"scientific_name": "Neotamias dorsalis (Baird, 1855)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311544", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/11/04/40049_orig.jpg", "common_name": "cliff chipmunk", "sid": 311544, "text": "Cliff chipmunk fossils about 2,300 and 8,000 years old have been found in caves in Utah and Nevada. The chipmunks still live in those states, in habitats where sagebrush, fourwing saltbush, chokecherry, wild rose, and cliffrose grow. In other parts of their range, they are found with a wide variety of plants, and their diets include seeds and fruits from many kinds of grasses, shrubs, forbs, and trees. They also feed on insects, frogs, salamanders, snakes, birds, and eggs. Four other chipmunk species share parts of their range. Where one or more other species occurs on a mountain, the cliff chipmunk usually is found at the lowest elevation, but where none of the others occurs, cliff chipmunks range right to the top of the mountain.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/11/04/40049_98_68.jpg"}, "795380": {"scientific_name": "Chrysemys picta (Schneider, 1783)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/795380", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/16/13/98011_orig.jpg", "common_name": "painted turtle", "sid": 795380, "text": "The painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) is largely aquatic, living in shallow-water habitats, and is among the most conspicuous of the basking turtles.  Painted turtles are medium-sized turtles (10 to 18 cm). Males are smaller than females; adult males average from 170 to 190 g, whereas adult females average from 260 to 330 g in some populations (Congdon et al., 1986; Ernst 1971b). In general, the shell comprises approximately 30 percent of the total wet weight of turtles of this size (Hall, 1924). \r\n\r\nPainted turtle habitat requirements include soft and muddy bottoms, basking sites, and aquatic vegetation (Sexton, 1959). Painted turtles prefer slow-moving shallow water such as ponds, marshes, ditches, prairie sloughs, spring runs, canals, and occasionally brackish tidal marshes (Conant and Collins, 1991). They frequent areas with floating surface vegetation for feeding and for cover (Sexton, 1959). These areas tend to be warmer than more open water, which is important in the early fall as temperatures begin to drop (Sexton, 1959). For winter hibernation or dormancy, painted turtles seek deeper water (Sexton, 1959). If outlying marsh areas are dry during the summer, the turtles may return to the more permanent bodies of water sooner (McAuliffe, 1978). Painted turtles sometimes inhabit stagnant and polluted water (Smith, 1956).\r\n\r\nPainted turtles are omnivorous. Depending on habitat and on age, painted turtles may consume predominantly vegetation or predominantly animal matter. Marchand (1942, cited in Mahmoud and Klicka, 1979) found in one population that juveniles consumed approximately 85 percent animal matter and 15 percent plant matter, whereas the adults were primarily herbivorous, consuming 88 percent plant matter and 12 percent insects and amphipods. \r\n\r\nPainted turtles are diurnal and usually spend their nights sleeping submerged (Ernst, 1971c). During the day, they forage in the late morning and late afternoon and bask during the rest of the day (Ernst, 1971c). Active feeding does not occur until water temperatures approach 20 degrees C, and these turtles are most active around 20.7 to 22.4 degrees C (Ernst, 1972; Ernst and Barbour, 1972; Hutchinson, 1979). Basking is most frequent in the spring, summer, and fall, but occasionally painted turtles bask during warm spells in the winter (Ernst and Barbour, 1972). \r\n\r\nMost painted turtles become dormant during the colder months but will become active during warm periods in the winter (Ernst and Barbour, 1972).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/16/13/98011_98_68.jpg"}, "733739": {"scientific_name": "Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/733739", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/16/07/40111_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common fruit fly", "sid": 733739, "text": "Drosophila melanogaster  is a fly, distributed world wide with the exception of extremes of altitude or  latitude.\u00a0 Its claim to fame is that, for  the last 100 years or so, it has been a favourite organism for biological  research, initially in the field of genetics, but latter for the investigation  of fundamental problems in biology from the fields of ecology to  neurobiology.\u00a0 Systematically, D. melanogaster belongs to the large family of  Drosophilae (with over 4,000 known species), a family of acalyptrate flies. By  and large members of this family are specialized to feed, as larvae, on rotting  vegetable matter that is undergoing fermentation due to yeast or bacterial contamination.  It is these microorganisms that constitute the food of larval Drosophila.\u00a0 In the laboratory, however, D. melanogaster is grown on a flour-based medium  gelled with agar and seeded with baker's yeast.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/16/07/40111_98_68.jpg"}, "1048666": {"scientific_name": "Bubulcus ibis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048666", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/30/07/98661_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Cattle Egret", "sid": 1048666, "text": "The cattle egret, due to its great range expansion in association with cattle ranching, has become a true 'cosmopolitan' species.  It occurs in North America, generally not in the west or far north;  and Eurasia, though usually not in the east.  It also inhabits Africa, Australia and parts of South America.  Cattle egret are native to Africa and southern Spain.  (Hancock and Elliott, 1978)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/30/07/98661_98_68.jpg"}, "1048766": {"scientific_name": "Ixobrychus exilis (J. F. Gmelin, 1789)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048766", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/10/01/24344_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Least Bittern", "sid": 1048766, "text": "The Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) is the smallest member of the heron family, measuring 28-36 cm (11-14 in), weighing around 80 g, and with a wingspan of 43 cm (17 in). Their contrasting color patterns are diagnostic field patterns. The crown, back, and tail are a vivid greenish black. The neck, sides, and underparts are brown and white. Wings are chestnut with conspicuous, contrasting, pale patches. The head is slightly crested, the bill is thin and yellow, and the iris is yellow. (Gibbs et al. 1992). Bitterns have a laterally compressed trunk, short legs, short outer toes, and long, curved toenails that enable them to travel through and grasp the dense, emergent vegetation (NatureServe 2001). Legs are green on front, yellow behind; soles of feet are yellow. Pale, highly visible lines border scapular feathers. Sexes are similar in size, but plumage is dimorphic. The crown and back of the female is purple- chestnut; those of the male are black. The neck of the female is darkly streaked. Juvenile plumage is like that of the adult female but the juvenile\u2019s crown is paler and browner; breast and throat is browner with heavier streaking. In a rare, darker morph, known as Cory\u2019s Least Bittern, the pale areas of the typical plumage appear chestnut colored. (Gibbs et al. 1992).\r\n\r\nIxobrychus exilis migrates between temperate breeding grounds and temperate and subtropical wintering grounds. Migrants leave breeding grounds late August through September; few birds found north of Gulf States past mid-October. They return early April to late May, depending on latitude. They usually clamber through dense vegetation. Often moving deliberately from stalk to stalk, grasping vegetation with their toes, but they can run quickly, hop nimbly, and burrow rodentlike through vegetation. They seemingly fly weakly; flutter short distances when flushed, legs dangling, and drop quickly back into vegetation. (Gibbs et al. 1992).\r\n\r\nLeast Bitterns are quite vocal, with a varied repertoire of calls. Males utter a dovelike cooing, frequently heard in spring, which is thought to advertise their presence. Females reported to respond with ticking calls (Hancock and Kushlan 1984, in Gibbs et al. 1992). A gack-gack call commonly given from nest (Weller 1961, in Gibbs et al. 1992). When alarmed, a loud, shrieking quoh, a hissing hah, a tut-tut-tut, or a cackle may be expressed (Palmer 1962, Hancock and Kushlan 1984, Swift et al. 1988, in Gibbs et al 1992). Ank-ank call given when flushed from marsh (Weller 1961, in Gibbs et al. 1992). Defensive posture and interactions between mates may be accompanied by a call of gra-a-a (Weller 1961, in Gibbs et al. 1992). They are vocal in early morning, and perhaps more vocal at dawn than dusk (Swift et al. 1988, in Gibbs et al. 1992), but they are generally silent at midday and in the afternoon.\r\n\r\nThey generally consume small fish, and insects.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/10/01/24344_98_68.jpg"}, "213834": {"scientific_name": "Carcharhinus longimanus (Poey, 1861)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/213834", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/15/10/68157_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Oceanic white-tip shark", "sid": 213834, "text": "Not to be confused with whitetip reef shark.The oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) is a large pelagic requiem shark inhabiting tropical and warm temperate seas. Its stocky body is most notable for its long, white-tipped, rounded fins.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/15/10/68157_98_68.jpg"}, "1065025": {"scientific_name": "Caracara plancus (J. F. Miller, 1777)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1065025", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/09/04/04/96804_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Southern Crested Caracara", "sid": 1065025, "text": "The southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus), also known as the southern caracara or carancho, is a bird of prey in the family Falconidae. The classification of this species and name have evolved. It was formerly placed in the genus Polyborus. The use of the name formerly extended to two subspecies: the northern caracara (C. cheriway) of the southern United States, Mexico, Central America and northern South America, and the extinct Guadalupe caracara (C. lutosa) as subspecies. The use of the name southern caracara is now restricted to a bird that is found in central and southern South America.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/09/04/04/96804_98_68.jpg"}, "978155": {"scientific_name": "Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1854)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/978155", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/00/80950_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Asian longhorned beetle", "sid": 978155, "text": "The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a wood-boring beetle believed to have been introduced into the U.S. on wood pallets and wood packing material in cargo shipments from Asia (the beetle\u2019s native range includes China and Korea). Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) larvae bore through wood of a wide variety of hardwood species, most notibly maples, elm, horsechestnut, willow, sycamore and birch. ALB boring phsycially weakens the trees and disrupts sap flow. Branches with boring damage are more likely to break off, creating a public saftey hazard. Trees will eventually be killed by ALB boring damage.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/00/80950_98_68.jpg"}, "328574": {"scientific_name": "Balaenoptera musculus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328574", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/00/36123_orig.jpg", "common_name": "blue whale", "sid": 328574, "text": "These colossal Leviathans are up to 30 meters long and can weigh up to 200 tons.\u00a0 They reach this size on a primarily krill\u00a0diet\u00a0\u2013 although, they require 3 \u2013 4 tons of krill daily to satisfy their energy requirements.\u00a0 Blue whales are baleen whales.\u00a0 Like other baleen whales, they gulp mouthfuls of water and their tongues push the water through their baleen plates to filter out krill that is then swallowed.\u00a0 Blue whales spend the summer feeding in polar waters and migrate to the Equator when winter arrives.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/00/36123_98_68.jpg"}, "1048640": {"scientific_name": "Morus bassanus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048640", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/15/20955_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Gannet", "sid": 1048640, "text": "The gannet is the largest seabird in the North Sea region. When it spreads its wings, it measures 2 meters in width. Gannets swim and fly almost their entire life in and above the sea, only coming on land to nest. In order to take flight, they need to catch a good wind under their wings. On land that would mean a running start, but gannets are too clumsy on land. That's why they nest high up on steep coasts, where the strong seawind is forced upward against the rocky wall. All they need to do to take off is to spread their wings.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/15/20955_98_68.jpg"}, "1053001": {"scientific_name": "Spizella arborea (A. Wilson, 1810)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1053001", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/22/05/25993_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Tree Sparrow", "sid": 1053001, "text": "A medium-sized (6-6 \u00bd inches) bunting, the American Tree Sparrow is most easily identified by its mottled brown back, gray face and neck, small dark breast spot, and rusty red crown. This species may be distinguished from the similarly-patterned Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) by that species\u2019 smaller size and conspicuous white eye-stripes. Male and female American Tree Sparrows are similar to one another in all seasons. The American Tree Sparrow breeds across Alaska and northern Canada. In winter, this species migrates south to southern Canada and the northern half of the United States. This species is absent from much of the southern United States and the U.S.Pacific coast. American Tree Sparrows breed primarily breed on sparsely vegetated tundra near the treeline. In winter, this species is found in a wider variety of habitats, including woodland, meadows, and suburban yards. American Tree Sparrows primarily eat a variety of fruits, berries, seeds, and small invertebrates. In appropriate habitat, American Tree Sparrows may be seen feeding on the ground or in the branches of low trees and shrubs. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 call, a squeaky \u201ctseet\u201d or \u201cteelwit. \u201d American Tree Sparrows are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/22/05/25993_98_68.jpg"}, "206680": {"scientific_name": "Carcharias taurus Rafinesque, 1810", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/206680", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/16/40170_orig.jpg", "common_name": "sand tiger shark", "sid": 206680, "text": "The sand tiger shark is one of the best-studied of the shark species. They are the only sharks known to gulp air at the surface and store it in their stomach to provide buoyancy (2). These sharks generally mate between October and November and courtship can take a long time, with the male aggressively nipping his potential mate (3). Females are ovoviviparous, giving birth to two large pups every two years. Pups hatch out of their eggs within the oviduct of the mother's reproductive system, one in each oviduct, and then feed on eggs that the female continues to produce (6). Over nine months to a year, the pups grow within their mother feeding on hundreds to thousands of eggs (6) and, by the time they are born, measure up to a metre long (3).\u00a0During the day they are found near caves and ledges (5), hovering just above the surface either singly or in small groups (3). These fairly docile sharks are sluggish and, despite a ferocious reputation, feed mainly on fish (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/16/40170_98_68.jpg"}, "323858": {"scientific_name": "Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Shaw, 1799)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323858", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/12/01/11/88857_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Duck-billed Platypus", "sid": 323858, "text": "The platypus was described scientifically for the first time by Dr George Shaw (1751-1813), who named it Platypus anatinus. Platypus is an anglicised Greek word meaning flat foot, probably referring to the web on its feet.  Unfortunately this name had already been applied to a genus of beetles, so it had to be changed. Ornithorhynchus (bird-snout) replaced it, but the species name anatinus (duck-like) remained the same.The original specimen described by Shaw is currently stored with our research collections.MorphologyNo other animal on Earth looks quite like the platypus. The most distinctive feature is the bill, which is not hard like the bill of a duck but soft and pliable. It is well supplied with nerves and is used by the animal to locate food and to find its way around under water.Platypuses lose their deciduous juvenile teeth a short time after the young leave the nesting burrows. They are replaced by horny pads made of keratin.Built for swimming and diggingPlatypuses are covered with dense, waterproof fur, except on their feet and bill. They have a streamlined shape, short limbs and propels themselves through the water using alternate kicks of their webbed front limbs. These webs of the forefeet are folded back when the animal is walking or burrowing to expose strong claws.Behind the bill on either side of the head are 2 grooves that house the ear openings and the eyes which close when the platypus dives. The nostrils are on top of the bill, not far back from the tip.The skeleton is streamlined but heavy enough to support large muscles for swimming and digging. Other key featuresEach of the males\u2019 rear legs bears a horny spur on the ankle of about 1.5cm in length. This hollow spur is connected to a venom gland in the upper leg.The tail consists mainly of fatty tissue and acts as a fat storage area.Interestingly, the platypus skeleton shows reptilian and marsupial features:Between the collar bone and the sternum the platypus has a distinctively T-shape bone called the interclavicle, which is also found in modern reptiles.Like marsupials, the platypus has two epipubic bones attached to its pelvic girdle.The legs are splayed rather like those of reptiles but they rotate in their sockets like those of mammals. (Grant, 2007)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/12/01/11/88857_98_68.jpg"}, "1049516": {"scientific_name": "Calidris pusilla (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049516", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/94151_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Semipalmated Sandpiper", "sid": 1049516, "text": "A small (5 \u00bd -6 \u00bd inches) sandpiper, the Semipalmated Sandpiper may be identified by its size), short wings, and dark legs. In summer, this species is mottled brown above with a white belly, streaked breast and throat, and pale white eye-stripes. In winter, this species becomes darker and duller than in summer. Male and female Semipalmated Sandpipers are similar to one another in all seasons. The Semipalmated Sandpiper breeds in high arctic Siberia, Alaska, and Canada south to the Hudson Bay. This species is a long-distance migrant, wintering from Central America and the West Indies south to southern South America. On migration, this species may be seen in the eastern United States and Canada, both in the interior and along the coast. Semipalmated Sandpipers primarily breed on wet tundra. This species may be found in wet grasslands and marshes while on migration, occurring in these habitats (as well as mangroves) during the winter. This species primarily eats insects and larvae, but may also take small snails, crustaceans, and fish. Due to its remote breeding habitat, most birdwatchers never see the Semipalmated Sandpiper during the summer. This species is more likely to be seen in winter and on migration, where it may be observed along the shore probing the mud for food with its bill. Semipalmated Sandpipers are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/94151_98_68.jpg"}, "1049185": {"scientific_name": "Centrocercus urophasianus (Bonaparte, 1827)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049185", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/15/78823_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Greater Sage-grouse", "sid": 1049185, "text": "Sage grouse are found year round as far north as SE Alberta and SW Saskatchewan.  Their western limit is northern California and their eastern limit is North and South Dakota.  Sage grouse are found as far south as Nevada.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/15/78823_98_68.jpg"}, "1061648": {"scientific_name": "Picea abies (L.) Karst.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1061648", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/12/25/23/74425_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Norway spruce", "sid": 1061648, "text": "Picea abies, Norway or European spruce, is a large evergreen coniferous tree in the Pinaceae (pine family) native to montane and boreal European forests, ranging from the European Alps to the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains, and extending north into Scandinavia and northern Russia. It is the most important timber species in Central Europe. It was introduced into the British Isles in the 1500s and is naturalized throughout. It is the most widely cultivated spruce species in North America, often planted as an ornamental and landscape tree in parks and cemeteries for its graceful, drooping form; dozens of cultivars have been developed, including dwarf, shrub, and creeping forms. Norway spruce has escaped cultivation and naturalized throughout the northeastern U.S. and Canada, from Maine to Minnesota, from northern Quebec to southern Virginia and North Carolina, as well as in the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest states. \r\n\r\nNorway spruce grows to 35-55 m (115-180 ft) tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 1-1.5 m; it is fast-growing when young, and can grow up to 1 meter per year for 25 years. Leaves are needle-like, 1.2-2.4 cm (1/2 to 1 inch) long, quadrangular in cross-section (not flattened), and dark green on all four sides with inconspicuous white stomatal lines. Cones are 9-17 cm long (the longest of any spruce), and have bluntly to sharply triangular-pointed scale tips. There is extensive variation in characters across the range, with some botanists recognizing subspecies, along with hybridization with closely related species (see details below, in full entry). \r\n\r\nNorway spruce is one of the most economically important coniferous species in Europe, where it is used in forestry for timber and timber products (such as glued laminated timber), and paper production, and is esteemed as a source of tonewood for musical instruments. It is also widely planted for use as a Christmas tree. A clonal clump (vegetative resprouts from a trunk of an initial stem that grew from seed but has since died back) of Norway spruce in the mountains in western Sweden is estimated to 9,550 years old\u2014one of the world's oldest known living clones (as described in this Scientific American podcast).\r\n\r\n(Barnes and Wagner 2004, FNA 2011, Gymnosperm Database 2011, Sullivan 1994, USDA Plants 2011, Wikipedia 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/12/25/23/74425_98_68.jpg"}, "1048710": {"scientific_name": "Egretta tricolor (M\u00fcller, 1776)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048710", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/19/67877_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Tricolored Heron", "sid": 1048710, "text": "A medium-sized (26 inches) wader, the Tricolored Heron is most easily identified by its contrasting white belly and slate-gray body. Other field marks include a rusty-brown neck, white rump, and long dark bill. Male and female Tricolored Herons are similar to one another in all seasons. The Tricolored Heron breeds along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States from Texas to southern Maine, and breeds further inland in Florida. In winter, this species withdraws from the northern part of its range, and may be found in the southern part of its east coast range, along the coast of Southern California, and inland in Mexico and Central America. Non-migratory populations also exist along the coast of Central and South America. Tricolored Herons breed in a number of wetland habitat types, including freshwater and saltwater marshes, coastal lagoons, and estuaries. This species may also be found in Mangrove wetlands in parts of its range where this habitat occurs, particularly in winter. Tricolored Herons mainly eat fish, but may also take crustaceans and small vertebrates (such as frogs, lizards, and mice) when the opportunity arises. Tricolored Herons may be best observed wading in shallow water, where they may be seen plunging their bills into the water to catch fish. It is also possible to see Tricolored Herons returning to trees to roost at sunset, or while flying with their feet extended and their necks pulled in. Tricolored Herons are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/19/67877_98_68.jpg"}, "1012944": {"scientific_name": "Carcharhinus albimarginatus (R\u00fcppell, 1837)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1012944", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/05/86656_orig.jpg", "common_name": "silvertip shark", "sid": 1012944, "text": "\u00a0        Common names: shark (English), tibur\u00f3n (Espanol) \u00a0Carcharhinus albimarginatus\u00a0(R\u00fcppell, 1837)   Silvertip shark   Snout moderately long and broadly rounded, length in front of mouth 6.8-9.2% of TL; upper teeth moderately triangular, sides of bases serrated; lower teeth narrowly triangular, smooth;\u00a0ridge present on back between dorsal fins; origin of first dorsal fin over or slightly before inner pectoral corner;\u00a0height of first dorsal 7.1-10.6% of TL; apex of first dorsal bluntly to sharply pointed; origin of second dorsal over or slightly behind origin of anal fin, pectoral fin pointed.   Grey, darker on back and shading to white ventrally; distinctive white tips or margins on first dorsal, tail, and pectoral fins.   Grows to 300 cm; size at birth 55-80 cm.  Habitat: coastal-pelagic, inshore to offshore; common on outer reef slopes.  Depth: 0-800 m, usually below ~ 20 m.  Tropical Indo-Pacific; southern Baja and the Gulf of California to Ecuador, all the offshore islands. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0        ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/05/86656_98_68.jpg"}, "1049685": {"scientific_name": "Onychoprion fuscatus Linnaeus, 1766", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049685", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/13/52139_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Sooty Tern", "sid": 1049685, "text": "The Sooty Tern breeds on tropical islands and ranges through most of the tropical oceans (del Hoyo et al. 1996).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/13/52139_98_68.jpg"}, "223824": {"scientific_name": "Phycodurus eques (G\u00fcnther, 1865)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/223824", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/53406_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Glauert's sea-dragon", "sid": 223824, "text": "Seadragons are seen either solitarily or in pairs, they are slow-moving and rely on their elegant camouflage to provide protection from predators (2). In common with seahorses, it is the male seadragon that carries the developing eggs. The breeding season runs from October to March (5), and males develop a 'brood patch' on the underside of the tail that consists of cups of blood-rich tissue, which each hold an egg (4). The female transfers around 120 eggs into these pits; the eggs are then fertilised and carried by the male for about a month (2). Hatchlings emerge over several days and are initially only around 20 mm in length. They are extremely vulnerable to predation but grow quickly, attaining adult size by the time they are 2 years old (2). Seadragons feed on small organisms such as plankton and mysids by sucking them into their tube-like snout (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/53406_98_68.jpg"}, "323943": {"scientific_name": "Cebus apella (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323943", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/14/40549_orig.jpg", "common_name": "brown capuchin", "sid": 323943, "text": "The tufted capuchin (Cebus apella), also known as brown capuchin, black-capped capuchin, or pin monkey is a New World primate from South America. As traditionally defined, it is one of the most widespread primates in the Neotropics, but it has recently been recommended considering the black-striped, black and Golden-bellied Capuchins as separate species in a new genus, thereby effectively limiting the tufted capuchin to the Amazon Basin and nearby regions.[1]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/14/40549_98_68.jpg"}, "985921": {"scientific_name": "Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/985921", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/11/24466_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common carp", "sid": 985921, "text": "This species is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic crustaceans, insects, worms, aquatic plants, algae and seeds (2). Its feeding technique, of grubbing around in the sediment and straining food from the mud, has caused problems in areas where the carp has been introduced. As well as uprooting submerged vegetation, it also increases the cloudiness of the water, which can have detrimental effects on native wildlife (2) (6).\u00a0In temperate waters, spawning take place during the summer in patches of weeds. A number of males pursue spawning females in the race to fertilise the eggs as they are shed into the water.  The sticky yellowish coloured eggs attach to vegetation, and are not guarded by the parents (2). A typical female can lay over a million eggs in one breeding season (2).\u00a0By gulping air at the surface, the carp is able to tolerate periods when oxygen levels in the water fall (2). In winter, individuals go into deeper waters which tends to be somewhat warmer than shallow water (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/11/24466_98_68.jpg"}, "223264": {"scientific_name": "Acanthurus coeruleus Bloch and Schneider, 1801", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/223264", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/04/10/70211_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Blue tang", "sid": 223264, "text": " Acanthurus coeruleus Bloch & Schneider, 1801", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/04/10/70211_98_68.jpg"}, "205461": {"scientific_name": "Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/205461", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/11/26/12/06672_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Beaumaris shark", "sid": 205461, "text": "The porbeagle, also known as the mackerel shark, is a heavy-built shark with a distinctly pointed snout. Some people refer to them as 'nose sharks'. Porbeagles eat all kinds of fish, from herring and mackerel to benthic fish. Every once in a while, they'll even take a bite of a scuba diver.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/11/26/12/06672_98_68.jpg"}, "1049330": {"scientific_name": "Porphyrio porphyrio (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049330", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/26/17/86450_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Purple Swamphen", "sid": 1049330, "text": "Purple swamphens are native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. They have been introduced to Florida. In Europe, purple swamphens live in the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins where there are suitable lagoons, rivers, and other wetlands. There are 13 recognized subspecies of purple swamphen. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/26/17/86450_98_68.jpg"}, "328648": {"scientific_name": "Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328648", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/29/01/45473_orig.jpg", "common_name": "horse", "sid": 328648, "text": "Equus caballus caballus, the modern horse, in the Equidae family of the Perissodactyls (odd-toed ungulates) evolved from three primitive ancestors in Eurasia by the end of the last Ice Age, roughly 10,000 years ago. From their early uses in carrying vehicles and pulling loads, horses have been selected into hundreds of specialized breeds used around the world for transportation (either ridden or harnessed to convey wheeled vehicles), agriculture (to pull equipment and ride after cattle), and war (for carrying troops into battle and carting equipment), as well as in numerous competition and show disciplines, ranging from racing to Olympic sports (dressage, jumping, and eventing\u2014a 3-part competition that includes dressage, cross-country, and show jumping) to various Western and rodeo events, including reining, barrel-racing, and team penning, as well as in therapy work. Most horses are domesticated, but there are some feral populations in isolated pockets around the world.\r\n\r\nHorses are medium to large mammals, with long heads and necks with a mane. Their legs are slender and end in a single toe, protected by a horny hoof. They have long, slender tails, either ending in a tuft, or entirely covered in flowing hair. They are adapted to generally open terrain, from plains and savannas, to mountains or deserts. Equines are one of only two mammals (the other is the human) capable of producing copious sweat perspiration for thermoregulatory cooling, enabling fast running over long distances.\r\n\r\nHorses are herbivores, and feed predominantly on tough, fibrous food, such as grasses and sedges. When in need, they will also eat other vegetable matter, such as leaves, fruits, or bark, but are normally grazers, not browsers. Unlike ruminants, with their complex stomachs, equines break down cellulose in the \"hindgut\" or caecum, a part of the colon.\r\n\r\nEquus caballus sylvaticus, the Forest or Diluvian Horse, appears to be the ancestor of the modern draft and heavyweight breeds; these horses were slow-moving and stoutly built, with coarse, thick coats, manes, and tails. Equus caballus gmelini Antonius, the Tarpan horse, from eastern Europe and the steppes of southern Russia, had a smaller, lighter build, but was hardy, strong and speedy; many pony and light horse breeds are believed to have evolved from this lineage. Equus caballus przewalskii prsewalskii Poliakov, the Asiatic horse, was discovered in the wild in Mongolia in 1879, and a few populations still live in the wild in eastern Asia, as well as in zoos. Although the Asiatic horse, which is hardy, cold-resistant and dun with darker mane and tail, is considered to be ancestral to many breeds, it has a different chromosome number (33, vs. the 32 found in modern horse breeds). Differing lineages or combinations of the three original subspecies in turn yielded four general types of ponies and horses from which all modern breeds derive.\r\n\r\nThe horse was first domesticated 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, perhaps earlier. Horses appear to have been domesticated in conjunction with the evolution of agriculture. From this start, horse breeds were developed and used in warfare and for transportation.\r\n\r\n(McBane 2005, Wikipedia 2012.)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/29/01/45473_98_68.jpg"}, "311569": {"scientific_name": "Crocuta crocuta (Erxleben, 1777)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311569", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/04/50225_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Spotted Hyena", "sid": 311569, "text": "One of the most misunderstood animals; spotted hyenas have a reputation as being sly and cowardly, but are in fact fascinating and intelligent with a remarkable social system (2).  In appearance they are dog-like, with high shoulders and powerful forequarters sloping down to their hindquarters (2).   Female spotted hyenas can be up to 14 percent heavier than males (3).  Their coarse, short hair is sandy, ginger, dull grey or brown, and they get their name from the dark spots on their back, flanks, rump and legs, which fade with age (2) (3).  A short mane ends just behind the shoulders, and the short, brown tail has a black, bushy tip (3). The spotted hyena is the second largest carnivore in Africa after the lion (3), and possesses incredibly strong jaws and teeth, enabling them to crush heavy bones to obtain the nutritious marrow within (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/04/50225_98_68.jpg"}, "328541": {"scientific_name": "Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328541", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/21/05/79040_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Beluga", "sid": 328541, "text": "Belugas are highly social animals, and in the summer months thousands of individuals can be seen gathered in estuaries; often females with calves will come together whilst males form large bachelor groups (3). Females are sexually mature at around five years of age, they give birth to a single calf after a gestation period that lasts just over a year (6). Mother and calf have an extremely strong bond, swimming very closely together, and the calf will continue to feed on its mothers milk until well into its second year (3). Belugas are able to dive to depths of over 1,000 metres but spend most of their time on the surface of the water swimming slowly. During winter months it may be necessary for individuals to create breathing holes in the ice, which they can do with their heavy head (7). The flippers are capable of a wide-range of movement and enable belugas to manoeuvre themselves effectively (3). In summer months, large numbers of belugas gather in estuaries in order to moult; they rub themselves on the gravel bed and shed the yellow, withered skin of the previous year to once again become gleaming white (3).\u00a0Belugas feed on a wide variety of fish, bottom-dwelling invertebrates and worms; most of the prey is found on the seabed and it is thought that the highly flexible lips may be used to suck prey into the mouth (8). Sounds can be used to detect prey; the enlarged melon is an electro-receptor for sounds that are sent out from the nasal passages (3). These whales are thought to live for up to 50 years, killer whales and polar bears prey upon them, and belugas are particularly vulnerable if trapped by the ice (6) (7).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/21/05/79040_98_68.jpg"}, "794585": {"scientific_name": "Gambelia wislizenii (Baird and Girard, 1852)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/794585", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/12/72242_orig.jpg", "common_name": "long-nosed leopard lizard", "sid": 794585, "text": "The geographic range extends from Oregon, southern Idaho, Utah and western Colorado south through eastern and southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas to northeastern Baja California and north-central mainland Mexico (including Isla Tiburon, Sonora, in the Gulf of California) (McGuire 1996, Grismer 2002, Stebbins 2003).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/12/72242_98_68.jpg"}, "1177962": {"scientific_name": "Ara macao (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177962", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/59935_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Scarlet Macaw", "sid": 1177962, "text": "Scarlet macaws are brightly colored birds with feathers ranging in color bands from scarlet on their head and shoulders, to yellow on their back and mid wing feathers and blue on the wing tips and tail feathers.  The face  has short white feathers.  This area surrounds the light yellow colored eyes.  The long, thick beak is light on the top and dark black on the bottom.  The legs and feet are also black (Aditays, 2000).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/59935_98_68.jpg"}, "1049046": {"scientific_name": "Accipiter cooperi (Bonaparte 1828)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049046", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/19/03/02041_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Cooper's Hawk", "sid": 1049046, "text": "The Cooper\u2019s Hawk is often confused with its slightly smaller relative, the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both species are blue-gray above and streaked rusty-red below with long tails, yellow legs, and small, hooked beaks. However, the Cooper\u2019s Hawk has a rounded tail (Sharp-shinned Hawks have a squared-off tail), and is slightly larger at 14-20 inches long. Like most species of raptors, females are larger than males. Although Cooper\u2019s Hawks may be found all year across the majority of the United States, individual populations make short migrations as the seasons change. In winter, Canadian populations move south into the U.S.and southern populations move south to the Gulf coast, southern Florida, and the desert southwest. In its range, the Cooper\u2019s Hawk is one of the most numerous and adaptable raptors. While usually found in forest habitats, this species has expanded into human-altered landscapes and now frequents towns and suburbs as well. The Cooper\u2019s Hawk is a \u2018bird hawk\u2019 capable of hunting birds from the air, and frequently enters yards to take small songbirds from feeders. With the aid of binoculars, Cooper\u2019s Hawks may be seen perched in trees while scanning for prey. However, they are often more easily seen in the air while moving between perches or while actively hunting. As this species hunts by sight, it is only active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/19/03/02041_98_68.jpg"}, "209174": {"scientific_name": "Raja clavata Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/209174", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/23/16988_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Thornback ray", "sid": 209174, "text": "The thornback skate is probably one of the commonest skates encountered by divers (3), being among the most abundant rajids in the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (1). As with all skates, the body is flattened and disc-shaped, with the pectoral fins broadly expanded and joined to the head and body (4). The tail is distinctly demarcated from the disc-like body, relatively narrow, and about as long as body length (3) (4). The upper surface of the disc and tail are covered with numerous thorns, which become thickened with button-like bases (known as bucklers) once the skate is sexually mature, hence the species' common name (3) (5). Only the snout and margins of the disc are prickly in young, and the underside is only prickly in large, mature females, which also possess more developed 'bucklers' on their back and tail (2) (3). The colour varies from light brown to grey on the upper surface, variegated with dark and light spots and blotches that camouflage the skate in the dappled light of the sea bed, while the underside is creamy-white (2) (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/23/16988_98_68.jpg"}, "1037711": {"scientific_name": "Bos javanicus d'Alton, 1823", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1037711", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/14/09/22939_orig.jpg", "common_name": "banteng", "sid": 1037711, "text": "Banteng are social creatures, spending most of their time in herds of two to 40 animals (2), which are usually led by an older cow and accompanied by a single mature male (3). Other males live alone or in bachelor groups (2). While this species may be active during the day or night, the herds have adopted a nocturnal lifestyle in areas of heavy human encroachment (3). Banteng feed mainly on grasses, bamboo, leaves, fruits and young branches of woody shrubs, depending upon the season and availability (2).\u00a0The single male of the herd reproduces with all the females, and competition for dominance of a herd is therefore fierce (6). Although capable of breeding all year round in captivity, wild banteng in Thailand are known to mate only during the months of May and June (2). Single offspring are born after a gestation period of 285 days. Weaning occurs at six to nine months, and sexual maturity is reached at two to three years. Banteng have been recorded to live up to 20 years in the wild and to over 26 years in captivity (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/14/09/22939_98_68.jpg"}, "311906": {"scientific_name": "Ovis aries Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311906", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/23/17/35578_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Domestic Sheep", "sid": 311906, "text": "Domestic\u00a0sheep (Ovis aries) have long been important to humans for their milk, meat, and wool. In 2000, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) compiled a list of recognized breeds of domesticated mammals which included 1495 breeds of sheep (tallies from other sources may differ, but the number is clearly in the hundreds) (Scherf 2000 cited in Groves and Leslie 2011).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/23/17/35578_98_68.jpg"}, "328640": {"scientific_name": "Mirounga angustirostris (Gill, 1866)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328640", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/21/93307_orig.jpg", "common_name": "northern elephant seal", "sid": 328640, "text": "As is often the case in species where males compete to mate with as many females as possible, northern elephant seal males are much larger than females (1,800 kg versus 650 kg on average). Competitions can be battles, but more often involve mock threats and loud vocalizations. The dominant (alpha) male gets to mate with the most females, maximizing the number of offspring he produces. Fasting is part of their life cycle: males stay on the beach and fast for up to three months during the breeding season, while they are guarding a harem. Females stay on shore with their pups and fast for about a month while they are nursing. Afterward, males and females spend 8-10 mostly solitary months at sea. Males often migrate along a northern route and the females remain farther south. They may travel as far as Japan and log more than 20,000 km annually, spending much of their time underwater foraging for squid and fish. Dives can be as deep as 1,500 m and last as long as two hours, but the seals typically stay submerged for about 18-25 minutes and forage at depths of 350-650 m.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/21/93307_98_68.jpg"}, "129548": {"scientific_name": "Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/129548", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/12/04/05/81106_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Bottlenose dolphin", "sid": 129548, "text": "Bottlenose dolphins have widely spaced eyes, relatively long flippers, a rounded forehead (called a melon), a relatively short, broad snout, and a mouth that seems permanently twisted into a grin. Inside the mouth are as many as 100 teeth. Highly social, bottlenose dolphins often swim in groups of several hundred individuals, and are famous for racing alongside watercraft. Some stay in coastal waters and others swim offshore. In the Atlantic, the coastal dolphins feed mostly on sea trout, croakers, and spot. The offshore population follows the Gulf Stream and feeds on deep-water fish and squid. Three different populations have been identified in the North Pacific: a temperate-water group, a tropical-water group, and a coastal group.Adaptation: Imagine the structural and functional changes involved in transforming the right forelimb of a general mammalian type, such this Hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus, into that of a cetaceans flipper, such as we find in the Bottle-nosed dolphin, Tursiops truncatus.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/12/04/05/81106_98_68.jpg"}, "1037940": {"scientific_name": "Macaca fuscata (Blyth, 1875)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1037940", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/13/72454_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Japanese Macaque", "sid": 1037940, "text": "\"Snow Monkey\" redirects here. For the Japanese train named \"Snow Monkey\", see Nagano Electric Railway 2100 series.The Japanese macaque (/m\u0259\u02c8k\u0251\u02d0k/;[2] Macaca fuscata), is a terrestrial Old World monkey species native to Japan. They are also sometimes known as the snow monkey because they live in areas where snow covers the ground for months each year\u00a0\u2013 no other non-human primate is more northern-living, nor lives in a colder climate.[3][4] Individuals have brown-grey fur, red faces, and short tails. There are two subspecies.[5]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/13/72454_98_68.jpg"}, "919235": {"scientific_name": "Fringilla coelebs Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/919235", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/10/11/29282_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Chaffinch", "sid": 919235, "text": "Widespread throughout Britain; absent only from high ground such as the Scottish Highlands (5). During winter, birds from northern Europe migrate to Britain. It is typically the females that migrate, and Linnaeus named the species coelebs, meaning 'the bachelor' because it was the male birds that remained in his native Sweden for the winter (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/10/11/29282_98_68.jpg"}, "1177485": {"scientific_name": "Corvus monedula Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177485", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/01/19949_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Jackdaw", "sid": 1177485, "text": "Eurasian jackdaws are true construction workers. They like to build their nests in cavaties, such as hollow trees, chimneys and roof gutters. Sometimes, a chimney is totally filled with branches in order to produce the desired nest. Such nests can be enormous. The top is always neatly finished with soft materials. Jackdaws are social and very intelligent birds. Pairs stay together their entire lives. They have adapted entirely to humans and eat whatever they can get hold of, from seeds to grains to French fries and cat kibble. They gather in large groups in the evening to sleep. You can hear them babbling from a far distance.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/01/19949_98_68.jpg"}, "1034924": {"scientific_name": "Juniperus scopulorum Sarg.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1034924", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/22/30550_orig.jpg", "common_name": "rocky mountain juniper", "sid": 1034924, "text": "Cupressaceae -- Cypress family\u00a0    \u00a0    Daniel L. Noble\u00a0    \u00a0    Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is one of 13\u00a0      junipers native to North America. It is similar to eastern redcedar (Juniperus\u00a0      virginiana) but requires 2 years for seed maturity, compared to 1 year\u00a0      for its eastern relative. Other common names for the typical variety\u00a0      include Rocky Mountain redcedar, redcedar, western redcedar, river\u00a0      juniper, cedro rojo, and sabino (23,42,49). Rocky Mountain juniper varies\u00a0      in size from a shrub to a small tree. The largest specimen grows in the\u00a0      Cache National Forest in Utah. It measures 198 cm (78 in) in d.b.h. but is\u00a0      only 11 m (36 ft) tall. Much information is available about Rocky Mountain\u00a0      juniper as a member of a variety of habitat associations; however what is\u00a0      known about the silvics of the species is more limited (41).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/22/30550_98_68.jpg"}, "1178535": {"scientific_name": "Phoebastria immutabilis (Rothschild, 1893)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178535", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/23/20152_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Laysan Albatross", "sid": 1178535, "text": "Male and female individuals perform complex displays before mating. The male begins when it sees a female approach, trying to attract the female by dancing on the spot. If the female is interested it will approach the male with its head slightly lowered. The female then taps the side of the male\u2019s bill and may nibble on the breast feathers. The two birds then enter a dance routine consisting of a series of discrete movements. These movements can be combinations of sounds and body motions or even staring at each other or throwing bits of dirt. A bird will go though there whole dance routine even if their partner stops. Sometimes, the birds will gradually synchronize their dance routines. (Meseth 242) If they conclude the dance and mate or begin preening each other the pair bond is thought to have formed. Juveniles and very occasionally chicks will do limited dance routines (Meseth 246)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/23/20152_98_68.jpg"}, "915649": {"scientific_name": "Strix nebulosa J. R. Forster, 1772", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/915649", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/07/01/06345_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Great Grey Owl", "sid": 915649, "text": "The Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) is a very large nocturnal bird of northern (mainly coniferous) forests and wooded bogs  as well as some high mountain meadows in western North America. Great Gray Owls are resident across much of boreal Canada and Alaska and in Eurasia from northern Scandinavia, northern Russia, and northern Siberia south to central Russia, northern Mongolia, and northern Manchuria., Amurland, and Sakhalin. where they are most often found near bogs, along forest edges overlooking fields, in mountain meadows, and around cultivated land, airports, and roadsides.\r\n \r\nThe Great Gray Owl is distinctly larger than the Great Horned Owl and Snowy Owl and much larger than the Barred Owl (although a surprising proportion of its bulk consists of feathers rather than bones and muscle). Its flat face is punctuated by small yellow eyes surrounded by concentric rings.  Although Great Gray Owls are most active at dawn, at dusk, and at night, they hunt during daylight in summer (and in winter if food-stressed), although still generally near dawn or dusk.  Wingbeats are deep and slow. Both sexes produce a call consisting of 5 to 10 very quiet (typically inaudible beyond 400 m) evenly spaced deep hoots at a rate of around one per second.\r\n\r\nThe diet of the Great Gray Owl consists mainly of small mammals, especially Microtus voles. These owls can detect prey under snow by sound and can plunge and  break through snow crust hard enough to support 80 kg and as deep as 45 cm.  Small mammals are swallowed whole and larger prey are pulled  apart.  Abandoned nests of other large bird such as Goshawks, Ravens, or Ospreys 10 to 50 feet above the ground are the most common nest sites, although these owls may sometimes nest on top of broken tree trunks and, rarely, on the ground; nests may be reused for several years. Typical clutch size is 2 to 5 eggs (clutch size may be larger in years with abundant food). Incubation (for 28 to 36 days) is by the female only, but the male brings food to the incubating female on nest. The female broods young for their first 2 to 3 weeks. In some areas, the adult female departs after young fledge while the male remains and feeds them for up to 3 months. In some winters, large numbers of Great Gray Owls may move south or southeast into eastern Canada and the extreme northeastern United States in North America and northern Germany and Ukraine in Europe (apparently in response to a sudden drop of rodent population). Great Gray Owls may live more than 20 years.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; Dunne 2006; Svensson 2009; AOU 1998; Holt et al. 1999 and references therein)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/07/01/06345_98_68.jpg"}, "328680": {"scientific_name": "Acinonyx jubatus (Schreber, 1775)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328680", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/71372_orig.jpg", "common_name": "cheetah", "sid": 328680, "text": "The fastest land mammal in the world, the cheetah has many adaptations that allow it to sprint across the plains; the rangy frame supports long limbs and a deep chest cavity together with a small waist and extremely flexible spine (3). Unlike other cats, the claws are not retractable providing further grip on the ground. The large nostrils allow greater amounts of air to enter the lungs and the tail is particularly long to provide extra balance when cornering (3). The coat is a yellowish colour with black spots (5) and a paler, whitish underbelly (3). Genetic colour morphs with large, blotchy markings that can merge into stripes occasionally appear in the population; these 'king cheetahs' as they are known were once considered to be a distinct species (6). The small head has high-set eyes and small, flattened ears (2) and is instantly recognisable by the black tear lines running from the corners of the eyes to the muzzle (3). Cubs have a 'mane' of tufty pale hair on the back of their neck, which sticks upright (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/71372_98_68.jpg"}, "218297": {"scientific_name": "Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/218297", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/11/10/13/86457_orig.jpg", "common_name": "western mosquitofish", "sid": 218297, "text": "The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) is a species of freshwater fish in the family Poeciliidae, native to the Mississippi River (USA) and its tributary waters from southern Indiana and Illinois to the Gulf Coast and parts of northeastern Mexico.  It is commonly known by its generic name, gambusia, and sometimes called the western mosquitofish to distinguish it from the closely related eastern mosquitofish (G. holbrooki), which according to ITIS is actually a subspecies of G. affinis, rather than its own species; this has complicated classification of G. affinis).  The name \"mosquitofish\" was given because the diet of this fish predominantly consists of large amounts of mosquito larvae (as well as other invertebrate larvae); an adult female can consume hundreds in a day.  Hardy to a variety of temperatures, salinities and oxygen levels, mosquitofish have spread through many parts of the world in introductions attempting to reduce mosquito populations.  Although this biocontrol did play a major role in containing malaria in South America, Russia and the Ukraine in the 1920s, they are now recognized the Global Invasive Species Database as one of the world\u2019s 100 worst invasive species.  This voracious, aggressive predator has extirpated and eliminated many native species, is extremely hard to eradicate, and is now a pest in fresh and brackish waters around the world.  Mosquitofish are small; females reach an overall length of 7 centimeters and males at a length of 4 centimeters (1.6 in).  Like all other New World members of this family, G. affinis gives birth to live young.\r\n\r\n(Froese and Pauly 2011; ITIS 2011; IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group 2010; Wikipedia 2012)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/11/10/13/86457_98_68.jpg"}, "1048968": {"scientific_name": "Anhinga melanogaster Pennant 1769", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048968", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/12/13/01/47782_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Darter", "sid": 1048968, "text": "Anhinga melanogaster (also known as Oriental darters or snake-birds) is native to the Indian subcontinent.  Anhinga melanogaster can be found as far west as Pakistan and as far north as the Indian-Nepalese border.  Indian darters typically live in India, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and also in the island countries of the Philippines, and Indonesia. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/12/13/01/47782_98_68.jpg"}, "1178684": {"scientific_name": "Erinaceus europaeus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178684", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/13/17/22538_orig.jpg", "common_name": "European hedgehog", "sid": 1178684, "text": "The hedgehog is one of our most instantly recognisable native mammals, as it is the only British mammal to have spines (2). They are also characterised by their fairly short tails, long legs and small ears (6). Young hedgehogs are born with a coat of soft, white spines, which are underneath the skin to protect the mother during birth, but emerge after a few hours (7). A second coat of dark spines emerges after about 36 hours, and later on a third set develops.  By 11 days of age the young hedgehogs can curl into a ball, and after 14 days the eyes open (8).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/13/17/22538_98_68.jpg"}, "1056895": {"scientific_name": "Furcifer pardalis (Cuvier, 1829)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1056895", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/14/31152_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Panther Chameleon", "sid": 1056895, "text": "Exhibiting some of the most spectacular colour variations of all chameleons, the large-bodied panther chameleon is highly sought after by reptile keepers (2) (3). Interestingly, populations from different locations within this species' range each have a particular colouration and patterning, which is generally most pronounced during courtship or defensive displays. Male panther chameleons from the Madagascan island of Nosy Be, for example, have uniform striking blue-green, emerald-green or turquoise bodies, whereas males from the north-west coast are vivid pink, with a yellowish white stripe along the flanks, a colour form known as \u201cthe pink panther.\u201d Other colours found in the males may include orange, red and dark green, with a hugely variable patterning of coloured bands, stripes and spots, especially around the head and eyes. By contrast, females are mostly dull, uniform grey, brown or faint green, except during breeding, when receptive females become pale or vivid orange to pink, later changing to black, with bright orange or pink vertical bars when gravid. Like many other chameleon species, the panther chameleon's head extends at the rear into a raised bony prominence known as a \u201ccasque\u201d (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/14/31152_98_68.jpg"}, "310662": {"scientific_name": "Thylogale stigmatica (Gould, 1860)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/310662", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/28/03/82065_orig.jpg", "common_name": "red-legged pademelon", "sid": 310662, "text": "Thylogale stigmatica, or red-legged pademelon, is found in Australia and New Guinea. In Australia, they can be found between the tip of Cape York to the southern portion of Tamworth. In New Guinea, they are located in the southern Fly River area. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/28/03/82065_98_68.jpg"}, "323938": {"scientific_name": "Ateles geoffroyi Kuhl, 1820", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323938", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/19/85392_orig.jpg", "common_name": "central american spider monkey", "sid": 323938, "text": "Black-handed spider monkeys are sociable animals and tend to live in multi-male, multi-female groups of 4 to 35 individuals (average around 15), although groups of up to 100 have been reported (2) (7) (8). These are fission-fusion communities, meaning that they usually split up into smaller subgroups to forage, particularly when food resources are scarce (6). This diurnal species relies heavily on a diet of fruit, but will also eat leaves, flowers, and occasionally bark, nuts, seeds, insects, arachnids and eggs (4) (8).\u00a0Females actively choose their mates and initiate copulation, and breeding may take place at any time of the year (4). Females give birth to a single infant every two to four years, after a gestation period of seven to eight months (4) (9). Young are normally dependent on their mothers for three years, and reach sexual maturity at four years for females, five for males, after which females usually migrate to other groups (7).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/19/85392_98_68.jpg"}, "324404": {"scientific_name": "Microcebus murinus (Miller 1777)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/324404", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/14/46206_orig.jpg", "common_name": "gray mouse lemur", "sid": 324404, "text": "Gray mouse lemurs are one of the smallest living primates. They are characterized by short limbs and large eyes. The head and body length is 12 to 14 cm and tail length of 13 to 14.5 cm. They have long, thin lower incisors and canines, making a dental comb used for grooming. They have a brownish-grey coat with reddish tones and a pale underside.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/14/46206_98_68.jpg"}, "1050704": {"scientific_name": "Mimus polyglottos (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050704", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/09730_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Mockingbird", "sid": 1050704, "text": "The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a gray, long-tailed bird with white outer tail feathers and white wing patches that flash conspicuously in flight. This widely distributed North American species breeds from California, Colorado, Iowa, and Ontario south to the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and southern Mexico. They have also been introduced and established in the Hawaiian Islands (main islands from Kauai eastward) and in Bermuda. Northern Mockingbirds are found in a variety of open and semi-open situations, especially in scrub, thickets, and gardens and in towns and cities and around cultivated areas.\r\n \r\nNorthern Mockingbirds sing a mix of original and imitative phrases, each repeated several times. They may imitate the songs of a wide variety of other birds' songs and calls, sometimes in rapid succession, as well as other sounds. They often sing at night as well as during the day. Both sexes sing in fall as they claim feeding territories. The often heard call is a loud, sharp check.\r\n\r\nThe diet of the Northern Mockingbird consists mostly of insects and berries. The annual diet is around half insects and other arthropods and half berries and other fruits, but the diet is heavy on insects in late spring and summer and in fruits in fall and winter. \r\n\r\nNesting begins early in the year, by late winter in the southern United States. The male sings to defend his territory and attract a mate, often leaping a meter in the air and flapping his wings while singing. Early courtship involves the male and female chasing each other around the male's territory. The nest is placed in a dense tree or shrub, typically one to three meters above the ground, but sometimes lower or higher (rarely up to 18 m). The nest has a bulky foundation of twigs supporting an open cup of weeds, grass, and leaves lined with fine material such as rootlets, moss, animal hair, and plant down. The male builds most of the foundation and the female adds most of the lining. Typical clutch size is 3 to 4 eggs (sometimes as few as 2 or as many as 6). Egg color ranges from greenish to bluish gray, with blotches of brown usually concentrated at the larger end. Eggs are incubated (by the female alone) for 12 to 13 days. Both parents feed the nestlings, which leave the nest around 12 days after hatching but are not able to fly well for another week or so. Northern Mockingbirds may produce two to three clutches per year.\r\n \r\nNorthern Mockingbirds were often captured for sale as pets from the late 1700s to the early 1900s and possibly as a result became scarce along much of the northern edge of their range. With the end of the cagebird trade, the Northern Mockingbird became more common in many areas. In recent decades, this species has expanded its range northward, especially in the northeast, possibly as a consequence of the widespread planting of multiflora rose (an excellent source of both food and nesting sites) and a changing climate.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/09730_98_68.jpg"}, "328585": {"scientific_name": "Gulo gulo (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328585", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/13/18/43862_orig.jpg", "common_name": "wolverine", "sid": 328585, "text": "Wolverines generally occur at relatively low population densities and have vanished from most of their former range in the United States. In Scandinavia, estimates vary from one individual per 200 to 500 sq km. Encroaching human populations alter the abundance and habits of large ungulates, eliminate large predator populations, or kill wolverines directly. Numbers have declined due to fur trapping and hunting by those believing the wolverine to be a nuisance. In Russia, wolverines are a game species and extensive overhunting has led to population decline. In the United States, wolverines can only be harvested in Montana and Alaska. Wolverines have been nearly eliminated in the United States and have disappeared over most of southeastern and south-central Canada. In Europe, they can only be found now in parts of Scandinavia and northern Russia. Wolverines are listen by the IUCN as Near Threatened. They were previously listed as vulnerable, but have been upgraded to Near Threatened. \u00a0Conservation efforts include education, protecting habitat, and eliminating unregulated hunting. In Sweden farmers and herders are compensated for identifying dens and reporting them. Other Scandinavian countries have adopted measures to limit the amount of wolverines in reindeer herding areas through selected hunting. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/13/18/43862_98_68.jpg"}, "156096": {"scientific_name": "Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/156096", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/12/10/03/99091_orig.jpg", "common_name": "painted lady", "sid": 156096, "text": "Vanessa cardui is a well-known colourful butterfly, known as the Painted Lady, or in North America as the Cosmopolitan. This butterfly has a strange pattern of flying in a sort of screw shape.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/12/10/03/99091_98_68.jpg"}, "1052072": {"scientific_name": "Pheucticus ludovicianus (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052072", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/10/10/14696_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Rose-breasted Grosbeak", "sid": 1052072, "text": "A medium-sized (7-8 \u00bd inches) songbird, the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak is most easily identified by its black head and body, white belly, and bright red breast patch. The female Rose-breasted Grosbeak is mottled brown above and streaked below with a conspicuous white eye-stripes. Both sexes have large conical bills, dark legs, and squared-off tails. This species may be distinguished from the related Black-headed Grosbeak ( Pheucticus melanocephalus) by that species\u2019 orange breast and from the similar-looking Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) by that species\u2019 chestnut flanks, black breast, and rounded tail. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak breeds across the northeastern United States and southern Canada, north and west to British Columbia and south at higher elevations in the east to northern Georgia. In winter, this species migrates south to southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. On migration, this species may be found for short periods of time across the southeastern U.S.as far west as Texas. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks breed in a variety of woodland habitats, particularly in heavily-vegetated undergrowth near forest edges or clearings. In winter, this species may be found in similarly-structured habitats in tropical forests. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks eat a variety of plant and animal foods, including fruits, berries, and insects. In appropriate habitat, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks may be seen foraging for food in the branches of trees or shrubs and, less frequently, on the ground. This species also visits bird feeders when available, notably during migration, when individuals may frequent a particular backyard for a few days before moving on. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are most active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/10/10/14696_98_68.jpg"}, "211438": {"scientific_name": "Taeniura lymma (Forssk\u00e5l, 1775)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/211438", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/14/23/41298_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Blue-spotted stingray", "sid": 211438, "text": "Blue-spotted stingrays live alone or in small groups (6), migrating in large schools into shallow sandy areas on the rising tide in order to feed, and dispersing back into the ocean as the tide falls to shelter in the coral crevices of the reef (5) (7). Feeding most commonly occurs during the day, but sometimes also at night (6), and the diet consists largely of worms, shrimps, crabs, molluscs and small fish (5). Prey is often detected through electroreception, a system which senses the electrical fields produced by the prey (5). Not all small fish and invertebrates are potential prey, as blue-spotted stingrays can often be found at 'cleaning stations', areas of reef where large fish line up and tiny fish or shrimp pick off their dead skin and parasites (6).\u00a0In courtship, males often follow females, using their acutely sensitive 'nose' to detect a chemical signal emitted by the female that indicates she is receptive. Breeding occurs from late spring through the summer, and gestation can last anything from four months to a year (5). Reproduction is ovoviviparous, meaning females give birth to live pups that have hatched from egg cases inside the uterus (6). Up to seven pups are born per litter and each juvenile is born with the distinctive blue markings of its parents in miniature (7).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/14/23/41298_98_68.jpg"}, "327959": {"scientific_name": "Macaca fascicularis (Raffles 1822)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327959", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/10/05/77522_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Long-tailed Macaque", "sid": 327959, "text": "The crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), also known as the long-tailed macaque, is a cercopithecine primate native to Southeast Asia. It is referred to as the cynomolgus monkey in laboratories.[2] It has a long history alongside humans;[7] they have been alternately seen as agricultural pests,[8] sacred animals in some temples,[9] and more recently, the subject of medical experiments.[7] The crab-eating macaque lives in matrilineal social groups with a female dominance hierarchy,[10] and male members leave the group when they reach puberty.[11] They are opportunistic omnivores [12] and have been documented using tools to obtain food in Thailand and Myanmar.[13] The crab-eating macaque is a known invasive species and a threat to biodiversity in several locations, including Hong Kong and western New Guinea.[2] The significant overlap in macaque and human living space has resulted in greater habitat loss,[7] synanthropic living, and inter- and intraspecies conflicts over resources.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/10/05/77522_98_68.jpg"}, "1048014": {"scientific_name": "Jabiru mycteria (Lichtenstein, 1819)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048014", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/25/09/02263_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Jabiru", "sid": 1048014, "text": "Jabiru mycteria is a stork native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Uruguay, occurring most commonly in Brazil and Paraguay. They are the tallest flying bird in South America, reaching up to 5 ft (1.5m) in height. They live in groups in wetland and riparian habitats, eating mostly fish, mollusks, and amphibians. Jabiru mycteria is the only member of the Jabiru genus.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/25/09/02263_98_68.jpg"}, "903104": {"scientific_name": "Seiurus aurocapilla (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/903104", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/17/68956_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Ovenbird", "sid": 903104, "text": "A medium-sized (6 inches) wood warbler, the Ovenbird is most easily identified by its light brown upperparts, streaked breast, and orange crown patch. In many respects, this species resembles the related waterthrushes or a small true thrush, but none of those birds possesses this species\u2019 distinctive orange crown. Male and female Ovenbirds are similar in all seasons. The Ovenbird breeds across eastern and central portions of the United States and Canada. In winter, this species may be found in central and southern Florida, the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America. The Ovenbird is absent as a breeding bird from the southeastern U.S., upper Midwest, and northern Great Plains, but may occur in those areas while on migration. Ovenbirds breed in a number of woodland habitats, primarily dense forests partially or entirely composed of deciduous trees. In winter, this species may be found in a number of subtropical or tropical forest types. Ovenbirds primarily eat small invertebrates, notably ants. In appropriate habitat, Ovenbirds may be seen walking on the forest floor while searching for insects in and among dead leaves. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 song, a loud \u201cteacher teacher teacher\u201d commonly heard in northern forests in spring. Ovenbirds are primarily active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/17/68956_98_68.jpg"}, "1178564": {"scientific_name": "Alcedo atthis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178564", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/05/25462_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Kingfisher", "sid": 1178564, "text": "The kingfisher feeds mainly on fish and invertebrates, which it catches by perching on a convenient branch or other structure overhanging the water, and plunging into the water when suitable prey comes within striking distance (2). If a suitable perch is not present, individuals may hover over the water whilst searching for prey (2).\u00a0During the breeding season, pairs perform a display flight whilst calling. The nest consists of a tunnel in a riverbank or amongst the roots of a tree; both sexes help to excavate the tunnel, which terminates in a rounded chamber. In April or May 6-7 whitish eggs are laid on the bare earth, but after some time regurgitated fish bones form a lining to the nest chamber. Both parents incubate the eggs for 19-21 days. The young fledge after around 23-27 days, before this time they may eagerly approach the entrance of the tunnel when waiting to be fed (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/05/25462_98_68.jpg"}, "327671": {"scientific_name": "Plecotus townsendii Cooper, 1837", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327671", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/15/01708_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Townsend's big-eared bat", "sid": 327671, "text": "Sporting prominent ears that look almost like wings, Townsend\u2019s big-eared bat largely preys on moths over open pasture and forest canopy. For females, foraging increases during pregnancy and lactation, from one or two foraging bouts per night to three, and the distance traveled also increases, from 1.0 km to more than 4.0 km per night. Females form maternity groups in the spring, in caves and shelters, where they give birth to a single pup. In addition to winter hibernation, these bats also experience daily periods of torpor during cooler weather, a sleeplike state of reduced motor and metabolic activity.\u00a0Townsend\u2019s big-eared bat occurs in the western United States, northward to British Columbia, as far east as the Rocky Mountain States from Idaho to Texas, including Kansas and Oklahoma, and there are also populations in Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/15/01708_98_68.jpg"}, "914969": {"scientific_name": "Melopsittacus undulatus (Shaw, 1805)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/914969", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/15/50352_orig.jpg", "common_name": "budgerigar", "sid": 914969, "text": "The wild budgerigar is a small, streamlined, parrot, with rounded head and small beak, pointed wings and long tail.Head to tail length in wild budgerigars is approximately 180mm. Show standard, captive budgerigars are significantly larger, ideally at least 216mm head to tail.Natural adult plumage has the following characteristics:bright yellow forehead, face and throatround black spots and a prominent violet patch on cheeksa yellow crown and mantle with fine black barring which extends under eyesthe barring becomes heavier - scalloping - down the back and on the wing covertsunderparts of the lower back and rump are bright light greendark blue tail with a striking yellow band across lateral feathersa white wing bar is also visible in flightimmature birds have fine barring on the forehead and dark eyesbirds can be sexed by the colour of the fleshy cere at the base of the bill - blue in males and brown in femalesMany colour varieties have been bred in captivity - see section on Aviculture.DiscoveryThe budgerigar was well known to the native aboriginal peoples of Australia, and already had a number of names by the time colonists became familiar with it in the 1700s. The species was formally described by George Shaw in1805, but specimens were still very rare in museum collections until the late 1830s. John Gould (1804\u20131881), whilst collecting and exploring in Australia from 1838\u20131840, was clearly captivated by these small parrots, referring to them as \u2018the most animated, cheerful little creatures you can possibly imagine\u2019.He collected a number of specimens, and in 1840 published the first detailed account of budgerigar behaviour in his great work Birds of Australia, where he also changed the scientific name in recognition of the species\u2019 unique characteristics. However, Gould is best remembered by budgerigar enthusiasts for successfully importing the first live birds to Britain, also in 1840. Gould is also remembered as the ornithologist who described the famous finches of the Galapagos discovered by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle (1831\u20131836).Other namesThe common name budgerigar comes from one of the native aboriginal names, recorded by Gould as \u2018Betcherrygah\u2019, which is widely thought to mean \u2018good eating\u2019. A specimen from Gould\u2019s own collection still carries a very early label with the name \u2018Budjeregah\u2019. However, early names included:undulated parakeetwarbling grass parakeetcanary parrotscallop parrotNow the most familiar name is \u2018budgie\u2019.EvolutionThe budgerigar is the only species within its genus - it is monotypic. Molecular studies show that it is most closely related to 2 other unusual monotypic Australian parrots - the ground parrot, Pezoporus wallicus and the night parrot, Geopsittacus occidentalis.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/15/50352_98_68.jpg"}, "1178488": {"scientific_name": "Ardea alba Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178488", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/08/51109_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Great Egret", "sid": 1178488, "text": "With its long, white breeding plumes, orange-yellow bill, and green facial skin, the Great Egret at the height of the breeding season is stunning to behold. Even at other times of the year, when it loses its plumes and its face and bill return to their typical dull yellow, this large, white wader is difficult to overlook. Male and female Great Egrets are similar (38 inches) at all times of the year. The Great Egret is widely distributed across warmer parts of the globe. In North America, the Great Egret breeds primarily in the southeastern United States, with smaller pockets of breeding territory in the Great Plains, the northeast, and in the west. Most of the Great Egrets in the southeast are permanent residents, but those in cooler climates migrate south for the winter, where they may be found along the coast of California, in the southwest, and in Texas. This species also breeds in Eurasia from southern Europe east to east Asia, wintering in North Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Populations also exist in South America, Australia and New Zealand. Great Egrets live in and around small bodies of water. In summer, Great Egrets nest in colonies, called \u2018rookeries,\u2019 in trees surrounding lakes and ponds. This species utilizes similar habitats during the winter. Great Egrets mainly eat fish, but may also take crustaceans and small vertebrates (such as frogs, lizards, and mice) when the opportunity arises. Great Egrets may be best observed wading in shallow water, where they may be seen plunging their bills into the water to catch fish. It is also possible to see Great Egrets at their rookeries, especially when they return to roost at sunset, or while flying with their feet extended and their necks pulled in. Great Egrets are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/08/51109_98_68.jpg"}, "1114783": {"scientific_name": "Avena sativa L.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1114783", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/06/13235_orig.jpg", "common_name": "wild oat", "sid": 1114783, "text": "Avena sativa, the common oat (generally referred to as oats), is an annual member of grass family Poaceae and one of the eight major cereal crops of the world. (Cereals are a type of fruit called a caryopsis, composed of endosperm, germ, and bran; other major cereal crops are wheat [Triticum spp.], rice [Oryza sativa], barley [Hordeum vulgare], maize [Zea mays], and rye [Secale cereale].) \r\n\r\nA. saliva grows up to 1 m (3 feet) tall and has large, drooping seed heads (spikelets), generally with two overlapping husks (glumes), although recently developed cultivars of \"naked oats\" have looser husks from which the grain can be more easily threshed. A. saliva no longer occurs in the wild, but related species of Avena occur in Europe and the Fertile Crescent region of the Near East. Cultivation appears to have started roughly 2,000 years ago during the Bronze Age in Celtic and Germanic regions of Europe, and emanated to other temperate and cold regions (Hedrick 1919). Oats appear to have originated as a weed in fields of other cultivated grains, including wheat and barley. Oats are grown in temperate regions worldwide, with a 2009 total harvest of 23.3 million tons produced on 10.2 million hectares; leading producers are the Russian Federation, Canada, and the U.S. (FAOSTAT 2011). Total area cultivated with oats has declined since 1950 (IndexMundi 2011), with a concurrent increase in soybeans (Glycine max).\r\n\r\nOats are used as food for humans, in oatmeal (porridge), cereals, and cookies. Oats were long considered an inferior food: Samuel Johnson is said to have written, in his dictionary definition, oats were \"eaten by people in Scotland, but fit only for horses in England\" (to which a Scotsman retorted, \"That's why England has such good horses, and Scotland has such fine men!\" [Gibson and Benson 2002]). However, oats have increased in popularity in recent decades with research on health benefits of soluble fiber and with increasing numbers of people intolerant to wheat. Oats are high in soluble fiber, carbohydrates, and protein, and are a good source of magnesium, iron, and panthothenic acid (Wikipedia 2011). \r\n\r\nNotwithstanding the increasing popularity as a health food, oats are primarily used for animal feed and fodder. They are commonly fed to horses and cattle, and are used in chicken feed and dog food. Oats are also used for pasture, hay, and sileage, and the straw is used as animal bedding (Magness et al. 1971).\r\n\r\n(FAOSTAT 2011, Gibson & Benson 2002, Hedrick 1919, IndexMundi 2011, Magness et al. 1971, van Wyk 2005, Wikipedia 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/06/13235_98_68.jpg"}, "328070": {"scientific_name": "Ailuropoda melanoleuca (David, 1869)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328070", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/06/10/07587_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Giant Panda", "sid": 328070, "text": "The giant panda is universally admired for its appealing markings and seemingly gentle demeanour. This large mammal is now recognised as being a member of the bear family and is a robust animal with heavy shoulders and a distinctive black and white coat (4). The molars and premolar teeth are wider and flatter than those of other bears, and the jaw muscles are large, allowing the panda to grind bamboo (2). The giant panda is well known for its 'thumb', which is actually a modified wrist bone that enables the panda to dextrously grasp bamboo stalks (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/06/10/07587_98_68.jpg"}, "222042": {"scientific_name": "Paracanthurus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/222042", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/11/70013_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Blue tang", "sid": 222042, "text": "Occur in clear, current-swept terraces of seaward reefs.  Observed in loose aggregations 1 or 2 meters above the bottom; juveniles and subadults typical in groups near isolated Pocillopora eydouxi coral heads and when alarmed hide themselves tightly among the branches (Ref. 9710).  Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302).  Feed on zooplankton and occasionally on algae (Ref. 9710, 48637, 27115, 83665).  Relatively uncommon and highly localized (Ref. 1602, 9710).  Very popular and hardy aquarium fish.  Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/11/70013_98_68.jpg"}, "311790": {"scientific_name": "Globicephala melas (Traill, 1809)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311790", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/23/55859_orig.jpg", "common_name": "long-finned pilot whale", "sid": 311790, "text": "Long-finned pilot whales live in the cool waters of the North Atlantic continental shelf and slope. Pods move seasonally inshore or offshore following their prey, mainly squid and Atlantic mackerel. Population estimates have been made since at least 1952, and the animals seem to be abundant. A census during the late 1980s found nearly 800,000 in the northeastern Atlantic eastward from Greenland. Long-finned pilot whales are slightly less than 2 m long and weigh about 75 kg at birth. Males continue growing rapidly until they are about 20 years old, are 5.5 m in length, and weigh 1,700 kg. A fully grown adult male can measure 6.25 m and weigh 2,320 kg. Females are smaller, reaching a length of 5.12 m and a weight of 1,320 kg. They are sexually mature when they are 8 years old, and typically give birth to one calf every five years and nurse it for three years. Their tendency to form close-knit pods of 10-15 individuals, which are often loosely connected to other pods and may form groups in the hundreds, worked against these animals: traditional whalers learned to \u201cdrive\u201d hundreds of whales into shallow waters where they could be easily slaughtered.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/23/55859_98_68.jpg"}, "454546": {"scientific_name": "Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/454546", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/30/11/51726_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Green Turtle", "sid": 454546, "text": "Green turtles are long-lived and may take up to 59 years to reach sexual maturity (6) Undertaking tremendous feats of navigation, adults return to the same beach to breed each season, part of the population in Brazil astonishingly migrates around 2,250 kilometres across the open ocean to breed on the Ascension Islands (12). Mating tends to occur just offshore of the nesting beaches; using a curved claw on each front flipper and a flat nail at the end of the tail, males are able to grip their mates (2). Females haul out onto the beach at night and dig large nests with their back flippers beyond the high tide mark, they typically lay between 100 and 150 eggs in one nest and then proceed to cover the eggs with sand; the whole process takes around two hours (6). A single female returns to breed only once every two to five years but will lay up to nine nests in that one season (2). Incubation takes between 45 and 70 days, and temperature has been shown to determine of the sex of hatchlings; with females being produced at warmer temperatures (6). Breaking open their eggs with a special hooked 'egg tooth' that will subsequently be lost; hatchlings use their powerful front flippers to reach the surface, and then proceed to the sea (7).  The soft-bodied juveniles are particularly vulnerable at this time from a variety of predators, such as ghost crabs and gulls on the beach to sharks and dolphins in the water (7).\u00a0Unlike other marine turtles, adult green turtles are almost exclusively herbivorous, grazing on seagrasses and algae (8); it is assumed that juveniles are more omnivorous although the exact composition of their diet is unknown (6)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/30/11/51726_98_68.jpg"}, "213726": {"scientific_name": "Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/213726", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/23/09/27552_orig.jpg", "common_name": "great white shark", "sid": 213726, "text": "Great white sharks live in almost all coastal and offshore waters of the world. It was once thought that white sharks were only found in warmer waters with temperatures between 54 and 75 \u00b0F (12 and 24 \u00b0C), but observations of white sharks in Alaska waters with temperatures approaching freezing indicates they can use sub-arctic and arctic waters too.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/23/09/27552_98_68.jpg"}, "914939": {"scientific_name": "Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/914939", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/15/15/47326_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Barn Owl", "sid": 914939, "text": "A medium-sized (14-20 inches) owl, the Barn Owl is most easily identified by its tan head and body, pale breast, triangular facial disk (most owl species have round faces) and brown eyes. Part of a small group of owls mostly found in Australasia, this species is unlikely to be confused with owl species outside of its own family. Male and female Barn Owls are similar to one another in all seasons. Barn Owls occur across much of the globe. In the New World, this species occurs from extreme southern Canada and the northern United States south to the southern tip of South America, including the islands in the Caribbean. In the Old World, this species occurs in most of Europe, Africa, South Asia, and Australia. Barn Owls inhabit an enormous variety of open and semi-open habitats across this species\u2019 wide range. These habitats include forest edges, grassland, scrub, meadows, agricultural fields, and even urban and suburban areas. Barn Owls eat a variety of small animals, primarily rodents (including mice, voles, and shrews). Like most owls, Barn Owls hunt at night, listening for movement in the undergrowth with their superb hearing and swooping down to capture prey. Birdwatchers may watch for this species at dawn or dusk, and may listen for this species\u2019 grating \u201ckschh\u201d call. Barn Owls are primarily active at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/15/15/47326_98_68.jpg"}, "1178363": {"scientific_name": "Apteryx australis Shaw 1813", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178363", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/03/90607_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Brown Kiwi", "sid": 1178363, "text": "Having evolved in an environment without any mammalian predators, kiwis have some distinctly mammal-like traits. For example, body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius, about 2 degrees Celsius lower than most birds (4), but within the normal range for many mammals (5). Kiwis also have an excellent sense of smell, one of the most developed among birds, aided by the unique placement of the nostrils at the end of the bill (5). Kiwis feed by jabbing the bill into the soil to search for insects and worms, this causes the nostrils to become clogged, and requires vigorous blowing and sneezing to clear them again (4).\u00a0The tokoeka is highly territorial and has been known to attack humans when defending its territory (3). Unlike most other kiwis, which tend be more solitary, the tokoeka lives in family groups occupying a shared territory, the size of which depends on food abundance (4).\u00a0Egg laying begins in July, continuing through to November in the Stewart Island populations and December in the South Island populations (5). A single egg is laid within a small burrow, and both parent birds and other birds within the family share incubation duties. This is a useful behaviour, since the incubation time is extremely long, usually between 70 and 80 days (4). During this time the males and females shed feathers from the breast, leaving a naked patch that is thought to help transfer heat to the egg during incubation. The chicks, which hatch fully fledged, leave the nest at one week old, but will remain in the family territory for up to seven years (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/03/90607_98_68.jpg"}, "308387": {"scientific_name": "Okapia johnstoni Sclater 1901", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/308387", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/14/13/68038_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Okapi", "sid": 308387, "text": "Most of the information about the biology of the okapi is from captive animals (2). They are largely solitary (2) and though once thought to be nocturnal (6), are now known to be active during the day (2). They feed largely on leaves, grasses, fruits and fungi, some of which are known to be poisonous. It has been suggested that this is why okapis eat charcoal from burned forest trees, as is evidenced from their dung (2). Carbon, in the form of charcoal, is an excellent antidote for toxin ingestion and recent observations in Zanzibar found red colobus monkeys eating charcoal from native cooking fires and kilns (7). It is also known that many other animals find sources of kaolin, a type of clay, to offset the effects of poisonous leaves and fruit in their diet.\u00a0Male and female okapi live in home ranges, but they are not territorial and these ranges overlap (3). From observations on captive animals, it appears that male okapis mark their ranges with urine, by crossing their front legs, urinating on them, and then walking through their range. They will also urinate directly onto plants. Both males and females rub their necks against tree trunks (3).\u00a0Mothers will not stray very far after giving birth, so the young okapi will remain close by until at least a few days old, in what is known as a 'follower phase' (3). It then becomes a 'nester' for a number of months, in which it lies in vegetation. During this intensive nesting phase, the calf is extremely efficient in the use of energy, primarily only nursing or sleeping. Towards the end of the intensive nesting phase, the calf can maintain its temperature properly, and so activates its rumens, and defecates for the first time (3). This is thought to be a defence against predators (2). Okapi mothers use infrasonic communication to communicate with their calves. This is sound that is below the range of human hearing \u2013 also used by elephants (3).\u00a0The young are weaned at six months old although they may continue to take milk for some time afterwards. The males begin developing their horns at about one year and reach their adult size at the age of three. They are believed to reach sexual maturity around two years old (2). Captive individuals have been known to live for up to 33 years (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/14/13/68038_98_68.jpg"}, "328482": {"scientific_name": "Dasypus novemcinctus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328482", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/13/14/36742_orig.jpg", "common_name": "nine-banded armadillo", "sid": 328482, "text": "\"The tank-like Nine-banded Armadillo's range has greatly expanded northward in the last 100 years. In the mid-1800s it was found only as far north as southern Texas; by the 1970s it lived in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee; now it\u2019s also on the East Coast. Armadillos are typically active at night or twilight. They shuffle along slowly, using their sense of smell to find food\u2014mostly insects, and occasionally worms, snails, eggs, amphibians, and berries. They root and dig with their nose and powerful forefeet to unearth insects or build a burrow. They always give birth to identical, same-sex quadruplets that develop from a single fertilized egg. Only two mammals are known to get a disease called leprosy: humans and armadillos. This has made armadillos important in medical research.\"Adaptation: The hips and the neck vertebrae of the nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus, include several bones that are fused in order to make the spine and back relatively rigid, as an adaptation to digging. Much like a mole, the skull is compact and relatively flat, which also makes it a useful tool for moving dirt.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/13/14/36742_98_68.jpg"}, "1049389": {"scientific_name": "Numenius arquata (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049389", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/09/15/20/67512_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eurasian Curlew", "sid": 1049389, "text": "The Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) is a large curlew (male around 660 g, 52 cm length; female 790 g, 55 cm length) that breeds across Eurasia from the United Kingdom to Siberia, but not all the way to the Pacific coast. The wintering range extends from Europe and Japan south throughout Africa and southern Asia. Eurasian Curlews occasionally show up on the Atlantic coast of North America in spring, fall, and winter from Newfoundland to New York, as well as in the Bahamas.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/09/15/20/67512_98_68.jpg"}, "1048656": {"scientific_name": "Ardea herodias Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048656", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/22/00728_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Great Blue Heron", "sid": 1048656, "text": "The largest heron in North America north of Mexico, the Great Blue Heron is, for the most part, an easy bird to identify. At 42-52 inches, its gray-blue back, buff neck, yellow bill, white face, and long, black facial plumes help to distinguish it from most other waders in its range. The all-white Caribbean subspecies, which enters our area in south Florida, may be distinguished from the similarly-colored Great Egret by its yellow legs and feet. Male and female Great Blue Herons are similar at all times of the year. The Great Blue Heron breeds across the majority of the United States and southern Canada. Great Blue Herons that breed in southern Canada and the northern Great Plains migrate south for the winter, when they may be found in Central America and the Caribbean. Populations living in most of the U.S.are non-migratory. This species is absent from the desert southwest and from high elevations of the Rocky Mountains. Great Blue Herons live in and around small bodies of water. In summer, Great Blue Herons nest in colonies, called \u2018rookeries,\u2019 surrounding lakes and ponds. They may nest either in trees, in bushes, or on the ground. This species utilizes similar habitats during the winter. Great Blue Herons mainly eat fish, but may also take crustaceans and small vertebrates (such as frogs, lizards, and mice) when the opportunity arises. Great Blue Herons may be best observed wading in shallow water, where they may be seen plunging their bills into the water to catch fish. It is also possible to see Great Blue Herons at their rookeries, especially when they return to roost at sunset, or while flying with their feet extended and their necks pulled in. Great Blue Herons are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/22/00728_98_68.jpg"}, "1049619": {"scientific_name": "Spheniscus magellanicus (J.R.Forster, 1781)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049619", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/25/01/79564_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Magellanic Penguin", "sid": 1049619, "text": "\r\n\tThe present study describes the occurrence of cephalopods in the\u00a0stomachs of 16 specimens of S. magellanicusfound on the Brazilian coast in 2006. The specimens examined were live juveniles found\u00a0\r\n\r\n\ton \u00a0the \u00a0northern \u00a0coast \u00a0of \u00a0the \u00a0state \u00a0of \u00a0S\u00e3o \u00a0Paulo \u00a0and \u00a0the \u00a0southern\u00a0coast \u00a0of \u00a0the \u00a0state \u00a0of \u00a0Rio \u00a0de \u00a0Janeiro. \u00a0On \u00a0initial \u00a0examination \u00a0they exhibited \u00a0debilitation, \u00a0dehydration \u00a0and \u00a0lethargy \u00a0and \u00a0subsequently died \u00a0within \u00a0hours \u00a0or \u00a0days. \u00a0During \u00a0necropsy, \u00a0the \u00a0stomachs \u00a0were removed and the contents fixed in 70% alcohol.\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/25/01/79564_98_68.jpg"}, "1052060": {"scientific_name": "Molothrus ater (Boddaert, 1783)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052060", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/43842_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Brown-headed Cowbird", "sid": 1052060, "text": "The Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is named for the male's distinctive brown head, which contrasts with his metallic green-black body. This is a common bird of woodlands, farmland, and suburbs across most of  North America, breeding from British Columbia and southern Quebec in Canada south to southern Mexico, with a southward contraction of this range in the winter. \r\n\r\nBrown-headed Cowbirds are well known as \"brood parasites\", sneaking their eggs into the nests of birds of other species to be reared by adoptive \"host\" parents (which are often much smaller than them). During the breeding season, Brown-headed Cowbirds tend to engage in courtship and nest parasitism mainly in the morning and to feed in the afternoon. A single female may travel more than 6 km through woodlands to lay as many as several dozen eggs in a breeding season. Providing bird food in spring around the edges of large woodlands unintentionally facilitates brood parasitism by cowbirds, which can greatly reproduce the reproductive output of their hosts. \r\n\r\nIn the breeding season, males display by fluffing up their body feathers, partly speading their wings and tail, and bowing deeply while singing. Groups of males sometimes perch together, singing and displaying. The male's song is a squeaky gurgle. \r\n\r\nBrown-headed Cowbird eggs are whitish with brown and gray spots concentrated at the larger end and are often easily recognized because they look different and larger than the other eggs in a host nest. A female may lay nearly an egg per day for several weeks, up to 40 in a breeding season (rarely as many as 70 or more). A female will often remove a host egg before adding one of her own.  Brown-headed Cowbird eggs have been found in the nests of more than 220 species and over 140 of these are known to have successfully reared young cowbirds. Fed by their host parents, cowbird nestlings develop rapidly, usually leaving the nest after  about 10 or 11 days.\r\n\r\nThe diet of the Brown-headed Cowbird consists mainly of seeds and insects (seeds account for around half the diet during the breeding season, but more than 90% in the winter). Centuries ago, these birds probably followed bison herds on the Great Plains,  as they often follow cattle and horses across North America today, feeding on insects flushed from the grass. This dramatic range expansion over the past century or two has negatively impacted a number of parasatized songbird species, some quite seriously.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/43842_98_68.jpg"}, "311532": {"scientific_name": "Hippopotamus amphibius Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311532", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/29/20/02423_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Hippopotamus", "sid": 311532, "text": "\"Hippo\" redirects here. For other uses, see Hippo (disambiguation).This article is about the species Hippopotamus amphibius.  For the genus Hippopotamus, see Hippopotamus (genus).The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), or hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). The name comes from the ancient Greek for \"river horse\" (\u1f31\u03c0\u03c0\u03bf\u03c0\u03cc\u03c4\u03b1\u03bc\u03bf\u03c2). After the elephant and rhinoceros, the common hippopotamus is the third-largest type of land mammal and the heaviest extant artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, their closest living relatives are cetaceans (whales, porpoises, etc.) from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. The common ancestor of whales and hippos split from other even-toed ungulates around 60 million years ago. The earliest known hippopotamus fossils, belonging to the genus Kenyapotamus in Africa, date to around 16 million years ago.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/29/20/02423_98_68.jpg"}, "328547": {"scientific_name": "Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328547", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/23/12/44622_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Sperm whale", "sid": 328547, "text": "The sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whales, with males growing up to 20 metres in length. It also has the largest brain of any living animal, and it was a sperm whale that was pitted against Captain Ahab in Herman Melville's classic novel, Moby Dick (2). Sperm whales have huge square heads, comprising almost a third of the total body length (2) (3); indeed the specific name macrocephalus means large head.  Uniquely among cetaceans, the single blowhole is located on the left of the head rather than on the top (3) and so these whales are easily identified at a distance by their low, bushy spout, which is projected forward and slightly to the left (2). Further down the body toward the tail there is usually a large hump on the back, followed by a series of smaller bumps (3). The dark brown to bluish-black skin, which is splotched and scratched, is said to have a texture like that of a plum stone (2) (3). Males tend to be somewhat larger and heavier than females (3), and have larger heads in relation to their body size (6). The huge heads of sperm whales contain a large cavity, the spermaceti organ, filled with a waxy liquid called spermaceti oil. This wax can be cooled or heated, possibly by water sucked in through the blowhole, and thus shrinks and increases in density (helping the whale sink), or expands and decreases in density (helping the whale rise to the surface) (5).  Whalers likened the substance to semen, and this is the origin of the common name of the species (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/23/12/44622_98_68.jpg"}, "1048438": {"scientific_name": "Anser albifrons (Scopoli, 1769)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048438", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/17/29844_orig.jpg", "common_name": "White-fronted Goose", "sid": 1048438, "text": "Breeding across the tundra from Nunavut to Siberia, across Russia, and in Greenland, the Greater White-fronted Goose has one of the largest ranges of any species of goose in the world. In North America, however, it is common only west of the Mississippi River, where it is found in large flocks in wetlands and croplands.\r\nThe Tule goose is a large, dark subspecies of the Greater White-fronted Goose. This form breeds just around Cook Inlet in Alaska, and numbers only about 7,500. It winters in the Sacramento Valley of California, where it meets the more widespread subspecies. The Tule goose uses primarily marshes while the other form forages in open fields.\r\nAs is true of many geese, Greater White-fronted Goose pairs stay together for years and migrate together, along with their offspring. White-front family bonds can last longer than in most geese, and some young stay with their parents through the next breeding season. Parent and sibling associations may continue throughout their lives.\r\nA smaller, but very similar goose is found in northern Asia and Europe. It is known as the Lesser White-fronted Goose and is the reason our goose is known as the \"Greater.\" Dwarf species seem to have appeared repeatedly in geese. Other similar pairs are the Ross's and Snow geese and Cackling and Canada geese.\r\nThe Greater White-fronted Goose subspecies that breeds in Greenland usually winters in Ireland and Scotland. It occasionally turns up on the East Coast of North America. It is slightly larger than the typical American form, and has a brighter orange (less pink) bill, but telling them apart definitively is difficult.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/17/29844_98_68.jpg"}, "328658": {"scientific_name": "Ovis canadensis Shaw, 1804", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328658", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/10/08/23/99116_orig.jpg", "common_name": "bighorn sheep", "sid": 328658, "text": "Bighorn Sheep live only in remote, treeless mountain terrain. They use steep slopes and cliffs to escape from wolves, coyotes, and cougars. Many migrate seasonally, some moving a few hundred meters up or down a mountainside and others going 10-20 km from one mountain range to another. Some males make much longer migrations. Males and females live apart except during the mating season, when males vie for access to females. Larger size and age usually confer an advantage. The males rear up on their hind legs, kicking with their front legs and clashing their horns. Although Bighorn Sheep have heavily buttressed heads that absorb the shock of butting, these battles can result in death. Ewes usually give birth to one lamb, in May; twins are extremely rare. The lambs can follow their mothers within a day after birth, and nurse for 4-5 months. Bighorns eat seasonally available grasses and other vegetation, and cactus in the desert. They are attracted to natural salt licks, cattle licks, and piles of salt placed along highways for melting snow. In some places where bighorn populations went extinct, groups have been reintroduced, but many parts of their original range are no longer suitable. The species is declining in desert areas.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/10/08/23/99116_98_68.jpg"}, "311910": {"scientific_name": "Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311910", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/21/12/26797_orig.jpg", "common_name": "puma", "sid": 311910, "text": "Historically, mountain lions had the most extensive distribution of all American terrestrial mammals. They ranged from coast to coast in North America, and from southern Argentina and Chile to southeastern Alaska. Extermination efforts, hunting pressure, and habitat destruction have restricted their range to relatively mountainous, unpopulated areas throughout much of their range.  Populations in eastern North America were entirely exterminated, except for a small population of Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi).  In recent years populations have begun to expand into areas of human habitation, especially in the western United States.  Mountain lions are now fairly common in suburban areas of California and have recently been sighted as far east as urban Kansas City, Missouri, where several have been hit by cars.  Mountain lion sightings in eastern North America, outside of southern Florida, are still more likely to be escaped or abandoned \"pet\" mountain lions or other large cats.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/21/12/26797_98_68.jpg"}, "1178552": {"scientific_name": "Rynchops niger Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178552", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/18/16/88843_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Black Skimmer", "sid": 1178552, "text": "A medium-sized (16-20 inches) gull-like bird, the Black Skimmer in summer is most easily identified by its black upperparts, white underparts, and bizarre black and orange bill. In winter, the Black Skimmer becomes slightly grayer on the head and body. Male and female Black Skimmers are similar to one another in all seasons. The Black Skimmer breeds along the Atlantic coast of the United States south of Massachusetts, on the Gulf coast from Florida to northeastern Mexico, and along the coast of southern California south to central Mexico. In winter, this species withdraws from the U.S.Atlantic coast north of North Carolina, and may be found from there south on both coasts to Central America. Other subspecies occur along coasts and on large rivers in South America. Black Skimmers in North America breed on sandy beaches and barrier islands in colonies near those of other seabird species, utilizing similar habitat types during the winter. In South America, inland populations also exist which inhabit sandy river banks. Black Skimmers eat a variety of small fish and crustaceans. In appropriate habitat, Black Skimmers may be observed flying low over calm water. They feed by lowering the bottom half of their bill (which is much longer than the top half) into the water as they fly, quickly closing their bill when the submerged half of the bill touches a small fish. Black Skimmers are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/18/16/88843_98_68.jpg"}, "1045997": {"scientific_name": "Athene cunicularia (Molina, 1782)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1045997", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/14/49023_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Burrowing Owl", "sid": 1045997, "text": "Probably the most distinctive feature of the burrowing owl is the fact that, unlike most owls, this species routinely nests and lives underground (2) (5). Although fully capable of excavating its own burrow, the burrowing owl most commonly occupies the abandoned burrows of mammals (2). In the northern part of its range it commonly uses the burrows of prairie dogs, while in South America, as noted by the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, it inhabits burrows made by large, rabbit-like rodents called viscachas (6). Interestingly, burrowing owls purposefully deposit piles of mammal dung around the entrance of their burrows. This unusual behaviour has been shown to be a method of baiting, as the dung attracts numerous dung beetles, which the owl then feeds upon (7). Aside from invertebrates, the burrowing owl will also take small mammals, birds and reptiles, either pursing its prey on foot or diving down upon it from the air or a perch (2). Outside the breeding season, this species rests in its burrow during the day and mainly hunts at dusk, during the night, and at dawn. During breeding, however, burrowing owls may forage at any point during the day or night (2) (4).\u00a0During the spring breeding season, burrowing owls form monogamous pairs, which maintain a small territory comprising the nesting burrow and the immediate surroundings. The female lays a clutch of up to 11 eggs, which are incubated for around one month, while the male brings food. In the initial period after hatching, the female remains with the young and is supported by the male, but as the young become more developed the female leaves the burrow and assists the male in foraging for food. After around 44 days the young leave the burrow and join the parent birds on hunting flights (2).\u00a0While many burrowing owl breeding pairs remain resident around a burrow throughout the year, individuals from Canada and the northern USA are migratory. At the end of the breeding season, pairs in these regions split up and fly south to overwinter, before returning in the following spring and establishing a new breeding pair with a different partner (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/14/49023_98_68.jpg"}, "214363": {"scientific_name": "Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/214363", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/16/58592_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Goldfish", "sid": 214363, "text": "Carassius auratus is a fairly small-sized member of the freshwater family Cyprinidae (carps and minnows), typically reaching about 22 cm long.  There are several subspecies of C. auratus, all indigenous to Asia, including C. auratus argenteaphthalmus (Vietnam), C. auratus buergeri, C. auratus grandoculis, and C. auratus langsdorfii (Japan); however the best known subspecies is Carassius auratus auratus, the common domesticated goldfish.  Carassius auratus is often confused with C. gibelio, the Prussian carp or Gibel carp, the wild species from which C. auratus was bred about 1000 years ago in China for aquaria, ornamental ponds and as a food fish.  Like C. gibelio, wild C. auratus are a greenish color, omnivorous, live in slow-moving waters, and are hardy, even in non-native or slightly polluted/turbid environments.  They have been introduced throughout the world, both intentionally and unintentionally, and in some places negatively impact their environment by competing with and preying on native species, causing increased incidence of algal blooms, and increasing water turbidity. \r\n\r\n(Komiyama et al. 2009; Rowe 2010Wikipedia February 3, 2012; Wikipedia January 31 2012)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/16/58592_98_68.jpg"}, "311502": {"scientific_name": "Equus quagga Boddaert, 1785", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311502", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/13/10/92585_orig.jpg", "common_name": "plains zebra", "sid": 311502, "text": "The historical taxonomic treatment of the Plains Zebra is somewhat confusing. The Plains Zebra complex was long known as Equus burchelli, with the extinct form, the Quagga, recognized as a distinct species, E. quagga. Some evidence suggests that the ranges of the Quagga and the Plains Zebra form known as \"Burchell's Zebra\" (now E. quagga burchelli) overlapped in southern Africa without interbreeding. However, recent genetic analyses of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA indicates that the genetic variation among extinct and extant Plains Zebras is no greater than that seen among modern breeds of the Domestic Horse (E. caballus). Thus, the Plains Zebra and the extinct Quagga are now treated as belonging to a single species, E. quagga.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/13/10/92585_98_68.jpg"}, "1177364": {"scientific_name": "Corvus corax Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177364", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/26/03/21703_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Raven", "sid": 1177364, "text": "Ravens are well-known for their intelligence, they are also very playful birds, performing mid-air acrobatics, playing 'games' with each other's beaks and passing stones to each other (5). They eat a wide variety of food, including carrion, small vertebrates, insects and refuse, yet carrion is the most important component of the diet (6).\u00a0Pairs stay together for life, and defend a territory from which they exclude all other ravens (5). Breeding begins in February or March. Following a mating display involving posturing, mutual preening and beak caressing, the pair make a solid nest (or renovate the previous year's nest) of sticks lined with moss and mud (5). Clutches contain 4-6 blue-green eggs, one of which is laid each day until the clutch is complete (5). The female incubates the eggs for up to 20 days, during which time she is fed by the male (5). Both parents feed the chicks, which stay in the nest for up to six and a half weeks (5). Ravens do not tend to travel widely; during winter adults remain in their breeding territory, and young birds do not tend to disperse further away than 20 miles (5).\u00a0A rich wealth of folklore and mythology centres on the raven; King Arthur is said to return in the form of a raven, Noah sent out a raven from the Ark to fly 'forth and fro until the waters were dried up from off the earth', and the Norse god Odin had two ravens who flew the world to return to his shoulders and whisper what was happening into his ears (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/26/03/21703_98_68.jpg"}, "455238": {"scientific_name": "Lobatus gigas (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/455238", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/10/11/85920_orig.jpg", "common_name": "queen conch", "sid": 455238, "text": "The queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a large, marine, gastropod mollusk.   The majority of mollusks, including queen conch, are of the class Gastropoda, whose name translates from Latin as \"stomach foot.\" Other types of mollusks include oysters, clams, octopus, and squid.  Mollusks (from the Latin word molluscus, meaning \"soft\") are a phylum of invertebrates with over 100,000 known species.\r\n\r\nQueen conchs are soft-bodied animals with an external, spiral-shaped shell with a glossy pink or orange interior.  The queen conch lives in sand, seagrass bed, and coral reef habitats. It is found in warm, shallow water and is generally not found deeper than 70 feet (21 m) throughout the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, ranging as far north as Bermuda and as far south as Brazil.\r\n\r\nQueen conchs achieve full size at about 3-5 years of age, growing to a maximum of about 12 inches (30.4 cm) long and weighing about 5 pounds (2.3 kg).  The queen conch is a long-lived species, generally reaching 20-30 years old; however, the lifespan has been estimated as up to 40 years.\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/10/11/85920_98_68.jpg"}, "1049057": {"scientific_name": "Buteo jamaicensis (Gmelin, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049057", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/07/12/50027_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red-tailed Hawk", "sid": 1049057, "text": "Adult red-tailed hawks make what is called a horse scream, \"kee-eeee-arrr.\" It is often described as sounding like a steam whistle. The length and pitch of this call varies with the age, gender, and geographic region of the individual red-tailed hawk.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/07/12/50027_98_68.jpg"}, "328673": {"scientific_name": "Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328673", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/11/05/59143_orig.jpg", "common_name": "leopard", "sid": 328673, "text": "The Leopard (Panthera pardus) has an extremely broad distribution across Africa and South and Southeast Asia. Leopards are found throughout Africa where there is sufficient cover and from the Arabian Peninsula through Asia to Manchuria and Korea. In the African rainforests and Sri Lanka, the Leopard is the only large predator. The black spot seen in the center of each rosette on a Jaguar's coat is typically lacking in Leopards. Melanistic Leopards (\"black panthers\"; melanistic Jaguars may also be referred to by this name) sometimes occur in several parts of Africa, but are more common in Thailand, Malaysia, and Java (Indonesia). \r\n\r\nLeopards are found in an extraordinary range of habitats. In sub-Saharan Africa, they may be found in any habitats with annual rainfall greater than 50 mm, as well as along rivers penetrating true deserts. Leopards in the Kalahari Desert can reportedly go 10 days without drinking. In deserts with temperatures reaching 70 C, Leopards can survive by seeking shelter during the day in caves, animal burrows, and dense vegetation. In Central and West Africa, Leopards occur in rainforests receiving more than 1500 mm annual rainfall. Leopards are common throughout the Indian subcontinent in savannahs, acacia grasslands, deciduous and evergreen forests, and scrub woodlands. They may occur to 5200 m elevation in the mountains of Pakistan and Kashmir. In Southeast Asia, they occur in dense primary rainforest, among other habitats. In the Russian Far East, they may be found in forested mountainous regions where the snow is less than 15 cm deep. Leopards are capable of persisting in close proximity to humans. \r\n\r\nThe diet of the Leopard is highly varied, including both large and small prey. It often consists mainly of small and medium-sized mammals (5 to 45 kg), but may range from large beetles to ungulates (hoofed mammals) several times their size. Most hunting occurs at night. Sunquist and Sunquist (2009) review the diet of Leopards as reported from different portions of their range.\r\n\r\nLike other felids (i.e., members of the cat family), Leopards commonly kill their prey with a bite to the throat, although smaller prey may be dispatched with a bite to the nape or back of the head. Large prey items may be dragged up into a tree and cached there, especially in Africa, where carcasses may otherwise be taken over by hyenas or lions. In Sri Lanka, where the Leopard is the only large carnivore, Leopards are reportedly often seen in open areas during the day. \r\n\r\nIn the wild, mating associations last just a day or two. The gestation period is around 96 days and young are born at 400 to 600 g. Litter size is typically one to three young (usually two, maximum six). Young travel with their mother starting at three to six months (when they weigh around three or four kg) and begin to eat meat. Permanent canines are emerged at around seven to eight months and the young are typically independent by 12 to 18 months (athough sometimes significantly later). Sexual maturity is reached at two to three years of age. \r\n\r\nIn some parts of their range, Leopards are endangered, whereas in other places they are considered pests. \r\n\r\n(Estes 1991; Sunquist and Sunquist 2009)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/11/05/59143_98_68.jpg"}, "1055103": {"scientific_name": "Urosaurus ornatus BAIRD & GIRARD 1852", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1055103", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/29/16/77338_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Ornate Tree Lizard", "sid": 1055103, "text": "Tree lizards are small lizards, ranging from 3.8 to 5.9 cm. They have a slim body and tail patterned with blotches and/or irregular crossbars with a variety of colorations ranging from black, dark brown, tan, and gray to match the local habitat. Down the middle of the back there are two bands of larger scales running the length of the body. The base of their tails is usually a rusty color. Adult males have brightly colored patches on the ventral surface. The sides of the belly are blue to blue-green and have a metallic sheen. An additional colored patch found on the throats of males, known as a dewlap, can be green, blue-green, orange, or yellow, whereas females have a white underbelly and throat color in white, orange, or yellow. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/29/16/77338_98_68.jpg"}, "328582": {"scientific_name": "Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328582", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/84246_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American black bear", "sid": 328582, "text": "Most Black Bears hibernate for up to seven months, and do not eat, drink, urinate, or exercise the entire time. In the South, where plant food is available all year, not all bears hibernate\u2014but pregnant females do. The female gives birth to 1-6 cubs (usually 2 or 3) in January, while she is deep asleep in her den. The newborn cubs snuggle next to her for warmth and nurse while she fasts. They grow from a birth weight of 200-450 g each (about 7-16 pounds) to the 2-5 kg they will weigh when the family leaves the den in the spring. Black Bears eat a little meat, and some insects, but they rely on fruit, nuts, and vegetation for the bulk of their nutritional needs. They are not all black. Most are, with brown muzzles, but in some western forests they are brown, cinnamon, or blond, and a few, in southern Alaska and British Columbia, are creamy white or bluish-gray.Adaptation: In the Black Bear, Ursus americanus, the evolution of typically carnivorous, sharp shearing molars into the flat crushing teeth, typical of bears, is evident.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/84246_98_68.jpg"}, "323859": {"scientific_name": "Tachyglossus aculeatus (Shaw, 1792)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323859", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/15/88082_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Short-beaked Echidna", "sid": 323859, "text": "Individuals of this solitary-living species only come together to mate, during which a 'train' of several males may follow a single female hoping to mate with her (2) (4). The short-beaked echidna is one of a small group of egg-laying mammals known as monotremes (2). About three weeks after mating, a single leathery-skinned egg is laid into a pouch on the female's abdomen, which is then incubated for a further ten days before it hatches (5) (6). After hatching, the young remain in their mother's pouch until they are around 45 to 55 days old, after which time they are left in a burrow while the mother is foraging (5) (6). Juveniles continue to suckle until they are weaned at about six months old, at which time they are fully independent (5) (6). Echidnas both in the wild and in captivity have been known to live up to 50 years (6).\u00a0During the warmer months, echidnas tend to be nocturnal and to avoid the heat.  At higher elevations, in more temperate areas, and during winter they are more diurnal, foraging around dusk or during the day (1) (4).  The short-beaked echidna's diet consists of a large variety of invertebrates, including ants, beetles, spiders, worms, insect eggs and termites, which are lapped up with the long, mobile tongue (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/15/88082_98_68.jpg"}, "347428": {"scientific_name": "Sciurus niger Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/347428", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/01/01/08/67063_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eastern Fox Squirrel", "sid": 347428, "text": "\"Eastern Fox Squirrels have long, foxtail-like tails, which they flick when they are excited. They and Eastern Gray Squirrels are alike in many ways. They breed at the same time of year, nest in the same kind of places, and eat the same foods. However, Fox Squirrels prefer more open habitat, whereas Grays prefer good tree cover. Fox Squirrels spend more time foraging and running about on the ground than do the grays, and may be encountered in fields quite far from any trees, where gray squirrel would not stray. Both species feed on acorns, which are rich in tannins. Tannins are poisonous to many animals, including worms, and keep the squirrels free of roundworms and tapeworms. Fox Squirrels accumulate another chemical compound, porphyrin, in their bones and teeth, which makes their bones and teeth pink and bright red under ultraviolet light. Here's a mystery: Gray Squirrels eat the same foods and this does not happen to them\u2014nor to any other healthy mammal.\"Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/01/01/08/67063_98_68.jpg"}, "1047348": {"scientific_name": "Diomedea exulans Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1047348", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/12/10/17560_orig.jpg", "common_name": "wandering albatross", "sid": 1047348, "text": "Wandering albatross pairs mate for life (5), these long-lived birds do not reach sexual maturity until 9 \u2013 11 years of age (4). Nests are constructed from a mound of grasses and moss and a single egg is laid (2). Both parents take it in turns to incubate the egg (that hatches after two months) and then to feed the growing chick, which remains on the nest for around nine months (5).\u00a0Albatrosses use their enormous wingspan to glide effortlessly on updrafts of wind, they spend the majority of their life in flight and can travel enormous distances (2); one bird was recorded to have travelled 6000 km in 12 days (5). Albatrosses feed at the surface of the water, often roosting on the surface at night (5); they take fish and cephalopods (squid), and will often follow ships feeding on the fish waste they discharge (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/12/10/17560_98_68.jpg"}, "1049962": {"scientific_name": "Ceryle rudis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049962", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/10/36986_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Lesser Pied Kingfisher", "sid": 1049962, "text": "Pied kingfishers (Ceryle rudis) occur in sub-saharan African, the Middle East, the Asia mainland, and southern China. They are common in sub-saharan Africa, along the Nile, and east Egypt.  In Pakistan, they are widely distributed across Punjab and the Sind plains.  They are rare in Cyprus, Greece, and Poland. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/10/36986_98_68.jpg"}, "328639": {"scientific_name": "Mirounga leonina (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328639", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/12/06/04/87752_orig.jpg", "common_name": "southern elephant seal", "sid": 328639, "text": "Instantly recognisable by the large, inflatable proboscis, the male southern elephant seal is the biggest seal in its family. Males can weigh eight to ten times as much as females, making them the most sexually dimorphic of all mammals (2).  Females do not have a proboscis, but rather a short nose and a muzzle (4). Both sexes have robust bodies, thick necks and broad heads, and each digit of the fore flippers bears a large, black nail (4).  The coat is light to dark silvery-grey or brown in adults and juveniles, whilst newborns have black coats, which turns into a short silvery-grey coat at around three weeks of age (5).  Males develop a chest shield of thickened, creased and heavily scarred skin as they age, and also become paler across the face, proboscis and head (4).  During the breeding season, southern elephant seals become stained rusty orange and brown from lying in their own excrement.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/12/06/04/87752_98_68.jpg"}, "1049011": {"scientific_name": "Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049011", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/23/09/21284_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Black Vulture", "sid": 1049011, "text": "Sharing much of its range with the larger Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), the Black Vulture (23-27 inches) is most easily separated from the former by its featherless black head, short tail, and distinctive white \u201cwrist\u201d patches visible on the wings from below. Other field marks include a black body, black legs, and long wings. Male and female Black Vultures are similar to one another in all seasons. The Black Vulture inhabits much of the southeastern United States north to Pennsylvania and west to central Texas, with an isolated population in southern Arizona. This species also occurs from Mexico south to southern South America. Although Black Vultures are generally non-migratory, some birds move south from northern portions of this species\u2019 range during harsh winters. Black Vultures typically breed and roost in dense woodland while feeding in more open habitats, such as grasslands, meadows, and fields. In some areas, Black Vultures also utilize man-made structures, such as abandoned buildings and utility poles. This species feeds almost exclusively on carrion, rarely killing prey itself. Due to this species\u2019 need to scavenge for food, Black Vultures are most easily observed soaring high above the ground in search of carrion. Scientists have discovered that this species lacks the sophisticated sense of smell possessed by the Turkey Vulture, and that Black Vultures often wait for Turkey Vultures to find food before driving them off and taking the carcass for themselves. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/23/09/21284_98_68.jpg"}, "917605": {"scientific_name": "Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917605", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/28/05/06798_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Tree Swallow", "sid": 917605, "text": "A medium-sized (5-6 inches) swallow, the Tree Swallow is most easily identified by its iridescent blue-green back and head, white breast, and notched tail. Adult Tree Swallows may be distinguished from adult Violet-green Swallows (Tachycineta thalassina) by that species\u2019 greener back and white face; immature Tree Swallows, which are brown above and pale below, may be confused with other dark-backed New World swallows, such as the Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) and Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia). Male and female Tree Swallows are similar to one another in all seasons. The Tree Swallow breeds across much of North America, occurring from Alaska and northern Canada south to the south-central United States. Gaps in this species\u2019 breeding range occur where habitat is incompatible with breeding in portions of the interior west and on the Great Plains. During the winter, this species may be found from the southeastern U.S.and California south to Central America. Tree Swallows breed in a variety of open areas near water, particularly in areas where tree cavities (or, more recently, artificial nest boxes) are available for nesting. This species utilizes similar kinds of habitat in winter as it does during the summer, although nest site availability is not a concern at that time of the year. Although Tree Swallows mainly eat small flying insects, this species is unusual for a swallow in that it also eats berries, particularly those of wax myrtles (genus Myrica), during winter when insects are unavailable. In appropriate habitat, Tree Swallows may be observed flying over water or open country while catching insects in flight. During the breeding season, a stakeout at a tree cavity or nest box may reward the patient birdwatcher with views of adult Tree Swallows bringing food to young birds. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/28/05/06798_98_68.jpg"}, "129549": {"scientific_name": "Stenella longirostris (Gray, 1828)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/129549", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/12/04/05/01827_orig.jpg", "common_name": "spinner dolphin", "sid": 129549, "text": "Schools of spinner dolphins leap out of the water, twirl, and reenter with a large, noisy splashes that can be heard for long distances underwater. Usually they make several such spinning leaps in a row. The reason is a mystery. It may be to remove parasites from the skin, or to communicate with other animals in the school - or is it just for fun? Spinners are found in tropical waters worldwide. In Hawaii, they rest in shallow bays during the day, and swim out at dusk to forage in deeper waters. Groups of spinners disperse over a wide area when they are feeding, and different individuals may return to a bay in the morning. This suggests that the spinners around an island are a super-school, within which a number of sub-groups - perhaps family groups - move freely. Spinners are among the dolphins caught and killed in tuna fisheries.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/12/04/05/01827_98_68.jpg"}, "795409": {"scientific_name": "Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/795409", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/30/13/92298_orig.jpg", "common_name": "common snapping turtle", "sid": 795409, "text": "The snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentine) is primarily aquatic, inhabiting freshwater and brackish environments, although they will travel overland (DeGraaf and Rudis, 1983; Ernst and Barbour, 1972; Smith, 1961). There are two subspecies recognized in North America that are primarily distinguished by range: C. s. serpentina(the common snapping turtle, which is the largest subspecies, primarily occupies the United States east of the Rockies, except for the southern portions of Texas and Florida), and C. s. osceola (the Florida snapping turtle, found in the Florida peninsula) (Conant and Collins, 1991). In this profile, studies refer to the serpentine subspecies unless otherwise noted.\r\n\r\nAdult snapping turtles are large, 20 to 37 cm in carapace length, and males attain larger sizes than females (Congdon et al., 1986; Ernst and Barbour, 1972; Galbraith et al., 1988). In a large oligotrophic lake in Ontario Canada, adult males averaged over 10 kg, whereas the females averaged 5.2 kg (Galbraith et al., 1988). In other populations, the difference in size between males and females often is less (Congdon et al., 1986; Galbraith et al., 1988; Hammer, 1969). They reach sexual maturity at approximately 200 mm in carapace length (Mosimann and Bider, 1960). The cool, short activity season in more northern areas results in slower growth rates and longer times to reach sexual maturity (Bury, 1979).\r\n\r\nThey are most often found in turbid waters with a slow current (Graves and Anderson, 1987). They spend most of their time lying on the bottom of deep pools or buried in the mud in shallow water with only their eyes and nostrils exposed. Froese (1978) observed that young snapping turtles show a preference for areas with some obstructions that may provide cover or food.\r\n\r\nSnapping turtles are omnivorous. In early spring, when limited aquatic vegetation exists in lakes and ponds, they may eat primarily animal matter; however, when aquatic vegetation becomes abundant, they become more herbivorous (Pell, 1941, cited in Graves and Anderson, 1987). Young snapping turtles are primarily carnivorous and prefer smaller streams where aquatic vegetation is less abundant (Lagler, 1943; Pell, 1941, cited in Graves and Anderson, 1987). Snapping turtles consume a wide variety of animal material including insects, crustaceans, clams, snails, earthworms, leeches, tubificid worms, freshwater sponges, fish (adults, fry, and eggs), frogs and toads, salamanders, snakes, small turtles, birds, small mammals, and carrion and plant material including various algae (Alexander, 1943; Graves and Anderson, 1987; Hammer, 1969; \ufffcPunzo, 1975). \r\n\r\nSnappers are most active at night. During the day, they occasionally leave the water to bask on shore, but basking is probably restricted by intolerance to high temperatures and by rapid loss of moisture (Ernst and Barbour, 1972).\r\n\r\nSnapping turtles usually enter hibernation by late October and emerge sometime between March and May, depending on latitude and temperature. To hibernate, they burrow into the debris or mud bottom of ponds or lakes, settle beneath logs, or retreat into muskrat burrows or lodges. Snapping turtles have been seen moving on or below the ice in midwinter. Large congregations sometimes hibernate together (Budhabatti and Moll, 1988; Ernst and Barbour, 1972).\r\n\r\nMost turtles stay primarily within the same marsh or in one general area from year to year ((Hammer, 1969; Obbard and Brooks, 1981). The summer home range includes a turtle's aquatic foraging areas, but females may need to travel some distance outside of the foraging home range to find a suitable nest site (DeGraaf and Rudis, 1983).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/30/13/92298_98_68.jpg"}, "205934": {"scientific_name": "Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/205934", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/21/17/48356_orig.jpg", "common_name": "yellowfin tuna", "sid": 205934, "text": "The yellowfin tuna is a schooling fish, and has a strong tendency to aggregate with fish of the same size, rather that just school with other yellowfin tunas (2).  They can often be seen swimming near the surface with other tunas, such as skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus).  Large yellowfin tunas have also been seen with porpoises or dolphins, particularly the spotted, spinner and common dolphins (2) (4).  Schools of yellowfin tuna under floating debris are also often observed (4).\u00a0This powerful swimmer is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a wide variety of fish, squid, cuttlefish, octopus, shrimp, lobster and oceanic crabs (2).  Some of the fish consumed include pilchard, anchovy, mackerel, and even other tunas (2).  They apparently locate their food simply by sight, as they search for food primarily in the surface waters during daylight (2).\u00a0Spawning in yellowfin tuna populations can occur at any time of the year, but is most frequent during the summer months in each hemisphere (4).  Each female releases several million eggs each year into the ocean (2), which are fertilized by the sperm released by the males. Yellowfin tuna juveniles grow quickly, reaching a weight of 3.4 kilograms in 18 months (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/21/17/48356_98_68.jpg"}, "311548": {"scientific_name": "Cynomys ludovicianus (Ord, 1815)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311548", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/46395_orig.jpg", "common_name": "black-tailed prairie dog", "sid": 311548, "text": "\"Black-tailed prairie dogs exhibit the most complex social behavior of all prairie dogs. Social groups called \"\"coteries\"\" live together in very large colonies called \"\"towns.\"\" The largest town ever recorded stretched for 65,000 square km (25,000 square miles) under Texas prairie. An estimated 400 million prairie dogs lived there. Topographical or vegetational features serve to subdivide the towns into clusters of coteries. The members of each coterie cooperate to defend their territory against others. Black-tailed prairie dogs are active all year, although they may spend extended periods of time underground in winter. They breed in February or March and usually have 3 or 4 young, who are first seen aboveground in May or June.\"Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/46395_98_68.jpg"}, "914054": {"scientific_name": "Eudocimus albus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/914054", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/27/15/13117_orig.jpg", "common_name": "White Ibis", "sid": 914054, "text": "This taxon occurs in the Moist Pacific Coast mangroves, an ecoregion along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica with a considerable number of embayments that provide shelter from wind and waves, thus favouring mangrove establishment. Tidal fluctuations also directly influence the mangrove ecosystem health in this zone. The Moist Pacific Coast mangroves ecoregion has a mean tidal amplitude of three and one half metres,", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/27/15/13117_98_68.jpg"}, "1048460": {"scientific_name": "Chen caerulescens (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048460", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/66162_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Snow Goose", "sid": 1048460, "text": "Named for its snow-white body, the white-morph Snow Goose may also be identified by its size (25-38 inches), pink bill, and black wing-tips. The only other all-white goose in North America, Ross\u2019s Goose, is much smaller and shorter-billed. This species comes in another color morph, also know the \u201cBlue Goose,\u201d which has the same white head and tail as the white-morph Snow Goose but has a dark gray body and gray wings. Males and females are similar to one another in all seasons. The Snow Goose breeds locally on islands in arctic Canada, as well as in Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia. This species migrates south for the winter, when it may be found in the Mid-Atlantic region, along the Mississippi River, and more locally west to California and British Columbia. Other populations winter in Mexico along the Gulf of California, along the Gulf of Mexico south to Veracruz, and in the central Mexican highlands. Snow Geese breed in and around tundra lakes, ponds, and rivers. In winter, large numbers of Snow Geese congregate on freshwater or saltwater wetlands, including marshes, estuaries, and bays. Migrating Snow Geese may be found elsewhere in North America on wetlands similar to those used during the winter. This species primarily eats plant matter, including seeds, tubers, and roots, which it eats by grazing on exposed plant parts and excavating less-exposed material. Due to the relative inaccessibility of their breeding grounds, most birdwatchers never observe Snow Geese during the summer months. They are much more accessible in winter and during migration, when they may be found in large flocks on wetlands or in the air. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/66162_98_68.jpg"}, "922242": {"scientific_name": "Passer montanus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/922242", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/17/14/46120_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eurasian Tree Sparrow", "sid": 922242, "text": "The Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) is native to most of Europe and Asia. Although it was introduced to St. Louis, Missouri (U.S.A.), and Melbourne, Australia, in the 19th century, it has still not expanded beyond western Illinois and adjacent Missouri and Iowa in North America and southeastern Victoria and New South Wales in Australia, providing an example of a well established exotic species that is clearly not invasive (at least in its current ecological context). It is possible that the expansion of this species in both North America and Australia has been limited by the success of the House Sparrow (P. domesticus), both of these species having been introduced in both places around the same time (mid-late 19th century).\r\n\r\nEurasian Tree Sparrows feed mainly on grass and weed seeds, although some animal material is taken as well,  especially during the breeding season, when nestlings are fed mainly insects and spiders. Eurasian Tree Sparrows typically breed in loose colonies. The domed nest is built by both sexes, usually in a natural or artificial cavity. Typical clutch size is 4 to 7 eggs. Incubation (for around two weeks) is by both parents.  Nestlings are fed by both parents and remain in the nest around two weeks after hatching, although they may be fed by their parents for an additional week. \r\n\r\nIn various parts of the range, Eurasian Tree Sparrows may show minimal to substantial migratory movements. This species is very widespread and locally abundant. The estimated European population in the 1990s was around 15,000,000 breeding pairs. Although this species has continued to expand its global range, populations have experienced significant declines in some parts of the range, such as in Great Britain (although this species appears to have benefited somewhat from the decline of House Sparrows there, moving into farm buildings abandoned by them). \r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; Summers-Smith 2009 and references therein)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/17/14/46120_98_68.jpg"}, "1049715": {"scientific_name": "Sterna bergii Lichtenstein 1823", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049715", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/07/10/10113_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Great Crested Tern", "sid": 1049715, "text": "This species can be found found on islands and coastlines of the tropical and subtropical Old World, ranging from the Atlantic Coast of South Africa, south around the Cape and continuing along the coast of Africa and Asia almost without break to south-east Asia and Australia. It can also be found on Madagascar, islands of the western Indian ocean and islands of the western and central Pacific Ocean. Outside the breeding season it can be found at sea throughout this range, with the exception of the central Indian Ocean (del Hoyo et al. 1996).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/07/10/10113_98_68.jpg"}, "915105": {"scientific_name": "Geococcyx californianus (Lesson, 1829)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/915105", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/22/86102_orig.jpg", "common_name": "greater roadrunner", "sid": 915105, "text": "The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), one of two roadrunner species, is found in Mexico and the southwestern and southcentral United States. It is a large, ground-dwelling member of the cuckoo family. The Greater Roadrunner walks and runs on the ground, flying only when necessary. It can run 15 mph (24 kph) and probably sprints briefly at much higher speeds in pursuit of prey. Greater Roadrunners are common in scrub desert and mesquite groves, less common in chaparral and open woodland.\r\n\r\nThe diet of the Greater Roadrunner consists of insects and other arthropods, lizards, snakes, rodents, small birds, and sometimes snails. Some fruits (especially cactus fruit) and seeds are also eaten. In addition to making rapid dashes to grab a prey item with its bill, the Greater Roadrunner may leap straight up from the ground to catch insects or small birds flying over (roadrunners have been observed capturing hummingbirds this way). \r\n\r\nGreater Roadrunners may mate for life, with a pair defending its territory all year. Courtship includes chases on foot, with frequent pauses to rest. One member of the pair approaches the other with a stick or blade of grass and drops it on the ground or gives to the other bird. In other displays, the male runs away from the female with his tail and wings raised over his back and gradually lowers his wings; the male wags his tail from side to side while slowly bowing. \r\n\r\nThe nest is constructed in a dense bush, low tree, or cactus, usually around 1 to 4 m above the ground (rarely on the ground itself). The nest is a platform of sticks lined with grass, leaves, and feathers and sometimes with pieces of snakeskin or cow manure. The 3 to 5 eggs (sometimes 2 or 6) are white to pale yellowish and are incubated by both parents (but especially the male) for around 20 days. Both parents feed the young, which leave the nest after around 18 to 21 days after hatching. Although young birds may begin capturing their own food shortly after leaving the nest, they are still fed by the parents for another 30 to 40 days. \r\n\r\nGreater Roadrunners are permanent (i.e., year-round) residents across their range, but some individuals may wander considerable distances. Although the range of the Greater Roadrunner periodically expands to the north and east, it is pushed back by severe winters. This species may be in long-term decline in California.\r\n\r\nThe Greater Roadrunner, with its long tail, expressive crest, and speedy gait,  provided inspiration for a popular cartoon character who not only entertains, but also provides opportunities for meaningful discussions of the laws of physics  and literary analysis.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/22/86102_98_68.jpg"}, "1049773": {"scientific_name": "Alle alle (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049773", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/22/23338_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Dovekie", "sid": 1049773, "text": "Little auks float on the waves as chubby fishnet bobbers. They often spend days in the same place, such as a harbor. Yet it's not usually that easy to spot little auks. They often live far out at sea. The best chance of seeing one is after a major western November storm. The starling-sized birds are then blown towards the coast. After such a storm, they are even found on the mainland, in the strangest places: in a woods or in the middle of a city. On 23 October 2005, all records were broken when 3287 little auks were counted on Schiermonnikoog in just 9 hours.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/22/23338_98_68.jpg"}, "526590": {"scientific_name": "Typha latifolia L.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/526590", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/19/18335_orig.jpg", "common_name": "bulrush", "sid": 526590, "text": "The bulrush is a perennial species (3), which flowers in June and July (6); the seed heads begin to break up in autumn, and the downy seeds are dispersed by the wind (5). The bulrush colonises new sites in this way, after which it spreads by vegetative reproduction (3). The flowering spikes may persist until November (1).\u00a0There have been very few uses of the bulrush in Britain, however in Nevada (USA) the Paiute Indians based their whole economy on this species; the yellow pollen was used as flour, and the stems and leaves were used to make boats (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/19/18335_98_68.jpg"}, "1056566": {"scientific_name": "Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1056566", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/04/66271_orig.jpg", "common_name": "loggerhead sea turtle", "sid": 1056566, "text": "\"Loggerhead turtle\" redirects here. Loggerhead turtle may also refer to Loggerhead musk turtle.The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), or loggerhead, is an oceanic turtle distributed throughout the world. It is a marine reptile, belonging to the family Cheloniidae. The average loggerhead measures around 90\u00a0cm (35\u00a0in) long when fully grown, although larger specimens of up to 280\u00a0cm (110\u00a0in) have been discovered. The adult loggerhead sea turtle weighs approximately 135\u00a0kg (298\u00a0lb), with the largest specimens weighing in at more than 450\u00a0kg (1,000\u00a0lb). The skin ranges from yellow to brown in color, and the shell is typically reddish-brown. No external differences in gender are seen until the turtle becomes an adult, the most obvious difference being the adult males have thicker tails and shorter plastrons than the females.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/04/66271_98_68.jpg"}, "28519": {"scientific_name": "Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/28519", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/04/08/80606_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Whale shark", "sid": 28519, "text": "The whale shark is the largest fish in the world; with its vast size it resembles the whales from which its common name is derived. The head is flattened and the wide mouth, positioned at the tip of the snout, stretches almost as wide as the body. The dorsal fin is particularly large and the tail has a half-moon shape. The patterning of the body is very distinctive with its dark greyish-blue colour on the back and sides, and array of pale yellow blotches; the undersurface is pale (5). Stout ridges travel the length of the body, ending at the tail shaft (6). Five massive gill slits occur on the side of the head and within these there is a sieve like structure of cartilage (5). Curiously, the mouth contains around 300 tiny teeth although the function of these is unknown (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/04/08/80606_98_68.jpg"}, "1049435": {"scientific_name": "Phoenicopterus chilensis Molina 1782", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049435", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/26/12/30109_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Chilean Flamingo", "sid": 1049435, "text": "Phoenicopterus chilensis, commonly known as the Chilean flamingo, is found in temperate South America from central Peru through the Andes and Uruguay to Tierra del Fuego. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/26/12/30109_98_68.jpg"}, "1049264": {"scientific_name": "Pavo cristatus Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049264", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/15/16/13407_orig.jpg", "common_name": "common peafowl", "sid": 1049264, "text": "Indian blue peafowl are known best for their exquisite train and plumage. If the length of the tail and wing span is included, the peafowl is considered one of the largest flying birds. They weigh in between 2.7-6 kg and have a wingspan of 1.4-1.6 m.  They vary widely in length from 0.86-2.12 m.  This species has long, strong, grayish-brown legs equipped for running away into brush for safety. Both sexes are equipped with spurs that are around 2.5 cm long; males will use them during the breeding season to ward off other competing males. Females are brown, grey, and cream-colored. Chicks are usually a light yellow to brown color. The males have a long train, about 1.2 m in length on average, from June to December. The train is discarded in January, but is grown again at a rapid pace when breeding season approaches. Their necks and breasts are a bright blue, golden feathers line their sides and backs, and their trains are an iridescent arrangement of multiple colors featuring ocelli (eye-spots). When displayed, the male\u2019s train spreads out in a wide fan, showing off gold, brown, green, and black feathers. Around 30 to 40 of the ocelli around the outer edges of the fan are not round but v-shaped. This complicated pattern is thought to be an advantage in mating, and even though it might seem like this bright pattern would make peafowl stand out, they can very easily disappear into foliage, making it extremely hard to spot.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/15/16/13407_98_68.jpg"}, "318853": {"scientific_name": "Homarus americanus H. Milne Edwards, 1837", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/318853", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/05/15/05/21960_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American lobster", "sid": 318853, "text": "Homarus americanus is the largest species of lobster and can reach a length of up to 1.1 m and a weight of 20 kg. However, the size of a lobster which is commonly caught is approximately 25 cm in length and weighs about 0.5 kg.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/05/15/05/21960_98_68.jpg"}, "1048999": {"scientific_name": "Oxyura jamaicensis (Gmelin, 1789)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048999", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/02/06/36308_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Ruddy Duck", "sid": 1048999, "text": "A small (15-16 inches), oddly-shaped duck, the male Ruddy Duck in summer is most easily identified by its chestnut-brown body, black cap, white cheeks, and blue bill. In winter, the male loses much of its color, becoming gray-brown above and mottled gray below with a gray bill while retaining its solid white cheeks. Females are similar to winter males, but have gray-brown cheeks. This species is one of several \u201cstiff-tailed\u201d ducks, all of which have short, stiff tails which are often held erect. The Ruddy Duck breeds widely in the western United States, southwestern Canada, and western Mexico. Smaller numbers breed further east in the Great Lakes region and along the St. Lawrence River. In winter, this species vacates northern portions of its range, and may be found at lower elevations across the U.S.and most of Mexico. Other non-migratory populations occur in Central America and in the West Indies, and an introduced population breeds in Britain. Ruddy Ducks breed in a variety of freshwater wetlands, primarily those surrounded by grassland or prairie. In the winter, this species may be found in freshwater wetlands as well as in brackish bays and estuaries. Ruddy Ducks primarily eat small invertebrates, including insects and crustaceans. One of many species of ducks which dive while foraging for food, Ruddy Ducks may be observed submerging themselves to feed on invertebrates in the water or on the bottom. Although Ruddy Ducks are quite agile while in the water, this species is among the least terrestrial ducks in its range, being almost entirely incapable of walking on land. Ruddy Ducks are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/02/06/36308_98_68.jpg"}, "347433": {"scientific_name": "Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Erxleben, 1777)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/347433", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/17/16/99029_orig.jpg", "common_name": "red squirrel", "sid": 347433, "text": "Red Squirrels are very vocal. They bark at intruders, including humans, and can bark continuously for more than an hour if they are annoyed. They also chatter, especially to stake out a territory and protect their stored food supply (conifer cones, which they harvest in great numbers) from other squirrels. They are especially noisy during the breeding season, when they chase each other through tree branches making a distinctive call that sounds almost like the buzz of cicadas. They readily nest in attics and cabins, and are trapped for their fur.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/17/16/99029_98_68.jpg"}, "917158": {"scientific_name": "Melanerpes formicivorus (Swainson, 1827)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917158", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/22/49805_orig.jpg", "common_name": "acorn woodpecker", "sid": 917158, "text": "This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (September 2010)The acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is a medium-sized woodpecker, 21\u00a0cm (8.3\u00a0in) long, with an average weight of 85\u00a0g (3.0\u00a0oz).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/22/49805_98_68.jpg"}, "1034932": {"scientific_name": "Pinus albicaulis Engelm.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1034932", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/15/47390_orig.jpg", "common_name": "whitebark pine", "sid": 1034932, "text": "Whitebark pine occurs in subalpine and timberline zones from west-central British Columbia (55o N) east to west-central Alberta and south to central Idaho, southwestern Wyoming, and southern California (36o N). Its distribution splits into 2 broad sections, 1 following the Coast and Cascade ranges and the Sierra Nevada, and the other following the northern Rocky Mountains. Scattered populations occur between the 2 sections in Great Basin regions of eastern Washington and Oregon and northern Nevada [17,21,128]. The Flora of North America provides a distributional map of whitebark pine. The Whitebark and Limber Pine Information System provides distributional information at the stand level.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/15/47390_98_68.jpg"}, "1049439": {"scientific_name": "Tringa flavipes (Gmelin, 1789)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049439", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/13/05/05140_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Lesser Yellow-legs", "sid": 1049439, "text": "A medium-sized (10-11 inches) sandpiper, the Lesser Yellowlegs in summer is most easily identified by its mottled gray back and wings, pale breast, long straight bill, and characteristic bright yellow legs. In winter, this species becomes slightly duller-plumaged overall. This species may be separated from the related Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) by that species\u2019 much larger size and from the winter Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) by that species\u2019 plainer plumage and greenish legs. Male and female Lesser Yellowlegs are similar to one another in all seasons. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds in Alaska and the western Canadian arctic east to the Hudson Bay. This species is a long-distance migrant, wintering from coastal California and the coastal southeastern U.S.south to southern South America. Lesser Yellowlegs migrate through the Caribbean, along both coasts of North America, and in the interior of the continent. Lesser Yellowlegs primarily breed in freshwater marshes surrounded by northern evergreen forests. In winter and on migration, this species may be found in a number of wetland habitats, including freshwater or saltwater marshes, flooded grasslands, and estuaries. Lesser Yellowlegs mainly eat small invertebrates, including insects, aquatic worms, and mollusks. Due to its remote breeding habitat, most birdwatchers never see Lesser Yellowlegs during the summer. On migration or during the winter, this species may be seen probing the mud for food with its bill while wading in shallow water. Lesser Yellowlegs are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/13/05/05140_98_68.jpg"}, "1049639": {"scientific_name": "Sterna hirundo Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049639", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/13676_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Tern", "sid": 1049639, "text": "A medium-sized (13-16 inches) tern, the Common Tern in summer is most easily identified by its solid black cap, deeply-forked tail, black-tipped orange bill, and dark wing tips. In winter, this species becomes duller on the head and face, becoming dark-billed and pale headed while retaining conspicuous black eye-patches connected to a black hood. This species may be distinguished from the similarly-sized Forster\u2019s Tern (Sterna forsteri) by that species\u2019 pale wing tips and (in winter) white hood. Male and female Common Terns are similar to one another in all seasons. The Common Tern occurs across much of the world. In North America, this species breeds in a number of inland and coastal sites in the northeastern U.S.and southern Canada, wintering from the Gulf coast south to southern South America. In the Old World, this species breeds in the mid-latitudes throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa, wintering in coastal Africa, South Asia, and Australasia. Common Terns primarily breed on rocky or sandy islands and beaches. In winter, this species may be found on beaches or, while feeding, in near-shore waters. Common Terns mainly eat small fish, but may eat small invertebrates, including insects and crustaceans, as they become available. Common Terns may be most easily seen standing or walking along the shore or on the beach, where their dark wing tips and (in summer) black-tipped orange bill may be most apparent. With the aid of binoculars, it may also be possible to observe this species feeding by diving headfirst into the water. Common Terns are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/13676_98_68.jpg"}, "1053011": {"scientific_name": "Spizella passerina (Bechstein, 1798)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1053011", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/18/09/09302_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Chipping Sparrow", "sid": 1053011, "text": "The chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a species of American sparrow in the family Emberizidae. It is widespread, fairly tame, and common across most of its North American range.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/18/09/09302_98_68.jpg"}, "1052056": {"scientific_name": "Quiscalus quiscula (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052056", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/14/55182_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Grackle", "sid": 1052056, "text": "The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is an abundant and gregarious blackbird found in partly open situations with scattered trees, open coniferous and deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and suburbs. It breeds across approximately the eastern two thirds of Canada (from Alberta to southern Quebec) and the United States (from Montana, Colorado and easten New Mexico to the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts), with the winter range contracting to the southeast of the much broader breeding range. The range has been expanding westward in recent decades. Two forms (both appearing all black at a distance) were at one time recognized as distinct species: The \"Bronzed Grackle\", which occurs in most of New England and west of the Appalachians, has a bronze back, blue head, and purple tail; the smaller \"Purple Grackle\", found east of the Appalachians, has a narrow bill, purple head, bottle green back, and purple tail. Birds from the mid-Atlantic states show variable head color and a purplish back with iridescent bands of variable color. The familiar song of the Common Grackle resembles the sound of a creaking gate; the call note is a loud, deep chuck.\r\n\r\nCommon Grackles are omnivorous . They forage mainly by walking on the ground or wading in very shallow water. Outside the breeding season, they usually forage in flocks. \r\n\r\nCommon Grackles often nest in small colonies of 10 to 30 pairs  (sometimes as many as 100 or more) and several males may perch in adjacent treetops to sing their creaking, grating songs. In courtship, the male fluffs out his body feathers, partly spreads his wings and tail, and delivers a short scraping song; he also postures with his bill pointing straight up. The nest is typically built in dense vegetation less than 6 m above the ground. The nest, which is built by the female, is a bulky open cup of weeds, grass, and twigs, usually with some mud added, and the inside is lined with fine grass. The 4 to 5 (sometimes as few as two or as many as 6) pale blue eggs are blotched with brown. Incubation is by the female only for 12 to 14 days. Both parents feed the young, bringing them mostly insects. The young leave the nest around 16 to 20 days after hatching. \r\n\r\nCommon Grackles are present year-round across much of their range. Migration usually involves large flocks. In the north, migration takes place quite early in spring and rather late in the fall.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/14/55182_98_68.jpg"}, "310436": {"scientific_name": "Nasalis larvatus (Wurmb, 1787)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/310436", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/27/01/91822_orig.jpg", "common_name": "proboscis monkey", "sid": 310436, "text": "The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) or long-nosed monkey, known as the bekantan in Malay, is a reddish-brown arboreal Old World monkey that is endemic to the south-east Asian island of Borneo. This species co-exists with the Bornean Orangutan.[3] It belongs in the monotypic genus Nasalis, although the pig-tailed langur has traditionally also been included in this genus.[4]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/27/01/91822_98_68.jpg"}, "2921075": {"scientific_name": "Alces americanus (Clinton, 1822)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/2921075", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/00/03836_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American moose", "sid": 2921075, "text": "Moose are found throughout northern North America. Their range coincides with that of circumpolar boreal forests. They occur throughout Alaska, Canada, the northeastern United States and as far south as the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. They are generally found near streams or ponds where there are willows. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/00/03836_98_68.jpg"}, "469554": {"scientific_name": "Formica rufa Linnaeus, 1761", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/469554", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/13/05/27179_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red wood ant", "sid": 469554, "text": "The mound-nests of this species are large, isolated and thatched (5), and a single colony can consist of more than 250,000 individual workers that aggressively defend the territory (5).  Wood ants are carnivorous, and workers carry a wide variety of prey back to the nest along trails that extend throughout the territory (5). Studies of the southern wood ant have shown that around 60,000 food items are taken to the nest each day (5). The workers also tend aphids for the sugary 'honeydew' that they exude from the anus; the aphids gain protection from predators in return for this service (5). Southern wood ant workers have been observed climbing up 30-metre tall Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris) in order to obtain this honeydew (5), and it has been shown that every season, workers take a massive quarter of a tonne of honeydew back into the colony (5).\u00a0At the beginning of spring each year, unfertilised eggs are produced, and these develop into males. Other eggs that are produced at this time and are fed more become queens, while others develop as workers. During June, usually on a warm humid day, huge numbers of winged reproductive males and queens leave the nest en masse and engage in a mating flight. After mating, the male soon dies; the queen sheds her wings, and searches for a suitable location to establish a new nest (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/13/05/27179_98_68.jpg"}, "1177788": {"scientific_name": "Ramphastos toco Statius Muller 1776", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177788", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/28/09/39318_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Toucan", "sid": 1177788, "text": "Toco toucans are recognized as the largest species in the toucan family and flaunt the biggest beak in regard to body size of all birds.  This large yellow-orange colored beak with a distinct black marking at the tip of the bill is the most noticeable feature of R. toco.  It accounts for one-twentieth of the total mass of the toucan, while also contributing to one-third of the bird's total length.  Toco toucans weigh between 592 and 760 g, and average 61 cm in length.  This species has what appears to be a blue iris, but is in fact a thin layer of skin that surrounds the eye.  The blue circle is encompassed by an additional ring of orange skin that adds to the colorful physical appearance of toco toucans.  Its basal metabolic rate is estimated at 8.72 cubed cm of oxygen per hour.\u00a0Sexual dimorphism is present in this species of toucan.  Measurements and observations reveal physical differences between males and females.  Adult male toco toucans are typically larger than adult females.  Juveniles are easily differentiated from the adults due to the young's duller colors and stubbier bill. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/28/09/39318_98_68.jpg"}, "1049133": {"scientific_name": "Milvus migrans (Boddaert, 1783)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049133", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/02/05/69101_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Black Kite", "sid": 1049133, "text": "The migratory habits of the black kite are complex, but generally the populations at higher northern latitudes migrate southwards over winter, while those nearer the equator remain in the same area year round. This typically involves European populations moving south into sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, whilst populations north of Pakistan and the Himalayas travel into south Asia. Although populations closer to the equator, such as India, Australia, and central and southern Africa, tend to be sedentary, some do make small migrations in association with the seasons as well as in response to food supply and rainfall (4).\u00a0The hugely diverse range of food consumed by black kites varies from region to region and across the seasons. All types of carrion form an important part of this species' diet, but a notable variety of live prey, such as insects, reptiles, birds and small mammals, are also taken by this agile raptor. In urban environments, black kites are known to forage on human food scraps and garbage, and daringly steal food from market stalls and even people (4). Flocks of black kites are also commonly seen gathering around bush fires to pick off the hapless animals feeing the flames (6).\u00a0The black kite is an extremely gregarious species, particularly when feeding or roosting, with several thousand birds sometimes coming together in one area. Some pairs may breed solitarily but usually loose groups are formed, as is commonly seen in urban areas where nests may be made only a few metres apart. Aside from high circling, slow flapping and diving, the aerial displays during courtship are fairly limited but occasionally a pair will interlock talons in mid-air. The nests are built on tree branches, cliff ledges, pylons or buildings and are made from sticks and twigs lined with softer material, often comprised of rags and plastic (4). The typical clutch size is two to three eggs which are incubated by the female for around a month before hatching (4) (6). The young fledge after 42 -56 days and become independent another 15 to 50 days later (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/02/05/69101_98_68.jpg"}, "1052968": {"scientific_name": "Junco hyemalis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052968", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/07/02/87699_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Dark-eyed Junco", "sid": 1052968, "text": "A medium-sized (5 \u00bd - 6 \u00be inches) bunting, the Dark-eyed Junco comprises several geographic races possessing different patterns of plumage coloration. The eastern \u201cSlate-colored Junco\u201d is slate gray above and white below. The northwestern \u201cOregon Junco\u201d is black on the head and breast with a chestnut back, gray wings, and white belly. The southern Rocky Mountains \u201cGray-headed Junco\u201d is light gray on the head, breast, and tail with a chestnut back. The western Plains \u201cWhite-winged Junco\u201d is similar to the eastern race, but has strong white wing bars. Another race, the northern Rocky Mountains \u201cPink-sided Junco\u201d is similar to the northwestern race, but is lighter gray on the head, wings, and tail. These races interbreed where their ranges overlap, producing hybrid birds with intermediate plumage. All races of this \u201csnowbird\u201d have in common a pale bill, dark eyes, and white feathers on the outer tail. Female Juncos are similar to males in the same race, but are usually paler and duller. The Dark-eyed Junco breeds across much of Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States, extending southwards at higher elevations to northern Georgia in the east and to Texas in the west. Dark-eyed Juncos are present all year in southern portions of this species\u2019 breeding range, but birds breeding in these areas are displaced southward by more northern birds during winter, when this species may be found across southern Canada, the U.S., and northern Mexico. Dark-eyed Juncos breed in a variety of habitats across this species\u2019 extensive breeding range, all of which have in common cool summer temperatures and some form of forest cover. During the winter, this species inhabits forest edges and other semi-open habitats, and will often enter urban or suburban areas where food is plentiful. Dark-eyed Juncos eat a variety of seeds and other plant material, but will also eat insects when available. In appropriate habitat, Dark-eyed Juncos may be most easily seen foraging for food on the ground or in the branches of trees. In winter, this species may be seen foraging as part of large flocks containing multiple species of sparrows and buntings. Dark-eyed Juncos are most active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/07/02/87699_98_68.jpg"}, "1049101": {"scientific_name": "Parabuteo unicinctus (Temminck, 1824)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049101", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/16/68751_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Harris's Hawk", "sid": 1049101, "text": "Harris' hawks can be found in semi-open habitats in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, from Baja  California to southern Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, extending south through Central and South America to Chile and just into Patagonia. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/16/68751_98_68.jpg"}, "1049144": {"scientific_name": "Ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049144", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/03/14/20047_orig.jpg", "common_name": "White Stork", "sid": 1049144, "text": "The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. Its plumage is mainly white, with black on its wings. Adults have long red legs and long pointed red beaks, and measure on average 100\u2013115\u00a0cm (39\u201345\u00a0in) from beak tip to end of tail, with a 155\u2013215\u00a0cm (61\u201385\u00a0in) wingspan. The two subspecies, which differ slightly in size, breed in Europe (north to Finland), northwestern Africa, southwestern Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan) and southern Africa. The white stork is a long-distance migrant, wintering in Africa from tropical Sub-Saharan Africa to as far south as South Africa, or on the Indian subcontinent. When migrating between Europe and Africa, it avoids crossing the Mediterranean Sea and detours via the Levant in the east or the Strait of Gibraltar in the west, because the air thermals on which it depends do not form over water.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/03/14/20047_98_68.jpg"}, "903140": {"scientific_name": "Psarocolius montezuma (Lesson, 1830)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/903140", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/12/64479_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Montezuma Oropendola", "sid": 903140, "text": "The Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma, sometimes known as Gymnostinops montezuma) is the largest member of the blackbird family (Icteridae). The sexes are similar in appearance, but males are considerably larger. Males average 47.5 cm long and 521 g (but some may exceed 560 g), females 39.2 cm and 246 g. The loud male song begins with low-pitched gurgles, then increases in pitch and volume, with complex harmonics, finally ending in a long note (listen to recordings under Media tab).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/12/64479_98_68.jpg"}, "795269": {"scientific_name": "Crotalus atrox Baird and Girard, 1853", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/795269", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/16/53387_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake", "sid": 795269, "text": "Common names: western diamondback rattlesnake,[3] Texas diamond-back,[4] more.Crotalus atrox, the western diamondback rattlesnake, is a venomous rattlesnake species found in the United States and Mexico. It is likely responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in northern Mexico and the second-greatest number in the USA after C. adamanteus.[5] No subspecies is currently recognized.[3]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/16/53387_98_68.jpg"}, "1177536": {"scientific_name": "Catharus guttatus (Pallas, 1811)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177536", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/30/21/07051_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Hermit Thrush", "sid": 1177536, "text": "Small and brownish like several other species of North American thrush, the Hermit Thrush (7 inches) is most easily separated from its relatives by its reddish tail. Other field marks include a black-spotted breast, pink legs, and dark eyes with thin white eye-rings. Male and female Hermit Thrushes are alike in all seasons. The Hermit Thrush breeds widely across southern Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. This species also breeds at higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains south to Arizona and New Mexico as well as in the Appalachian Mountains south to North Carolina. The Hermit Thrush is the only small New World thrush to winter in North America, spending the winter months along the coast from Washington to California, in southern Arizona, and from the southeastern U.S.south to Mexico and Central America. Hermit Thrushes breed in numerous types of forest habitats, whether deciduous, evergreen, or a mixture of both. Populations wintering in the U.S.utilize similar habitat types as in summer, and those wintering in the tropics tend to be found at higher altitudes where the prevailing climate is similar to areas further north. Hermit Thrushes eat mainly insects during the summer, and add fruits and berries to their diet during the winter when insects are scarce. At all seasons, Hermit Thrushes may be observed foraging food while hopping along the forest floor or through the branches of trees. However, in deciduous woodlands, the Hermit Thrush is often most easily seen in winter, when the trees are bare. This species is most active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/30/21/07051_98_68.jpg"}, "205251": {"scientific_name": "Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum, 1792)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/205251", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/11/13263_orig.jpg", "common_name": "sockeye salmon", "sid": 205251, "text": "North Pacific, introduced elsewhere.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/11/13263_98_68.jpg"}, "794915": {"scientific_name": "Elaphe guttata (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/794915", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/07/12044_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red corn snake", "sid": 794915, "text": "Corn snake close upCorn Snake large gravid femaleCorn Snake AdultThe corn snake[3] (Pantherophis guttatus) is a North American species of rat snake that subdues its small prey by constriction. Corn snakes are found throughout the southeastern and central United States. Their docile nature, reluctance to bite, moderate adult size 3.9\u20136.0 feet (1.2\u20131.8\u00a0m), attractive pattern, and comparatively simple care make them popular pet snakes. In the wild, they usually live around 6\u20138 years, but in captivity can live to be up to 23 years old[4] or longer.[5] Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, corn snakes are harmless and beneficial to humans.[6] Corn snakes lack venom and help control populations of wild rodent pests that damage crops and spread disease.[7] They can be distinguished from Copperhead snakes by their brighter colors, slender build and lack of heat-sensing pits.[8]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/07/12044_98_68.jpg"}, "1048185": {"scientific_name": "Taricha granulosa (Skilton, 1849)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048185", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/05/14/65917_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Crater Lake Newt", "sid": 1048185, "text": "Taricha granulosa is found along the Pacific coast of North America, with a range extending from Santa Cruz County, California, south of San Francisco Bay, into southeastern Alaska north to Juneau. Within this range, it is found at elevations from sea-level to 2743 m, or 9000 ft, and is found on many islands off the coast, including Vancouver Island. In northern California rough-skinned newts are found as far east as Shasta County, extending into northern Butte County. Isolated populations of T. granulosa occur in Latah County, Idaho and Saunders County, Montana.  The Idaho population, at least, is probably introduced. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/05/14/65917_98_68.jpg"}, "1050707": {"scientific_name": "Dumetella carolinensis (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050707", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/04/15/19882_orig.jpg", "common_name": "gray catbird", "sid": 1050707, "text": "The Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) breeds from southern British Columbia (Canada) south to northern New Mexico (U.S.A.) and eastward across most of the United States and adjacent Canada, as well as on Bermuda (where it is present year-round). Gray Catbirds winter from the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coastal Plain of the United States south to Panama, as well as in parts of the Caribbean.\r\n\r\nGray Catbirds often skulk in dense thickets, but their rambling songs, with a mix of melodious and harsh and squeaky notes, make their presence obvious in spring and summer. Among the Gray Catbird's several calls is a drawn out mew that is the source of its common name.\r\n\r\nThe diet consists mainly of insects and other small arthropods (especially in early summer) and berries. Nestlings are fed almost entirely on insects, but more than half the annual adult diet may be plant material, especially in fall and winter. \r\n\r\nEarly in the breeding season the male sings almost constantly in the morning and evening and sometimes at night. Courtship may involve the male chasing the female, posturing and bowing with wings drooped and tail raised; the male may face away from the female to show off the patch of chestnut under his tail (present in both sexes). \r\n\r\nThe nest is typically constructed by the female  in dense thickets or small trees, typically 1 to 3 m above the ground. It is a large, bulky cup of twigs, weeds, grass, and leaves and lined with rootlets and other fine materials. The 3 to 4 (sometimes 2 or 5, rarely 1 or 6) eggs are greenish blue, rarely with some red spots. They are incubated (by the female only) for 12 to 14 days. Both parents feed the nestlings. Nestlings leave the nest around 10 to 11 days after hatching. Two broods per year is typical. When Brown-headed Cowbirds lay eggs in a Gray Catbird nest, the cowbird eggs are usually recognized, punctured, and ejected by the adult catbirds.\r\n\r\nMigration apparently occurs mainly at night. Birds breeding in the Northwest seem to migrate east before turning south in fall since they are rarely seen in the Southwest.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/04/15/19882_98_68.jpg"}, "213810": {"scientific_name": "Mola mola (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/213810", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/19/65516_orig.jpg", "common_name": "ocean sunfish", "sid": 213810, "text": "The Ocean Sunfish or Mola (Mola mola) is the world's heaviest bony fish. The distinctive body shape is laterally compressed and appears bluntly terminated to the rear, as if the tail had been lopped off. Molas have a reduced skeleton, with fewer vertebrae than any other fish. Metamorphosis from larva to adult is remarkable in that, unlike most fish, Molas pass through two distinct larval phases\u2014a typical Tetraodon pufferfish-like larval and another highly transformative stage resulting in the complete absorption of the tail (Fraser-Brunner 1951). Molas have been claimed to be the most fecund vertebrates known, with a single female reportedly producing several hundred million eggs at once (Schmidt 1921, cited in Pope et al. 2010).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/19/65516_98_68.jpg"}, "790439": {"scientific_name": "Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/790439", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/10/49656_orig.jpg", "common_name": "common slider", "sid": 790439, "text": "This taxon is found in the Panamanian dry forests, but not necessarily limited to this ecoregion. The Panamanian dry forests ecoregion occupies approximately 2000 square miles of coastal and near-coastal areas on the Pacific versant of Panama, around portions of the Gulf of Panama. Plant endemism is intermediate, and vertebrate species richness is quite high in the Panamanian dry forests.This key ecoregion is highly threatened from its extensive ongoing exploitation. Beyond the endemism and species richness, the ecoregion is further significant, since it offers a biological corridor from the moist forests to the coastal mangroves.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/10/49656_98_68.jpg"}, "582252": {"scientific_name": "Acer macrophyllum Pursh", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/582252", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/17395_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Oregon maple", "sid": 582252, "text": "Acer macrophyllum (bigleaf or Oregon maple) is a large deciduous tree in the genus Acer that has the largest leaves of any maple species\u2014the 5-lobed leaves are usually 15\u201330 cm across, but 60 cm leaves have been noted. It is native to western North America, mostly near the Pacific coast, from southernmost Alaska to southern California. Some stands are also found inland in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California, and a tiny population occurs in central Idaho.Bigleaf maple can grow up to 35 m tall, but more commonly grows 15 m to 20 m tall. The flowers are produced in spring in pendulous racemes 10\u201315 cm long, greenish-yellow with inconspicuous petals. The fruit is a paired samara (winged nutlet), each seed 1-1.5 cm diameter with a 4\u20135 cm wing.Bigleaf maple can form pure stands on moist soils in proximity to streams, but is generally found in mixed stands in riparian hardwood forests or in relatively open canopies of conifers, mixed evergreens, or oaks (Quercus spp.). It is dominant or codominant in cool and moist temperate mixed woods.Bigleaf maple is the only commercially important maple of the Pacific Coast region, although in some areas, it is not considered valuable and may be left unharvested or intentionally knocked over during harvest of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and redwood (Sequoia spp.) stands. The wood, which is light, reddish-brown, fine-grained, moderately heavy, and moderately hard and strong, is primarily used in veneer production for furniture, but also for musical instruments, interior paneling, and other hardwood products. Lakwungen First Nations people of Vancouver Island call it the Paddle Tree and used it to make paddles and spindle wheels.Like other maples, bigleaf has a sugary sap from which maple syrup can be made. The sugar concentration is about the same as in Acer saccharum (sugar maple), with a similar ratio of sap to syrup (it takes 35\u201340 liters sap to make 1 liter syrup), but the flavor is somewhat different and there is limited commercial interest in it. (See Wikipedia article in full entry for information about ethnobotanic and medicinal uses.) The seeds provide food for squirrels, evening grosbeaks, chipmunks, mice, and a variety of birds. Elk, black-tailed and mule deer, and horses browse the young twigs, leaves, and saplings. In some forest stands, up to 60% of the seedlings over 10 inches (25 cm) tall have been browsed by deer, most several times.Acer species are sometimes classified in their own family, Aceraceae, but have been grouped in Sapindaceae (along with Hippocastanaceae) in the most recent version of the Angiosperm Phyologeny Group system (Stevens 2001). \u201cMacrophyllum\u201d refers to the fact that the leaves are large\u2014the largest of any maple species.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/21/17395_98_68.jpg"}, "999838": {"scientific_name": "Pinus edulis Engelm.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/999838", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/13/08/07242_orig.jpg", "common_name": "colorado pinyon", "sid": 999838, "text": "Pinaceae -- Pine family\u00a0    \u00a0    Frank P. Ronco, Jr.\u00a0    \u00a0    Pinyon (Pinus edulis) is a small, drought-hardy, long-lived tree\u00a0      widespread in the southwestern United States. Its common name is derived\u00a0      from the Spanish pi\u00f1on which refers to the large seed of\u00a0      pino (pine). For this reason the tree is known in the Southwest\u00a0      and throughout its range by this Spanish equivalent (49). Other common\u00a0      names are Colorado pinyon, nut pine, two-needle pinyon, and two-leaf\u00a0      pinyon (50). Its heavy, yellow wood is used primarily for fuel. Because of\u00a0      their delicate flavor its seeds are in much demand, making them its most\u00a0      valuable product.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/13/08/07242_98_68.jpg"}, "328707": {"scientific_name": "Syncerus caffer (Sparrman, 1779)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328707", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/07/19/00/75965_orig.jpg", "common_name": "cape buffalo", "sid": 328707, "text": "The African buffalo is a gregarious animal, the savanna subspecies forming large, imposing herds consisting of over one thousand individuals (3).  The forest buffalo, due  to its more restricted habitat, forms small groups of up to 12 animals, consisting of related females and their offspring and one or more males (2).  Males not belonging to a herd are solitary, or form bachelor herds (2).  Living in a herd has its advantages; information can be shared regarding the best places to feed, and it offers increased protection against predators (6).  Bonds between females in a herd are strong (2), and if one is attacked by a predator such as a lion, the rest of the herd will respond to its bellowing distress calls and rush to its defence.  A herd of buffalo are easily capable of driving away a whole pride of lions to protect a herd member (5).   Living in large herds is not as important for the forest buffalo as they live in a habitat that does not suit carnivores, such as the lion, and they can easily retreat into cover if required (2).\u00a0African buffalos spend most of their day lying in the shade to escape the heat.  They can often be found drinking water in the early morning and late afternoon, and most feeding takes place during the cooler night (3).  The African buffalo grazes extensively on fresh grass, turning only to herbs, shrubs and trees when there is a deficiency of grass (5).  Their dietary habits are responsible for opening up areas of long grassland for other species with more selective feeding habits, and thus they play an important ecological role in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa (5).\u00a0March to May is the primary period of mating in the African buffalo, resulting in a pregnancy of about 11 months (2), with calves born from January to April (5).  The bond between the mother and calf is very strong (2), and within just a few hours, the newborn calf is capable of keeping up with its herd (3).  African buffalo are known to live for 26 years (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/07/19/00/75965_98_68.jpg"}, "1049311": {"scientific_name": "Fulica americana Gmelin 1789", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049311", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/23/39789_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Coot", "sid": 1049311, "text": "A familiar duck-like waterbird, the American Coot (13-16 inches) is most easily identified by its dark gray body, white bill, and red frontal \u201cshield\u201d on forehead. Other field marks include red eyes, yellow legs with lobed feet, and a white patch underneath the tail. Male and female American Coots are similar to one another in all seasons. The American Coot breeds widely in the northern and western United States and southern Canada, as well as locally further south and east. Many northern birds migrate south for the winter, when they may be found widely in the southeastern U.S., in the desert southwest, and along the coasts of Mexico and Central America. Birds breeding in the southern part of this species\u2019 range, as well as populations in central Mexico and in the West Indies, are non-migratory. American Coots breed in relatively deep, well-vegetated freshwater wetlands. Wintering birds may occur on freshwater marshes, and may also venture into brackish or salt water lagoons, bays, and estuaries. This species primarily eats aquatic plant material. American Coots may be observed feeding by picking plant matter off of the surface or by submerging their heads to feed on underwater plants. This species may also be observed walking on the shore or running along the surface of the water while attempting to become airborne. American Coots are primarily active during the day; however, this species does migrate at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/23/39789_98_68.jpg"}, "795595": {"scientific_name": "Boa constrictor Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/795595", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/11/14/08620_orig.jpg", "common_name": "boa constrictor", "sid": 795595, "text": "Boa constrictor is an exclusively New World species which has the largest distribution of all neotropical boas. Boa constrictors range from northern Mexico south through Central and South America. In South America the range splits along the Andes mountains. To the east of the Andes, B. constrictor is found as far south as northern Argentina. On the west side of the mountains, the range extends into Peru. Boa constrictors are also found on numerous islands off the Pacific coast and in the Caribbean. Islands included in the boa constrictor range are: the Lesser Antilles, Trinidad, Tobago, Dominica, and St. Lucia. Some islands off the coast of Belize and Honduras are also inhabited by this species. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/11/14/08620_98_68.jpg"}, "466982": {"scientific_name": "Populus tremuloides Michx.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/466982", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/04/21/06/59275_orig.jpg", "common_name": "quaking aspen", "sid": 466982, "text": "Salicaceae -- Willow family\u00a0          \u00a0          D. A. Perala\u00a0          \u00a0          Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is the most\u00a0               widely distributed tree in North America. It is known by many\u00a0               names: trembling aspen, golden aspen, mountain aspen, popple,\u00a0               poplar, trembling poplar, and in Spanish, \u00e1lamo blanco,\u00a0               and \u00e1lamo tembl\u00f3n (49). It grows on many soil\u00a0               types, especially sandy and gravelly slopes, and it is quick to\u00a0               pioneer disturbed sites where there is bare soil. This\u00a0               fast-growing tree is short lived and pure stands are gradually\u00a0               replaced by slower-growing species. The light, soft wood has very\u00a0               little shrinkage and high grades of aspen are used for lumber and\u00a0               wooden matches. Most aspen wood goes into pulp and flake-board,\u00a0               however. Many kinds of wildlife also benefit from this tree.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/04/21/06/59275_98_68.jpg"}, "1038700": {"scientific_name": "Dolichotis patagonum (Zimmermann, 1780)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1038700", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/26/02/53853_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Patagonian Cavy", "sid": 1038700, "text": "In keeping with its strange appearance, the Patagonian mara displays behavioural traits that are very unusual among the rodents. Active during the day, this species spends long periods basking in the sun, either resting on its haunches or with its front limbs folded under its body like a cat. It remains vigilant for predators, however, and when threatened, may escape by galloping or stotting, a high-speed form of locomotion involving rapid bounces using all four limbs at once. Surprisingly, this diminutive species can reach speeds of 45 kilometres per hour over distances in excess of one kilometre. The Patagonian mara consumes a variety of vegetation, usually feeding in grass or shrubland during the day and sheltering in an abandoned burrow of another species, or amongst dense vegetation at night (2).\u00a0Perhaps the most unusual feature of this species is its social and reproductive behaviour. Patagonian maras are strictly monogamous (a rare trait in mammals), forming lifelong pairs that generally avoid contact with conspecifics, except during the curious arrangements that form in the austral summer breeding season. The female Patagonian maras dig burrows, in which the young are often reared communally (2) (3). After a gestation period of 90 days (3), the female gives birth to a litter, usually of two young, close to the entrance of a burrow (1) (2). The young, which are born well-developed, with eyes already open, quickly move into the burrow, which may be co-habited by the offspring of several other breeding pairs (2). The young remain in the vicinity of the burrow for the next four months, where they are visited daily by the mother to be suckled. When the breeding pair visits the burrow, the female makes a shrill call, which brings all the infant Patagonian maras in the burrow to the surface. The female then attempts to discern its own offspring within the group by smell, while chasing off the young of other pairs, which try to, and occasionally succeed, in obtaining the female's milk. Once identified, the female leads its offspring a short distance away from the burrow to be fed, while the adult male keeps watch, chasing off other pairs that approach. The other breeding pairs must therefore wait until the preceding pair have departed, before visiting the burrow. This communal behaviour is thought to help reduce predation, as it means that adults are more frequently present around the burrow (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/26/02/53853_98_68.jpg"}, "328629": {"scientific_name": "Phoca vitulina Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328629", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/22/12403_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common seal", "sid": 328629, "text": "The common seal is present in the eastern Atlantic region with its subspecies Phoca vitulina. It is regularly distributed throughout the entire marine Baltic region and in the marine Atlantic region from the Unite d Kingdom and Ireland to mainland European coasts from Sweden and southwards to France (Brittany) and occasionally as far south as northern Portugal. The Baltic population was close to e x tinction in the 1970s and wide spread declines have occurred in the United Kingdom , Kattegat and Skagerrak , and Wadden Sea populations. The species is vulnerable to fishery bycatch, culling, high pollution loads, disease events, and disturbance to haul out are as.\r\n The overall conservation status in the marine Atlantic region is \u2018unfavourable -inadequate\u2019 and dictated largely by the status (decre asing trend and population numbers be low the reference values) of the United Kingdom population which represents more than 50% of the marine region\u2019s population. In the Baltic on the other hand, the overall assessment is \u2018unfavourable-bad\u2019 due to the status of the Swedish population which re presents almost half of the Baltic population. The species is listed as \u2018least concern\u2019 in the IUCN Red List of threatened species.\r\nThe Conservation of Seals Act, 1970, provides a closed season for the Common seal during its pupping season. During this time, it is illegal to kill or take seals without a licence. There is also provision for giving complete protection to seals at al times, if neccesary. During the close season, a license is required to handle seals unless they are sick or injured (SMRU, 2004). The Baltic and Wadden Sea populations are listed under the Bonn Convention (Appendix II).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/30/22/12403_98_68.jpg"}, "790179": {"scientific_name": "Varanus komodoensis Ouwens, 1912", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/790179", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/14/18/07729_orig.jpg", "common_name": "komodo dragon", "sid": 790179, "text": "The Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world (4), and with their ancient appearance and evocative name they conjure up the stuff of legends. The heavy-set body is long with stocky legs and a long muscular tail; the scaly skin is greyish-brown all over (4). Dragons from the island of Flores however, are earthen-red in colour with a yellow head (2). Juveniles have a more striking pattern with very variable combinations of bands and speckling in yellow, green, grey and brown (4). Komodos have a well-developed sense of smell and their long, forked yellow tongue resembles the mythical, fire-breathing dragons of their name.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/14/18/07729_98_68.jpg"}, "1049616": {"scientific_name": "Eudyptula minor (J. R. Forster, 1781)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049616", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/25/11/99389_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Little Penguin", "sid": 1049616, "text": "Depth range based on 1513 specimens in 1 taxon.Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 39 samples.Environmental ranges\u00a0\u00a0Depth range (m): 0 - 0\u00a0\u00a0Temperature range (\u00b0C): 19.682 - 20.446\u00a0\u00a0Nitrate (umol/L): 0.079 - 0.092\u00a0\u00a0Salinity (PPS): 35.704 - 35.782\u00a0\u00a0Oxygen (ml/l): 5.140 - 5.145\u00a0\u00a0Phosphate (umol/l): 0.103 - 0.111\u00a0\u00a0Silicate (umol/l): 2.588 - 2.660Graphical representationTemperature range (\u00b0C): 19.682 - 20.446 Nitrate (umol/L): 0.079 - 0.092 Salinity (PPS): 35.704 - 35.782 Oxygen (ml/l): 5.140 - 5.145 Phosphate (umol/l): 0.103 - 0.111 Silicate (umol/l): 2.588 - 2.660 \u00a0Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/25/11/99389_98_68.jpg"}, "994845": {"scientific_name": "Negaprion brevirostris (Poey, 1868)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/994845", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/24/02/69026_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Lemon shark", "sid": 994845, "text": "The lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) is a stocky and powerful shark. A member of the family Carcharhinidae, lemon sharks can grow to 10 feet (3.0\u00a0m) in length.[2] They are often found in shallow subtropical waters and are known to inhabit and return to specific nursery sites for breeding.[3] Often feeding at night, these sharks use electroreceptors to find their main source of prey, fish.[4] Lemon sharks use the many benefits of group living such as enhanced communication, courtship, predatory behavior, and protection.[5] This species of shark is viviparous, and the females are polyandrous and have a biennial reproductive cycle.[3] Lemon sharks are not thought to be a large threat to humans.[6]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/24/02/69026_98_68.jpg"}, "1228387": {"scientific_name": "Canis familiaris Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1228387", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/08/46119_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Dog", "sid": 1228387, "text": "Canis lupus familiaris preys on:carcassAntilopinaeBoselaphus tragocamelusAntilope cervicapraGazellaRodentiaPhasianidaeTimaliidaePavoSerpentesVaranidaeErinaceus europaeusbultulLaniidaeSaxicoloides fulicataFelis silvestris libycaActinopterygiiArthropodaInsectaAmphibiaReptiliaAvesMammaliaCyclura cornutaBranta canadensisAnser anserAnas cyanopteraLarus californicusChordeiles minorPasser domesticusCorvus caurinusNeurotrichus gibbsiiParascalops breweriSpermophilus beecheyiThomomys mazamaOnychogalea fraenataEulemur rubriventerIctonyx striatusMartes melampusCervus eldiiMazama gouazoupiraGazella gazellaProcapra gutturosaMarmota bobakMarmota caudataSolenodon paradoxusCanis lupus dingo Based on studies in:India, Rajasthan Desert (Desert or dune) This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/08/46119_98_68.jpg"}, "1049938": {"scientific_name": "Fratercula arctica (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049938", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/04/08/01/79756_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Atlantic Puffin", "sid": 1049938, "text": "The puffin is one of our most well-loved and easily recognised birds. It has a comical appearance, with its parrot-like, large colourful bill, red and black markings around the eyes (3), large pale cheek patches and bright orange legs (2). Young puffins lack the large colourful beak (2). In winter, adults lose their bright bill, and both adults and young have dark cheeks (3). A deep 'arrr-uh' noise is produced, which can be heard emanating from puffin burrows (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/04/08/01/79756_98_68.jpg"}, "1048004": {"scientific_name": "Bucorvus cafer Vigors, 1825", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048004", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/21/70532_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Southern Ground Hornbill", "sid": 1048004, "text": "Southern ground hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri) are restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. These birds are non-migratory, remaining in their particular habitat throughout the year.  They range from southern Kenya, just south of tropical Africa in the north, to Botswana in the south, just north of South Africa. Their range extendeds east to west within this region because topography and habitat are similiar from east to west. While their range typically does not extend into South Africa, they have been spotted in Kruger National Park in northern South Africa. They also have been reported in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/21/70532_98_68.jpg"}, "328659": {"scientific_name": "Oreamnos americanus (Blainville, 1816)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328659", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/25/21/51704_orig.jpg", "common_name": "mountain goat", "sid": 328659, "text": "Mountain Goats live on remarkably steep, craggy cliffs for most of their lives, spending only about a quarter of their time in less forbidding meadows and nearby fields. The steep slopes offer safety from predators such as mountain lions and grizzly bears. The Goats eat vegetation that grows in small pockets of earth that collect among the rocks. Even when migrating to lower elevations during winter, the Goats stay on steep slopes above the timberline. There, high winds scour snow from the rocks, exposing food for forage. Special adaptations enable Mountain Goats to navigate rock faces. They have powerful forelimbs that help them climb or brake, and hooves that can spread to brake or squeeze like pincers to grasp irregularly shaped rock. They also have textured foot pads that give them extra traction. Their high-altitude habitat is harsh, and juvenile mortality is high. Goats that survive to adulthood tend not to live beyond 10 years.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/25/21/51704_98_68.jpg"}, "328607": {"scientific_name": "Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328607", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/20394_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Grey Wolf", "sid": 328607, "text": "The largest of approximately 41 wild species of canids, gray wolves vary in size based primarily on geographic locality, with southern populations generally smaller than northern populations. Total body length, from tip of the nose to tip of the tail, is from 1000 to 1300 mm in males, and 870 to 1170 mm in females.  Tail length ranges between 350 to 520 mm. Males can weigh from 30 to 80 kg, with an average of 55 kg, females can weigh from 23 to 55 kg, with an average of 45 kg.  Height (measured from base of paws to shoulder) generally ranges from 60 to 90 cm. Distance between the canines is around 4 cm.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/20394_98_68.jpg"}, "323911": {"scientific_name": "Saimiri oerstedii (Reinhardt, 1872)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323911", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/20/10/68642_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red-backed squirrel monkey", "sid": 323911, "text": "The binomial name Saimiri oerstedii was given by Johannes Theodor Reinhardt to honour his fellow Danish biologist Anders Sand\u00f8e \u00d8rsted.\r\nThe red-backed squirrel monkey occurs along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama inland to altitudes of up to 500 m asl. (28,31,32,38), being restricted to the northwest tip of Panama near the border with Costa Rica and the central and southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, primarily in Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks [8]. It is the only species of squirrel monkey occurring outside South America [5]. Some people think squirrel monkeys lived in Colombia in the late Miocene or Pliocene and migrated to Central America, becoming the ancestors of the red-backed species. Passage through the isthmus of Panama later closed due to rising oceans, and eventually opened up to another wave of migration @ 2 million years ago, when ancestors of modern populations of monkeys out-competed the earlier migrants, leading to the small range of the red-backed squirrel monkey [19]. The red-backed species was thought to be a a population of a South American species of squirrel monkey brought to Central America by humans. Evidence included the very small range of the red-backed species and the large gap from the range of other species. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA showed tht the red-backed squirrel monkey is a separate species that apparently diverged from the South American species 260,000 to over 4 million years ago.[3]\r\nThe squirrel lives mainly in lowland scrub forest, but also inhabits humid tropical forest, mature upland forest, river edge and mangrove forest (22). It prefers  seasonally inundated forests, forest, floodplain, secondary forests and primary forests which have been partially logged [12]. It needs forests with abundant low and mid-level vegetation and has difficulty surviving in tall, mature, undisturbed forests that lack such vegetation [8,12,42]. In general, squirrel monkeys are arboreal and can be found in primary and secondary forests (38), thickets, and mangrove swamps (52). They are also found in cultivated areas, usually around streams (38). Saimiri oerstedii is known to inhabit humid Pacific slope forests (28).\r\nThis small monkey has a slender body. Adults are 225-295 mm long, excluding the 362-465 mm tail, and weigh 500-1,100 g [5,8,28,39]; males weigh @ 750-950 g and females 600-800 g (5). The tail is not fully prehensile, but aids balance as the monkey leaps between branches like a squirrel [10,11]. The limbs are long and slender and the thighs are shorter in relation to the lower leg than in monkeys that clamber. This adaptation lets squirrel monkeys exert more force when jumping, so they can propel themselves further (24). The fur is short, thick and yellow brown, with the underside being white or pale yellow and with red, golden-red or orange fur on the back (25,28,40), olive shoulders, hips and tail, a black cap on top of the head [39], a white face with black rims around the eyes and black around the nose and mouth [7,8], orange hands and feet and a black tail tip. Males and females are similar, but males are 16% larger and generally have lighter caps than females [5]. In the breeding season males become 'fatted', becoming larger around the neck and shoulders (24). Squirrel monkeys have the largest brains of all primates relative to body size; the red-backed squirrel monkey's brain weighs about 25.7 g or @ 4% of its body weight [7,9]. \r\nThe monkey is active by day and is arboreal (26). It usually walks and runs through the trees on all fours [7]. It lives in groups of 20-75 with several adult males, adult females and juveniles [5,12,43,46,47]. Groups above 100 are thought to be temporary mergers of two groups [2]. On average, groups contain about 60% more females than males [5]. The monkey has an egalitarian social structure; neither males nor females are dominant over each other [5]. Females do not form dominance hierarchies or coalitions [2,5]. There is no evidence of coalition formation in social interactions. Males in a group tend to be related to each other, so tend to form strong affiliations, only forming dominance hierarchies in the breeding season [5,15]. This is especially the case among males of the same age [12]. Groups have a home range of 35-63 hectares [12], which can overlap, especially in large, protected areas rather than more fragmented areas[12]. Groups can travel 2.5-4.2 km a day [13,26,29]. They do not split into separate foraging groups during the day. Individuals may separate from the main group to engage in different activities for periods of time, so the group may be dispersed over an area of up 1.2 hectares at any given time [14]. The group tends to sleep in the same trees every night for months at a time [14]. Groups generally do not compete or fight with each other [2]. The monkey is noisy. It makes many squeals, whistles and chirps[8]. It travels through the forest noisily, while disturbing vegetation [8]. It has four main calls: a \"smooth chuck\", \"bent mask chuck\", \"peep\" and \"twitter\".[7]\r\nThere is little competition or agonistic interactions between groups. The squirrel monkey rarely associates with the white-headed capuchin. Its food occurs in smaller, more dispersed patches than with South American species, so associating with capuchins would impose higher foraging costs. While male white-headed capuchins are alert to predators, they devote more attention to detecting rival males than to detecting predators, and relatively less time to detecting predators than their South American counterparts. Associating with capuchins provides less predator detection benefits and imposes higher foraging costs on the red-backed squirrel monkey than on South American species [5,11,16,17]. Some bird species associate with the red-backed squirrel monkey. They follow monkeys to try and prey on insects and small vertebrates that the monkeys flush out, especially in the wet season, when arthropods are harder to find [12].\r\nThe monkey is omnivorous and spends most of the morning and afternoon foraging through the lower and middle levels of the forest (mainly the lower canopy and understory), typically at 4.5-9 m high.[12,14], but may travel at other levels. It eats berries and other fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves, buds, flower nectar, gums and other plant materials, invertebrates (especially grasshoppers and caterpillars) and small vertebrates [4,27,28,38,41,43,44]. Nearly half of the diet is made up of fruit [4]. It has difficulty finding its desired food late in the wet season, when fewer arthropods are available [8]. It is said to recognise the folded leaf-tents made by some fruit-eating bats, attacking them to extract roosting bats (28). When it finds a bat it climbs to a higher level and jumps onto the tent from above, trying to dislodge the bat. If the fallen bat doesn't fly away in time, the monkey pounces on it on the ground and eats it [12]. The fruits the monkey typically exploits occur in small and very scarce patches; feeding competition is very low. In the dry season shortages of appropriate fruiting trees means it may depend entirely on animal prey (45). The monkey is an important seed disperser and a pollinator of passion flowers and other flowers [12]. It is not a significant agricultural pest, but may eat corn, coffee, bananas, mangos and other fruits[12,14]. When monkeys find food in a tree, they often do not completely use up the resources available and may return to it later (6).\r\nPredators include birds of prey, cats and constricting and venomous snakes [5]. The oldest males show high levels of vigilance for predators and bear most responsibility for detecting them [2,12]. When a monkey detects a raptor, it gives a high-pitched alarm peep and dives for cover, as do other monkeys that hear the alarm call. The monkeys are very cautious about raptors and give alarms when they detect any raptor-like object, including small airplanes, falling branches and large leaves [14]. Raptors spend much more time near monkey troops when infants are born and prey on many of the newborn infants. Other predators include toucans, tayras, opossums, coatis and spider monkeys [14]. \r\nReproduction is seasonal, seldom exceeding two months in duration in the dry season (51). Mating occurs in September [12] or January and February. All females enter oestrus at about the same time. A month or two before the breeding season begins, males become larger, due to altered water balance within the body. This is caused by converting the male hormone testosterone into oestrogen; the more testosterone he produces, the more he grows before the breeding season. Reproductively mature males collaborate in mobbing females in the mating season. As males in a group have not been seen fighting over access to females in the breeding season, nor trying to force females to copulate with them, it is thought that female choice determines which males get to breed with females. Females tend to prefer males that expand the most in advance of breeding season. This may be because the most enlarged males are generally the oldest and most effective at detecting predators or it may be due to runaway intersexual selection [14]. Males may leave their group for short periods of time in the breeding season to try to mate with females from neighboring groups. Females are receptive to males from other groups, but resident males try to repel intruders. \r\nMating usually occurs during the dry season. In S. oerstedii, sexual receptivity in females is synchronized, lasting perhaps 12-36 hours a season [50]. \r\nSingle births occur after 6-7 months at night and during wet season, the period of greatest food availability, within a single week in February and March [5,6,12,14,28], so there is enough food for mothers and their young and less time is spent foraging (30). The infant has a fully prehensile tail [10,11]. It depends on its mother for about one year [12]. The mother takes care of the young, which rides on her back and nurses, with little attention paid to it by the group members (6), but other females ('aunts') may help (6). During its third and fourth weeks of life, the infant begins to move around more and between weeks five and ten, it occasionally disembarks from its mother's back, explores the nearby area, and starts to eat solid foods (6). Over the next few months, contacts with the mother become less frequent (6). Social play probably first occurs @ 2 months (6) and helps separate the infant from its mother (52). In the first year of life, the young monkeys engage in social play with each other, usually in the form of fighting games (6). \r\nFemales give birth every 12 months [48,53], so the prior infant becomes independent at about the same time the new infant is born. Only 50% of infants survive over 6 months, largely due to predation by birds [5]. Females do not resume cycling until their infant either dies or is weaned (4). Females become adult at 12-13 months and sexually mature at 1-2.5 years old; males become sexually mature at 4-6 years old [5,6]. Females leave their natal group on reaching sexual maturity;  males usually stay with their group for their entire lives [5]. Males of the same age tend to associate with each other in age cohorts. On reaching sexual maturity, an age cohort may choose to leave the group and try to oust the males from another group to attain increased reproductive opportunities [5]. Captive can live over 15-18 years [12,55]; other species may live over 20 years.[5]\r\nThe monkey was classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List 2003 (2,22,38) and is listed on Appendix I of CITES (23). The population declined steeply after the 1970s, probably due to deforestation for agriculture and logging, hunting and capture to be kept as pets; its fragmented range encompasses 8,000 square km [18,38]. In 2008 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) upgraded its conservation status from \"endangered\" to \"vulnerable\"; it is abundant in the areas it inhabits [4]. Its survival is entwined with the future of the forests (22).  A survey in 2003 showed that the total population size (1300-1780) is significantly larger than previous estimates (26,28). The population density is estimated at 36 monkeys per square kilometre in Costa Rica and 130 in Panama.[13] It has been estimated that the population of the Central American squirrel monkey has been reduced from about 200,000 in the 1970s to less than 5000 [18].  There are significant efforts within Costa Rica to try to preserve this monkey from extinction.[20] A reforestation project within Panama tries to preserve the vanishing population of the Chiriqui Province.[21]\r\nThere are two subspecies [1]. The black-crowned Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii oerstedii) lives in the Chiriqui and Veraguas provinces, on the Pacific coast of northwest Panama and the coast of the Puntarenas province and Osa Peninsula area of south-west Costa Rica (including Corcovado National Park) (28,29,31-34). It lives at 0-500 m above sea level (31). It has a black crown and more yellowish limbs and underparts [3]. In Panama, it has suffered habitat losses of 76% and now occurs in fragmented forest areas throughout its range (1,166km\u00b2) (22). It is Endangered.\r\nThe grey-crowned Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus) lives in the Quepos forests in the Central Pacific portion of south-west Costa Rica [22,26,35], up to 500 m above sea level. In 2003, the remaining wild population was estimated to be 1300-1800 individuals [2] in a restricted, severely fragmented range of 210 km\u00b2 [22,36,37]. The male has an agouti crown; the crown is blackish-grey in the female (24). It is Critically Endangered and has lost 89% of its original habitat, due to widespread logging and clearing for cattle ranches which started during the 1950s. Large areas were planted with African oil palms and rice. The largest single population occurs in the Manuel Antonio National Park in Panama (22). The total number is up to 1300-1800 individuals (26,32,37).\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/20/10/68642_98_68.jpg"}, "1050636": {"scientific_name": "Bombycilla garrulus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050636", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/02/02/95894_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Bohemian Waxwing", "sid": 1050636, "text": "Bohemian waxwings are native to the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. Their range during times of breeding in the Nearctic region spans as far west as central Alaska and as far east as the central part of Ontario. Most breeding regions do not extend any farther south than the most southern part of British Columbia. They normally do not breed north of Alaska or Nova Scotia.\u00a0In March and April, this species migrates south to southwest British Columbia and the northern United States.\u00a0In the Palearctic region breeding occurs in the northern parts of Eurasia, most commonly in Scandinavia, Russia and Siberia. These populations migrate south to central Europe and east to central Japan in the non-breeding season. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/02/02/95894_98_68.jpg"}, "214623": {"scientific_name": "Zebrasoma flavescens (Bennett, 1828)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/214623", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/04/15/21639_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Yellow tang", "sid": 214623, "text": "Adults inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from below the surge zone to about 46 m (Ref. 9710).  Benthopelagic over rock at 1-81 m (Ref. 58302).  They occur singly or in loose groups.  Mainly herbivorous, browsing on filamentous algae.  Group spawning and pair-spawning by territorial males that court passing females were observed.  Spawning activity occurs around the full moon indicating lunar periodicity (Ref. 86544).  Spawn in batches throughout the year (Ref. 86544).  Presence of a venom gland could not be determined despite the presence of distinct anterolateral grooves; this may be due to the loss of venom glands in adults (Ref. 57406).  A popular aquarium fish and the top marine fish export from Hawaii.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/04/15/21639_98_68.jpg"}, "328579": {"scientific_name": "Eubalaena glacialis (M\u00fcller, 1776)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328579", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/02/06356_orig.jpg", "common_name": "North Atlantic right whale", "sid": 328579, "text": "The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is a critically endangered marine mammal (300 to 350 individuals estimated in 2008) in the family Balaenidae, part of the order of cetaceans.  The North Atlantic right whale is a baleen whale, meaning that instead of teeth, it has long plates which hang in a row (like the teeth of a comb) from its upper jaws. Baleen plates are strong and flexible; they are made of a protein similar to human fingernails.  Baleen plates are broad at the base (gumline) and taper into a fringe which forms a curtain or mat inside the whale's mouth.  Baleen whales strain huge volumes of ocean water through their baleen plates to capture food: tons of krill, other zooplankton, crustaceans, and small fish.North Atlantic Right Whales were hunted for at least 800 years, until they became so rare that it was no longer commercially viable to exploit them. Now numbering only in the hundreds, and showing no signs of recovery, Northern right whales are nearly extinct. Some populations have not shown any significant reproduction, even after becoming protected by law.Today, the North Atlantic right whale is a rarely observed species, but its name derives from an era when they were more frequently sighted, when they swam slowly, close to shore, thus making them an easy target for whalers. Not only did this swimming behaviour make this whale the right one to hunt, but this whale also floats when dead and yielded vast quantities of valuable oil and baleen.Despite its bulky size, the North Atlantic right whale is able to perform acrobatic acts such as jumping out of the water, known as breaching, violently slapping the water surface with the tail and/or  a pectoral fin. Although the purpose of these behaviours is not fully understood, they may be used in communication. Similarly, the range of low frequency groans, moans and belches that the North Atlantic right whale makes are hypothesised to be used to communicate with other individuals, or signal aggression.Remarkable for massive size, North Atlantic right whales feed chiefly on minute planktonic prey, including large copepods, the size of a grain of rice; krill, a shrimp-like crustacean; tiny planktonic snails and the drifting larval stages of barnacles and other crustaceans. North Atlantic right whales are skim feeders, meaning they consume prey by swimming forward with mouths open, allowing water to flow into the mouth and out through the baleen. Tiny prey are strained from the water as it becomes caught in the fringed baleen, where it is then dislodged by the tongue and swallowed. Although this whale often feeds at or immediately below the ocean surface, the North Atlantic right whale is also believed to sometimes feed close to the bottom, since it has been seen surfacing after a 10 to 20 minute dive with mud on its head.After feeding at northern latitudes during the summer, the North Atlantic right whale migrates south for winter. Pregnant females head for the inshore calving grounds, whilst the location of the remaining majority of the population is not known. Wherever they move, this is the season at which mating takes place.North Atlantic right whale females typically first calve at nine to ten years of age, therafter giving birth to a single young every three years. The gestation period lasts for about one year, and following birth, the mother and her young remain close until the calf is weaned at the age of one. During its first year of life the calf learns the location of critical feeding grounds from its mother, which it will continue to visit for the remainder of its life. The female then takes a third year to replenish her energy stores before breeding again.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/02/06356_98_68.jpg"}, "333309": {"scientific_name": "Rhinella marina (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/333309", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/12/86538_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Cane Toad", "sid": 333309, "text": "The natural range of Rhinella marina is from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas south to the Central Amazon and southeastern Peru.  This toad has been introduced into the Caribbean Islands, South Florida (Key West and Stock islands, Tampa Bay, Hillsborough, Dade and Broward counties), the Hawaiian islands, and Australia's east coast (East Queensland and Coastal New South Wales).  Rhinella marina has been called one of the 100 worst invasive species worldwide by the Invasive Species Specialist Group. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/12/86538_98_68.jpg"}, "328660": {"scientific_name": "Capra hircus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328660", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/02/09/50266_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Domestic Goat", "sid": 328660, "text": "", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/02/09/50266_98_68.jpg"}, "1048667": {"scientific_name": "Egretta thula (Molina, 1782)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048667", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/13/18/74609_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Snowy Egret", "sid": 1048667, "text": "Smaller (20-27 inches) than North America\u2019s other light-colored herons and egrets, the Snowy Egret is most easily identified by its black bill, black legs, yellow feet, and regal breeding plumes. Other field marks include an all-white body, short tail, and small yellow skin patch on the face. Male and female Snowy Egrets are similar to one another in all seasons. The Snowy Egret breeds along the east coast of the United States north to Maine and locally in the interior southeast and west. Coastal birds are non-migratory, while interior birds migrate to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the Pacific coast of California and in the interior from northern Mexico south to Panama. Other non-migratory populations occur along both coasts of Mexico and Central America as well as in the West Indies. Snowy Egrets live in and around small bodies of water. In summer, Snowy Egrets nest in colonies, called \u2018rookeries,\u2019 in trees surrounding lakes and ponds. This species utilizes similar habitats during the winter. Snowy Egrets mainly eat fish, but may also take crustaceans and small vertebrates (such as frogs, lizards, and mice) when the opportunity arises. Snowy Egrets may be best observed wading in shallow water, where they may be seen plunging their bills into the water to catch fish. It is also possible to see Snowy Egrets at their rookeries, especially when they return to roost at sunset, or while flying with their feet extended and their necks pulled in. Snowy Egrets are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/03/13/18/74609_98_68.jpg"}, "1019233": {"scientific_name": "Hyla chrysoscelis Cope, 1880", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1019233", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/21/11/48801_orig.jpg", "common_name": "cope's gray treefrog", "sid": 1019233, "text": "Global Range: Range is not precisely known but includes most of the south-central and southeastern United States and areas west of the Great Lakes, from Manitoba, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, southern Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland south to eastern Texas, the Gulf Coast, and northern Florida (Preston 1982, Holloway et al. 2006). See Little et al. (1989) for information on distribution in West Virginia, southern Ohio, and southwestern Pennsylvania.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/21/11/48801_98_68.jpg"}, "328583": {"scientific_name": "Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328583", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/14/72869_orig.jpg", "common_name": "sea otter", "sid": 328583, "text": "The sea otter, the smallest marine mammal in the world, is well adapted for its predominately aquatic lifestyle, possessing a strong, rudder-like tail and large hind-feet that act as flippers (2). Unlike other marine mammals, sea otters do not have blubber and instead rely on their fur to keep warm in the water (4); their reddish-brown coat is the densest of any mammal, consisting of around 100,000 hairs per cm\u00b2 (2). The natural oils produced by the fur provide a waterproof quality (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/14/72869_98_68.jpg"}, "1050633": {"scientific_name": "Lanius excubitor Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050633", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/28/12/15822_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Shrike", "sid": 1050633, "text": "A medium-sized (9-10 inches) shrike, the Northern Shrike is most easily identified by its gray body, dark wings, and large hooked bill. Other field marks include a black tail with white edges, a black eye-stripe, and white \u201cwrists\u201d visible on the underside of the wings. Male and female Northern Shrikes are similar to one another in all seasons. The Northern Shrike inhabits a large portion of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, this species breeds across Alaska and north-central Canada. Typically, this species winters further south along the coast of Alaska, in southern Canada, and in the northern United States. However, depending on the severity of the winter, Northern Shrikes may winter as far north as the Arctic Circle or as far south as central New Mexico and the Mid-Atlantic region. In the Old World, this species breeds widely from the arctic south to sub-Saharan Africa and India, with northern populations migratory and southern populations permanent residents. Northern Shrikes breed in open northern forests near the edge of the tundra. During the winter, this species is found in a greater variety of open habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and agricultural fields. Northern Shrikes eat a variety of small animals, including insects, small mammals, and birds. Due to the relative inaccessibility of this species\u2019 breeding grounds, most North American birdwatchers only observe Northern Shrikes during the winter. At this time of year, Northern Shrikes are most easily observed perching in prominent areas, such as on bare branches, while watching for prey. This species impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire, and birdwatchers who stumble across one of these \u201clarders\u201d would likely find a Northern Shrike nearby. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/28/12/15822_98_68.jpg"}, "454963": {"scientific_name": "Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/454963", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/10/68981_orig.jpg", "common_name": "saltwater crocodile", "sid": 454963, "text": "Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptilian species alive today.  Adult males can reach up to sizes of 6 to 7 meters.  Females are much smaller and do not generally exceed 3 meters, with 2.5 meters considered large.  The head is very large and a pair of ridges run from the eyes along the center of the snout.  The scales are oval in shape and the scutes are small compared to other species.  Young saltwater crocodiles are pale yellow in color with black stripes and spots on the body and tail.  This coloration lasts for several years until the crocodile matures into an adult.  The color as an adult is much darker, with lighter tan or gray areas.  The ventral surface is white or yellow in color.  Stripes are present on the lower sides of the body but do not extend onto the belly.  The tail is gray with dark bands.  Saltwater crocodiles have a heavy set jaw which contains up to 68, and no less than 64, teeth. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/08/04/10/68981_98_68.jpg"}, "1049177": {"scientific_name": "Tympanuchus cupido (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049177", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/04/11/51847_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Greater prairie chicken", "sid": 1049177, "text": "In November, 2009 the Species at Risk public registry from the Government of Canada, reported that Tympanuchus cupido was extirpated in Canada. There have been no sightings since 1977.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/04/11/51847_98_68.jpg"}, "917448": {"scientific_name": "Dendroica pensylvanica (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917448", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/22/49288_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Chestnut-sided Warbler", "sid": 917448, "text": "A medium-sized (4 \u00bd -5 \u00bd inches) wood warbler, the male Chestnut-sided Warbler is most easily identified by its pale breast, streaked back, yellow crown, and conspicuous chestnut flanks. Female Chestnut-sided Warblers are similar to males, but are somewhat duller, especially on the flanks. No other wood warbler breeding in North America possesses the combination of chestnut flanks and yellow crown characteristic of this species. The Chestnut-sided Warbler primarily breeds across southern Canada and the northeastern United States. Smaller numbers breed at higher elevations in the Appalachian Mountains as far south as northern Georgia. In winter, the Chestnut-sided Warbler may be found in southern Mexico and Central America. Chestnut-sided Warblers breed in a variety of semi-open deciduous forests, particularly in areas of shrubby growth created by forest fires and other types of ecological disturbance. In winter, this species may be found in and around humid tropical forests. Chestnut-sided Warblers primarily eat small invertebrates, including insects and spiders, although this species may eat some plant material, particularly fruits and berries, during the winter. In appropriate habitat, Chestnut-sided Warblers may be observed foraging for insects underneath leaves in shrubs and lower parts of the canopy. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 song, a whistled \u201cplease please pleased to meet\u2019cha. \u201d Chestnut-sided Warblers are primarily active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/22/49288_98_68.jpg"}, "1177837": {"scientific_name": "Nestor notabilis Gould 1856", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177837", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/08/72137_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Kea", "sid": 1177837, "text": "Well-known as highly intelligent and curious birds, kea are quick to explore their environment, which may be an important behavioural trait in the harsh climate of New Zealand's high country (6). The breeding season runs from July to January, and clutches of two to four eggs are laid in nests protected amongst the boulders (7). Males feed their mate whilst she incubates the eggs (2), which may take up to four weeks (3). Family groups remain together until the chicks reach sexual maturity; a time when males generally disperse from their natal area (3).\u00a0Kea have a varied and adaptable diet, reflecting the changeable conditions of their habitat. In summer, seeds, flowers and insects are taken and mountain flax is particularly popular (6). Kea are also known to take Huttons shearwater chicks (Puffinus huttoni) from their nests (9). In the winter however, when times are hard, these parrots may feed on animal carcasses, particularly those of sheep which are farmed in the hill country, and may even attack live sheep (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/08/72137_98_68.jpg"}, "1049160": {"scientific_name": "Vultur gryphus Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049160", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/16/97177_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Andean Condor", "sid": 1049160, "text": "Andean condors roost on cliff faces and use thermal currents to lift off in the morning, and then spend most of the day soaring on updrafts looking for food. These birds scavenge on the remains of sheep, llama, cattle, seals and occasionally newborn animals or the eggs of sea birds. Their excellent eyesight allows them to spot a carcass from several miles away, and these birds are also known to watch the behaviour of other animals or follow smaller scavenger birds to find a carcass (7). Their sharp, curved beaks can easily tear through the flesh and hides of the toughest carcasses (7) (9). Up to 40 birds have been observed together at a single large carcass (2).\u00a0The Andean condor has a long life, in excess of 50 years, but breeds very slowly (7). Sexual maturity is not attained until seven to eleven years, after which these birds, like all condors, mate for life (7). The male conducts an elaborate courtship display involving drawing the body up and fully extending the wings, as well as making loud tongue clicks, while the reddish skin of the neck becomes bright yellow (8). The female lays a single egg every other year, which both birds take turns to incubate (7) for about 54 to 58 days (8). The young take a lot of time and effort to raise, being unable to fly until they are six months old and reliant upon their parents for up to two more years (2) (7).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/16/97177_98_68.jpg"}, "922651": {"scientific_name": "Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin, 1789)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/922651", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/10/82922_orig.jpg", "common_name": "White-throated Sparrow", "sid": 922651, "text": "The White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) breeds in coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests and around forest edges, clearings, bogs, brush, and open woodlands; in migration and on its wintering grounds, these sparrows are also found in deciduous forest and woodland, scrub, and parks and gardens. White-throated Sparrows breed mainly in Canada, with some additional breeding populations in the northernmost portions of the Great Lakes states and in parts of the northeastern United States. They winter along the Pacific coast of the United States (but are relatively rare here) and in approximately the southeastern half of the United States from New Mexico to Kansas, Ohio, and New Hampshire.\r\n\r\nThis common and widespread sparrow is named for its conspicuously and strongly outlined white throat. It has rusty brown upperparts, a dark bill, dark crown stripes, and a dark eyeline. The broad \"eyebrow\" (above the eye) is yellow in front of the eye, with the remainder either tan or white (two distinct color morphs). Juveniles have a grayish eyebrow and throat with heavily streaked breast and sides. \r\n\r\nThe song, which is often heard even in winter, is a thin pensive whistle, generally two single notes followed by three triple notes: \"Oh sweet Canada Canada Canada\" (or \"Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody\"). The sharp tink and lisping tseep calls are frequently heard from flocks of sparrows in thickets.\r\n\r\nWhite-throated Sparrows eat mainly seeds and insects. Insects make up a large part of the diet during the breeding season (and young are fed mainly on insects), but the winter diet consists mainly of \"weed\" and grass seeds. Especially in fall, many berries may be consumed. White-throated Sparrows forage mainly on the ground under or close to dense thickets, scratching in the leaf litter with both feet. \r\n\r\nWhite-throated Sparrows almost always nest on the ground, at a site well hidden by low shrubs, grass, or ferns. They may occasionally nest above ground up to a height of several meters. The nest (built by the female) is an open cup made of grass, twigs, weeds, and pine needles and lined with fine grass, rootlets, and animal hair. The 4 to 5 eggs (sometimes  3 or 6, rarely 2 or 7) are pale blue or greenish blue and marked with reddish brown and lavender. Eggs are incubated (by the female only) for around 11 to 14 days. Both parents feed the nestlings. Young typically leave the nest 8 to 9 days after hatching, but are tended by the parents for at least another 2 weeks. \r\n\r\nResearchers have identified behavioral differences associated with the white-striped versus tan-striped morphs. Both males and females may exhibit either color, but adults nearly always mate with the opposite color morph. White-striped males tend to be more aggressive and to sing more than tan-striped males. White-striped females also sing, but tan-striped females generally do not. Pairs involving a tan-striped male and white-striped female usually form more quickly than the opposite combination. Tan-striped adults tend to feed their young more than white-striped adults.\r\n\r\nMigration occurs mostly at night. White-throated Sparrows tend to migrate relatively late in the fall, gradually moving south to their wintering grounds. \r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/10/82922_98_68.jpg"}, "1156278": {"scientific_name": "Ginkgo biloba L.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1156278", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/11/52498_orig.jpg", "common_name": "ginkgo", "sid": 1156278, "text": "Trees to 40 m tall; trunk to 4 m d.b.h.; bark light gray or grayish brown, longitudinally fissured especially on old trees; crown conical initially, finally broadly ovoid; long branchlets pale\u00a0brownish yellow initially, finally gray, internodes (1-) 1.5-4 cm; short branchlets blackish gray, with dense, irregularly elliptic leaf scars; winter buds yellowish brown, ovate. Leaves with\u00a0petiole (3-)5-8(-10) cm; blade pale green, turning bright yellow in autumn, to 13 \u00d7 8(-15) cm on young trees but usually 5-8 cm wide, those on long branchlets divided by a deep, apical\u00a0sinus into 2 lobes each further dissected, those on short branchlets with undulate distal and margin notched apex. Pollen cones ivory colored, 1.2-2.2 cm; pollen sacs boat-shaped, with\u00a0widely gaping slit. Seeds elliptic, narrowly obovoid, ovoid, or subglobose, 2.5-3.5 \u00d7 1.6-2.2 cm; sarcotesta yellow, or orange-yellow glaucous, with rancid odor when ripe; sclerotesta white, with 2 or 3 longitudinal ridges;\u00a0endotesta pale reddish brown. Pollination Mar-Apr, seed maturity Sep-Oct.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/11/52498_98_68.jpg"}, "585632": {"scientific_name": "Cornus canadensis L.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/585632", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/00/47506_orig.jpg", "common_name": "bunchberry dogwood", "sid": 585632, "text": "Cornus canadensis (Canadian dwarf cornel, Canadian bunchberry, quatre-temps, crackerberry, creeping dogwood) is a species of flowering plant in the Cornaceae (dogwood) family, native to eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, northeastern China (Jilin Province) and the Russian Far East), northern USA, Colorado, New Mexico, Canada and Greenland.[1] Unlike its relatives, which are for the most part substantial trees and shrubs, C. canadensis is a creeping, rhizomatous perennial growing to about 20\u00a0cm (8\u00a0in) tall.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/00/47506_98_68.jpg"}, "326449": {"scientific_name": "Pan troglodytes (Blumenbach, 1775)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326449", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/04/15/00/13785_orig.jpg", "common_name": "chimpanzee", "sid": 326449, "text": "Along with the pygmy chimp or bonobo (Pan paniscus), the chimpanzee is the closest living relative (4) to humans and is estimated to share 98 percent of our genes (6). There are currently four recognised subspecies of chimpanzee, showing differences in appearance and geographic range: the western or masked chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus), central or black-faced chimpanzee (P. t. troglodytes), eastern or long-haired chimpanzee (P. t. schweinfurthii) and the eastern Nigeria chimpanzee (P. t. vellerosus) (3). They all have the characteristic chimpanzee body shape with longer arms than legs, together with opposable thumbs and big toes (5). The bare skin on the face, ears, palms, and soles of the feet is pinkish to black (5), whilst the rest of the body is covered with brown to black hairs (6). Chimpanzees have very expressive features with their bulging eyebrows and protrusive lips (6). The long arms and fingers and mobile shoulder joints allow chimps to move easily in the trees where they forage and rest (4). The majority of their locomotion however, takes place on the ground in the form of 'knuckle-walking' (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/04/15/00/13785_98_68.jpg"}, "1051974": {"scientific_name": "Parus major Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1051974", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/27/05/22078_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Great Tit", "sid": 1051974, "text": "One of the best-known birds in our gardens and feeding tables is the great tit. Although it is an insect-eater, it switches to seeds in the winter. Therefore, great tits don't have to fly south in the winter. They are acrobats at the feeding table, easily hanging on the peanut netting or balancing on a suet ball. In the spring, great tits choose all kinds of holes and hollows in the woods and woodlands for making their nest. Even during nesting season they like to be spoiled by humans ... they gladly choose our bird houses to nest.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/27/05/22078_98_68.jpg"}, "1049121": {"scientific_name": "Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049121", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/12/08661_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Bald Eagle", "sid": 1049121, "text": "iNaturalist Observations", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/12/08661_98_68.jpg"}, "1049176": {"scientific_name": "Lagopus lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049176", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/05/05/44878_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Willow Grouse", "sid": 1049176, "text": "Male red grouse mark out their territories with an energetic display during which they leap into the air, giving their characteristic 'go-back-go-back' call. They compete for an area of moor with plenty of heather and bilberry bushes in which the female will produce a nest scrape for her eggs. These eggs are well camouflaged, laid in April and may number ten or more. The chicks hatch after about three weeks, and are fed by both birds for six weeks. They can fly after 13 days.\u00a0Red grouse have been a quarry species for years, but the sport only became a source of lucrative business when the breech-loading gun was invented in the mid 19th century, and the railways provided access to the moors. The 'Glorious twelfth' of August, the opening of the grouse-shooting season, was apparently chosen to fit in with the parliamentary summer recess, as well as the birds' breeding season.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/05/05/44878_98_68.jpg"}, "129473": {"scientific_name": "Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/129473", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/07/13/66351_orig.jpg", "common_name": "grevy's zebra", "sid": 129473, "text": "Grevy's zebra is the largest of the equids (a group that includes horses, asses and zebras) (4). It possesses the same body shape as other equids with a long head and neck and slender legs resting on a single digit in the form of a hoof (5). The sleek coat is patterned with black and white vertical stripes that are much narrower than those of the plains zebra (Equs burchelli) and persist until above the hind legs where a chevron pattern occurs (6). The horizontal stripes on the legs remain distinct all the way down to the hooves, and the tall, upright mane is also striped in a pattern that continues on from the neck. A wide black stripe along the back is bordered by white and is very distinctive (2). The muzzle is a tan colour with white edges, and the large, rounded ears are striped on the back (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/07/13/66351_98_68.jpg"}, "215452": {"scientific_name": "Carcharhinus falciformis Bibron 1841", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/215452", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/12/32994_orig.jpg", "common_name": "silky shark", "sid": 215452, "text": "\u00a0        Common names: shark (English), tibur\u00f3n (Espanol) \u00a0Carcharhinus falciformis\u00a0(M\u00fcller & Henle, 1839)   Silky shark   Slender-bodied\u00a0(body depth 11.5-17.5% of TL);\u00a0snout moderately long, flat and slightly pointed,\u00a0length in front of mouth 6.9-9.3% of TL;\u00a0large eyes; top teeth serrated on tip and base, straight (at front) to slightly oblique (on sides of jaws), with notch on outer side, narrow points,\u00a0lower teeth with narrow points;\u00a0 a low, narrow ridge on back between dorsal fins; origin of first dorsal fin behind free rear tips of pectoral fin;\u00a0 first dorsal fin small, low,\u00a0(height 5.2-9.9% of TL),\u00a0 with narrowly rounded tip\u00a0and strongly curved trailing edge; origin of second dorsal ~ over anal origin, height of fin ~ \u00bd its length; 2nd\u00a0\u00a0dorsal and anal fins with long bases and long free rear tips; pectoral long, narrow, curved.   Grey to dark grey dorsally, shading to white ventrally, sometimes with faint band of white invading grey of upper abdomen; first dorsal fin unmarked; second dorsal, anal, lower caudal lobe and pectoral fins may have dusky tips.  Grows to 350 cm; size at birth 70-87 cm.  Habitat: found inshore but more abundant offshore.  Depth: 0-500 m.  Circumtropical; central Baja and the Gulf of California to northern Peru and the oceanic islands. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0        ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/12/32994_98_68.jpg"}, "328580": {"scientific_name": "Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328580", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/19/01/36585_orig.jpg", "common_name": "polar bear", "sid": 328580, "text": "This article is about the animal.  For other uses, see Polar bear (disambiguation).The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a carnivorous bear whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle, encompassing the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and surrounding land masses. It is a large bear, approximately the same size as the omnivorous Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi).[3] A boar (adult male) weighs around 350\u2013700\u00a0kg (770\u20131,540\u00a0lb),[4] while a sow (adult female) is about half that size. Although it is the sister species of the brown bear,[5] it has evolved to occupy a narrower ecological niche, with many body characteristics adapted for cold temperatures, for moving across snow, ice, and open water, and for hunting the seals which make up most of its diet.[6] Although most polar bears are born on land, they spend most of their time at sea. Their scientific name means \"maritime bear\", and derives from this fact. Polar bears hunt their preferred food of seals from the edge of sea ice, often living off fat reserves when no sea ice is present.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/19/01/36585_98_68.jpg"}, "326533": {"scientific_name": "Lemur catta Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326533", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/22/16/24300_orig.jpg", "common_name": "ring-tailed lemur", "sid": 326533, "text": "Both sexes of the ring-tailed lemur maintain complex dominance relationships, but there are no actual hierarchies (3). Both males and females mark their territory boundaries; females use genital smears and males use scent from a wrist gland that they gouge into bark with the help of a horny pad on the wrist. However, home ranges overlap, and groups, numbering between 3 and 20 individuals, may come into contact. In such circumstances females will attempt to intimidate the opposing group by staring, and occasionally will fight briefly before retreating to the centre of the range (2).\u00a0Following increased scent marking by females (5), mating takes place in a short period in mid April, resulting in synchronous births four months later in August and September (2). The purpose of this careful timing is to ensure that the young are weaned just as fruit becomes plentiful. Males compete for access to females, daubing their tails with scent from their wrist glands and wafting this pungent odour towards their opponent. These stink fights are commonly sufficient to establish rank, but fights can occur. Males might move between groups during the mating season to impregnate as many females as possible. After 134 \u2013 138 days of gestation the females give birth to one or occasionally two young (3). Groups of females share the parental duties and form cr\u00e8ches. Young initially cling to the underside of a female, but will ride on her back when larger (6). All male offspring leave their natal group once mature, and will continue to transfer groups every three to five years throughout their life (2).\u00a0These diurnal lemurs feed on the fruit, leaves, flowers, bark and sap from over 30 plant species (1). They are particularly social; sunbathing in groups in a characteristic yoga-like position, as well as spending much of their time grooming each other (7). They are also highly communicative, using several calls to unite members of a group, defend the territory and sound the alarm. Predators include the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) which preys upon both young and adults, as well as the Madagascar harrier hawk (Polyboroides radiatus) and the Madagascar buzzard (Buteo brachypterus) which only take young (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/22/16/24300_98_68.jpg"}, "917151": {"scientific_name": "Colaptes auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917151", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/13/16103_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Flicker", "sid": 917151, "text": "The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is an extremely widely distributed woodpecker in North and Middle America. As the species boundaries are currently defined, the range of this species includes most of Canada south to north-central Nicaragua. Formerly, the Northern Flicker was treated as two separate species, the Yellow-shafted Flicker (C. auratus) to the east and north and the Red-shafted Flicker (C. cafer) to the west. However, evidence of extensive interbreeding where the ranges of these forms come into contact (as well as shifting philosophical views about species definitions) led to the \"lumping\"  of the Yellow-shafted and Red-shafted Flickers.  \"Yellow-shafted\" Flickers have yellow wing linings and undertail, gray crown, and tan face, with a red crescent on the nape; the male has a black moustachial stripe. \"Red-shafted\" Flickers have a brown crown and gray face, with no red crescent on the nape; the male has a red moustachial stripe.  In the western Great Plains, there is a broad zone where all the flickers are intergrades, showing a mix of Yellow-shafted and Red-shafted characteristics. Another currently recognized species, the Gilded Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides), was formely treated as falling within C. auratus. All these flickers have a white rump that is conspicuous in flight.\r\n\r\nNorthern Flickers can be found in open woodlands, open situations, and parks\u2014almost any habitat with at least a few trees (but generally not in dense forest that lack open areas for foraging). The diet consists mainly of ants and other insects, but fruits are eaten as well, especially in fall and winter, and sometimes seeds and nuts. Flickers are often seen foraging on the ground. \r\n\r\nMale Northern Flickers defend their nesting territory with calling, drumming, and aggressive displays (swinging the head back and forth, flicking the wings open and spreading the tail to show its bright underside). Courtship and aggressive displays are largely similar.  The commonly heard call on the breeding ground is a long, loud series of \"wicka\" notes; other vocalizations may be heard year-round.\r\n\r\nNorthern Flickers typically nest in cavities in dead trees or wooden posts (they may rarely nest in a ground burrow). The cavity is excavated by both sexes, typically 2 to 6 m above the ground (but sometimes to 30 m or more). The eggs are white and the usual clutch size is 5 to 8 eggs (although there may be as few as 3 or as many as 12).  Incubation, for 11 to 16 days,  is by both sexes, with the male incubating at night and during part of the day. Both parents feed the young (by regurgitation). Young leave the nest around 4 weeks after hatching and are fed by the parents for some time. \r\n\r\n\"Yellow-shafted\" Flickers breeding in Alaska and Canada are strongly migratory, with large numbers traveling east and then south in the fall. \"Red-shafted \" Flickers often move shorter distances, moving southward and from mountains into lowlands, with some eastward movement into the Great Plains in winter. \r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/13/16103_98_68.jpg"}, "1049561": {"scientific_name": "Himantopus mexicanus (Statius Muller, 1776)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049561", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/06/07/34553_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Black-necked Stilt", "sid": 1049561, "text": "occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/06/07/34553_98_68.jpg"}, "1048436": {"scientific_name": "Branta leucopsis (Bechstein, 1803)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048436", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/18/01/30189_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Barnacle Goose", "sid": 1048436, "text": "These robust geese brood in barren areas in the high north. Barnacle geese lay their eggs on ridges located high off the ground, unreachable for predators. Because the chicks are unable to fly right away, they need to eventually jump off the cliffs. It is a rocky bottom and not all chicks survive the ordeal. Since the end of the 20th century, more and more barnacle geese have been staying in the Netherlands to nest. This probably began with tame birds that went wild.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/18/01/30189_98_68.jpg"}, "1050591": {"scientific_name": "Progne subis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050591", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/45153_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Purple Martin", "sid": 1050591, "text": " A large (7 \u00bc -8 \u00bd inches) swallow, the male Purple Martin is most easily identified by its large size, dark purple-black body, and notched tail. Female Purple Martins are purplish gray above and pale below with streaking on the breast. While the male is unmistakable in North America, the female resembles other pale breasted swallows, although it is generally much larger. On migration and during the winter, both sexes may be confused with other species of martin occurring in the American tropics. The Purple Martin breeds across much of the eastern United States and southern Canada. Other populations breed on the Pacific coast from California to British Columbia, in the interior west, and in western Mexico. This species is a long-distance migrant, wintering primarily in Bolivia and southern Brazil. Purple Martins historically bred along forest edges near water, nesting in old woodpecker holes in dead trees. Today, almost all Purple Martins, particularly those breeding in the east, nest in man-made nest boxes in urban or suburban areas. In winter, this species is found foraging over open savannah and fields, roosting in trees or buildings nearby. Purple Martins exclusively eat flying insects. In the Purple Martin\u2019s breeding range, the easiest way to find this species is to look for the large, white, pole-mounted nest boxes in which Purple Martins prefer to nest. While foraging, this species may be seen swooping over ponds, lakes, and open country while catching insects in flight. Purple Martins are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/45153_98_68.jpg"}, "1174745": {"scientific_name": "Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1174745", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/08/65132_orig.jpg", "common_name": "sevenspotted lady beetle", "sid": 1174745, "text": "Both adults and larvae are voracious predators of aphids, and are one of the gardener's greatest natural allies (4). Ladybirds lay their yellow eggs in small groups on leaves (5). The black larvae have relatively long legs, and they are active predators. When threatened, adults exude a bright yellow distasteful substance from the joints of the legs, which dissuades potential predators from eating a ladybird. Adults overwinter in garden sheds, amongst vegetation, in crevices in fences and a range of similar locations, and can often be discovered in fairly large numbers during this time. They emerge in March and April (4).\u00a0There is much folklore centred on ladybirds; ladybird numbers are said to indicate the number of aphids due that particular year, they are also widely thought to bring good luck, particularly with regards to romance (4). There are many rhymes associated with these beetles, the most well known in England begins: 'Ladybird, ladybird, fly away, your house is on fire and your children are gone' (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/08/65132_98_68.jpg"}, "1019571": {"scientific_name": "Ambystoma mexicanum (Shaw and Nodder, 1798)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1019571", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/24/04/33420_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Mexican Axolotl", "sid": 1019571, "text": "This astonishing species is part of the family of 'mole salamanders', but exhibits an unusual and extreme trait known as neoteny, or paedomorphosis. This is the retention of larval stage characteristics throughout life, so axolotls usually never fully resemble an adult salamander. Unlike other amphibians, most axolotl fail to metamorphose, living permanently in water (3). Although it does develop lungs, the axolotl's most bizarre feature is its retention of its branch-like gills. These are external projections from the neck on each side of the head. Each side has three branches covered with feathery filaments which increase the surface area for gas exchange. The axolotl has a long, slim and darkly coloured body, and short legs, with four digits on the front feet and five digits on the hind feet. Albino individuals have been bred in captivity, but are not known to live in the wild (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/24/04/33420_98_68.jpg"}, "917459": {"scientific_name": "Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1802)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917459", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/22/87239_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Australian Magpie", "sid": 917459, "text": "The Australian magpie (Cracticus tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. A member of the Artamidae, it is closely related to the butcherbirds (but not to the European magpie, which is a corvid). At one stage, the Australian magpie was considered to be three separate species, although zones of hybridisation between forms reinforced the idea of a single species with several subspecies, nine of which are now recognised. The adult Australian magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43\u00a0cm (14.5\u201317\u00a0in) in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. With its long legs, the Australian magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. This adaptation has led to many authorities maintaining it in its own genus Gymnorhina; however, a genetic study published in 2013 has shown it to be most closely related to the black butcherbird (C. quoyi) rather than an early offshoot from the other butcherbirds.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/22/87239_98_68.jpg"}, "1049551": {"scientific_name": "Philomachus pugnax (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049551", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/17/39416_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Ruff", "sid": 1049551, "text": "Who doesn't fantasize about elegantly dressed knights that battle against each other in a tournament for the patronage of a noble lady? Knights are a thing of the past, however ruffs still practice this habit. Unfortunately, this spectacle has practically disappeared in the Netherlands. The days when this country served as a last stop and nesting area for thousands of ruffs are long gone. Even though onaly a handful still nest in the Netherlands, they still come here during migration to Central Africa, where they spend the winter.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/17/39416_98_68.jpg"}, "328598": {"scientific_name": "Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328598", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/24/10/86040_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Raccoon", "sid": 328598, "text": "The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is the most abundant and widespread medium-sized omnivore in the North America. They are found throughout Mexico, Central America, the United States, except at the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains, and into southern Canada (Kaufmann, 1982). During the last 50 years, raccoon populations in the United States have increased greatly (Sanderson, 1987). In suburban areas, they frequently raid garbage cans and dumps. Raccoons are preyed on by bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and great horned owls (Kaufmann, 1982). Twenty-five subspecies are recognized in the United States and Canada; however, most researchers do not identify the subspecies studied because different subspecies inhabit essentially nonoverlapping geographic ranges.\r\n\r\nRaccoons measure from 46 to 71 cm with a 20 to 30 cm tail. Body weights vary by location, age, and sex from 3 to 9 kg (Kaufmann, 1982; Sanderson, 1987).\r\n\r\nRaccoons are found near virtually every aquatic habitat, particularly in hardwood swamps, mangroves, floodplain forests, and freshwater and saltwater marshes (Kaufmann, 1982). They are also common in suburban residential areas and cultivated and abandoned farmlands (Kaufmann, 1982) and may forage in farmyards (Greenwood, 1982). Stuewer (1943a) stated that a permanent water supply, tree dens, and available food are essential. Raccoons use surface waters for both drinking and foraging (Stuewer, 1943a).\r\n\r\nThe raccoon is an omnivorous and opportunistic feeder. Although primarily active from sunset to sunrise (Kaufmann, 1982; Stuewer, 1943a), raccoons will change their activity period to accommodate the availability of food and water (Sanderson, 1987). For example, salt marsh raccoons may become active during the day to take advantage of low tide (Ivey, 1948, cited in Sanderson, 1987). Raccoons feed primarily on fleshy fruits, nuts, acorns, and corn (Kaufmann, 1982) but also eat grains, insects, frogs, crayfish, eggs, and virtually any animal and vegetable matter (Palmer and Fowler, 1975). The proportion of different foods in their diet depends on location and season, although plants are usually a more important component of the diet. They may focus on a preferred food, such as turtle eggs, when it is available (Stuewer, 1943a). They also will feed on garbage and carrion. Typically, it is only in the spring and early summer that raccoons eat more animal than plant material. Their late summer and fall diets consist primarily of fruits. In winter, acorns tend to be the most important food, although raccoons will take any corn or fruits that are still available (Kaufmann, 1982; Stuewer, 1943a).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/24/10/86040_98_68.jpg"}, "1049951": {"scientific_name": "Raphus cucullatus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049951", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/11/22/16/60928_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Dodo", "sid": 1049951, "text": "The flightless dodo, Raphus cucullatus, was native to the island of Mauritius, in the south-western Indian Ocean.On 20 September 1598, a Dutch fleet commanded by Admiral Wybrant van Warwijck found a channel through the reef encircling Mauritius, and initiated the permanent settlement of the island.Less than a century later, the dodo was extinct, and other species followed rapidly. A close relative, Pezophaps solitaria, lived on the nearby island of Rodrigues, but suffered a similar fate to the dodo.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/11/22/16/60928_98_68.jpg"}, "1049737": {"scientific_name": "Gelochelidon nilotica (Gmelin, 1789)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049737", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/05/09/39477_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Gull-billed Tern", "sid": 1049737, "text": "A medium-sized (14 inches) tern, the Gull-billed Tern in summer is most easily identified by its pale wings, solid black cap, and thick black bill. In winter, this species loses most of its black cap, becoming light gray on the head with a black eye-stripes. Male and female Gull-billed Terns are similar to one another in all seasons. The Gull-billed Tern inhabits every continent except Antarctica. In North America, this species breeds along the Atlantic coast of the U.S.south of New York, along the Gulf coast, and in southern California. Populations breeding in the Gulf are non-migratory, while those on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts winter in Florida, on the Gulf coast, and in the tropics as far south as Argentina. Gull-billed Terns primarily breed in dunes, on sandy barrier islands, or in coastal marshes. Similar habitats are utilized during the winter, although this species may also be found further inland in flooded fields at that time of year. Gull-billed Terns primarily eat small aquatic animals, including insects, small fish, and crustaceans. Gull-billed Terns may be observed flying above beaches and near-shore waters while catching prey. This species catches insects in the air, but does not dive into the water to catch fish (unlike many other terns), preferring to skim the surface or catch fish while standing in shallow water. Gull-billed Terns are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/05/09/39477_98_68.jpg"}, "327960": {"scientific_name": "Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327960", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/06/06/19552_orig.jpg", "common_name": "rhesus macaque", "sid": 327960, "text": "This adaptable species is highly promiscuous and both males and females mate with as many members of the opposite sex as possible. They travel in groups of between 8 and 180 individuals, usually with two to four times as many females as males. Breeding takes place whenever the seasons permit, with no defined period in non-seasonal areas. Females undergo a regular oestrus cycle of 26 \u2013 29 days, but unlike many other macaques, the genital region swells and darkens in colour only slightly during the fertile period, and only in younger adult females (4). Gestation lasts around 165 days, and females give birth to a single young or, rarely, twins. The young is fed milk for a year, first clinging to the mother's belly, but riding on her back when older. After weaning, female juveniles may remain with the same group whereas males often disperse to another. Females become sexually mature between 2.5 and 4 years and males between 4.5 and 7 years. Females who reach ages of more than 25 years go through the menopause, eventually becoming infertile (6).\u00a0The rhesus macaque shows dominance hierarchies in both sexes, but more so in males. The status of each individual is inherited from its mother. There may be confrontations between groups, but these are rare as weaker groups actively avoid stronger groups. Females within groups can be very loud, but rarely fight as they are usually closely related (4). All members of the group practise social grooming for pleasure, health and as a form of submission and appeasement. Appeasement is also shown by the fear grimace in which the lips are retracted to reveal the clenched teeth. Staring with the mouth open signifies threat and putting the tail vertically upwards indicates aggressive confidence. Infants attract their mother's attention by cooing, and adult females will also coo to attract a male. Males respond by lip-smacking as an invitation to mate (5).\u00a0The diet of the rhesus macaque varies by region. They are omnivorous opportunists, feeding mainly on roots, herbs, insects, crop plants and small animals. They are good swimmers and will cross water to find food (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/06/06/19552_98_68.jpg"}, "328584": {"scientific_name": "Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328584", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/28/03/75589_orig.jpg", "common_name": "northern river otter", "sid": 328584, "text": "River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Like fishers, martens, and mink, they have long, slender bodies, short limbs, and a short face, plus a set of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle: an oily, waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Now they are gone from the central and eastern United States, and extinct or rare in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Still these animals are commercially harvested: 20,000 - 30,000 are taken annually for their lustrous fur.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/28/03/75589_98_68.jpg"}, "922253": {"scientific_name": "Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/922253", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/07/26/22/91870_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Starling", "sid": 922253, "text": "A medium-sized (7 \u00bd -8 \u00bd inches) songbird, the European Starling in summer is most easily identified by its glossy iridescent body, long yellow bill, and short tail. In winter, this species becomes duller overall with white-spotted plumage and a dark bill. Immature birds are dull brownish-gray, but are shaped similarly to adults. Male and female European Starlings are similar to one another in all seasons. The European Starling is native to Europe and West Asia, wintering to North Africa and the Middle East. In recent times, this species has been introduced elsewhere in the world, including in temperate North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Some introduced populations of European Starlings migrate short distances in spring and fall, but many such populations in warmer climates are wholly non-migratory. European Starlings inhabit a wide variety of open habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields, across their wide range. This species has also been incredibly successful at utilizing man-made habitats, and may be found in the heart of major urban areas.  European Starlings eat a variety of foods, including seeds, grains, insects, and (in some areas) human refuse. In temperate and subtropical parts of the world, the European Starling is often one of the most visible bird species, particularly in urban areas. Individuals may be observed foraging for food in fields, yards, parks, and even on bare sidewalk. This species is a cavity nester, and birds in introduced populations are frequently reviled for aggressively displacing native birds from nest sites. European Starlings are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/07/26/22/91870_98_68.jpg"}, "328518": {"scientific_name": "Bradypus variegatus Schinz, 1825", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328518", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/20/96131_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Brown-throated sloth", "sid": 328518, "text": "Bradypus is a terrestrial mammal of the sloth family, which is often characterized by its slow-moving demeanor and coarse hair. Although Bradypus variegatus has similar features to other bradypodidae, as a species it can be clearly distinguished by the brown coloration along the \u201csides of its face and throat, prominent dark brown forehead, suborbital stripe outlining the ocular area of the face and shorter mandibular spout\u201d(1).  Found in the forest canopies of Central and South America, the brown-throated three-toed sloth feeds off of leaves and shoots, descending from the treetops every eight days to defecate(1).  Home ranges vary in size from 0.5 to 9 hectares, and sloths are said to spend time in an average of 40 trees for every 5 hectares(2).  A portion of Bradypus variegatus\u2019 home range is passed on from mother to baby sloth for competition reduction. Mating season occurs annually before the start of the rainy season, and one offspring per litter is born after an estimated gestation period of 4-6 months(3). ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/20/96131_98_68.jpg"}, "333692": {"scientific_name": "Plethodon cinereus (Green, 1818)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/333692", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/08/71712_orig.jpg", "common_name": "eastern red-backed salamander", "sid": 333692, "text": "Plethodon cinereus is a small terrestrial salamander that is widespread across a large part of eastern North America and which can be an extremely abundant inhabitant of forest floors. It is known as the Eastern Red-Backed salamander because many individuals exhibit a finely mottled grey coloration, trending towards black towards the dorsum, but with a striking dorsal stripe that is typically red. However, many other individuals, often from the same population will lack this stripe (lead-backed phase). Additionally, other color patterns can occur, such as yellowish or grey dorsal stripes, or red over the entire body (e.g. Tilley et al 1982). During the day these salamanders can be found in moist locations beneath objects such as rocks and logs, within rotting logs, under leaf litter, and within soil (e.g. Ransom 2012), with individuals often emerging to the surface and even climbing vegetation at night during appropriate weather (Jaegar 1978, 1980).\u00a0 Reproduction occurs with clutches of eggs being laid in cavities during the early summer, and the female remaining with her eggs until hatching perhaps two months later (see Tornick 2010). This species can be active throughout the year, although they tend to avoid dry conditions, and may be less active during the summer (see Grasser and Smith 2014).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/10/06/08/71712_98_68.jpg"}, "1049382": {"scientific_name": "Pelecanus onocrotalus Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049382", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/20/49895_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Great White Pelican", "sid": 1049382, "text": "A social and cooperative bird, the great white pelican fishes in the early morning, spending the remainder of the day preening and bathing. Groups of birds bathe in shallow water, ducking their heads and bodies beneath the surface and flapping their wings. Pelicans may also be seen standing on sandbars and small islands with their wings spread and bills open, to cool down. The great white pelican feeds on large fish, mainly carp in Europe and cichlids in Africa, but is also known to take eggs and chicks of the Cape cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis) in southwest Africa. Despite evidence suggesting that pelicans take fewer fish when fishing as a group, the great white pelican commonly feeds cooperatively. Between 8 and 12 or more birds form a horseshoe shape, herding fish into shallow water, and plunging their bills to catch the fish along the way. Once a pelican has fish in its pouch, it tilts its head vertically and swallows them whole (2).\u00a0During the breeding season, the great white pelican male behaves territorially; gaping, clapping its bill and bowing. It may even attack other males using the bill, should they come too close. Breeding takes place in spring in Europe, but is year-round in Africa, and despite the male's defensive behaviour, the birds nest colonially near water. Males display using the head crest and the bright colours of the pouch. Once pairs have formed, a rudimentary nest is built on the ground from sticks (2). The female lays an average of two eggs and incubates them for 31 days (2) (7). The chicks fledge after 75 to 85 days, reaching sexual maturity at three to four years (2) (7). Great white pelicans can live for up to 30 years (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/20/49895_98_68.jpg"}, "449909": {"scientific_name": "Cepaea nemoralis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/449909", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/11/26193_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Larger Banded Snail", "sid": 449909, "text": "The northern distribution boundary of Cepaea nemoralis is in Scotland and southern Scandinavia. The range extends south to the Iberian Peninsula and Croatia in the south. Capaea nemoralis is found in the western and eastern coasts of both Ireland and the UK, Belgium, and France. The eastward distribution extends to the northwestern areas of Poland. This species was introduced in southeastern Poland, where it currently thrives. Cepaea nemoralis was introduced into North America during the nineteenth century and is currently found in Virginia, New York, Ontario, and Massachusetts. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/11/26193_98_68.jpg"}, "1047044": {"scientific_name": "Picoides borealis (Vieillot, 1809)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1047044", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/12/80330_orig.jpg", "common_name": "red-cockaded woodpecker", "sid": 1047044, "text": "The red-cockaded woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis) is a woodpecker found in southeastern North America.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/12/80330_98_68.jpg"}, "328591": {"scientific_name": "Martes americana (Turton, 1806)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328591", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/04/71219_orig.jpg", "common_name": "american marten", "sid": 328591, "text": "American Martens are widely distributed in northern forests across Canada and into Alaska. Only 200 years ago, they were also abundant in the southeastern United States. Smaller than the Fisher and larger than the Ermine, Martens are omnivores, including insects, fruits, and seeds as well as birds and small-to-medium-sized mammals in their diet. Martens most frequently hunt on the ground, but they are capable climbers, and will pursue Red Squirrels in trees. Martens are solitary and territorial.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/04/71219_98_68.jpg"}, "1049356": {"scientific_name": "Charadrius vociferus Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049356", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/07/12/82397_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Killdeer", "sid": 1049356, "text": "Resembling a much larger Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus), the Killdeer is most easily identified by its size (9-11 inches), brown back, two black breast bands, and orange-brown rump. Other field marks include its gray-green legs, black bill, and red eye ring. Male and female Killdeers are similar to one another in all seasons. The Killdeer breeds across the United States and southern Canada. Birds breeding in coastal areas and in the interior south are non-migratory, while birds breeding further north migrate south to Central America in winter. Other non-migratory populations occur in Mexico, Peru, and the West Indies. Less associated with water than most of its relatives, the Killdeer inhabits a number of open habitat types, including grasslands, mudflats, and gravel deposits. Also utilizes numerous man-made environments, such as fields, golf courses, and airports. The Killdeer eats small invertebrates, primarily worms and insects, but may consume plant matter when prey is scarce. Killdeers may be most easily observed while foraging for food, when it may be seen probing the soil with their bills or running across the surface to catch prey. Nesting Killdeer may also be observed feigning broken wings to lure intruders away from the nest site. This species is mainly active during the day, but frequently feeds at night when insects are plentiful.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/07/12/82397_98_68.jpg"}, "1049119": {"scientific_name": "Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049119", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/26/15/87424_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Golden Eagle", "sid": 1049119, "text": "An extremely large (30-40 inches) raptor, the Golden Eagle is much larger than the largest North American hawk and is only marginally smaller than the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). With its dark brown body, dull yellow legs, and yellow bill, the Golden Eagle may be difficult to separate at a distance from an immature Bald Eagle, which has these same field marks and lacks the white head and tail of adults. With a good view, however, it is possible to identify a Golden Eagle by looking for a golden wash to the back of its neck. Male and female Golden Eagles are similar to one another in all seasons, although females are slightly larger. The Golden Eagle may be found across the northern hemisphere. In North America, this species breeds primarily in the mountain west from Alaska to central Mexico. In winter, Golden Eagles breeding in Canada and Alaska move south, while those in the Rocky Mountains move to lower altitudes. Golden Eagles were formerly more numerous in eastern North America, but have retracted their range westward in response to increasing pressure from humans. Small numbers of Golden Eagles breed in eastern Canada and winter locally in the northeastern U.S.and Mid-Atlantic region. In Eurasia, the Golden Eagle inhabits much of northern Eurasia, with isolated populations further south, especially at higher latitudes in southern Europe, Asia Minor, and the Himalayas. In summer, the Golden Eagle breeds in a variety of habitats, including tundra, grasslands, and coniferous forests. Winter habitats are similar to breeding habitats, but may also include wetlands. Golden Eagles primarily hunt small mammals, including rabbits, hares, and squirrels, and marmots, but may scavenge carrion when available. Golden Eagles may be most easily observed soaring on long, broad wings held flat (as opposed to vultures, which soar with their wings in a \u201cv\u201d shape). Individuals may also be observed perching in trees or other prominent locations, and adults may be seen entering nests to feed chicks. Golden Eagles are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/26/15/87424_98_68.jpg"}, "328653": {"scientific_name": "Rangifer tarandus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328653", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/02/09/88803_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Reindeer", "sid": 328653, "text": "Caribou, or Reindeer, is the only deer species in which both males and females have candelabra-like antlers. They live in large, migratory herds along the tree line of northern forests, eating mostly grass-like plants and shrubs in summer, and lichen, which carpets the snow-covered forests, in the winter. Getting at winter feed by digging through the snow can lead to intense competition, which may explain why females also carry antlers. During the breeding season, males compete with one another for access to females, using their antlers in jousting matches. They become completely devoted to the rituals of mating, failing even to eat, and losing their built up energy reserves in the process. Females give birth at traditional calving grounds on the open tundra during the spring, after a gestation of seven months. Then they pour all of their energy reserves into nursing their calves for a month. There are more than 2,000,000 Caribou in North America, but they are less successful in the southern parts of their range where they must cope with humans and other predators.Links:Mammal Species of the World\u00a0\u00a0More images, video and sound of the Peary caribou, a subspecies", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/02/09/88803_98_68.jpg"}, "704089": {"scientific_name": "Robinia pseudo-acacia Linnaeus", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/704089", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/03/24/02/79149_orig.jpg", "common_name": "black locust", "sid": 704089, "text": "This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2009)Robinia pseudoacacia, commonly known as the black locust, is a tree of the genus Robinia in the subfamily Faboideae of the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, but has been widely planted and naturalized elsewhere in temperate North America, Europe, Southern Africa [1] and Asia and is considered an invasive species in some areas. Another common name is false acacia,[2] a literal translation of the specific name. It was introduced into Britain in 1636.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2010/03/24/02/79149_98_68.jpg"}, "323919": {"scientific_name": "Alouatta palliata (Gray 1848)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323919", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/20/10/70863_orig.jpg", "common_name": "mantled howler monkey", "sid": 323919, "text": "Mantled howler monkeys are found in southern Mexico (the states of Veracruz, Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Tabasco), from Honduras in Central America to Colombia and western Ecuador in South America, and possibly in southern Guatemala where some unconfirmed sightings have been reported (Reid 1997, Cortes-Ortiz et al. 1996).  This range includes most forest habitats that lie between sea level and 2500 meters (Reid 1997).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/20/10/70863_98_68.jpg"}, "327990": {"scientific_name": "Spermophilus beecheyi (Richardson, 1829)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327990", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/08/67340_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Beechey's ground squirrel", "sid": 327990, "text": "California Ground Squirrels prefer open, well-drained habitat, and are common along roadsides, on farms, especially where grain is grown, and in grassy fields. Adult squirrels are active only a few months of the year. Males usually retreat underground in early summer and remain there until the following spring. Females follow as soon as they finish nursing their young, usually in late summer or early fall. The aboveground fall and winter populations are composed almost entirely of young squirrels. Litter size correlates with climate: where average temperatures are warmer, litters are larger. In the warmest part of their range, in southern California, they average 8.4 young, whereas in the cooler parts of central Oregon, an average of 5.5 young is born. Predation pressure and time spent aboveground may influence litter size. The longer warm season in southern California allows the squirrels to spend a greater number of days awake and foraging, which likely increases the risk of being killed by a predator.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/08/67340_98_68.jpg"}, "976910": {"scientific_name": "Sylvilagus floridanus (J. A. Allen, 1890)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/976910", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/26/10/79094_orig.jpg", "common_name": "eastern cottontail", "sid": 976910, "text": "Eastern Cottontails share habitats with seven other cottontails and six species of hares. They have been transplanted to areas outside their historically widespread range, which included swamps, prairies, woodlands, and forests. They have two ways of escaping danger: a zig-zag dash or a slink, in which they creep along, low to the ground, with their ears back. Eastern Cottontails are among the most prolific lagomorphs. Females can have seven litters a year, producing as many as 35 young. Litters, usually of 3 6, are born in a fur-lined nest of dried grasses and leaves.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/02/26/10/79094_98_68.jpg"}, "328447": {"scientific_name": "Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328447", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/17/11/13948_orig.jpg", "common_name": "black rat", "sid": 328447, "text": "Rattus rattus, is found on all continents of the earth.  Although the species is believed to be native to India and possibly other Indo-Malayan countries, it has been introduced through human travel overseas to all continents.  It is most common in coastal areas because it is a rodent that flourishes in areas inhabited by humans as well as on large ships.    For this reason, these animals are often called ship rats.  Some other common names for this species include house rat, black rat, and roof rat.  Rattus rattus thrives in tropical regions but has been largely driven out of more temperate regions by Noway rats, R. norvegicus.  Norway rats, are closely related to black rats, but are more successful in colder climates.  However, some data show that R. rattus has been able to adapt to more extreme cold and harsh climate conditions. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/17/11/13948_98_68.jpg"}, "1052724": {"scientific_name": "Pusa hispida Schreber, 1775", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052724", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/24786_orig.jpg", "common_name": "ringed seal", "sid": 1052724, "text": "\u00a0The ringed seal Phoca hispida is member of the 'true seal' family. Like all true seals, it has a tapering and pointed muzzle, small, clawed pectoral flippers, and small hind flippers that cannot rotate under the body. Like similar species, it has beaded whiskers on the muzzle. The ringed seal is quite a plump seal, with a small head and a short, thick neck. It can reach 1.6 m in length. It has a short muzzle and large conspicuous eyes. It is most easily recognised by the light rings it has all over its upper body. The background colour is variable but normally medium to dark grey above and light grey below.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/16/24786_98_68.jpg"}, "1049760": {"scientific_name": "Alca torda Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049760", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/13/60832_orig.jpg", "common_name": "razor-billed auk", "sid": 1049760, "text": "Razorbills are expert swimmers and divers. Their short wings work just as well above water as under water. Diving down to 120 meter in search of lesser sandeel or other fish is no problem. In the air, they are true acrobats. They can flap their wings so quickly that you can't even follow it with the naked eye. This rapid wing movement allows them to fly low over the water surface and navigate between the waves.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/02/13/60832_98_68.jpg"}, "1064984": {"scientific_name": "Actitis macularius (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1064984", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/22/84649_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Spotted Sandpiper", "sid": 1064984, "text": "Named for the dark-spotted breast of breeding individuals, the Spotted Sandpiper in summer is also characterized by its medium-length yellow bill, olive back, and black eye-stripes. In winter, the Spotted Sandpiper loses its spots, leaving behind a plain white breast. This is a medium-sized (7 \u00bd inches) sandpiper with the plump body and small head characteristic of shorebirds. Males and females are similar to one another in all seasons. One of the most widely-distributed sandpiper species in North America, Spotted Sandpipers breed from northern Canada and Alaska down to northern California, New Mexico, Missouri, and Virginia. In winter, this species migrates south to southern California, the desert southwest, and coastal regions of the southeast. Some populations winter as far south as Central America and the Caribbean. The Spotted Sandpiper\u2019s wide distribution is influenced by its ability to inhabit a variety of shoreline habitats, including streams, ponds, and waterlogged grasslands. By contrast, Spotted Sandpipers prefer freshwater habitats during the summer breeding season. In winter, they may also be found near saltwater, particularly on mudflats and lagoons. Spotted Sandpipers are most easily observed foraging along the water\u2019s edge. There, they may be seen bobbing up and down as they probe the mud for small insect larvae and crustaceans, which make up the majority of their diet. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/22/84649_98_68.jpg"}, "917153": {"scientific_name": "Dryocopus pileatus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917153", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/28/23/57674_orig.jpg", "common_name": "pileated woodpecker", "sid": 917153, "text": "The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is the largest woodpecker in North America (excluding the, sadly, almost surely extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker). Pileated Woodpeckers feed mainly on ants and other insects, excavating deep into rotten wood with their powerful bills, but also eat a significant amount of fruit and nuts.  Carpenter ants may account for up to 60% of the diet and wild fruits, berries, and nuts may account for a quarter of the diet. Pileated Woodpeckers leave characteristic rectangular or oval holes in dead trees. \r\n\r\nPileated Woodpeckers are resident from much of Canada south along the western coast of North America to central California (and in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming) and across most of the eastern United States, especially in the Southeast. They are found mainly in mature deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, woodlots, and swamps, but also in coniferous forest. Pileated Woodpeckers became rare in eastern North America with the clearing of forests after European colonization of the continent. However, populations increased during much of the 20th century and these woodpeckers can even be seen around the edges of cities in parks and suburbs.\r\n\r\nPileated Woodpeckers defend their territories with loud drumming and calling. Courtship displays include spreading the wings (displaying white wing patches), erecting the crest, swinging the head back and forth, and performing a gliding display flight. At a prospective nest site, both sexes may tap or drum on wood. The nest site is a cavity in a dead tree (or dead branch of a live tree), sometimes in a utility pole, usually 15 to 80 feet above the ground. A new cavity is generally excavated each year, with both sexes excavating. The 3 to 5 white eggs are incubated by both sexes for around 18 days (with the male incubating at night and during part of the day). The young are fed (by regurgitation) by both parents. They leave the nest after 26 to 28 days, but may remain with the parents for 2 to 3 months. \r\n\r\nAlthough Pileated Woodpeckers are generally permanent year-round residents, some individuals may wander far from breeding areas.\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/28/23/57674_98_68.jpg"}, "1177464": {"scientific_name": "Corvus brachyrhynchos Brehm, 1822", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177464", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/94679_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Crow", "sid": 1177464, "text": "Adult American crows are completely black birds weighing on average 450 g.  The feathers have a glossy and slightly iridescent look.  Crows have strong legs and toes.  The bill is also black with a slight hook on the end. Stiff bristles cover their nostrils. About 20% of male birds are slightly larger than the females.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/94679_98_68.jpg"}, "1049569": {"scientific_name": "Stercorarius parasiticus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049569", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/18/08/16311_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Arctic Skua", "sid": 1049569, "text": "The Arctic skua is an elegant bird, but don't let looks fool you. Just like all other skuas, they chase other seabirds until they drop their food or disgorge it. Sometimes these agile birds even manage to catch the loot in the air. The bird picks on gulls, terns and auks in particular. Sometimes, several arctic skuas will work together to steal the food from a victim. Their diet does not only consist of stolen food. In the nesting colonies, they go after young birds, eggs, lemmings, mice, insects and carrion.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/07/18/08/16311_98_68.jpg"}, "918803": {"scientific_name": "Dendroica pinus (A. Wilson, 1811)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/918803", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/13/26932_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Pine Warbler", "sid": 918803, "text": "A medium-sized (5-5 \u00bd inches) wood warbler, the male Pine Warbler is most easily identified by its olive-green back, yellow breast, and dark wings with conspicuous white wing bars. Female Pine Warblers are similar to males, but are somewhat duller. Many North American wood warblers are pale olive-green, but this species alone possesses this plumage in combination with white wing bars. The Pine Warbler breeds across much of the eastern United States and southern Canada, although its range is highly fragmented in much of the Midwest and interior northeast. In winter, northerly-breeding populations abandon their breeding grounds and spend the winter in the southeastern U.S.Populations breeding in the southeast are non-migratory, and isolated non-migratory populations also occur in the Bahamas and on the island of Hispaniola. Appropriately, Pine Warblers primarily breed in pine forests. Migratory populations move into similar habitats in winter as they utilized the summer before, and tropical populations are highly specific to pine barrens or mountain forests where isolated patches of suitable habitat occur. Pine Warblers primarily eat small invertebrates, including insects and spiders, although this species may eat some plant material, particularly fruits and berries, during the winter. In appropriate habitat, Pine Warblers may be observed foraging for food on pine needles and in bark crevices. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 song, a trilled \u201ccheeeeeee. \u201d Pine Warblers are primarily active during the day, but, like many songbirds, migratory populations migrate at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/01/13/26932_98_68.jpg"}, "206683": {"scientific_name": "Galeocerdo cuvier (P\u00e9ron and Lesueur in Lesueur, 1822)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/206683", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/05/05/48510_orig.jpg", "common_name": "tiger shark", "sid": 206683, "text": "The tiger shark is a loner and travels long distances, swimming up to 50 miles (80 km) a day at speeds over 20 mph (32 km/hr).  During the day, it is sluggish and spends its time in deeper water.  At night, you can find it hunting on the reef.  Because it\u2019s active at night, it is nocturnal.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/05/05/48510_98_68.jpg"}, "1050051": {"scientific_name": "Merops apiaster Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050051", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/06/10/15167_orig.jpg", "common_name": "European Bee Eater", "sid": 1050051, "text": "European bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) have a broad distribution covering much of Europe and Africa with range estimates up to 11,000,000 square km. These migratory birds can be found as far north as Finland and range as far south as South Africa, extending east into some Asiatic countries as well. Most commonly, European bee-eaters will breed and nest in southern Europe, then migrate south during autumn and winter. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/04/06/10/15167_98_68.jpg"}, "128425": {"scientific_name": "Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss, 1817)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/128425", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/14/17/70318_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Koala", "sid": 128425, "text": "Koalas are bear-like in appearance, with a stout body and large paws, but are in fact marsupials, not bears. Their fur is predominantly grey to light brown, being lighter and shorter in the warmer north of their range, where the koalas are also smaller (3). The chin, chest and insides of the ears and forelimbs are white, with white speckling on the rump and long white hairs edging the large, round ears. Koalas are adapted to life spent mainly in the trees, with a vestigial tail, and unusually long forelimbs in relation to their hind limbs, and specially adapted paws to aid in gripping and climbing. They have large claws and rough pads on their paws. The first and second digits of the front paws, as well as the first digits of the hind paws, are opposed to the others, like thumbs, to help to grip branches.  The first digit of each hind paw has no claw, and the second and third digits are partially fused together to form a grooming claw for removing ticks (5).\u00a0Males are larger and heavier than females, with a broader face. Mature males are distinguishable from females as they have a brown gland on their chests that produces scent used to mark trees within the territory. Being marsupials, the females have a pouch with a backwards-facing opening and a strong, contracting ring-shaped muscle at the pouch opening which prevents the young from falling out (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/14/17/70318_98_68.jpg"}, "1048652": {"scientific_name": "Anhinga anhinga (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048652", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/03/12/68672_orig.jpg", "common_name": "anhinga", "sid": 1048652, "text": "The northernmost distribution of Anhinga anhinga leucogaster is in the United States from North Carolina to Texas.  It has however been spotted as far north as Wisconsin. Its range also includes Mexico, Central America, Panama, and Cuba. The individuals found in the more northern areas of the U.S. migrate there in March and April and stay until October, then return to Mexico and more southern parts of the U.S.  Anhinga anhinga anhinga is found in South America from Colombia to Ecuador, east of the Andes to Argentina, and in Trinidad and Tobago. The range is limited by cool temperatures and low amounts of sunshine. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/03/12/68672_98_68.jpg"}, "917688": {"scientific_name": "Hirundo rustica Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917688", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/13/78901_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Barn Swallow", "sid": 917688, "text": "The familiar Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a common breeding bird across North America, Europe, and Asia and winters in South America and southern Africa (it is possible that the variation across this enormous distribution may actually represent more than one species). In the New World, Barn Swallows breed from Canada to Mexico. They are also now established as breeders in northeastern Argentina, where a small number of breeding pairs were first documented in 1980 and the species has since been well established (Billerman et al. 2011). They winter from Mexico and Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Lesser Antilles south throughout South America to Tierra del Fuego. In Eurasia, the breeding range extends from Iceland, the British Isles, the Faeroe Islands, Scandinavia, northern Russia, and northern Siberia south to the Mediterranean region, northern Africa, the Near East, Arabia, Iran, the Himalayas, China, Taiwan, and Japan;  these Old World populations winter south to tropical Africa, the East Indies, northern Australia, and Micronesia. Winter range can be difficult to delineate due to late fall records (as late as December) and early spring migrants. \r\n\r\nBarn Swallows live in open or semi-open country (farms, fields, marshes, lakes), often near water, and capture and eat most of their food (mainly flying insects) in the air. \r\n\r\nCourtship involves aerial chases. On a perch, the members of a mated pair sit close together, touch bills, and engage in mutual preening. Several Barn Swallow pairs may nest in the same immediate area, but Barn Swallows do not form dense colonies as some swallows do. Originally, Barn Swallows nested in crevices in cliffs or shallow caves, but today most nest sites are in open buildings, under eaves, under bridges or docks, or in similar situations. The nest, which is built by both sexes, is a cup of mud and dried grass lined with feathers. The 4 to 5 (sometimes 6, rarely 7) eggs are white, spotted with brown. Eggs are incubated by both sexes (but especially by the female) for 13 to 17 days. Both parents feed the young. One or two additional birds, the pair's offspring from previous broods, may attend the nest and sometimes feed the nestlings. Young leave the nest around 18 to 23 days after hatching. \r\n\r\nBarn Swallows migrate in flocks, mainly by day. \r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/13/78901_98_68.jpg"}, "1033696": {"scientific_name": "Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carri\u00e8re", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1033696", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/12/02/08/21957_orig.jpg", "common_name": "sitka spruce", "sid": 1033696, "text": "Picea sitchensis, Sitka spruce, is a large coniferous tree in the Pinaceae (pine family) that is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. Also known as tideland spruce, coast spruce, and yellow spruce, this coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka spruce is associated with western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. It is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and various specialty products, and is the State Tree of Alaska.\r\n\r\nSitka spruce grows in a narrow strip along the north Pacific coast from latitude 61\u00b0 N. in southcentral Alaska to 39\u00b0 N. in northern California. The most extensive portion of the range in both width and elevation is in southeast Alaska and northern British Columbia, where the east-west range extends for about 210 km (130 mi) to include a narrow mainland strip and the many islands of the Alexander Archipelago in Alaska and the Queen Charlotte Islands in British Columbia. In Washington, the range includes a narrow mainland strip along the Strait of Georgia, around Puget Sound, up valleys to the east, and on the Olympic Peninsula. On the west side of the Olympic Peninsula, the range broadens to include the extensive coastal plain and seaward mountain slopes. It narrows southward along the Washington and Oregon coast but extends inland for several kilometers along the major rivers. In northern California, the range is more attenuated and becomes discontinuous. A disjunct population in Mendocino County, CA, marks the southern limit of the range.\r\n\r\nSitka spruce usually grows in mixed stands, less often in pure stands. Pure stands usually occur in early successional situations and as tidewater stands influenced by salt spray. Sitka spruce is commonly associated with western hemlock throughout most of its range. Toward the south, other conifer associates include Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), western white pine (Pinus monticola), and redwood (Sequoia sempervirens).\r\n\r\nSitka spruce is commercially harvested as pulpwood and for lumbers. High strength-to-weight ratio and resonant qualities of clear lumber are attributes that have traditionally made Sitka spruce wood valuable for specialty uses, such as sounding boards for high-quality pianos; guitar faces; ladders; construction components of experimental light aircraft; oars, planking, masts, and spars for custom-made or traditional boats; and turbine blades for wind energy conversion systems.\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/12/02/08/21957_98_68.jpg"}, "915945": {"scientific_name": "Myiopsitta monacha (Boddaert, 1783)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/915945", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/28/10/20459_orig.jpg", "common_name": "monk parakeet", "sid": 915945, "text": "The Monk Parakeet, also known as the Quaker Parrot, (Myiopsitta monachus) is a species of parrot and, in most treatments, the only member of the genus Myiopsitta. It originates from the temperate to subtropical areas of Argentina and the surrounding countries in South America. Self-sustaining feral populations occur in many places, mainly in North America and Europe.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/05/28/10/20459_98_68.jpg"}, "1048611": {"scientific_name": "Sula leucogaster (Boddaert, 1783)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048611", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/23/65037_orig.jpg", "common_name": "brown booby", "sid": 1048611, "text": "A widespread seabird of tropical waters, the Brown Booby ranges as far north as the Gulf of California, and rarely to both coasts of the United States. Like other boobies, it feeds with spectacular plunges into the sea.\r\nThe Brown Booby is the only ground-nesting booby that regularly builds a substantial nest.\r\nLike all boobies and pelicans, the Brown Booby's feet are \"totipalmate,\" having webbing connecting all four toes.\r\nBrown Booby nests sometimes contain the bodies of dead Sooty Tern chicks.\r\nMale and female Brown Boobies generally look alike in plumage color, except in populations found along the Pacific Coast of Mexico and Central and South America. There the females look like those in other populations, but the males have light gray to white heads.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/23/65037_98_68.jpg"}, "206692": {"scientific_name": "Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/206692", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/13/28832_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Atlantic Cod", "sid": 206692, "text": "Like the herring, there are various races of cod, which differ in their growth rates, distribution and times of spawning. Most cod spawn between the months of January and April and a female, if she is large enough, can release up to five million eggs. Depending on the temperature, the eggs hatch in two to four weeks and the young cod drift in the open ocean, feeding on small crustaceans. Atlantic cod will eat a wide variety of prey, ranging from other fish (up to the size of herring) to worms; they also take swimming crabs, shrimps and prawns. \u00a0The different races of this fish vary in the ages and weights attained before they become sexually mature. The migratory cod found off the coasts of Newfoundland, Iceland and Norway mature at around eight to 12 years old when they may weigh up to eight kilogrammes. Coastal cod mature more rapidly and may be able to reproduce at the age of three years.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/13/28832_98_68.jpg"}, "133021": {"scientific_name": "Ochotona princeps (Richardson, 1828)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/133021", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/10/01/06/51904_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American pika", "sid": 133021, "text": "The American pika is a small rodent-like relative to rabbits that has a round body, large, round ears, and is between six and eight inches long. Generally weighing about six ounces, the pika is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day.\r\n\r\nMating first occurs before the snow starts to melt. Females give birth to 2 to 4 offspring, which are weaned in 3 to 4 weeks. After about one month, the offspring leave the mother and grow to adult size after an additional two months. The females may mate again, and may have more than one litter. Pikas eat a variety of plants, including grasses, thistles, sedges, and flowers. The pika is active all year, and stockpiles dried vegetation deep down between rocks for the winter.\r\n\r\nThey live in between rocks on high elevation boulder and talus slopes, and are very sensitive to high temperatures.\r\n\r\nThe habitat range of the pika extends from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, down through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico. They are also found in the Sierra Nevada Range.\r\n\r\nThere is concern that some pika populations may be adversely affected by warming temperatures due to global climate change, which decreases the amount of suitable high elevation habitat. However, the pika is not listed as endangered or threatened as of February, 2010. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife report indicates that some pika populations may be able to adapt to higher temperatures. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/10/01/06/51904_98_68.jpg"}, "917490": {"scientific_name": "Tyrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917490", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/22/90940_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eastern Kingbird", "sid": 917490, "text": "A medium-sized (8 inches) flycatcher, the Eastern Kingbird is most easily identified by its dark gray head and back, pale breast, and black tail with conspicuous white band on tip. This species is most easily distinguished from the related Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) by that species\u2019 paler body and bright yellow belly. Male and female Eastern Kingbirds are similar to one another in all seasons. The Eastern Kingbird breeds across much of the United States and south-central Canada. This species is primarily absent as a breeding bird from the far north, the desert southwest, and the U.S.Pacific coast. Eastern Kingbirds spend the winter in the South American Amazon. Eastern Kingbirds breed in a variety of open and semi-open habitats, including forest edges, fields, and wetlands. During the winter, this species may be found in swampy or open habitats in humid tropical forests. Like most of their relatives, Eastern Kingbirds primarily eat small flying insects during the summer, but these birds also eat fruits and berries during the winter. In appropriate habitat, Eastern Kingbirds are most easily seen scanning the surrounding area from a prominent perch. These birds hunt by flying out from perches to capture prey in the air, displaying their characteristic white-on-black tail pattern as they do so. Eastern Kingbirds are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/13/22/90940_98_68.jpg"}, "1052362": {"scientific_name": "Sylvia atricapilla (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052362", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/04/12/05/38540_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eurasian Blackcap", "sid": 1052362, "text": "Only male blackcaps live up to their name, with their black caps. Females have brown caps. They are an extremely numerous breeding bird in the Netherlands. They make their nests mostly in deciduous forests, but are also found in large gardens and parks. They will even nest in the dunes if the trees are tall enough. In the winter, they migrate to the south, although the group that stays in the Netherlands is growing. It saves energy and they profit from the proliferous bird feeding tables. In addition, they are the first ones around to find the best nesting areas.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/04/12/05/38540_98_68.jpg"}, "222383": {"scientific_name": "Amphiprion percula (Lacep\u00e8de, 1802)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/222383", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/20/95365_orig.jpg", "common_name": "blackfinned clownfish", "sid": 222383, "text": "True clown anemonefishes (Amphiprion percula) are native only to the Indo-Pacific Region (Rosenberg and Cruz, 1988).  The species ranges from Northern Queensland to Melanesia, which comprises New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu (Fautin and Allen, 1992). ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/20/95365_98_68.jpg"}, "856046": {"scientific_name": "Cyanocitta cristata (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/856046", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/69322_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Blue Jay", "sid": 856046, "text": "The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is among the most familiar, distinctive, and colorful birds in the eastern United States\u2014as well as among the noisiest, producing a variety of loud calls.  The Blue Jay is a common year-round resident in suburbs, parks, and woodlands (mainly deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous, especially those with many oak and beech trees) in roughly the eastern two thirds of the United States and adjacent Canada (and a casual fall and winter visitor to the western U.S., especially the Northwest).\r\n\r\nBlue Jays are omnivorous, but most of the diet is plant material (up to 75% overall, more in winter). The diet includes acorns, beechnuts, seeds, berries, and similar foods. Blue Jays also eat many insects, as well as spiders, snails, birds' eggs and young, small rodents, frogs, and so on. Harvested acorns may be stashed in holes in the ground.\r\n\r\nCourtship may involve aerial chases and the male may feed the female. Around their nest, Blue Jays become quiet and inconspicuous, but if the nest is threatened they will defend it loudly and aggressively. Blue Jays nest in trees, usually 2 to 9 m above the ground, but sometimes higher or lower. The nest (built by both sexes) is a bulky open cup of twigs, grass, weeds, bark strips and moss, sometimes held together with mud. The nest is lined with rootlets and other fine materials, often decorated with paper, rags, string, or other debris. The 4 to 5 eggs (sometimes 3, 6, or 7) are greenish or buff, sometimes pale blue, and spotted with brown and gray. Incubation is by both parents (but more by the female) for around 16 to 18 days. Young are fed by both parents and leave the nest 17 to 21 days after hatching. \r\n\r\nNorthern populations are partly (and variably) migratory, moving by day. Flights to more southern parts of the range in the fall may involve  thousands of birds. \r\n\r\nThe Blue Jay's close relative in western North and Middle America, the Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), is more commonly associated with coniferous forest. \r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; AOU 1998; Dunn and Alderfer 2011)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/69322_98_68.jpg"}, "921395": {"scientific_name": "Aimophila aestivalis (Lichtenstein, 1823)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/921395", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/01/15/06/49216_orig.jpg", "common_name": "bachman's sparrow", "sid": 921395, "text": "A medium-sized (5 \u00be inches) bunting, Bachman\u2019s Sparrow is most easily identified by its streaked brown back, buff-gray breast, and reddish-brown head stripe. Other field marks include pale orange legs, a rounded tail, and a gray conical bill. Male and female Bachman\u2019s Sparrows are similar to one another at all seasons. Bachman\u2019s Sparrow breeds locally in the southeastern United States from Virginia and Missouri south to the Gulf Coast and central Florida. This species was formerly more widespread, breeding as far north as Ohio and Illinois prior to the 1920s. Populations at the northern edge of this species\u2019 range are suspected to be migratory to some degree, but this is difficult to prove as Bachman\u2019s Sparrow is secretive and difficult to find throughout its range during the winter. Bachman\u2019s Sparrows breed in pine forests interspersed with grassy or shrubby clearings. This species is known to utilize similar habitats in winter as in summer. Bachman\u2019s Sparrows primarily eat seeds and insects. In appropriate habitat, Bachman\u2019s Sparrows may be observed running or walking on the ground underneath grasses and shrubs while foraging for food. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 song, a series of whistled and trilled notes. Bachman\u2019s Sparrows are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/01/15/06/49216_98_68.jpg"}, "205250": {"scientific_name": "Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/205250", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/24/10/70767_orig.jpg", "common_name": "rainbow trout", "sid": 205250, "text": "This taxon is one of a number of benthopelagic species in the Amur River system. Benthopelagic river fish are found near the bottom of the water column, feeding on benthos and zooplankton \r\n\r\nThe persistence of mercury contamination in Amur River bottom sediments is a major issue, arising from historic cinnabar mining in the basin and poor waste management practises, especially in the communist Soviet era, where industrial development was placed ahead of sound conservation practises.\r\n\r\nOther large benthopelagic river fish of the Amur Basin is the 200 cm yellowcheek (Elopichthys bambusa) and the 122 cm Mongolian redfin (Chanodichthys mongolicus)\r\n\r\n\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/01/24/10/70767_98_68.jpg"}, "328692": {"scientific_name": "Capra ibex Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328692", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/10/97448_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Alpine Ibex", "sid": 328692, "text": "", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/10/97448_98_68.jpg"}, "328573": {"scientific_name": "Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328573", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/14/10/87957_orig.jpg", "common_name": "fin whale", "sid": 328573, "text": "Fin whales tend to occur in pairs or in groups known as pods that usually contain around six or seven individuals; although larger groups have been observed (5) (7). This species spends spring and early summer in cold feeding grounds at high latitudes, migrating to more southerly areas for winter and the breeding season (5). Northern and southern populations never meet because the seasonal patterns are reversed in the two hemispheres, and so they migrate to the equator at different times of year (5). Mating takes place in winter, and as gestation takes about 11 months, births occur in the winter breeding grounds where conception took place (5). A single calf is produced, which is suckled for six to seven months; when weaned, calves travel with their mother to the feeding grounds (5). Females produce calves every couple of years after reaching sexual maturity at three to twelve years of age. Full maturity is usually attained at 25 to 30 years of age (5).\u00a0Fin whales feed by filtering planktonic crustaceans, fish and squid through their baleen plates. Individuals can dive to depths of 230 metres and can stay submerged for about 15 minutes (7) (8). The blow of a fin whale reaches six metres in height and is a slim cone shape (7).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/14/10/87957_98_68.jpg"}, "327553": {"scientific_name": "Eptesicus fuscus (Palisot de Beauvois, 1796)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327553", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/01/25/03/22652_orig.jpg", "common_name": "big brown bat", "sid": 327553, "text": "Big brown bats make their homes in rural areas, towns, and cities, sometimes choosing barns, houses, or other buildings as roosts. Males usually live alone; females gather in maternity colonies in the spring and summer to give birth and raise their young. A maternity colony may include 20 - 75 adults and their offspring. Females in the eastern United States usually give birth to twins; those in the West usually have a single pup each year. Females may return to the same colony year after year. On warm, dry evenings, the bats leave the roost shortly after sunset to forage for insects especially flying beetles which they catch and eat in the air. When the weather is cold or wet, they may stay in the roost, dropping their body temperature and living on stored fat. In the winter, they hibernate. Many migrate a short distance (less than 80 km) to find mines or caves for hibernation, but some spend the winter in attics or walls where the temperature is cool but stays above freezing.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/01/25/03/22652_98_68.jpg"}, "1049164": {"scientific_name": "Falco peregrinus Tunstall, 1771", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049164", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/19/01/15309_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Peregrine Falcon", "sid": 1049164, "text": "Much larger (15-20 inches) than the Merlin, the Peregrine Falcon is most easily identified by its slate-gray back, brown-barred breast, and thick black \u201cmoustache\u201d stripe. Other field marks include yellow eye-rings, a white throat, and yellow legs. Like most species of raptors, females are larger than males. The Peregrine Falcon inhabits every continent except Antarctica, and elsewhere are only absent from the interiors of tropical forests and large deserts. In North America, this species has a patchy breeding distribution from arctic Canada and Greenland south to central Mexico. In winter, this species is found along the Pacific coast of Alaska and Canada, extreme southeastern Canada, and south through much of the U.S., Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America. In the Old World, this species is absent only from extremely dry, cold, and remote areas such as the Sahara desert, Central Asia, Iceland, and New Zealand. Peregrine Falcons breed in a number of habitats across North America. These habitats have in common prominent cliffs or ledges for nesting as well as open areas for hunting. Peregrine Falcons are known to breed on tundra, coast, and mountains, and have recently begun nesting on ledges of tall buildings in urban areas. Outside of the breeding season, this species also prefers open areas with prominent perches to aid in hunting. Peregrine Falcons primarily eat small to medium-sized birds, and will also hunt small mammals, including bats. Due to this species\u2019 preference for open habitat, Peregrine Falcons may be most easily seen perched prominently, perhaps in a tall tree or on a cliff face, while watching for prey. This species may also be observed hunting, when it may be seen pursuing and capturing prey with its talons. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/19/01/15309_98_68.jpg"}, "330963": {"scientific_name": "Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/330963", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/87508_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Bullfrog", "sid": 330963, "text": "This frog is the largest in North America and is distinguished by lacking dorsolateral folds and having very large tympanums, larger than the eye in males. The tips of the fingers and toes are blunt. The webbing is well developed. The skin on the back of this species is rough with random tiny tubercles. There is no dorsolateral fold, but there is a prominent supratympanic fold. The mean snout to vent length for males is 152 mm (range 111-178) and for females it is 162 mm (range 120-183). The males have pigmented nuptial pads. The vocal openings are at the corner of the mouth.The dorsum is green, with or without a netlike pattern of gray or brown on top. The venter is slightly white, sometimes mottled with gray or yellow. Coloration varies widely depending on the locality of the bullfrog (Conant and Collins 1975).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/87508_98_68.jpg"}, "1177542": {"scientific_name": "Sialia currucoides (Bechstein, 1798)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177542", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/19/18/46075_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Mountain Bluebird", "sid": 1177542, "text": "The mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a medium-sized bird weighing about 30\u00a0g (1.1\u00a0oz) with a length from 16\u201320\u00a0cm (6.3\u20137.9\u00a0in).They are about the size of a tea cup. They have light underbellies and black eyes. Adult males have thin bills that are bright turquoise-blue and somewhat lighter beneath. Adult females have duller blue wings and tail, grey breast, grey crown, throat and back. In fresh fall plumage, the female's throat and breast are tinged with red-orange, brownish near the flank contrasting with white tail underparts. Their call is a thin 'few'; while their song is warbled high 'chur chur'.It is the state bird of Idaho and Nevada. It is an omnivore and it can live 6 to 10 years in the wild. It likes to eat insects, spiders, grasshoppers and other insects.They also like to eat small fruits. There are 3 types of bluebirds:The mountain,eastern and the western bluebirds are all related.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/19/18/46075_98_68.jpg"}, "311503": {"scientific_name": "Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1817)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311503", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/15/15/00896_orig.jpg", "common_name": "White Rhinoceros", "sid": 311503, "text": "Play media(video) A pair of White rhinos at the Tobu Zoo in Saitama, Japan.The white rhinoceros or square-lipped rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is the largest extant species of rhinoceros. It has a wide mouth used for grazing and is the most social of all rhino species. The white rhinoceros consists of two subspecies: the southern white rhinoceros, with an estimated 17,460 wild-living animals at the end of 2007 (IUCN 2008), and the much rarer northern white rhinoceros. The northern subspecies has very few remaining, with only five confirmed individuals left (four females and one male[3]), all in captivity.[4]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/15/15/00896_98_68.jpg"}, "208498": {"scientific_name": "Mycteroperca bonaci (Poey, 1860)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/208498", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/22/74809_orig.jpg", "common_name": "rockfish", "sid": 208498, "text": "The black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) is one of the best known of the large group of perciform fish called groupers. Other common names include black rockfish, bonaeci arara, and marbled rockfish.[1] Other fish are sometimes called the black grouper including the similar gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis), the misty grouper (Epinephelus mystacinus), and the critically endangered Warsaw grouper (Epinephelus nigritus).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/19/22/74809_98_68.jpg"}, "328522": {"scientific_name": "Choloepus hoffmanni Peters, 1858", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328522", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/23/58566_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Hoffmann's two-toed sloth", "sid": 328522, "text": "Choloepus hoffmanni (Hoffman\u2019s two-toed sloth) is a native South American mammal whose distribution also reaches Central America. The distribution extends from southern Nicaragua to Brazil and Bolivia and is composed of two disjunct populations. The northern population extends from Central America to northern and western Colombia, western Ecuador, and westernmost Venezuela. The southern population spans the area east of the Andes in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and western Brazil. The two species of Choloepus (Choloepus hoffmanni and Choloepus didactylus) overlap partially in the Andean regions and western Amazonia. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/23/58566_98_68.jpg"}, "328612": {"scientific_name": "Urocyon littoralis (Baird, 1857)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328612", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/03/15/78076_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Island fox", "sid": 328612, "text": "Island foxes are primarily monogamous and mate for life, with a pair sharing a territory until one member of the pair dies. However, while they are socially monogamous, both members of the pair may mate with other adults (7).  Most breeding occurs in late February and early March, and 50 to 53 days after mating, the female, or vixen, gives birth to a litter of one to five (usually two to three) kits. Born in the protection of a den, the pups are blind and helpless at birth.  The kits emerge from the den at three to four weeks of age and soon begin foraging for food with their parents (4).  By late September the kits are independent, and before long, they disperse to their own territory, provided there is a vacant territory and an available mate (7).  At around one year of age the young foxes begin to breed.  Island foxes have an average life span of four to six years (4).\u00a0Island foxes communicate through sight, sound and smell. Vocal communication involves barking and sometimes growling, and signs of dominance or submission are frequently made through facial expressions and body posture. A keen sense of smell plays an important role in the marking of territories, which are scent-marked by urine and faeces, conspicuously positioned on well-traveled paths (4).\u00a0This species of fox forages primarily at night, but is also active during the day (2).  The island fox feeds on an incredibly wide variety of insects, vertebrates, fruits, and terrestrial molluscs, with the proportions of the diet depending on where the fox lives and the time of year (2) (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/03/15/78076_98_68.jpg"}, "917611": {"scientific_name": "Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/917611", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/14/03/86156_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Sand Martin", "sid": 917611, "text": "A small (4 \u00bd to 5 \u00bd inches) swallow, the Bank Swallow is most easily identified by its brown upperparts, white belly white throat, and dusty brown chest stripe separating the throat from the belly. This species may be separated from the similarly-patterned Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) by that species\u2019 larger size and brown chin. The Bank Swallow occurs across much of the world. In the Americas, this species breeds from Alaska and central Canada south locally to the Mid-Atlantic region in the east and northern Mexico in the West, wintering on the Pacific coast of Mexico and further south to central South America. In the Old World (where it is known as the Sand Martin), this species breeds across Eurasia from Siberia south to North Africa and the Indian subcontinent, wintering across tropical Africa and South Asia. Historically, Bank Swallows bred in a variety of habitats near water, frequently building their nests on cliffs along the banks of rivers. Today, this species often nests on man-made structures such as buildings and bridges. In winter, this species is likewise found in habitats near water, including lakes, rivers, marshes, and reservoirs. Bank Swallows exclusively eat flying insects. As is the case with most swallow species, it is possible to observe Bank Swallows feeding on insects while in flight. Birdwatchers in this species\u2019 breeding range may want to pay special attention to bridges or the eaves of buildings, as a careful search of these structures may reveal a nesting colony. Bank Swallows are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/14/03/86156_98_68.jpg"}, "313678": {"scientific_name": "Ondatra zibethicus (Linnaeus, 1766)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/313678", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/21/12/67072_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Muskrat", "sid": 313678, "text": "Muskrats, so-called for their odor, which is especially evident during the breeding season, are highly successful semi-aquatic rodents. They occur in both brackish and freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and marshes throughout much of North America, except in parts of the South where tidal fluctuation, periodic flooding, or drought limit their distribution. Muskrats have a variety of aquatic adaptations, including a rudder-like tail that is flattened side-to-side, partially webbed hind feet, and fur that traps air for insulation and buoyancy. Because their fur has commercial importance, they were taken to Japan, South America, Scandinavia, and Russia, and there are now feral populations in some places where they were introduced.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/21/12/67072_98_68.jpg"}, "915724": {"scientific_name": "Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/915724", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/17/04/86892_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Long-eared Owl", "sid": 915724, "text": "The long tufts of feathers on its forehead give the Long-eared Owl its name. Like all birds, however, the Long-eared Owl\u2019s real ears are small openings hidden underneath the feathers on the sides of its head. This species possesses the short legs, rounded wings, large yellow eyes, and disk-shaped face characteristic of owls. Aside from its long \u2018ears,\u2019 this medium-sized (15 inches) owl may also be identified by its streaked body and buff-colored face. Males are generally slightly paler than females. The Long-eared Owl is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, this species breeds primarily across southern Canada and the northern tier of the United States. Smaller populations occur in the Rocky Mountains, along the coast of California, and at high elevations in the Appalachian Mountains. The Long-eared Owl occurs year-round in its breeding range, but individuals may disperse long distances during winter in search of food, wandering as far as the southern United States and central Mexico. In the Old World, this species breeds from Northern Europe across to Japan, wintering south to North Africa and South Asia. Other non-migratory populations occur in highland climates in Africa and on islands south of this species\u2019 main range. The Long-eared Owl breeds in open evergreen or deciduous forests. Individuals remaining on breeding grounds during winter utilize the same habitats as in summer; individuals wandering south utilize forest habitats in those areas. Typical for an owl, the Long-eared Owl eats small mammals, such as mice, voles, and shrews, and may be found in greater numbers where prey is plentiful. The Long-eared Owl uses its excellent hearing to locate prey on the ground in order to fly down and capture it with its talons. Also, like most owls, this species hunts almost exclusively at night, making it difficult to observe. Long-eared Owls are most visible roosting high in trees during the day, especially in winter, when this species may form large communal roosts.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/17/04/86892_98_68.jpg"}, "1155834": {"scientific_name": "Liriodendron tulipifera L.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1155834", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/01/13/34482_orig.jpg", "common_name": "tulip poplar", "sid": 1155834, "text": "Some historical information regarding the distribution of L. tulipifera in the Eastern U.S. can be found in Silvics of North America.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/01/13/34482_98_68.jpg"}, "323944": {"scientific_name": "Cebus capucinus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/323944", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/15/22/78699_orig.jpg", "common_name": "white-faced capuchin", "sid": 323944, "text": "The capuchin monkeys, formerly all placed in the genus Cebus, are now often separated into two genera, Cebus (for the gracile or untufted capuchins) and Sapajus (for the robust or tufted capuchins). Although the distinction between these two groups was well established by the mid-20th century, the delineation of species and subspecies has been less stable.\u00a0 Until the early 21st century, however, four species of capuchins were generally recognized: White-faced Capuchin (C. capucinus), White-fronted Capuchin (C. albifrons), the Weeper Capuchin (C. olivaceus or nigrovittatus), and a single robust species, the Brown Capuchin (C. apella). Within these species, various subspecies were often recognized. Based on more recent work, however, including molecular phylogenetic studies, Rylands and Mittermeier (2013) recognized 14 species of Cebus (and eight Sapajus), with the clear understanding that this is unlikely to be the last word on capuchin taxonomy as additional samples and data are acquired and analyzed. They recognized two species of white-faced capuchins, the Colombian White-faced Capuchin (C. capucinus), occurring from northwestern Ecuador to eastern Panama, and the Panamanian White-faced Capuchin (C. imitator), ocurring from western Panama to Honduras (and possibly Belize). See Rylands and Mittermeier (2013) for a review of capuchin biology and systematics and references to key literature.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/15/22/78699_98_68.jpg"}, "916425": {"scientific_name": "Amazilia tzacatl (de la Llave, 1833)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/916425", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/19/02/24325_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Rufous-tailed Hummingbird", "sid": 916425, "text": "The rufous-tailed hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) is a medium-sized hummingbird that breeds from east-central Mexico, through Central America and Colombia, east to western Venezuela and south through western Ecuador to near the border with Peru. The larger Escudo hummingbird from Isla Escudo de Veraguas in Panama is commonly considered a subspecies of the rufous-tailed hummingbird.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/19/02/24325_98_68.jpg"}, "328684": {"scientific_name": "Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328684", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/20/56168_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Asiatic Raccoon", "sid": 328684, "text": "The historical distribution of this species was the Far East, from northern Indochina to the southeast corner of Russia, also in Mongolia. In the Japanese Archipelago, the species was confined to Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Awaji island, Sado island and other islets of Japan except those south of Kyushu (e.g., Okinawa islands, Nansei islands, Miyako islands and Ogasawara islands). There has been a recent introduction in Yakushima island (S. Azuma pers. comm.)Today, the species has been widely introduced. It is now widespread in northern and eastern Europe, thriving in moist forests with abundant undergrowth. The northern limit of distribution lies in areas where the mean temperature of the year is just above 0\u00b0C, the snow cover about 800 mm, the duration of the snow cover 175 days and the length of the growing season 135 days (for example, in Finland the northern limit of permanent distribution is between 65\u00b0N and the Arctic Circle). If winters become milder, the raccoon dog may expand its range northwards.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/20/56168_98_68.jpg"}, "328025": {"scientific_name": "Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328025", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/20/10/29929_orig.jpg", "common_name": "american beaver", "sid": 328025, "text": "The largest North American rodent and the only one with a broad, flat, scaly tail, the Beaver is now common and widespread, even in areas it did not inhabit during pre-colonial times. The modifications it makes to the environment by felling trees and building dams result in changes to plant, animal, and microbial communities that are sometimes desirable and sometimes not. The Beaver itself is not easily seen, being nocturnal and secretive, but it can be spotted in ponds, lakes, or large streams at twilight by a quiet observer. Its pelage is brown, with gray underfur, and is prized by trappers. The webbing on its hind feet help it to swim; claws on the digits of its forefeet give it dexterity in handling food; comblike claws on its hind feet help it in careful grooming; and it can close its mouth behind its front teeth, so that it can carry woody material without taking in water. Beavers cache and consume the inner bark of both deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees, as well as terrestrial and aquatic plants. Their young, called kits, leave the colony at the age of six months.Adaptation: The shape of the Beaver skull, and the rough texture of its bone, is evidence of a powerful set of chewing muscles. The groove-like depression at the back of the snout and the round one near the jaw joint are areas where large muscles attach. The ridge of bone that marks the curvature below the back angle of the mandible is another muscle attachment site.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/20/10/29929_98_68.jpg"}, "963373": {"scientific_name": "Laticauda colubrina (Schneider, 1799)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/963373", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/25/02/80202_orig.jpg", "common_name": "banded sea krait", "sid": 963373, "text": "Laticauda colubrina is a widespread, relatively abundant, and dangerously venomous sea krait ranging from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Myanmar-Thai-Malaysian peninsula through the Indonesian archipelago to New Guinea and north to Palau, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands, and southeastward along the island chain of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga. The yellow-banded sea krait clade is composed of the widespread L. colubrina plus\u00a0 L. guineai (found in a small region of southern Papua New Guinea), L. saintgironsi (endemic to New Caledonia, where it is common), and L. frontalis (a dwarf species endemic to Vanuatu, where it is sympatric with L. colubrina). Members of the L. colubrina complex forage on reefs by searching underwater crevices while tongue-flicking, apparently identifying prey by smell; their diet consists almost exclusively of various kinds of eels. (Heatwole et al. 2005)", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/09/25/02/80202_98_68.jpg"}, "331133": {"scientific_name": "Rana temporaria Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/331133", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/12/29156_orig.jpg", "common_name": "european frog", "sid": 331133, "text": "Undoubtedly Britain's most well-known amphibian, the common frog is often found in garden ponds (2). They are typically brown or greyish in colour, but some individuals may be yellow or reddish. The flanks are usually yellow, the underside white, and the upper surfaces feature variable blackish markings (5). The large hind legs feature webbed feet; they power strong jumps and an excellent swimming ability, and are covered with dark bands, which provide camouflage (5). Males tend, on average, to be slightly smaller than females, and they can be identified by whitish swellings on the inner digits of the front feet, which support dark pads during the breeding season that allow the male to effectively grasp a female (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/07/24/12/29156_98_68.jpg"}, "212027": {"scientific_name": "Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/212027", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/13/15/00413_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Bluntnose six-gill shark", "sid": 212027, "text": "Very little is known about this shark's social and mating behaviour, but they are thought to be solitary, coming together only to mate. Males are believed to nip a female's fins to entice her into mating (2). Reproduction in this shark is ovoviviparous; the young hatch from eggs retained within the mother so that she then gives birth to live young (2) (3). The exact gestation period is unknown, but it is thought to be longer than two years. Each litter can number from 22 to 108 pups and this incredibly large litter size suggests that juvenile mortality rates are high (2). Age determination is difficult in this species but males are believed to mature at 11 to 14 years, females at 18 to 35 years, and longevity to reach 80 years for both sexes (3).\u00a0The bluntnose six-gill shark is a skilled predator and may also scavenge, feeding nocturnally on a wide variety of marine organisms including other sharks, rays, bony fishes, squid, crabs, and seals (1) (2). Although reported as being sluggish in nature, they can reach remarkable speeds when chasing prey (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/13/15/00413_98_68.jpg"}, "1050069": {"scientific_name": "Columba livia Gmelin 1789", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050069", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/19/03/78931_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Rock Dove", "sid": 1050069, "text": "Wild Columba livia are native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia.  Feral pigeons are found worldwide, including throughout all of North America.  It should be noted that occurrence within this range is not evenly distributed (see habitat).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/19/03/78931_98_68.jpg"}, "328608": {"scientific_name": "Canis latrans Say, 1823", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328608", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/11/52386_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Coyote", "sid": 328608, "text": "Coyotes are among the most adaptable mammals in North America. They have an enormous geographical distribution and can live in very diverse ecological settings, even successfully making their homes in suburbs, towns, and cities. They are omnivorous, eating plants, animals, and carrion. Socially, coyotes live in a variety of arrangements. Some live alone, others in mated pairs, and others in packs, which may consist of one mated pair, their new young, and offspring from the previous season that have not yet left their parents. Packs are an advantage when preying on larger mammals such as deer, or defending food resources, territory, and themselves.Adaptation: The upper and lower cheek teeth of a Coyote, Canis latrans, are blade-like, with sharp shearing edges that cut food in\u00a0scissors-like fashion. The foremost shearing teeth, known as carnassials, are clearly larger than the others.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/11/52386_98_68.jpg"}, "327288": {"scientific_name": "Pteropus poliocephalus Temminck, 1825", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327288", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/13/02/14392_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Gray-headed Flying Fox", "sid": 327288, "text": "Grey-headed flying foxes roost in large colonies, or 'camps', of up to tens of thousands of individuals among exposed branches during the day (7) (8). At dusk these bats emerge from the colony in search of food (9) (10), travelling up to 50 kilometres to their feeding areas (11) (12) (13). Their diet consists of fruit from a range of native and introduced species, as well as pollen and nectar, particularly of Eucalypt trees (11) (14) (15) (16) (17).\u00a0Breeding is seasonal, and from January onwards males defend mating territories, which they demarcate by scent-marking, loud calls and aggression (18). Mating generally occurs between March and May (18) (19), with a single young born six months later between September and November (15). Females then carry their pup during foraging flights for the first three weeks, after which they are left behind in the camp (4) (15). Young are capable of flight and follow their mother to forage after three months, but are not weaned until five to six months (15) (19) (18).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/13/02/14392_98_68.jpg"}, "994497": {"scientific_name": "Sphyrna lewini Griffith & Smith, 1834", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/994497", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/21/16/53196_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Scalloped hammerhead shark", "sid": 994497, "text": "The scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) is a species of hammerhead shark, and part of the family Sphyrnidae. Originally known as Zygaena lewini, the name of its species was later renamed to its current name. The Greek word sphyrna translates into \"hammer\" in English, referring to the shape of this shark's head. The most distinguishing characteristic of this shark, as in all hammerheads, is the 'hammer' on its head. The shark's eyes and nostrils are at the tips of the extensions. This is a fairly large hammerhead, though is smaller than both the Great and Smooth Hammerheads.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/05/21/16/53196_98_68.jpg"}, "126716": {"scientific_name": "Thylacinus cynocephalus (Harris, 1808)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/126716", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/20/62858_orig.jpg", "common_name": "thylacine", "sid": 126716, "text": "Very few observational studies were carried out on wild or captive thylacines; we therefore know very little about their natural ecology and behaviour (3). These carnivores are reported to have been mainly solitary and nocturnal (4), although small groups probably consisting of a mother and her offspring have been reported (3). Due to conflicting reports, there is some controversy as to whether breeding occurred more often in the summer or winter. Litters of up to four young were possible due to the four teats within the female's backwards-opening pouch (3). Young remained in the pouch for around four months (7) and then were probably left in a den whilst the mother went on hunting forays; the young may have joined her on these trips when they were older (2).\u00a0Thylacines were carnivorous and are likely to have preyed upon kangaroos, small rodents and birds (4). Some reports suggest that these mammals hunted by pursuing their prey over great distances until it tired (3). Thylacines became notorious for killing sheep once European settlers began to farm, a factor that was at the forefront of their persecution. The thylacine is reported to have a fairly stiff gait, but is also believed to have been an agile animal and had been seen standing on its hind legs, supported by its tail in a manner resembling a kangaroo (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/12/20/62858_98_68.jpg"}, "1050634": {"scientific_name": "Lanius ludovicianus Linnaeus 1766", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1050634", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/18/53033_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Loggerhead Shrike", "sid": 1050634, "text": "The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), the only member of the Family Laniidae, is a predatory songbird of North America. It is slightly smaller than a robin, weighing 1.2-1.8 g at birth, to 35-50 g at maturity. There are 11 subspecies in North America, with 3 located in Canada. Loggerhead Shrikes in northern regions migrate south (Hobson & Wassenaar 2001), while birds residing in the lower United States and Mexico remain in place for the winter. Two subspecies, L.l. mearnsi and L.l. anthonyi are island birds residing on the Channel Islands of California, with the former listed as endangered and the latter listed as special concern (ECOS 2013). As a species, with a global breeding population of 5.8 million (PIF 2012), Lanius ludovicianus is identified of Least Concern by the IUCN, although their populations decreased 3.2% per year from 1966-2010 (CLO 2015).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/18/53033_98_68.jpg"}, "1048641": {"scientific_name": "Phalacrocorax carbo (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048641", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/03/91590_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Great Cormorant", "sid": 1048641, "text": "Great cormorants eat fish and are known for their excellent diving skills. They forage in fresh as well as saline or brackish water. They can rotate their eyes, something most other birds are unable to do. Unlike other water fowl, their plumage is not oily. They absorb lots of water, so they need to spread their wings to dry after a swim. This bird has not had an easy life in the Netherlands. Because it was considered a rival for fishermen, they were shot, poisoned, chased away and even hung in huge numbers,", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/03/91590_98_68.jpg"}, "913221": {"scientific_name": "Phoenicopterus ruber Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/913221", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/14/23/53210_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Greater Flamingo", "sid": 913221, "text": "Whereas smaller flamingos and other wading birds are restricted to the shallows, the Caribbean flamingo's great size enables it to wade out into relatively deep water. It rarely takes food from the surface, but instead generally feeds with its whole head submerged underwater. With its bill held only slightly open, it filters out food particles by allowing water to pass across rows of tiny comb-like plates on the bill's edges (4). Utilising this specialized technique it is able to obtain huge quantities of the crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic insects, polychaete worms, and algae on which it depends. It is the presence of certain carotenoids in the algae and crustaceans that give the flamingo its distinctively coloured plumage (2) (4).\u00a0The Caribbean flamingo is a highly social species, with colonies ranging in size from just a few dozen to hundreds of thousands of individual birds during the breeding season (2) (4). Group courtship displays are typical of this flamingo, with thousands of individuals raising their wings, turning their heads, or bowing their necks in spectacular synchrony. Engaging in these displays ensures that all members of the colony are ready to mate at the same time (4). Both sexes are involved in building the nest from bits of mud piled into a smooth cone, and spaced just beyond pecking distance of other pairs' nests. Usually just a single egg is laid, which is incubated by both parents over 27 to 31 days (2). Around six to eight days after hatching, the chicks leave the nests and gather in large cr\u00e8ches, overseen by a small number of adults, and eventually fledge at around 9 to 13 weeks (2) (4).\u00a0Although the Caribbean flamingo is generally considered to be non-migratory, it is extremely nomadic, and will travel hundreds of kilometres in response to shifting resources (2). Large flocks form long, curving lines in flight, with each bird flying with its neck and legs distinctively outstretched (2) (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/14/23/53210_98_68.jpg"}, "328628": {"scientific_name": "Phoca largha Pallas, 1811", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328628", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/27/10/47758_orig.jpg", "common_name": "spotted seal", "sid": 328628, "text": "Spotted Seals breed in isolated pairs rather than large groups. They congregate in breeding areas, but each pair keeps its distance. This type of breeding system, in which the male breeds with one female and stays with her and the pup until the pup is weaned, is rare among seals. Eight such breeding areas are known along the southern edge of the pack ice. Young seals suffer a high mortality rate. About 45 percent die in the first year of life, many due to predation by sharks, killer whales, walruses, polar bears, arctic foxes, eagles, ravens, and gulls.Links:Mammal Species of the World", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/27/10/47758_98_68.jpg"}, "1051032": {"scientific_name": "Carduelis tristis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1051032", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/08191_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Goldfinch", "sid": 1051032, "text": "A small (5 inches) finch, the male American Goldfinch in summer is most easily identified by its bright yellow body; black cap, wings, and tail; and conspicuous white rump patch. Female American Goldfinches are duller yellow overall than males, and lack black on the head. In winter, both sexes become duller yellow-brown on the back, head, and breast. The American Goldfinch breeds across much of the United States and southern Canada. In winter, northerly-breeding populations move south, expanding outside of this species\u2019 breeding range into the coastal southeast, the southwest, northern Mexico, and the coast of California and Oregon. Birds breeding in the mid-latitudes migrate short distances, if at all. American Goldfinches breed in a variety of open habitats, including meadows, bushy fields, and (in modern times) urban and suburban yards. This species utilizes similar types of habitat in winter as it does in summer. American Goldfinches primarily eat seeds, including tree seeds and seeds of weedy groundcover plants. In appropriate habitat, American Goldfinches may be seen perched on the stalks of small plants while eating seeds from pods at the top. Goldfinches are also common feeder birds, and may be observed feeding in mixed groups of finches and other small songbirds. American Goldfinches are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/08191_98_68.jpg"}, "1145874": {"scientific_name": "Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1145874", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/04/02012_orig.jpg", "common_name": "black alder", "sid": 1145874, "text": "Betulaceae -- Birch family\u00a0          \u00a0          David T. Funk\u00a0          \u00a0          European alder (Alnus glutinosa), also called black alder\u00a0               or European black alder, was introduced to eastern North America\u00a0               in colonial times. This tree ranges in size from a large shrub to\u00a0               a large tree. It has escaped cultivation and grows naturally on\u00a0               lowlying lands. Its rapid growth, tolerance for acid soils, and\u00a0               nitrogen-fixing role make European alder desirable for\u00a0               shelterbelts, reclamation areas, landscapes, and biomass\u00a0               production. It is valuable to wildlife for providing good cover\u00a0               and a source of seeds.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/04/02012_98_68.jpg"}, "327979": {"scientific_name": "Marmota monax (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327979", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/03805_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Woodchuck or Groundhog", "sid": 327979, "text": "\"Also known as the Groundhog or the Whistle-pig, the Woodchuck thrives in forest borders through much of the eastern United States, across Canada, and into Alaska. Socially, Woodchucks live singly from the time they are weaned at six weeks of age. They are diurnal vegetarians, consuming clover, dandelion, chickweed, alfalfa, sorrel, beans, peas, grains, grasses, and other plants. In their burrows, they sleep through the night, raise their young, and spend the winter in hibernation. When it is hibernating, the Woodchuck's body temperature drops almost to the air temperature in its den and its heartbeat slows from 75 beats per minute to about 4. Curled into a tight ball, with its head between its front legs, it seems to be dead.\"Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/06/04/10/03805_98_68.jpg"}, "1051246": {"scientific_name": "Dendroica kirtlandii (S. F. Baird, 1852)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1051246", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/23/71484_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Kirtland's Warbler", "sid": 1051246, "text": "A large (6 inches) wood warbler, Kirtland\u2019s Warbler is most easily identified by its slate-gray upperparts, streaked back and flanks, and bright yellow underparts. The similarly-patterned Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) is also gray above and yellow below, but is only streaked on the upper breast and throat. Male and female Kirtland\u2019s Warblers are similar in all seasons. Kirtland\u2019s Warbler is by far the rarest extant wood warbler in North America. This species breeds in a small portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, occurring locally even within that range. Kirtland\u2019s Warbler is rarely seen outside the breeding season, although occasional reports indicate that it migrates south through the eastern United States and spends the winter in the Bahamas. More habitat-specific than most other wood warblers, Kirtland\u2019s Warblers breed exclusively in young Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) forests in areas with sandy soil. This species\u2019 habit of building its nest on the ground is also unusual for wood warblers. In winter, this species has only ever been recorded in the undergrowth of Bahaman pine forests. Kirtland\u2019s Warblers primarily eat small invertebrates, including insects and spiders, and may also eat fruits and berries in winter. In appropriate habitat, Kirtland\u2019s Warblers may be observed foraging for food on the ground or low in the tree canopy. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 song, a warbled series of notes lower in pitch than that of most other wood warblers. Kirtland\u2019s Warblers are primarily active during the day in the breeding season, but this species\u2019 scarcity has complicated studies of its behavior at other times of the year.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/23/71484_98_68.jpg"}, "1049299": {"scientific_name": "Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049299", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/02/16/03/68521_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Moorhen", "sid": 1049299, "text": "Common moorhens are widely distributed. In the United States, they are found year-round in California, Arizona, New Mexico and the Atlantic and Gulf coast states. They migrate and breed in the eastern half of the United States during the summer. They are also found throughout Mexico and Central America.  The Common Moorhen is also found in South America, its range cutting through the middle of the continent from Brazil to Argentina and Peru.  This species is also found year-round throughout Europe except Northern Scandinavia.  From Europe it is migratory into Russia during the summer months.  It is found also in India and the southern half of Asia south to the Philippine Islands. In Africa this species is only found in the area of South Africa, Madagascar, a large section of the Congo and Algeria. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/02/16/03/68521_98_68.jpg"}, "328697": {"scientific_name": "Lycaon pictus (Temminck, 1820)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328697", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/11/00/41530_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Painted hunting dog", "sid": 328697, "text": "The Painted Hunting Dog is one of the most critically endangered carnivores in Africa, with approximately 5000 individuals extant. The early Holocene species population is estimated at about one half million, and the prehistoric range covered virtually all of the non-desert, non-jungle area of sub-Saharan Africa. In the last several decades, the habitat of L. Pictus has become severely fragmented due to expansion of the human population in Africa, and numbers have dwindled. The species has been historically termed \"African Wild Dog\", which name is declining in usage, due to pejorative aspects of such a name. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/11/00/41530_98_68.jpg"}, "1018890": {"scientific_name": "Ambystoma gracile (Baird, 1859)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1018890", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/11/29/17/79555_orig.jpg", "common_name": "northwestern salamander", "sid": 1018890, "text": "Ambystoma gracile range from southeastern Alaska along the Pacific coasts of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Vancouver Island, to northern California (Mendocino). ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/11/29/17/79555_98_68.jpg"}, "1049367": {"scientific_name": "Arenaria interpres (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049367", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/27/10/63843_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Ruddy Turnstone", "sid": 1049367, "text": "A medium-sized (8-10 inches) plover, the Ruddy Turnstone in summer is most easily identified by its orange back and legs, pale breast, white head with black patches on the face and throat. In winter, this species becomes dull brown above and white below. Birds in summer plumage are unmistakable, while winter birds may be separated from other dull shorebirds by this species\u2019 short, upturned bill. Male and female Ruddy Turnstones are similar to one another in all seasons. The Ruddy Turnstone occurs throughout much of the world. In the New World, this species breeds in the high arctic of Canada, Alaska, and Greenland, wintering along the coasts of the Americas from mid-latitude North America south to southern South America. In the Old World, this species breeds along the edge of the Arctic Ocean, wintering from Europe south to South Africa and from South Asia south to Australasia and the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Ruddy Turnstones breed in wet areas on the arctic tundra. In winter, this species may be found along the coast on sandy or rocky beaches. Ruddy Turnstones primarily eat small insects during the summer months, switching to crustaceans and small fish during the winter. Due to this species\u2019 remote breeding grounds, most birdwatchers are only familiar with Ruddy Turnstones during the winter. At that time, this species is most easily seen while walking or running along the shoreline, turning over stones while foraging for food (a behavior which gave this species its name). Ruddy Turnstones are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/27/10/63843_98_68.jpg"}, "403244": {"scientific_name": "Solenopsis invicta Buren, 1972", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/403244", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/01/13/17/85847_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red fire ant", "sid": 403244, "text": "The Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta, Buren) is a native of tropical and subtropical  South America that has achieved international notoriety by becoming an  enormously successful invasive ant throughout much of the southern United  States.\u00a0 S. invicta is now  spreading rapidly in parts of the Caribbean, and new infestations have been  detected and exterminated in Arizona, California, Australia, New Zealand, and  southern China.\u00a0 The probability of new  invasions is therefore quite high and S. invicta must be considered a potential threat worldwide in all areas where  climates are suitable.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2009/01/13/17/85847_98_68.jpg"}, "847095": {"scientific_name": "Clupea harengus Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/847095", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/16/74367_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Atlantic herring", "sid": 847095, "text": "This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (April 2009)Clupea harengus in a barrelAtlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is a herring in the family Clupeidae. It is one of the most abundant fish species in the world. Atlantic herrings can be found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, congregating in large schools. They can grow up to 45 centimetres (18\u00a0in) in length and weigh more than 0.5 kilograms (1.1\u00a0lb). They feed on copepods, krill and small fish, while their natural predators are seals, whales, cod and other larger fish.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/16/16/74367_98_68.jpg"}, "1048963": {"scientific_name": "Aix sponsa (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048963", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/09/11/10/21199_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Wood Duck", "sid": 1048963, "text": "The male Wood Duck in breeding plumage is arguably the most colorful duck in North America. Adorned with an iridescent-green head and crest, red bill, rust-colored breast and buff flanks, it is unmistakable across the continent. However, this is not always the case. Non-breeding males lose their bright colors and turn drab brown-gray, becoming reminiscent of females and juveniles. This medium-sized duck species (17-20 inches)  is slightly smaller than the more familiar Mallard. Wood Ducks breeds across much of North America, especially in the east. In the west, Wood Ducks breed more locally, but may be encountered on the Pacific coast of California and in the northwest. Many Wood Ducks in the east are permanent residents, but populations breeding in Canada migrate short distances south into the U.S.In the west, Wood Ducks are more migratory, moving into the southern plains and parts of the southwest in winter. This species inhabits wetlands, lakes, and streams. Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities (often old Pileated Woodpecker nest holes), and pairs of this species must breed in wetlands near forests to ensure availability of nest sites. Wood Ducks eats a wide variety of foods, including insects, seeds, fruits, and aquatic plant matter. Wood Ducks are often found floating on the water\u2019s surface, occasionally dabbling (submerging their head and chest while their legs and tail stick out of the water) to find food. These ducks are also capable of taking off directly from the water. They may also be found on land, where they may be observed walking, or in the air, where they may be observed making swift and direct flights through the tree canopy. Wood Ducks are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/09/11/10/21199_98_68.jpg"}, "129470": {"scientific_name": "Tapirus indicus Desmarest, 1819", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/129470", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/02/50179_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Malayan Tapir", "sid": 129470, "text": "The Asian tapir is primarily, although not exclusively, nocturnal. Habitually using the same paths, which males mark with urine, this tapir travels long distances during the night in search of food (10) (6). The diet consists of fruits from a variety of trees and shrubs in substantial amounts,  as well as aquatic plants, leaves, buds and soft twigs (10) (6). Blurred vision means that tapirs rely on their acute sense of hearing and smell for communication, to locate food and detect predators (4) (7).\u00a0This tapir is mostly solitary, but occasionally seen in pairs (10) (6). The average range of the male is 13 square km which overlaps the ranges of several females (4). Mating is characterized by a noisy courtship display (5). Females breed every other year and, after a gestation period of 13 months, give birth to a single calf, which remains with its mother for six to eight months (10). Sexual maturity is reached at around three years, and Asian tapirs have been known to live for up to 30 years (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/15/02/50179_98_68.jpg"}, "1049581": {"scientific_name": "Larus argentatus Pontoppidan 1763", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049581", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/06/19653_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Herring Gull", "sid": 1049581, "text": "A large (23-26 inches) seagull, the Herring Gull is most easily identified by its black-tipped wings, pale yellow eye, pink legs, and yellow bill with red spot on the lower half. Winter and immature gulls of many species are notoriously difficult to identify as these birds may be splotched or streaked with brown on the head and breast. Male and female Herring Gulls are similar to one another in all seasons. The Herring Gull inhabits a wide portion of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, this species breeds across Alaska, Canada, the Northern United States, and the Mid-Atlantic region. Populations breeding in southern Alaska, the Great Lakes, and the Mid-Atlantic region are non-migratory, while those breeding in the interior migrate south to the Pacific coast from southern Alaska south to central Mexico, along the coast and in the interior in the southeastern U.S., in eastern Mexico, in Central America, and in the West Indies. In Eurasia, the Herring Gull breeds in northern Europe and Asia, wintering south to North Africa and South Asia. Herring Gulls breed on rocky or sandy islands and beaches by lakes, in marshes, and along the coast. Similar habitats are utilized in winter as in summer. Herring Gulls eat a variety of foods, including crustaceans, fish, carrion, garbage, and, occasionally, other birds. Herring Gulls are most easily seen foraging for food along sandy beaches. In many areas, this is one of the most common \u201cseagulls,\u201d and may be seen foraging for refuse and carrion on the beach, flying over the water and plunging in to catch fish, or floating on the water\u2019s surface while catching fish with its bill. This species is primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/06/19653_98_68.jpg"}, "1048371": {"scientific_name": "Pseudacris crucifer (Wied-Neuwied, 1838)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048371", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/22/20/37655_orig.jpg", "common_name": "spring peeper", "sid": 1048371, "text": "Pseudacris crucifer is a small species of frog, ranging from .75 of an inch to 1.25 inches in total length. A characteristic 'X' mark can usually be seen on the back of the frog. While P. crucifer displays no distinct color patterns on its surface, its observed color may be yellow, brown, gray or olive. This species may be distinguished from other members of the genus by its lack in distinct stripes, mottling, spotting, and the characteristic 'X' mark.  P. c. bartramiana. and P. c. crucifer are subspecies", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/22/20/37655_98_68.jpg"}, "328109": {"scientific_name": "Bison bison (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328109", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/31/08/24536_orig.jpg", "common_name": "American Bison", "sid": 328109, "text": "Bison are large, vegetarian mammals. Bulls can weigh near 1,800 pounds and females average about 1,000 pounds.\r\n\r\nBison breed from mid-July to mid-August. Calves are born singly in the spring. They are strict vegetarians, grazing on grasses and sedges as they move between meadows, foothills, and high-elevation plateaus.\r\n\r\nOnce distributed across the Great Plains, wild bison are now limited to pockets. There has been a wild population in Yellowstone National Park in the United States since prehistoric times.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/31/08/24536_98_68.jpg"}, "328651": {"scientific_name": "Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328651", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/22/77076_orig.jpg", "common_name": "mule deer", "sid": 328651, "text": "Mule Deer live in a broad range of habitats - forests, deserts, and brushlands. Mountain populations migrate to higher elevation in warmer months, looking for nutrient-rich new-grown grasses, twigs, and shrubs. They maintain separate summer and winter ranges, connected by a migratory pathway. In milder climates, they do not migrate. They live in small social groups of about three, except during the winter, when large groups may come together to feed in open meadows. Females tend to stay close to where they were born. Males disperse farther, establish their own territories, and compete for access to females during the October and November breeding season. The males lose their antlers after breeding and grow new ones yearly, with each set becoming larger than the previous one. Newborns, with spotted coats, are well-camouflaged.Adaptation: The remarkable evolution of running adaptations is evident in comparing the same (homologous) wrist and hand bones of the Mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus (image on the left), with a primitive type of versatile hand, like that of a Hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus (image on the right).Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/08/23/22/77076_98_68.jpg"}, "1048959": {"scientific_name": "Anas clypeata Linnaeus 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048959", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/05/65411_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Shoveler", "sid": 1048959, "text": "Named for its large, shovel-shaped bill, the Northern Shoveler is a medium-sized (17-20 inches) duck better known to duck hunters as the \u201cspoonbill. \u201d While the male Northern Shoveler\u2019s green head may suggest the more ubiquitous Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), a positive identification may be made by looking for chestnut flanks and a white breast, a pattern which is opposite that of the male Mallard. The drab-brown females of both species are also easily confused, but the female Northern Shoveler retains the species\u2019 characteristic bill shape and smaller size. Northern Shovelers occur across the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, this species breeds primarily from west-central Alaska east to the Hudson Bay, and from just south of the tundra in Canada south to the upper Great Plains. Recently, this species has expanded eastward, and smaller breeding areas may be encountered along the Great Lakes, around the St. Lawrence River, and in the Maritime Provinces in eastern Canada. This species migrates south for the winter, where it may be found along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts of the U.S., in the interior in the southern half of the country, and points south. In Eurasia, this species breeds in northern Europe and Russia, wintering south to sub-Saharan Africa, India, and the Philippines. The Northern Shoveler breeds in shallow wetlands (and, increasingly, on sewage-treatment ponds) throughout its breeding range. Preferring freshwater in summer, this species is less constrained in winter, when it may be found in freshwater or saltwater marshes. Northern Shovelers feed primarily on small invertebrates and seeds. Northern Shovelers rarely forage on land, and are most easily seen on the water using their bills to strain the water for food. This species may also be observed undertaking straight, swift flights on migration or between breeding or foraging grounds. Northern Shovelers are most active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/08/15/05/65411_98_68.jpg"}, "1065006": {"scientific_name": "Phalacrocorax brasilianus Gmelin, 1789", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1065006", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/25/01/64997_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Neotropic Cormorant", "sid": 1065006, "text": "A bird of the tropical waterways of Central and South America, the Neotropic Cormorant reaches the upper limits of its range in Texas and occasionally, the Great Plains. Although it superficially resembles North America's other freshwater cormorant, the Double-crested Cormorant, the Neotropic Cormorant stands apart in various aspects of behavior, as well as range.\r\nThe Neotropic Cormorant is the only cormorant known to plunge-dive into water to catch fish. Unlike gannets and boobies, it does not dive from great heights, restricting its dives to less than a half-meter (1.75 feet) over the water. It is not particularly successful with this technique, catching a fish only once in every six to ten plunges.\r\nIn Mexico, Neotropic Cormorants reportedly often fish cooperatively, forming a line across swift-flowing streams and striking the surface with their wings, causing fish to flee, whereupon the cormorants dive and pursue them.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2011/11/25/01/64997_98_68.jpg"}, "1038993": {"scientific_name": "Xenopus laevis (Daudin, 1802)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1038993", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/10/63275_orig.jpg", "common_name": "African clawed frog", "sid": 1038993, "text": "The range of this species is unclear following the removal from Xenopus victorianus from X. laevis. For the purposes of this assessment we have assumed that all animals from southern Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique southwards (including in almost all of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland) belong to X. laevis. In addition we treat all animals in Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo west of 28\u00baE as belonging to X. l. sudanensis. Records from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo east of 28\u00baE refer to this X. victorianus. There is an isolated record from Gabon (M. Beier pers. comm. January 2006). It is introduced in several places outside its native range, including the USA where it was first introduced in the 1930s and 1940s for laboratory use and later as an aquarium pet. It was introduced and established locally in California (San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Imperial counties) and Arizona (Tucson area) (Stebbins 1985, Lafferty ad Page 1997). It has been recorded from, but it is not established in Colorado. It has also been introduced to Chile (introduced in the 1970s to central Chile, Valparaiso to Concepci\u00f3n Provinces), parts of the United Kingdom (extant in south Wales and presumed extirpated from the Isle of Wight [not mapped here], and a number of occasional records from other locations [not mapped], the Departments of Deux-S\u00e8vres and Maine et Loire in France and Java (Indonesia) [not mapped here]. It is introduced also in the Lage stream, about 20 km W of Lisbon, Portugal (Rebelo et al. 2007) and there is a large invasive population in Sicily (Lillo et al. 2005, Faraone et al. 2008) [not mapped here]. It is presumed to occur in southwestern Sudan, but there do not appear to be confirmed records from this country (there is an uncertain record assigned to X. l. sudanensis from Jebel Marrah, Sudan (M. Beier pers. comm. January 2006) [not mapped here]). Records from Congo refer to X. petersii. Its range is also extending in parts of Africa, often by introduction because it is used for live bait, and it has spread extensively in South Africa. This species ranges from sea-level up to 3,000 m asl.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/12/11/10/63275_98_68.jpg"}, "326448": {"scientific_name": "Pan paniscus (Schwartz 1929)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326448", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/28/14/37171_orig.jpg", "common_name": "bonobo", "sid": 326448, "text": "Bonobos are highly intelligent, social animals. They live in stable communities that may have up to 150 members, although these will usually split into smaller groups in order to forage or travel (2). Swellings on the rump advertise a female's receptivity to mating; there is no specific breeding season (5). A single offspring is born after around 8 months of gestation and will be cared for by its mother for almost 5 years (6). Bonobo society has some very marked differences to those of chimpanzees and this has fascinated researchers since their discovery. In both, males remain in their natal group whilst females disperse, but in contrast to the male-dominated chimpanzee society, females in bonobo groups develop strong relationships and males will often defer to them during feeding (2). The cooperative hunting and aggressive raids on neighbouring groups that male chimpanzees partake in have not been seen amongst bonobos and it may be that these differences are related to a more reliable and widely available food source (2). One of the other striking features of bonobo society is sex, which is commonly used for social communication in order to diffuse situations and create bonds (2). Males and females engage in these encounters with their own sex as well as the opposite sex (2).\u00a0Bonobos spend virtually all of their time in the trees, foraging for fruit and sleeping in nests constructed in the branches; on the ground they travel by 'knuckle walking' (2). Fruit makes up a large part of the bonobo diet but they will also consume other plant materials and small vertebrates should the opportunity arise. This species appears to depend more on plant stems in its diet than chimpanzees do, perhaps again explaining the lack of aggression in bonobo groups (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/06/28/14/37171_98_68.jpg"}, "1048993": {"scientific_name": "Somateria mollissima (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048993", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/07/03/78879_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Eider", "sid": 1048993, "text": "A colorful duck of the northern seacoasts, the Common Eider is the largest duck in the Northern Hemisphere. The male's bright white, black, and green plumage contrasts markedly with the female's camouflaging dull striped brown.\r\nThe Pacific form of the Common Eider is distinct genetically and morphologically from the other forms, and may be a different species. The male has a thin black V on its chin and a bright yellow or orange bill.\r\nMother Common Eiders lead their young to water, and often are accompanied by nonbreeding hens that participate in chick protection. Broods often come together to form \"cr\u00e8ches\" of a few to over 150 ducklings. Attacks by predators may cause several broods to cluster together into a cr\u00e8che. Once formed, a cr\u00e8che tends to stay together throughout the brood rearing period, although some of the different females attending it may leave.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/08/07/03/78879_98_68.jpg"}, "308378": {"scientific_name": "Giraffa camelopardalis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/308378", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/08/12/84330_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Giraffe", "sid": 308378, "text": "Spectacularly tall, the giraffe has a very long neck with a short, upstanding mane, and high shoulders that slope steeply to the hindquarters. The legs are also long. The giraffe's neck is made up of the same number of neck bones (vertebrae) as most mammals, including humans, but they are much larger and linked by ball and socket joints for improved flexibility (4). The specific name of the giraffe comes from the Latin 'camelopardalis', meaning 'camel marked like a leopard', owing to their buff background with brown blotches, which helps to camouflage them in the dappled light and shade patterns created by the trees they feed on (5).\u00a0The various subspecies of giraffe differ slightly in colouration and patterning. The reticulated giraffe of northeastern Kenya (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) has large, chestnut-coloured patches outlined by thin white lines. Rothschild's giraffe of western Kenya and eastern Uganda (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) has broader dividing white lines than the reticulated giraffe, and no spotting beneath the knees. The Masai giraffe of Tanzania and southern Kenya (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) has irregular star-shaped light to dark brown spots. Giraffes have two horn-like structures about 13 cm long made of skin-covered bone; they are thin and tufted in females and thick and bald on top in males, as a result of wearing during fights with other males (3). Males can develop calcium depositions on their heads in addition to their horns as they age. These help to deliver heavier blows during fights with other males (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/08/12/84330_98_68.jpg"}, "223943": {"scientific_name": "Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/223943", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/11/06/16/73973_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Atlantic bluefin tuna", "sid": 223943, "text": "Experience the narrated Atlantic Bluefun Tuna Google Earth Tour Video.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/11/06/16/73973_98_68.jpg"}, "1052646": {"scientific_name": "Ammodramus henslowii (Audubon, 1829)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052646", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/11/29/17/48605_orig.jpg", "common_name": "henslow's sparrow", "sid": 1052646, "text": "Due to its cryptic coloration, Henslow\u2019s Sparrow is more often heard than seen. Buff-colored overall and streaked with black on the back, breast, and face, this bird is well-equipped to blend into its surroundings. This is one of our smaller sparrows, at around 5 inches long. Henslow\u2019s Sparrow primarily breeds in the eastern Great Plains, lower Great Lakes states, and in western Pennsylvania and New York. Isolated breeding areas occur on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and in eastern North Carolina. In winter, Henslow\u2019s Sparrows migrate south to the Gulf coast and portions of the coastal southeast, mainly from southern North Carolina to Florida. This species previously bred in the northeast, but no longer occurs there due to habitat degradation. Henslow\u2019s Sparrow breeds in tall, dense grasslands with a thick layer of dead grass and leaves on the ground. This sparrow forages for grasshoppers and beetles on the ground beneath tall grass. However, populations which historically occurred in the northeast bred in salt marshes. Like many grassland-dwelling bird species, Henslow\u2019s Sparrow is best identified by ear, specifically by listening for its simple \u201ctse-zlik\u201d song. Due to its feeding habits and coloration, Henslow\u2019s Sparrows are difficult to see while at rest, and may be most easily seen while on short flights above the grass.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/11/29/17/48605_98_68.jpg"}, "1049024": {"scientific_name": "Accipiter gentilis Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049024", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/22/67425_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Northern Goshawk", "sid": 1049024, "text": "Although closely related to the common Sharp-shinned and Cooper\u2019s Hawks, the Northern Goshawk is encountered far less frequently. This is North America\u2019s largest \u2018bird hawk\u2019 at 20-26 inches in length, and may be distinguished by its more familiar relatives by its larger size, grey-streaked breast, and dark cheek patch. Like most species of raptors, females are larger than males. The Northern Goshawk breeds in the Canadian sub-arctic, the northern tier of the United States, and at higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains south to central Mexico. This species may be found in its breeding range all year long, although some individuals move south into the mid-Atlantic, Ohio River valley, and Great Plains in winter. This species also inhabits northern Eurasia south the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and China. Northern Goshawks inhabit dense evergreen or mixed evergreen and deciduous forests. Like all \u2018bird hawks,\u2019 this species is equipped with the long tail and short, broad wings needed to hunt birds (on the ground, in trees, or in flight) from the air. Unlike most bird hawks, however, this species also takes Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) in addition to avian prey. Large numbers of Northern Goshawks may wander far south of their normal range during winter in years when hare and grouse populations are low. With the aid of binoculars, Northern Goshawks may be seen perched in trees while scanning for prey. However, they are often more easily seen in the air while moving between perches or while actively hunting. As this species hunts by sight, it is only active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/06/14/22/67425_98_68.jpg"}, "1047342": {"scientific_name": "Podilymbus podiceps (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1047342", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/17/38597_orig.jpg", "common_name": "pied-billed grebe", "sid": 1047342, "text": "A small (13 inches) grebe, the Pied-billed Grebe in summer is most easily identified by its gray-brown body, black chin, and conspicuous black bill stripe. In winter, this species loses its black facial adornments, becoming plain gray-brown overall. Male and female Pied-billed Grebes are similar to one another in all seasons. The Pied-billed Grebe breeds across much of the United States, southern Canada, and the northern half of Mexico. In winter, northerly-breeding Pied-billed Grebes abandon their breeding grounds and migrate south as far as southern Mexico and Central America; populations that breed further south are non-migratory. Other non-migratory populations exist in the West Indies, at isolated sites in Central America, and in South America south to central Argentina. Pied-billed Grebes breed on small lakes and ponds, preferring heavily vegetated areas for nest-building and more open areas for feeding. This species utilizes similar habitat types in winter as in summer. Pied-billed Grebes primarily eat small fish, insects, and crustaceans. In appropriate habitat, Pied-billed Grebes may be observed floating low in the water, periodically diving down to capture prey. Many birdwatchers learn to appreciate the Pied-billed Grebe\u2019s ability to quickly sink into the water with minimal surface disturbance when, after returning their attention to the water after a momentary distraction, they discover the bird has \u201cvanished\u201d without a trace. Pied-billed Grebes are primarily active during the day, but migrating birds fly mainly at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/01/17/38597_98_68.jpg"}, "1025328": {"scientific_name": "Litoria caerulea (White, 1790)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1025328", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/38847_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Dumpy Tree Frog", "sid": 1025328, "text": "The Australian green tree frog, simply green tree frog in Australia, White's tree frog, or dumpy tree frog (Litoria caerulea) is a species of tree frog native to Australia and New Guinea, with introduced populations in the United States and New Zealand, though the latter is believed to have died out. The species belongs to the genus Litoria. It is morphologically similar to some other members of the genus, particularly the magnificent tree frog (L.\u00a0splendida) and the white-lipped tree frog (L.\u00a0infrafrenata).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/03/12/38847_98_68.jpg"}, "392557": {"scientific_name": "Solanum lycopersicum L.", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/392557", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/03/05/47795_orig.jpg", "common_name": "tomato", "sid": 392557, "text": "Alefeld, F.G.C.. Landwirthschaftliche Flora. Berlin: Wiegandt and Hempel.\nBrezhnev, D.D.. Tomat in Ovoshchnye paslenovye (Tomat, Baklazhan, Chernyi Paslen, Dynnaia Grusha, Perets, Fizalis, Mandragora). In Kul\u2019turnaia Flora SSSR 20, ed. P. M. Zhukovskii, 7-278. Moscow-Leningrad: State Printing House.\nBrezhnev, D.D.. Tomaty [Tomatoes], 2nd edition revised and expanded. Leningrad: 12D-VO Kolos.\nJacquin, N.L.. Hortus Vindobensis. Vol. 1. Vienna: L. J. Kaliwoda.\nKhrapalova, I.A.. Lycopersicon (Tourn.) Mill.[in Russian]. In Geneticheskie Kollektsii Ovoshchnykh Rastenii\u2019, Part 3, ed. V. A. Dragavtsev, 18-93. Vavilov Institute: Saint Petersburg.\nLuckwill, L.C.. The genus Lycopersicon: an historical, biological, and taxonomical survey of the wild and cultivated tomatoes. Aberdeen Univ. Stud. 120: 1-44.\nMedikus, F.K.. Botanische Beobachtungen des Jahres 1782-(1783). Vol. X. Mannheim.\nNesbitt, T.C. & S.D. Tanksley. Comparative sequencing in the genus Lycopersicon: implications for the evolution of fruit size in the domestication of cultivated tomatoes. Genetics 162: 365-379.\nVan der Knaap, E., Z.B. Lippman, & S.D. Tanksley. Extremely elongated tomato fruit controlled by four quantitative trait loci with epistatic interactions. Theor. Appl. Genet. 104: 241-247.\nVan der Knaap, E., A. Sanyal, S.A. Jackson, & S.D. Tanksley. High-resolution fine mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of sun, a locus controlling tomato fruit shape, reveals a region of the tomato genome prone to DNA rearrangements. Genetics 168: 2127-2140.\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/03/05/47795_98_68.jpg"}, "1025186": {"scientific_name": "Notophthalmus viridescens (Rafinesque, 1820)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1025186", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/10/01/07/82896_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red Spotted Newt", "sid": 1025186, "text": "This salamander ranges from 6.5 to 14 cm in length. Terrestrial N. viridescens (\"red efts\") are juveniles and thus generally smaller in size (3.5 to 8.6 cm in length); efts are orange-red to reddish-brown in color.  Aquatic adults are generally green with two dorsal rows of red to orange spots; the dorsum may also be yellow-brown, olive-green, or dark brown. The venter is yellow.   Breeding aquatic males have brighter and redder spots than females (Davis and Grayson 2008), as well as enlarged hind legs, swollen vents and a broadly keeled tail, and black keratinized structures on the inner thigh and toe regions (Behler and King 1996). Terrestrial adults have granular skin, in contrast to aquatic adults, which have smooth mucous skin (Walters and Greenwald 1977).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/10/01/07/82896_98_68.jpg"}, "1049615": {"scientific_name": "Megadyptes antipodes (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049615", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/30/11/72636_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Yellow-eyed Penguin", "sid": 1049615, "text": "The yellow-eyed penguin is one of the most endangered of all penguin species (3). These birds are slate grey with a white breast. As their common name suggests they have yellow eyes, accentuated by the yellow band that runs from the eyes around the back of the head (4). Males and females are identical but juveniles lack the yellow eyes and bands of older birds (2). The Maori name for these birds is 'Hoiho', which means 'the noise shouter' in reference to their shrill call (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/30/11/72636_98_68.jpg"}, "1051449": {"scientific_name": "Luscinia megarhynchos (Brehm, 1831)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1051449", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/08/18/02915_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Common Nightingale", "sid": 1051449, "text": "There is no other bird that sings so deeply, so full of ecstacy as the nightingale. The melody is endlessly varied. Nightingales are therefore best known for their singing talent. In the spring, they sing during the day as well as at night, however their songs are often drowned by disturbing noises. Nightingales live mostly in thick vegetation from shrubs with lots of stinging nettle and blackberries. In the Netherlands, the majority of the nightingales make their nests in the dunes.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/05/08/18/02915_98_68.jpg"}, "1049740": {"scientific_name": "Anous minutus Boie 1844", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049740", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/26/08/58898_orig.jpg", "common_name": "black noddy", "sid": 1049740, "text": "Anous minutus, or black noddy, is a seabird from the tern family. It is small with darker plumage, a white cap, a long straight beak and short tail. This species has a worldwide distribution in tropical and subtropical seas, with colonies widespread in the Pacific Ocean and more scattered across the Caribbean, central Atlantic and in the northeast Indian Ocean.  Birds return to colonies, or other islands, in order to roost at night.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/26/08/58898_98_68.jpg"}, "333310": {"scientific_name": "Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/333310", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/13/12/13061_orig.jpg", "common_name": "european toad", "sid": 333310, "text": "Common toads are largely nocturnal. They are found in ponds only in the breeding season; during the rest of the year they can be found far from water bodies (5). They have a broad diet, feeding on a huge range of prey small enough to swallow, including insects, spiders, earwigs, earthworms, snails and slugs; they have even been observed eating young toads (2). They feed only on land and use a 'sit-and-wait' style of hunting (6). Toads are usually welcomed by gardeners, thanks to their voracious appetites and penchant for garden pests (4).\u00a0The life cycle is similar to that of the common frog (Rana temporaria). Common toads begin to migrate to breeding ponds in autumn. The onset of cold weather stimulates hibernation, which takes place en route in abandoned rodent burrows or in leaf litter (2). Migration then recommences in spring.\u00a0Breeding activity, which occurs between March and June (6), is often very frenzied in this species, with much competition amongst males over access to females. Males grasp females tightly prior to spawning, and there is aggressive activity amongst males who try to 'take-over' females. 'Mating-balls' may often arise, when as many as 10 males jostle for access to a single female; the female occasionally drowns or is crushed as a result (2). Successful pairs will spawn; females release a double-string of eggs, which the male fertilises by releasing his sperm simultaneously. The pair moves around whilst spawning, so that the jelly-coated strings of eggs become wrapped around vegetation. One female may produce up to 5,000 eggs, although the usual number is around 1,500 (2). The black tadpoles move away from the spawning areas a few days after hatching. The tadpoles feed on microorganisms and usually gather in groups, which, in addition to the presence of skin toxins, probably protects them further against predation. Despite this, however, they frequently become prey for diving beetles and other species that have piercing mouthparts, and so can avoid the toxins in the skin (2). It takes 8-12 weeks for tadpoles to develop, after metamorphosis the tiny toadlets occasionally emerge en masse. Sexual maturity is reached after 2-3 years (2). Common toads can live for a very long time; some captive individuals have reached 50 years of age (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/13/12/13061_98_68.jpg"}, "922241": {"scientific_name": "Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/922241", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/23/05/30523_orig.jpg", "common_name": "House Sparrow", "sid": 922241, "text": "The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is native to Eurasia and the northern edge of the African continent, but is now found in most regions of the world where humans live.  This species is mainly associated with humans, living around buildings in settings ranging from isolated rural farms to major urban centers, although population density and breeding success are generally higher in suburban environments than in cities or rural areas.\r\n\r\nHouse Sparrows have a mainly vegetarian diet, feeding especially on weed and grass seeds or waste grain, but also on buds, berries, and a range of scraps from humans. During the summer, animal material can account for as much as 10% of the diet and, as opportunists, House Sparrows may take small frogs. mollusks, and crustaceans where available. Nestlings are fed mainly insects for the first few days after hatching .\r\n\r\nHouse Sparrows generally occur in flocks, often quite large ones outside the breeding season. Breeding is mainly in loose colonies of 10 to 20 pairs. Nest building is initiated by an unmated male, but assisted by his mate after pair formation.  Nests are typically built in artificial or natural cavities or crevices.  These birds are remarkably catholic in their choice of a nest site, with nests reported from moving machinery and even from 640 m below ground in a coal mine in England.  Clutch size is typically 3 to 6 eggs.  Incubation (for 10 to 14 days) is by both parents. Both parents also feed the nestlings, which leave the nest around two weeks after hatching. Two or three clutches are typically produced each year.\r\n  \r\nHouse Sparrows are non-migratory over most of their native and introduced range.  This species is among the more abundant birds in the world: the total European population in the 1980s and 1990s probably exceeded 50,000,000 breeding pairs, with an estimated world total of around 500,000,000 pairs. However, significant population declines have been reported in recent years over parts of  the native and introduced range (although range expansion elsewhere has continued).\r\n\r\n(Kaufman 1996; Summers-Smith 2009 and references therein)\r\n", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/02/23/05/30523_98_68.jpg"}, "1049332": {"scientific_name": "Jacana spinosa (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049332", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/09/25/18/08749_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Mexican jacana", "sid": 1049332, "text": "Northern jacanas (Jacana spinosa) range from Mexico to Panama, although they are sometimes seen into the southern United States. They occur mainly in coastal areas. In Mexico they are found from Tamaulipas on Gulf of California coast and Sinaloa on the Pacific coast south to western Panama. Northern jacanas are also found in the Antillean islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the West Indies. ", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/09/25/18/08749_98_68.jpg"}, "1178320": {"scientific_name": "Pulsatrix perspicillata (Latham, 1790)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178320", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/11/16051_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Spectacled Owl", "sid": 1178320, "text": "Spectacled owls are characterized by white \"spectacles\" around their bright yellow eyes. They have dark brown plumage on their upper parts and off-white or light yellow plumage on their breast. They have a thin white stripe around the throat with a thick dark brown stripe below. Coloration is reversed in juveniles; they are mostly white with a brown/black facial disk.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/12/01/11/16051_98_68.jpg"}, "1049469": {"scientific_name": "Calidris canutus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1049469", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/06/19/73611_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Red Knot", "sid": 1049469, "text": "The red knot is a long-distance migrant, covering between 5,000 and 15,000 kilometres, and stopping at least once along the way to feed and build up body fat and protein stores.  It probes amongst the sand of estuaries and on shorelines for intertidal invertebrates, mainly small molluscs, but feeds also on crustaceans, horseshoe crab eggs and insects (2). Molluscs are ingested whole and cracked with their muscular gizzard. The size of its gizzard varies flexibly throughout the year, as a consequence of energetic demands and food quality (8). Red knots have unique sensory organs in their bill tips enabling them to detect buried prey without touching them, via water pressure differences in the sediment (comparable to the echolocation of bats) (9). Knots often form mixed species flocks with other shorebird species such as godwits (Limosa species), dunlins (Calidris alpina) and dowitchers (Limnodromus species) (5).\u00a0Breeding in the tundra of the Arctic Circle, the red knot constructs a nest in a dip between lichen-covered rocks and lays three to four buff-coloured eggs spotted with brown. Both sexes incubate the eggs for 21 to 22 days, but the female departs immediately after hatching. The male takes care of the chicks up to fledging, which takes 18 to 20 days, and then leaves the tundra before the young, to head south to the wintering grounds. At the tundra, knots eat insects, beetles, spiders, small crustaceans, snails and worms (2).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/04/06/19/73611_98_68.jpg"}, "328663": {"scientific_name": "Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/328663", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/12/99909_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Wild Boar", "sid": 328663, "text": "Around half of the 18 or so species in the pig family (Suidae) are in the genus Sus. By far the best known and widely distributed pig is the Eurasian Wild Pig or Wild Boar (Sus scrofa). Indeed, this species has one of the largest geographic ranges of any mammal.\u00a0The enormous geographic variation in appearance--amplified by the intentional and accidental release of wild, domesticated, and hybrid forms across various parts of the range--led to the description of a large number of putative species and subspecies now widely viewed as invalid (although new data and analysis may yet result in the revival of some of these names). \u00a0\u00a0", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/01/20/12/99909_98_68.jpg"}, "308479": {"scientific_name": "Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/308479", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/29/06/42103_orig.jpg", "common_name": "European Roe Deer", "sid": 308479, "text": "The roe deer has a large range in the Palaearctic. It is found through most of Europe (with the exception of Ireland, Cyprus, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and most of the smaller islands), including western Russia (Stubbe 1999). Outside Europe, it occurs in Turkey, northern Syria, northern Iraq, northern Iran, and the Caucasus (Wilson and Reeder 2005). It is extinct in Israel and Lebanon (Wilson and Reeder 2005) (though a re-introduction programme has started in Israel (M. Masseti pers. comm.)). It occurs from sea level up to 2,400 m asl in the Alps (von Lehmann and S\u00e4gesser 1986).In southern Europe there are two subspecies with relatively restricted ranges. C. c. italicus occurs in central and southern Italy, between Southern Tuscany, Latium and Puglia, to Calabria (Lorenzini et al. 2002; Randi et al. 2004; Lorenzini and Lovari 2006). C. c. garganta occurs in southern Spain, in particular in Andalusia (Sierra de C\u00e0diz) (Lorenzini et al. 2002; Lorenzini and Lovari 2006).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/29/06/42103_98_68.jpg"}, "1177541": {"scientific_name": "Sialia mexicana Swainson 1832", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177541", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/05670_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Western Bluebird", "sid": 1177541, "text": "The Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) is a small thrush, about 15 to 18\u00a0cm (5.9 to 7.1\u00a0in) in length. Adult males are bright blue on top and on the throat with an orange breast and sides, a brownish patch on back, and a gray belly and undertail coverts. Adult females have a duller blue body, wings, and tail than the male, a gray throat, a dull orange breast, and a gray belly and undertail coverts. Immature western bluebirds have duller colors than the adults, they also have spots on their chest and back. These color patterns help play a part in the mating ritual, when males compete for breeding rights to females.[2]", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2015/03/17/10/05670_98_68.jpg"}, "327548": {"scientific_name": "Myotis sodalis Miller and Allen, 1928", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/327548", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/09/03609_orig.jpg", "common_name": "indiana bat", "sid": 327548, "text": "The Indiana bat is a migratory species that hibernates colonially during the winter.  In late summer or early autumn they gather at their hibernating sites, or hibernacula, where they mate.  The bats then cluster tightly together in groups of up to 5,000, hanging from the ceiling of the cave or mine, and enter hibernation (2).  Whilst they mate in autumn, females do not fall pregnant until after they emerge from the caves in spring.  This is achieved by the female storing the male's sperm over winter and then ovulating in spring, allowing fertilization to occur (2) (3).  After hibernation, the females are the first to migrate to wooded areas, whilst males and non-reproductive females may migrate later on, or remain near the hibernaculum (3).  Migration to the summer habitat can involve travelling great distances of up to 575 kilometres.  Groups of around 100 females gather together in the summer habitat, forming maternity colonies (3).  Here, each female gives birth to only one young, which are able to fly within one month after birth, but stay with the maternity colony throughout their first summer (3) (4).\u00a0The Indiana bat is insectivorous, meaning it feeds only on insects.  They can consume up to half their body weight in insects each night, and thus their role in controlling insect populations is a significant one (3).  Bats also play an essential role in cave ecosystems by bringing in nutrients in the form of guano upon which many forms of life depend (6).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/10/09/09/03609_98_68.jpg"}, "584643": {"scientific_name": "Dionaea muscipula Ellis", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/584643", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/29/17/45780_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Venus flytrap", "sid": 584643, "text": "The Venus Flytrap is known for its trapping leaves. When an insect lands on the inner part of a leaf, it touches trigger hairs. This causes the leaf to snap shut. Teeth on the edge of the trap keep the insect from escaping. The trap then slowly digests the insect.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/11/29/17/45780_98_68.jpg"}, "326450": {"scientific_name": "Pongo pygmaeus (Linnaeus, 1760)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/326450", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/02/17/22275_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Bornean orangutan", "sid": 326450, "text": "Bornean orang-utans are predominantly solitary, occupying large overlapping home ranges. The largest arboreal mammal, they spend almost all of their time in the trees, clambering between branches or using their body weight to bend and sway trees (2). Each night a nest is built from bent branches, high up in the trees (5).\u00a0Orang-utans are the slowest breeding of all mammal species, with an inter-birth interval of approximately eight years (7). They are long-lived and females tend to only give birth after they reach 15 years of age.  The infant spends its first two to three years being carried constantly and will still remain close to the mother for at least another three years (7).\u00a0The orang-utan diet is composed of over 400 types of food, including wild figs (Ficus spp.) and durians (Durio spp.) (7). When fruit is scarce however, orang-utans will feed on leaves, seeds and even bark (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/05/02/17/22275_98_68.jpg"}, "2793766": {"scientific_name": "Epinephelus malabaricus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/2793766", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/12/26379_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Malabar grouper", "sid": 2793766, "text": "The Malabar grouper has a fascinating and complex life-history. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning that individuals first function sexually as females and then later, at least some of the mature females change to males (1).  The Malabar grouper feeds on fishes and crustaceans and occasionally on octopuses (3).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2012/05/23/12/26379_98_68.jpg"}, "1052548": {"scientific_name": "Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1052548", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/29/02/62139_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Eastern Towhee", "sid": 1052548, "text": "A medium-sized (7-8 \u00bd inches) songbird, the male Eastern Towhee is most easily identified by its black head and body, black breast, pale belly, and rufous flanks. Female Eastern Towhees are similar but paler, with the black replaced by brown. Most individuals have red eyes, although birds from Florida and Georgia tend to have white eyes instead. The Eastern Towhee breeds across much of the eastern United States and southern Canada west to Nebraska and Saskatchewan. In winter, many northern birds move south to the southern part of this species\u2019 range as well as east Texas, Oklahoma, and southern Louisiana, where this species does not breed. Southern birds generally migrate short distances, if at all. Eastern Towhees breed in a variety of woodland habitats, particularly in heavily-vegetated undergrowth near forest edges or clearings. This species utilizes similar habitats in summer as in winter. Eastern Towhees mainly eat a variety of plant and animal foods, including fruits, berries, and insects. In appropriate habitat, Eastern Towhees may be seen foraging for food on the ground or, less frequently, in the canopy. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species\u2019 song, a trilled \u201cdrink-your-teeeeee\u201d or \u201ctowhee towheeeee,\u201d from which this species derives its name. Eastern Towhees are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/04/29/02/62139_98_68.jpg"}, "1178439": {"scientific_name": "Pharomachrus mocinno de la Llave 1832", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178439", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/11/15/58059_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Resplendent Quetzal", "sid": 1178439, "text": "The most spectacular feature of the resplendent quetzal, often held to be the most beautiful and ornate bird species in the Western Hemisphere, is the greatly elongated, glistening emerald-green tail feathers of breeding males (5) (6) (7). These are longer than the entire body of the bird, and are in fact upper tail coverts that extend beyond the bird's snow-white tail, forming an elegant train of 'streamers' that are flaunted during the mating season in a spectacular swooping flight display (8) (9). The rare beauty of this bird comes not only from this extravagant train, but also from the glitter of its iridescent plumage and striking contrast of its colouration. The head, neck, chest, back and wings are a metallic green, while the lower breast, belly and under tail coverts are bright crimson. In addition, a distinct tuft of bristly golden green feathers form a short crest on top of the male's head (5). Females are similar but of less conspicuous colours than males, having a bronze-green head and grey mid-breast to mid-belly, and without the impressive tail streamers (2) (5). The beak is short but powerful, yellow in the male and black in the female. Its impressive plumage and longstanding cultural significance to the people of Central America has earned the species the accolade of 'rare jewel bird of the world' from some cultures (5).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/07/11/15/58059_98_68.jpg"}, "1177958": {"scientific_name": "Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (Latham, 1790)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1177958", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/22/12/97012_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Hyacinth Macaw", "sid": 1177958, "text": "Hyacinth macaws are the largest parrots in the world, reaching a massive 100 cm in length (4). They have striking cobalt blue feathers, contrasting with the bare yellow eye ring and yellow patch of skin next to the lower bill (4). The tail is particularly long (2), and the powerful black bill is deeply curved and pointed (4).", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/03/22/12/97012_98_68.jpg"}, "311501": {"scientific_name": "Diceros bicornis (Linnaeus, 1758)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/311501", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/15/61057_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Black Rhinoceros", "sid": 311501, "text": "The black rhinoceros or hook-lipped rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a species of rhinoceros, native to eastern and central Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Although the rhinoceros is referred to as black, its colors vary from brown to grey.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2013/02/14/15/61057_98_68.jpg"}, "1048642": {"scientific_name": "Phalacrocorax auritus (Lesson, 1831)", "web_url": "http://www.eol.org/pages/1048642", "picture": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/14/11/69877_orig.jpg", "common_name": "Double-crested Cormorant", "sid": 1048642, "text": "A large (33 inches) waterbird, the Double-crested Cormorant is most easily identified by its black body and wings, long hooked bill, and orange chin patch. This species may be separated from the related Great Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo) by that species\u2019 larger size and large white chin patch, from the related Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) by that species smaller size and small white chin patch, and from the similar-looking Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) by that species\u2019 longer neck and tail. Male and female Double-crested Cormorants are similar to one another in all seasons. The Double-crested Cormorant breeds in scattered locations along the Pacific coast of North America from Alaska to Baja California, along the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to Florida, in the northern Great Plains, and in the West Indies. Southern breeding populations tend to be non-migratory, while northern breeding populations migrate south to the coasts, the interior southeastern U.S., and Mexico. Small numbers may breed or winter outside this species\u2019 main range where habitat is appropriate. Double-crested Cormorants inhabit a variety of freshwater and saltwater wetland habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes, and flooded grasslands. This species nests in trees surrounding bodies of water, on small islands, or on abandoned man-made structures near water. Double-crested Cormorants primarily eat small fish. On large bodies of water across the continent, Double-crested Cormorants may be seen floating low in the water, occasionally diving underwater for long periods while pursuing prey. Like many cormorants, this species may also be seen perched on rocks or snags with its wings outstretched and feathers ruffled. This species lacks the oily feather coating used by other water birds to keep dry and maintain buoyancy, and it has been suggested that this behavior allows the birds to dry their wings. Double-crested Cormorants are primarily active during the day.", "thumb": "http://media.eol.org/content/2014/06/14/11/69877_98_68.jpg"}}