The rain forest birds are some of the most spectacular in the world. Many of them have habits such as building their nests in the ground --- this makes them interesting and unique. Some of their habits might seem unusual, but are what has enabled them to survive in the jungle.
Central America
The Quetzal belongs to the trogon family. It measures 14 inches long and has a tail that is 25 inches long, but only in the male. It has extra large eyes, but not because it is nocturnal --- large eyes make up for the limited light in the rain forest. The Tinamous are a family of fowl that are very rarely seen. They are masters at hiding right under your nose. The Ovenbird lives mostly on the floor of the rain forest and while it is hard to see, you cannot miss its distinctive cry, which sounds like "teacher, teacher, teacher." The Ovenbird gets its name from the way its nest is designed: it looks like a Dutch Oven.
South America
The Puffbirds get their name because they have an abundance of loose feathers that make them look like they are fat and puffy. The puffbirds do not make their nest in the trees. Instead, they nest in a hole in the ground or in a termite mound. Honeycreepers are small birds that range from Mexico to Brazil. The Honeycreepers have brightly colored plumage --- yellow, purple, green, blue or black. Xenops is related to the Ovenbird, with a tail that is longer than its body. Xenops dig insects out of trees, just like a woodpecker.
Australia
The Cassowary is a large, flightless bird. The only birds that are larger are the Ostrich and Emu. They are shy, but will attack if they feel threatened. The Emerald Dove is also known as the Green Dove and Green-winged pigeon. It builds a nest out of twigs high up in the trees. The Brolga is a member of the crane family. It is a tall bird growing to over four feet in height with a wing span of almost eight feet.
Southeast Asia
The Treeswifts are small birds with long wing feathers. The Treeswifts never venture out into open land. They glue their nests to an open tree branch. The Flowerpeckers are short, stout birds whose favorite meal is mistletoe berries. Fairy Bluebirds grow to about 10 inches long. The males boast a brilliant turquoise color while the females are dull green or purple. Their favorite fruit is the fig --- whole flocks will attack a tree.
West Africa
The Congo Peafowl is on the threatened species list. It is a member of the peacock family and the males have the distinctive tail we think of when we think of the peacock. The Congo Peafowl grows to about 28 inches in length. The African Grey Parrot is one of the most popular birds that are kept as pets. They are one of the best known of the rain forest birds. The birds sold as pets do not come from the rain forest themselves. They are descendants of those who were exported years ago.
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