The mottled owl (Strix virgata) is a medium sized owl that gets its name from its mottled brown head and back. Females are considerably larger than males, and this species shows the largest amount of sexual dimorphism of any species of owl.Found … [Read more...]
California Condor – Back From The Brink
The California Condor, Gymnogyps californianus, is a great testament to the efforts of those that conserve and protect our most endangered species. These are the largest land birds in the USA, but not even their size could protect them from the jaws of extinction. Where size … [Read more...]
Great Horned Owl – A Symbol of Wisdom and Strength
The Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus, is one of the most widely distributed and largest owls, native across the Americas. Also known as the 'hoot owl' or 'tiger owl', these birds are admired for their great size and formidable appearance. They are also known for their … [Read more...]
Raven – Large, Mysterious and Devilishly Clever
The raven, belongs to the genus 'Corvus', which is widely distributed across the globe. At one time it was considered to be a single species, but it is now accepted that there are 9 seperate species of raven within the genus Corvus.There are 46 extant species within this … [Read more...]
Crows – Life and Lore of these Intelligent Birds
Crows, make up most of the species of bird belonging to the genus 'Corvus'. In many cultures and across history, they have been seen as symbols of intelligence and adaptability.Within the Corvus genus, there are 47 extant species currently recognised, and 36 of these are … [Read more...]
Horny Toads – The Desert’s Miniature Lizards
The Horny Toad, is quite a misleading name for an animal that, despite their appearance, is neither a toad, or even an amphibian. They are often mistaken for toads however, due to their flattened, rounded bodies. They are also known as the Horned Lizard, which is more accurate, … [Read more...]
Hercules Beetle – Titans of the Insect Kingdom
The Hercules Beetle, is one of the toughest creatures on the planet, relatively, when it comes to brute strength. Scientifically known as Dynastes hercules, this beetle, belonging to the rhinoceros beetle tribe (Dynastini) within the Dynastinae subfamily. There are over 1,500 … [Read more...]
Hognose Snakes – Theatrical Flair And A Distinctive Snout
Hognose snakes are snakes that are recognized for their distinct upturned snouts, and exist within two distinct families within the Serpentes suborder. These families are Colubridae and Pseudoxyrhophiidae. Not all snakes within these families are Hognose Snakes. In fact, of the … [Read more...]
Prairie Dogs – A Keystone Species of the American Plains
Prairie dogs, are an adorable sight in the grasslands of North America. With their curious eyes and bustling communities, they are full of character and charm. Contrary to their name, they aren't related to canids but are herbivorous burrowing rodents. They belong to the genus … [Read more...]
Garter Snakes – From Gardens to Wetlands to Household Pets
Garter Snakes, are small snakes that make up the genus 'Thamnophis', in the subfamily Natricinae. Within the genus, there are around 37 species and over 50 subspecies. The most numerous is the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) which has 13 subspecies across their … [Read more...]