Parrot

Of the (approximately) 350 species of parrots now existing, 130 are listed as threatened or worse by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Photo: Public Domain, pdphoto.org

Hummingbird

The hummingbird has the highest metabolism of all living things, with the exception of insects. A hummingbird's heart rate can reach as high as 1,260 beats per minute.

Photo: a male Costa's Hummingbird, photo released into the public domain by photographer Jon Sullivan.

Owl Eyes

"Can grave and formal pass for wise, When Men the solemn Owl despise?”

--Benjamin Franklin

Photograph: IParjan, public domain

Parrot

"Much talking is the cause of danger. Silence is the means of avoiding misfortune. The talkative parrot is shut up in a cage. Other birds, without speech, fly freely about."

--Saskya Pandita

Picture copyright © Jigzone.com

Snowy Owl

"He respects Owl, because you can't help respecting anybody who can spell TUESDAY, even if he doesn't spell it right."

-- A. A. Milne

Picture copyright © Jigzone.com