Hornbill

Birds are the most popular group in the animal kingdom. We feed them and tame them and think we know them. And yet they inhabit a world which is really rather mysterious. - David Attenborough

Hornbills are majorly found in subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia. Their biological name is the Bucerotidae and are the national bird of Malaysia. These exotic birds have very strong neck to hold the heavy beak. The strong neck is formed by the fusion of the first and second vertebrae. Hornbills have very loud and distinct calls. They use their beaks for climbing the tree and the female hornbills use the bills to create a closed nest during nesting period. Several Asian hornbills are threatened by hunting as well as habitat loss.

A tryst with nature #hornbill

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Giraffe

“Evolution is so creative. That's how we got giraffes.” - Kurt Vonnegut 

Giraffes are characterized by their long legs, long neck and distinctive spotted pattern. They live primarily in savanna areas of Africa. Their extreme height helps them to eat leaves from high treetops of acacia trees and their long tongues help them in pulling the leaves. An adult giraffe consumes over 45 kg of leaves and twigs per day.

While walking, they move both legs on one side of their body and then both legs on the other side. This style of walking is very rare and mainly because of their anatomy. However, while running giraffes swing their rear legs and front legs in unison, just like other mammals. A male giraffe is both taller as well as heavier than the female.

Giraffes sleep less than two hours a day by either standing up or by tucking their feet under them and resting their head on their hindquarters. Due to loss in habitat and hunting, giraffes are classified as vulnerable to extinction. Symbolically they represent uniqueness and pride.

A tryst with nature #giraffe

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Flamingo

One reason that birds matter - ought to matter - is that they are our last, best connection to a natural world that is otherwise receding. They're the most vivid and widespread representatives of the Earth as it was before people arrived on it. - Jonathan Franzen

Flamingos are recognised by their long, stilt-like legs and large curved bills. They have a white, pink or orange plumage and are native to Africa, Asia, Europe & America.  

Being omnivores, they feed on blue-green algae, brine shrimp, insects, crustaceans and mollusks. Flamingos prefer shallow aquatic habitats like lagoons, lakes, swamps and islands. 

They are social birds, live in colonies to establish nesting sites, avoid predators as well as find food efficiently. The birds commonly stand on one leg and tuck the other leg beneath their bodies mainly to conserve body heat which is required for standing for long periods of time.  

Flamingos are excellent fliers. They are highly vulnerable to water pollution, lead poisoning and change in water levels due to climate change!

A tryst with nature #Flamingo

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Eclectus Parrot

Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird? ~ David Attenborough

Eclectus Parrot lives in the tropical rainforests and belongs to the Aves family. It is one of the most colourful parrot species and they have a lifespan of 30-40 years living in the wild environment. Their diet includes fruits, leaf buds, flowers, nectar, berries as well as seeds. The average speed of an Eclectus Parrot is 40 mph. At daybreak, the flock of parrots look for food and at night they roost in large groups. Often, the availability of fruits decides the size of the flock. Eclectus parrot pets are extremely popular due to their colourful looks and vocal abilities. Their calls are high pitched, loud, ear-shattering squeaks and screeches. The soft feathers of these birds have an appearance similar to that of fur.

A tryst with nature #eclectusparrot

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Daffodil

“Then my heart, with pleasure, fills and dances with the daffodils.” – William Wordsworth

There are more than 100 species of daffodils which are native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. Their scientific name is Narcissus and are usually white or yellow with six petals and a trumpet shaped central corona.The blooms symbolize rebirth as well as renewal and are one of the earliest bulbs to appear in spring.

A tryst with nature #daffodil

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Crocus

“A single crocus blossom ought to be enough to convince our heart that springtime, no matter how predictable, is somehow a gift, gratuitous, gratis, a grace.” — David Steindl-Rast

Crocus is native to Asia, North Africa, Mediterranean Europe and the Alps.The flowers are cup-shaped and have six petals. They come in a variety of colours such as white, cream, yellow, blue, purple and evenly striped. Crocuses are often the first to bloom in late winter or early spring.The blooms symbolise youth, rebirth, cheerfulness and joy.These flowers mark the true arrival of spring!

A tryst with nature #crocus

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Black Swan

“There’s a double beauty whenever a swan
Swims on a lake with her double thereon.” ~ Thomas Hood

The Black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterbird which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia.  An average adult black swan measures around 43 to 56 inches and has a wingspan of around 62 to 78 inches. It has a long curved neck and an exoskeleton which is covered in black feathers. The colour of the bill is bright red and male swans are bigger in size than the female ones. These birds are pretty vocal and produce snorting sounds to greet. During courtship displays, they communicate with their bodies while performing a swan dance. These graceful birds have a good speed of around 18 mph. A female black swan is called aspen and a male goes by the name, cob. They usually pair for their entire life and are less likely to change partners which characteristic  makes them a symbol of love. Cygnet is a baby swan and has fluffy and greyish brown feathers covering its entire body. Black swans predominantly feed on vegetation from water bodies. 

A tryst with nature #blackswan

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