Birds

The Mandarin Duck

This bird originated in China but can be found scattered throughout Southeast Russia, Northeast China, Japan, Southern England and Siberia. The male Mandarin is one of the most beautiful ducks. The males have an iridescent crown extending to a long crest and chestnut cheeks. The breast is maroon with black and white vertical stripes; the abdomen and underside are white with gold and black flanks. The Mandarin Duck has been revered in Far Eastern culture since at least the fifth century. Because Mandarins were thought to be a symbol of fidelity, pairs were presented as wedding gifts to Japanese newly-weds. The reason for this belief is because unlike other species of ducks, most Mandarin drakes reunite with the hens they mated with along with their offsprings after the eggs have hatched and even share scout duties in watching the ducklings closely. Source

Black swans

Before European explorers had reached Australia, it was believed that all swans were white. Dutch mariner, Antounie Caen, was the first to be amazed at the sight of Australia’s Black swans on the Shark Bay in 1636. The Black swan is distributed in Australia and Tasmania. In 1864 this bird was also successfully introduced to New Zealand, where it lives even these days. It inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, sea shore lagoons and slow flowing rivers. Black swans are protected by the australian law, practically becoming the official bird of this country. When they pick their partners, this swans do it for life. The nest is made by the females and rarely by the males. A characteristic of these birds is that they are very adaptable. They can to fly all over Australia with only a few stops by the water resources. Source

Galapagos boobies

The most entertaining species of the Galapagos Islands is the Blue Footed Booby. Their name is in fact taken from the Spanish 'bobo' which means clown. Boobies are a part of the Sulidae family made up of ten species of long-winged sea birds the size of geese. Their feet are completely webbed including hind toes, not free as in a duck. Boobies live near tropical and subtropical islands around the world, coming ashore only to breed. An interesting booby feature is the highly evolved airbag system in their skulls which allows them to dive bomb into the sea for fish from great height. Source