| The Wild File

Welcome to the wild

Robin

This site aims to celebrate in pictures the lives of birds. We shall look at some examples of the 10,000 plus species that may still share our planet describing them through a choice of menus. As well as habitat and behaviour, there are sections on the distinguishing features of birds, speciation, and some tips on bird watching and identification and basic equipment. Visual images are supported by text including personal narrative.

To navigate The Wild File, either scroll further down this page or scroll up to the drop down menu under the heading Explore. For a little more about my interest in birds, and the aims of the Wild File, scroll up to the heading 'About' on the menu above. To see all the birds on this site go to the Country Search below.

A special thanks to Mark Lauder, website designer, IT mentor and friend, for making this project possible.

DavidCox

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Explore the wild

Beaks and Feet - An Evolutionary Success Story

Birds have survived and thrived in a wide range of habitats through adaptations that have evolved over millions of years. This is clearly illustrated in the amazing variety of beaks and feet found in our bird world. Birds beaks are essential tools. They enable birds to eat.

Bird Watch

Most people watch birds or listen to bird song from time to time whether it is in the garden, the local park or from the car window. For most, it is merely an occasional distraction with recognition of perhaps a handful of species.

Long-crested eagle Drakensberg Mts, South Africa

Feathers - A Natural Wonder

Feathers are a bird’s distinguishing feature. The duck-billed platypus, turtles and porpoises all have beaks, bats and butterflies can fly, otters can whistle and alligators, lizards and fish lay eggs. But feathers grow only on birds.

Habitat

Classification of birds by habitat can be helpful but has limitations. Many birds are always found in one type of habitat, but others migrate according to season, breeding ground and food supply.

Mating

People can understand and empathise with birds. They dress up in a new, attractive set of feathers when they are ready to find a partner of the opposite sex;

Speciation

Why are there so many species of birds on our planet? How did it happen? Speciation is all about how and why new species evolve and is the key to the awesome diversity of the bird world.

Yellow-throated Toucan

Aves de Tierras Altas, Bijagua, Costa Rica

Bare-throated Tiger Heron

Jaco, Costa RIca

Yellow-headed Caracara

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Sanderling

Tarcoles, Costa Rica

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

Children's Eternal Rainforest, Costa Rica

Great Curassow

Arenal Observatory, Costa Rica

Scarlet Macaw