64 FASCINATING FACTS There are over 10,980 species of birds in the world. About two thirds of all bird species are found in tropical rainforests. Hoatzin chicks have two claws on each wing. Once the birds have grown, they lose their claws, but they are not good fliers. Owls cannot swivel their eyes. Instead they turn their heads right around to see behind them. Kiwis are unique in having nostrils right at the end of their beaks so they can sniff for food on the ground. Instead of singing, a woodpecker drums its beak against a tree. The most talkative bird in the world is the African grey parrot. One bird was such a good mimic that it could say 800 words. The marsh warbler is a talented mimic. It has been recorded mimicking the calls of more than 80 different birds. The secretary bird kills snakes by stamping on them. It uses its wings as a shield to protect itself from being bitten. The pelican’s huge, pouch- like beak can hold up to 10 litres (2.2 gallons) of water at a time. The lammergeier, a vulture, carries bones high into the air, then drops them onto rocks. It then eats the smashed bones, taking them into its mouth. Instead of making a nest, the Malleefowl builds a huge compost heap in which the female lays her eggs. The eggs are incubated in the heat given off by the rotting vegetation. Social weaver birds live in a huge communal nest like a haystack spread across a treetop. The nest may be 100 years old, weigh a few tonnes, and have 400 birds living in it. The Andean condor is the heaviest bird of prey, weighing up to 12 kg (26.4 lb). The shimmering colours on the tail feathers of the male peacock are actually an impression caused by micro structures that reflect light. No sooner has the Count Raggi’s bird of paradise mated with one female, than it starts displaying again to win the attention of another. Condor Raggiana bird of paradise Secretary bird eating a snake Brown kiwi Hoatzin The condor’s giant wings are used for gliding.