Birds

Waterfowl are birds that love to live near water, like lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. They include ducks, geese, and swans. These birds spend a lot of time swimming, floating, and diving for food. Waterfowl have webbed feet that help them paddle through water, and their feathers have oils that make them waterproof—so they don’t get soaked when they swim! Most waterfowl can also fly long distances when they migrate to warmer places for winter.

Raptors are birds of prey, which means they hunt and eat other animals for food. They are strong, fast, and have amazing eyesight! Raptors use their sharp claws (called talons) and hooked beaks to catch and eat their prey.

There are many kinds of raptors, including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and ospreys. Some hunt during the day, while others—like owls—hunt at night. Raptors can be found all over the world, flying high in the sky or watching quietly from tall trees and cliffs.

Backyard birds are the common feathered friends that live close to people’s homes all across North America. They visit yards, trees, gardens, and bird feeders looking for food, water, and safe places to rest or build nests.

These birds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—some sing cheerful songs, others flash bright feathers, and a few even stay around all year long! Many backyard birds help nature by eating bugs, spreading seeds, and keeping ecosystems healthy.