One of North America’s most abundant birds, red-winged blackbirds are named for the signature red patch on the males’ shoulder. Only northern populations migrate south, joining with other birds to form enormous flocks.
Fun Facts Winter flocks can comprise several million birds, including other blackbird
By Mike Henley, Invertebrate Exhibit Keeper at the National Zoo
If our team of 20 divers only captures even one million bundles, it is a fraction
Spending your days with a herd of bison is an idyllic way to pass a summer. I would know, because most of my days from May to August were spent observing the behaviors of a herd of about 300 bison in Montana.
As many as 60 million bison were killed.
Dr. Suzan Murray, head of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Global Health Program testifies on zoonotic disease transmission.
We estimate there are 1.7 million unknown viruses, around half of which could infect
The sliminess on amphibians is more than just goop—it’s how these animals survive. A scientist and intern from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation Genomics explains.
to a unique collection of slime—hundreds of amphibian species representing 250 million
Get to know our red pandas’ personalities and insider tips on the best times to spot them from Asia Trail keeper Mariel Lally.
Their closest ancestor roamed the earth 5 million years ago.
Painted buntings are small songbirds that sport some of the most colorful feathers in North America, with males featuring brilliant blue, red, and green plumage. Despite their bright colors, these birds can be surprisingly hard to spot as they often stay hidden in dense vegetation.
species is relatively common, with an estimated global breeding population of 15 million
One of only two species of cranes native to North America, the sandhill crane is an impressively large bird that can be identified by its bright red forehead and long neck. Once nearly extinct east of the Mississippi River, their populations have rebounded thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. In the winter months, they form huge colonies sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands.
Fossil records show that sandhill cranes have been around for nearly 2.5 million
True to their name, screaming hairy armadillos are a hirsute armadillo species that emit a loud squeal when threatened. They are native to the Monte Desert in South America.
live in a series of protected areas within their native range, including the 8.4 million
There is more to a flamingo than its bright pink feathers. Get to know these delightfully unusual birds with 10 fun facts — some of which may surprise you!
There are more than 2 million lesser flamingos brightening skies and shores with
