Fowl - the water and land birds

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California Quail

Do you know the state bird of California? It is the California quail!

Their most striking feature is the curving, black topknot on their head. This topknot that looks like a single feather is really six overlapping feathers. The male’s topknot is larger than the female’s

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Canada Goose

The Canada goose (Branta canadensis) is one of the best known birds in North America. During the year, it is found in every contiguous state and Canadian province. These geese thrive wherever grasses, grains, or berries are available.

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Wild Turkey

The wild turkey is native to North America and was a favored food of the Native Americans. The wild turkey and the Muscovy Duck are the only two domesticated birds native to the Americas.

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Mallard

This is the duck most people recognize and can identify. Commonly found in parks and ponds, they are also found in almost any wetland habitat whether it be natural or artificial.

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American Coot

All that glitters is not gold, and all that floats is not necessarily a duck.

Though you may see an American Coot floating in the water, it is not a duck!

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Great Blue Heron

This is the largest of the herons in North America. With its long legs, long sinuous neck curled into an s-shape and a yellow bill like a dagger, the great blue heron is a formidable sight. They are 50 to 54 inches long from beak to tail.

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Greater Roadrunner

What bird can outrun a human, kill a rattlesnake and loves the heat of the Southwest? This is the character of Saturday morning cartoons – the Greater Roadrunner.

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Hooded Merganser

Take a leap of faith! At one day old, the mother calls these young ducks to the edge of the nest to take a plunge 10-50 feet down.

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Ruddy Duck

The Ruddy Duck is a compact duck with a stiff tail that is often held upright out of the water.

Photo (c) Maryland Zoo, Baltimore

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Pied-billed Grebe

What bird is part submarine?

This bird swims like a duck on water, but also can control its buoyancy so that only the upper half of the head appears above water while swimming. This is a pied-billed grebe.

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Common Goldeneye

What duck has the nickname of "whistler?" It’s the Common Goldeneye. Hunters gave this duck the nickname of “whistler” as this is the sound their wings make in flight. Cold weather accentuates the whistling sound.

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