Kingfishers

Adaptation

The process by which a species becomes more fit for its environment over the course of several generations. It is a result of natural selection.

Beak

The extended jaw of a bird (also known as a bill).

Bird

A group of endothermic (warm-blooded) vertebrates that have wings and feathers and also lay eggs!

Carnivore

An animal that eats other animals.

Creche

A gathering of offspring cared for by multiple adults.

Gland

An organ in many animals that produces a substance (ex. sweat glands, venom glands, preening glands).

Gular Flutter

Waggling of a bird's gular pouch to cool their body temperature.

Gular Pouch

Flexible, bucket-like structure on a pelican's lower beak.

Monogamous

An animal that has only one mate.

Nest

A structure made by birds (and other animals) used as a shelter.

Predator

An animal that hunts other animals for food.

Preen

[Of birds] cleaning and organizing feathers with its beak.

Preening Gland

A gland located on a bird back near their tail that produces oil used to clean and water-proof feathers.

Prey

An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.

Species

A closely related group of animals with similar characteristics that are capable of reproducing (example: tigers).

Thermoregulation

The various ways animals control their body temperatures (cool down or warm up).