Over millions of years, birds have developed forelimbs — wings — that let them take to the skies. These creatures can sleep, eat, and mate while in flight. Migratory birds… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture.
As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.
Over millions of years, birds have developed forelimbs — wings — that let them take to the skies. These creatures can sleep, eat, and mate while in flight. Migratory birds… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
You can tell a lot about the intelligence of a bird by watching its behavior. Some birds look for food, build their nests and go about their daily tasks in… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
Who doesn't love a cute kitty sitting on their lap or a tiny kitten who wants to play endless games? Every cat we have met is beautiful in their own… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
It's human nature to assume that our sophisticated bodies with highly developed brains and dexterous digits are the peak of evolution, but there's a reason that snakes have continued to… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
Sharks have lived for more than 400 million years and thousands of species have gone extinct across that time. Today's sharks are pretty crazy. Just consider that the whale shark… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
Are bison and buffalo the same? Well, when settlers first visited the new world and witnessed bison, they thought they looked like the Cape buffalo and water buffalo from other… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
There are so many beautiful birds on this planet that a list of 100, much less 10 couldn’t do justice to all of them. That being said, the criteria for… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
For thousands of years, people all over the world have been fascinated with the flight and motion of birds. It was often seen as a symbol of liberation, escape, or… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
If you’re looking to adopt a new dog, you may be trying to decide between a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle. Both of these breeds are Poodle mixes and share some… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
There are many benefits to owning pets. Whether you hope to teach your children responsibility, are looking for companionship, anxiety relief, or seeking out a new hobby, owning a pet… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
Chipmunks and squirrels are members of the Sciuridae family. Furthermore, they look and act a lot alike. But there are several differences between these two rodents. For one, squirrels are… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
Choosing a pet snake is very different from other livestock and companion animals. It's a tricky and potentially risky process. The creatures have unique care requirements and husbandry. You need… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
Snakes are found all over the United States. But how does the snake population by state break down? In this roundup, we’ve listed the number of snake species you can… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
What are the ten smelliest animals in the world? Which animals will make your olfactory system weep? We've considered all the candidates and finally came up with a list. So… Read More
By Heather Hall 10 months ago
Did you know there are about 4,000 species of snake living throughout the world? Certainly, snakes are interesting creatures to observe and study. Some snakes have an array of brightly… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
How many types of sharks are there in the world? Can you name a species of shark belonging to each order? In the article below we'll examine the types of… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
Dog ownership is a rewarding but expensive financial commitment. The average cost of caring for a dog is about $1,400 to $4,300 a year – and sometimes as much as… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
Crows and ravens are often confused with each other. In comparison, there are enough similarities in physical features and terminology to believe that these birds are, in fact, the same.… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
If you’ve ever caught a small glimpse of a wild canine roaming around your neighborhood, it is most likely a fox or, depending on where you live, a coyote. The… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
What kind of shark is the largest shark in the world? When it comes to ocean predators, size matters. And sharks have a sizable corner of the market on that… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
What makes an animal cool? Is it their appearance, their walk, their attitude? According to the dictionary, 'cool' means fashionably attractive or impressive. We think the following animals have tons… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
Hundreds of years ago, something peculiar happened… People started finding dragon teeth along the creeks and the shores of oceans. Big, six-inch-long dragon teeth. How could that be possible? Well, today we know… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
Not all animals have brains, and all of them happen to be sea creatures. You're probably asking yourself how you survive without a brain. Well, let's find out. From the… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
A heavy animal is generally a big animal, but some big animals aren’t as heavy as a person would suppose. The ostrich, which can grow to nearly 7 feet tall,… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
Lion babies! They're born cute and cuddly and grow up into apex predators that rule savannas. Let's dig into five facts about lion cubs and more importantly dive into five… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
Human beings have the tendency to feel overly secure in their position at the top of the food chain. We take for granted the fact that we are the most… Read More
By Heather Hall 11 months ago
Cats are beloved companions to millions of people around the world. But do cats catch colds? Let's learn more about this subject in detail. Do Cats Catch Colds? Cats catch… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
In this comprehensive guide, discover the essential dos and don'ts of how to brush a cat to keep their coat healthy and their grooming experience stress-free. Why Should You Brush… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key PointsThere are 1,900 species and 10,000 different cultivars of Begonias, and they are all easy to propagate.The most common types of indoor Begonias are fibrous-rooted begonias, cane begonias, rhizomatous… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key PointsJade plants have thick, glossy leaves and can grow up to three feet tall indoors.Jade plants can survive for up to seven decades or longer when properly cared for.Jade… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key PointsHummingbird mint, also known as Agastache, is a vibrant and fragrant plant that attracts pollinators.Hummingbird mint is popular among hummingbird enthusiasts due to its fragrant smell and attractive blooms.Other… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points African violets are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and shapes. Oxalis has triangular-shaped leaves and produces light pink or white flowers. Peace… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key PointsThe Southern flannel moth, also known as the venomous puss caterpillar, is a caterpillar with venomous spines that can cause severe stings to humans.The sting of the Southern flannel… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points Cushion spurge is an evergreen perennial with bright yellow-green flowers and fleshy foliage. Yarrow is a perennial herbaceous plant with feathery foliage and clusters of small, colorful flowers.… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key PointsLake Harris is a large lake located in Lake County, Florida, and is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes.There are an estimated 1,200 alligators in the entire chain… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points Azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs known for their vibrant colors and sweet-smelling blossoms. There are two types of azaleas: deciduous and evergreen, with vibrant flowers in many colors.… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points Mink are small members of the weasel family with a distinctive skunk-like scent. Mink frogs produce a foul-smelling secretion from their skin to deter predators. Musk oxen have… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points Gardening in shaded areas in Florida requires choosing the right plants for the specific light conditions. Shade-tolerant plants for Florida yards should prefer warmer climates and have small,… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key PointsArkansas has USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from Zone 6b to Zone 8a, with varying average temperatures throughout the year.Spring-blooming perennials for Arkansas include tulips, daffodils, daylilies, and hyacinths.Summer-blooming perennials… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and provide reliable color and interest year after year.Iowa falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 4b and 5a, making… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key PointsSouth Carolina is home to two primary species of foxes: the red fox and the gray fox.Red foxes are adaptable and can survive in various environments, while gray foxes… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points Delaware, known as 'The First State,' is the first state to ratify the Constitution and has a thriving economy based on healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. The official state… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key PointsBeagles are not hypoallergenic and can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to shedding and dander production.Beagles have a smooth, dense double coat that requires regular grooming to… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points: Atlantic salmon, Maine's official state fish, can become landlocked in freshwater environments like lakes and rivers. Rainbow smelts are the primary food source for landlocked salmon in Maine,… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points West Virginia's geography offers diverse opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences. The brook trout is the state fish and can be found in 500 miles of native… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points The muskellunge, or muskie, is the official state fish of Wisconsin and can be found in the Great Lakes region as well as many inland lakes and rivers… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
A schnauzer is a breed of dog that originated in Germany. They are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a wiry coat and eyebrows that give them a human-like… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
North Carolina is a southeastern state in the United States, bordered by Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the west, Georgia to the south, and South Carolina to the southeast.… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
In captivity, Oscars generally have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. The Oscar fish, also known as the Astronotus ocellatus, is a popular freshwater fish that has gained popularity… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago
Key Points The official state insect of New York is the nine-spotted lady beetle, known for its attractive appearance and once thought to be extinct. The decline of the nine-spotted… Read More
By Heather Hall 2 years ago