Peacocks are large, colorful pheasants (typically blue and green) known for their iridescent tails. These tail feathers, or coverts, spread out in a distinctive train that is more than 60 percent of the bird’s total body length and boast colorful "eye" markings of blue, gold, red, and other hues. The large train is used in mating rituals and courtship displays. It can be arched into a magnificent fan that reaches across the bird's back and touches the ground on either side. Females are believed to choose their mates according to the size, color, and quality of these outrageous feather trains.
The African Goose's name is not indicative of its place of origin. Throughout history, this breed was known by several different names. They arrived in North America on ships that traveled around the world - so its exact origin is ambiguous. Two theories are considered with regard to the bird’s origin: 1) The African is related to the Chinese Goose and both breeds are descendants from the wild Swan Goose that is a native of Asia (Holderread, 1986). Any physical differences are the result of selective breeding. 2) The African Goose is a hybrid between a Swan Goose and Chinese Goose. The African Goose has been considered a distinct breed since at least the middle of the nineteenth century.
The Lady Amherst is native to Southwest China and Burma but has established a feral presence in England. It is closely related to the Golden Pheasant. The bird looses its tail in early summer and grows a new one in the weeks following molting. Lifespan in the wild is 6-10 years and closer to 15 under human care. It is predominantly a ground dweller, preferring to run but is able to fly suddenly and quickly when necessary.
The mountainous regions of central China are this pheasant’s native habitat. They are hardy and easy to raise. The female is brown or buff in color while the male is brightly colored and has a cape it spreads around its neck and face during courtship. It does not need a lot of space and gets along well with other species but will require some shade in the summer to avoid fading its colors.
Ring-neck Pheasants are Asian natives that were first successfully introduced into the U.S. in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Agricultural land-use practices at the turn of the century were ideal for pheasants. They stay on dry ground and seek cover in brush or woodlands. Typically, these birds do not migrate, but adapt to seasonal changes.
It was formerly bred in Lahore, Pakistan, was imported into Germany in 1880 and is currently present in Iraq. The Lahore Pigeon is a descendent of the Rock Pigeon and is known for its size and gentle nature. Historically the bird was bred for its meat but is now appreciated for its beauty and the gentle, shy nature that makes it desirable as a pet.
The Silkie (sometimes spelled Silky) is a breed of chicken named for its atypically fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk, and satin. The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot, whereas most chickens only have four. They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and appear in various colors. In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly temperament. It is among the most docile of poultry. Hens are also exceptionally broody, and care for young well. Though they are fair layers themselves, laying only about three eggs a week, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other breeds and bird species due to their broody nature. Silkie chickens are very easy to keep as pets. They are suitable for children, as they can easily withstand being roughly handled.
The Frizzle is a breed of chicken with characteristic curled or frizzled plumage. While the frizzle gene can be seen in many breeds, such as the Pekin and Polish, the Frizzle is recognized as a distinct breed in a number of European countries and Australia In the United States frizzled chickens are not considered a breed, and at shows are judged by the standards of the breed they belong to.
The Cackling Goose is a North American migratory bird which looks much like its larger relative, the Canadian Goose. The female is similar in appearance to the male but slightly lighter in color and has a different voice The birds breed in Canada and Alaska in tundra habitat and usually nest in elevated areas near water, feeding in plant materiel including aquatic varieties. A pair may mate for life which can be up to 20 years.
The Mandarin Duck is a perching duck commonly found in East Asia but native to Japan. It is medium in size and closely related to the Wood Duck. The male is noted for its impressive coloring and the female closely resembles the Wood Duck in color. Mandarins breed in densely wooded areas and both are involved in protecting the nest. The male will defend the brooding female but does not incubate the eggs and usually leaves before they hatch. The mother incubates the eggs and, after the hatch, she coaxes the young ducklings to leap from the nest and follow her to the water.
The first recorded mention of the bird traces them back to the Netherlands. The Call Duck is a Bantum breed with the drake weighing only 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds. Historically, the Call Duck was used to call wild ducks to locations where hunters could harvest them, in essence, a live decoy. The Call is a domestic duck raised primarily as decoration or pets. It resembles other duck breeds but is generally smaller
The miniature Nubian Dairy Goat is the result of a cross between a Nigerian Dwarf buck and a Nubian doe. The goats maintain the looks, high percentage butterfat content, and mild flavored milk of the Nubian in combination with the smaller size of the Nigerian Dwarf. The 3rd through 5th generations of breeding are classified as American Purebred Mini-Nubian and the 6th generation and beyond is Purebred Mini Nubian, an established breed. Sunflower Ranch breeds Purebred Mini Nubian goats and sells them to buyers across the U.S.
Alpacas were exported from Peru in the mid-1980s and have become a premier livestock in North America and abroad. In the United States, the National Alpaca Registry was formed to ensure breed purity and high standards. Importation from South America is now closed. Easily domesticated, alpacas are friendly, gentle and curious. The hair of the alpaca is called 'fleece' or 'fiber' rather than 'fur' or 'wool.' Alpaca fleece has 22 natural shades ranging from black to silver and rose gray and white, from mahogany brown to light fawn and champagne. Alpacas can be bred for specific color.
The emu is the largest bird in Australia, and the second largest in the world after the ostrich. Emus have long necks, sharp beaks, small ears and two sets of eyelids, one for blinking and one to keep out the dust. Their feet are long, with three toes, one of which has a long talon for fighting. Emu feathers are soft and light-brown with dark tips. Each feather has a double shaft. Emus can grow to between 5 to 6.5 feet in height and weigh up to 130 pounds (60 kg). Males are slightly smaller than females. Males make a grunting sound like a pig and females make a loud booming sound. Emus are found only in Australia. They live in most of the less-populated areas of the continent and although they can survive in most regions, they avoid dense forest and severe desert.
Miniature donkeys originated in the Mediterranean area of Northern Africa in ancient times and more recently from the Islands of Sicily and Sardinia off the west coast of Italy. Over time the distinctions between the two island populations blurred and they are now considered one breed properly called Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys. They are simply referred to as Miniature Donkeys in North America. The Miniature Donkey is a compact, well-proportioned animal with a sweet, sociable disposition.
A combination of western stock horse breeds and pinto coloring, the American Paint Horse is one of the fastest growing North American horse breeds. The American Paint Horse is defined by its signature color pattern that combines white splotches with other common horse colors like brown, black, and bay. The white spots can occur anywhere on the horse’s body, which is different from the leopard spot pattern of the Appaloosa. American Paint Horse offspring must be of the Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse, or American Paint Horse bloodline in order to be registered with the American Paint Horse Association.
Guineafowl (sometimes called "pet speckled hen", or "original fowl")
They originated in the continent of Africa and rank among the oldest of the domestic birds. They are intermediate between peafowl (the peacock) and the new world quails.
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