User blog:StaraptorEmpoleon/Australian birds

This was requested by my aunt. Enjoy.

Australia (and Australasia) only has about 1,500 species of birds (fewer than most other continents), but what this continent lacks in numbers is made up for by its birds' exceptional beauty and amazing behaviour !

Some examples
Australia has three species of birds collectively known as "ratites".

Southern Cassowary

 * Southern Cassowary - a stocky and flightless; this large jungle-dwelling bird, that has black, hair-like feathers, a helmeted head (casque), a bright face and distinctive neck wattles. They are aggressive and must be approached with care; rare in Australia.

North Island Brown Kiwi

 * North Island Brown Kiwi - Fairly large ground birds that are active at night (nocturnal). It is a shaggy, pear-looking bird that walks alone at night alone or in pairs . It has poor eyesight but its sense of smell is good and its nostrils are placed at the end of its bill.

Magpie Goose

 * Magpie Goose - A large black-and-white goose that inhabits tropical marshes, rivers, and lakes. It is distinctively tall, having unusually long legs as well as a upright posture.