Amazing Things Animals and Nature Can Do

Did You Know Which Bird Uses Its Beak Like a Spear?
The snakebird is a water bird that looks awkward on land, but it swims and dives really well. To catch fish, it uses its long beak like a spear, stabbing quickly and grabbing its prey.

Did You Know How Sailors Navigate the Seas Using Clouds?
Sailors can sometimes tell when land is near just by looking at the clouds. That’s because clouds form more often over land, where the sun heats the ground and causes water to rise and form clouds.

Did You Know How an Annular Solar Eclipse Happens?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and Earth. But because the moon’s path isn’t always the same distance, sometimes it looks smaller and doesn’t cover the sun completely. That’s when we see a glowing “ring of fire” around it.

Did You Know Which Turtle Fishes With Bait?
The alligator snapping turtle has a little piece of skin on its tongue that looks like a worm. It sits still with its mouth open and wiggles its tongue to attract fish. When a fish gets too close—snap! Dinner is served.

Why Do a Baby’s Blue Eyes Sometimes Turn Brown?
Eye color comes from melanin, the same pigment that colors our skin and hair. Babies are often born with little melanin, which makes their eyes look blue. As they grow, their body makes more melanin, and their eyes may turn brown.

Did You Know How Parrots Can Talk?
Some parrots, like the African grey, can copy all kinds of sounds even human words! They have a special voice box that helps them make lots of different noises, which is why they’re so good at mimicking.

Did You Know Which Ants Build Rafts With Their Bodies?
When there’s heavy rain or flooding, fire ants cling together to form a floating raft. By holding on to each other tightly, they stay safe and dry while they move together across the water.