Migrating ducks and geese often fly in V-shape formations. Each bird flies in the upwash of its neighbor's beating wings and this extra bit of supporting wind increases lift thereby saving energy. Pigeons can reach speeds up to 100 mph. Swifts, doves, falcons, and sandpipers can approach 200 mph. Penguins, ostriches, and dodo birds are all birds that don't fly.
Hummingbirds eat about every ten minute, slurping down twice their body weight in nectar every day.
The only known poisonous bird in the world is the hooded pitohui of Papua, New Guinea. The poison is found in its skin and feathers. The American turkey vulture helps human engineers detect cracked or broken underground fuel pipes. Reference Rupp, R. Everything You Never Learned About Birds. Inc. All rights reserved.