Need a colorful plastic bird for your Galapagos diorama?

Plastic Frigatebird

Something of a bully, a frigatebird is a kleptoparasite and steals food from other birds (we really only told you that because we wanted to use the word "kleptoparasite" in a sentence). The odds for other seabirds are evened somewhat by the fact that pirate birds waddle when they walk, don't swim, and are incapable of achieving lift-off from a flat surface. They can, however, stay in the air for a week. Pretty amazing. 

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

A Murmuration of Starlings

These images of starlings are absolutely fascinating! I'm sorry we don't have any starlings in our store at the moment, but we do care about animals other than the ones we sell :-)

"Dylan Winter and the Starling Murmurations" Video

To see the birds we do carry in our store, click here.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Cedar Waxwing stuffed Bird Discontinued

Cedar Waxwing

Although our delightful cedar waxwing stuffed bird has recently been discontinued by the manufacturer, we wanted to memorialize it on the blog as well as keep its information intact so people can learn from it. Here is what was on our site:

Our Stuffed Cedar Waxwing with Recorded Bird Call

This soft and beautiful stuffed cedar waxwing is a member of the Audubon Bird Series with Sound. It is 7 inches from beak to tail and sits upright for easy display. This stuffed cedar waxwing has the recognizable black mask and distinctive red-tipped wings typical of waxwings. Press the button on its back and the bird plays the recorded bird call of a real cedar waxwing. This is a great gift for avid birdwatchers or a wonderful children's toy. 

About Cedar Waxwings

Have you ever wondered where the cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) gets its name? Interestingly, as the cedar waxwing matures, it develops a bright red, waxy substance on its gray wingtips, hence the name waxwing. Scientists don't know what the actual purpose is for the wax, but think it might be used for attracting mates. The fact that they like to eat cedar berries in the winter gives them the first part of their name.

Cedar waxwings are found in open habitats across North and Central America, with migration patterns ranging from Canada down through Mexico. In the fall, they will gather by the hundreds to eat berries, and in the summer they will chase insects around rivers.

There are a couple of unusual quirks these delicately beautiful birds possess. Unusually for birds, cedar waxwings can exist for several months by eating fruit alone. Due to this, they have been known to die from alcohol intoxication from eating fermenting berries. Another habit they have is theft. Because it takes up to 6 days for a female cedar waxwing to build a nest, it will steal nesting material from the nests of other birds to save time.

Even with these flaws, however, the cedar waxwing is a treasure to get to view in nature. The silky smoothness of its brown, gray, and yellow feathers just make you itch to feel them under your fingertips, but you'll just need to be satisfied with the glimpse you get from afar. 

Cedar waxwing article by Debbie Turpin

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic American Bald Eagle

A fantastic replica of a noble raptor!

Our American Bald Eagle Replica

Made of solid plastic by Safari, Ltd., one of the best names in plastic toy animals, this american bald eagle measures 3 1/4 inches from beak to tail and is 2 3/8 inches tall. It stands balanced on its feet and tail. The word "EAGLE" is molded on the bottom. This sturdy, durable raptor is also excellent for school projects, novelties, party favors or even as a children's toy. You can make a wonderful birds of prey shoebox diorama using this and other plastic creatures from our gift shop. Best of all, there is no mess, no feeding, and no tank or cage cleaning :) Come look through our entire collection of eagle toys and gifts.

About American Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are large predatory sea birds who follow waterways to reach inland areas. They are found only in North America. Bald eagles can fly up to 30 mph, and can dive up to 100 mph.This explains why they are so adept at snatching fish out of the water with their feet. Mature bald eagles generally weigh between 9-12 pounds, with a wing span of about 7 feet. Bald eagles mate for life. A female usually lays 2-3 eggs a year. By three months of age, her young are able to fly, and are often on their own a month later. Bald eagles reuse their nests, adding more nesting material each time it is reused. Because of this, some nests reach as much as 10 feet across, and can weigh as much as 2000 pounds. Strict conservation efforts have enabled the bald eagle's status to be upgraded from "endangered" to "threatened" in the lower 48 states.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Soft, Plush Parrot Stuffed Bird Toys

We've got 'em in ALL FOUR COLORS again!!

Our Four Stuffed Parrots

We think these plush stuffed parrot toys are exceptional. They are so lifelike and compelling, you almost won't believe they're stuffed toys and not the real thing. Although they're made of synthetic materials, they look real. Each brightly colored parrot measures 6 inches tall from head to feet, the tail feathers add another 8 1/4 inches. They are available in four brilliant color combinations: red wings and yellow body, blue wings and green body, yellow wings and blue body, green wings and red body. The designer of this unique line of stuffed animals takes pride in the European heritage of his realistic animal design. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched.

These are not your ordinary stuffed birds. Our parrots have the charm and quality you'll want to keep for a lifetime. They are the kind of toys your child will remember for years to come. They're the kind of "pet" a young child will want to name and create his or her own stories about.

The literature says, "The magical kingdom of Hansa plush was originally created for the most exclusive European clientele. Europeans have treasured these lifelike heirloom creatures for over twenty years. . . . Each Hansa piece is a handcrafted masterpiece, lovingly designed from portraits of real animals. The 'skin' for each of these marvelous beasts is hand-cut and trimmed, never stamped out by machine. The fabric for spotted and striped animals is custom designed and specially manufactured in small lots to Hansa's exacting specifications."

As time permits, we will be adding more of this unique line to our gift shop. If you're looking for an animal and don't find it on our site, please write to us. To find our other Hansa stuffed toy animals, or see our entire inventory of stuffed animals, stuffed beanies and plush hand puppets, check out our Stuffed Animals Page and Stuffed Beanies and Plush Puppets Page. Come look through our entire collection of parrot toys and gifts.

About Parrots

There are roughly 372 species of parrots. Parrots are native to primarily tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with the greatest diversity of species to be found in South America and Austaliasia. The oldest parrot fossil has been dated to about 70 million years ago. Parrots are among the most intelligent birds, and are well-known for their ability to mimic sounds, including human speech.

Of the 372 species of parrot, 130 are listed as "near-threatened" or worse. this is due to a variety of factors, including loss of habitat, hunting, and wild-bird collecting. In Argentina, a breed of parrot (the monk parakeet) was designated an agricultural pest and was hunted for bounties, but this practice has been discontinued. Wild parrots are also at risk from introduced species of predator, such as feral cats and rats, to which the parrot is not adapted to evade, particularly on islands where the parrot population cannot migrate out of predatory range. Many conservation groups exist to protect parrots and their habitat.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Barn Owl Replica

We had one in our barn for a season! An amazing and beautiful raptor!

Our Plastic Barn Owl Replica

How adorable is this small plastic barn owl? Our toy barn owl is just the right size replica for a shoebox diorama. This little barn owl model will fit in a shoe box along with examples of animals you might find on a farm or in the woods. Create a landscape with rocks, plants, grass, make a river or stream from anything that strikes your imagination, and there you go - a scene of wildlife on our planet. Our plastic toy barn owl is made of solid plastic and is quite durable. Be sure to take a look at our other owls.

About Barn Owls

The barn owl (Tyto alba) is a pale-colored, long-winged species of owl found in many parts of the world. Barn owls measure up to 20 inches in height and can weigh as much as 28 oz. Barn owls feed on virtually anything it can catch and kill (including birds as large as itself) and are nocturnal hunters, swooping back and forth over open ground or perching on high posts to watch for and then ambush prey.

Like most owls, the barn owl is nearly silent in flight, due to noisy air turbulence being shredded by tiny serrations on the leading edges of its flight feathers. Barn owls do not "hoot", but instead use a screech that can carry over long distances and are highly piercing up close.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Peregrine Falcon Replica

Startling in its details, this replica is amazing!

Our Plastic Peregrine Falcon Replica

Our small plastic peregrine falcon toy is so beautifully detailed that every falcon fan will fall in love with it. This little falcon is also just the right size replica for a shoebox diorama. Our peregrine falcon model will fit in a shoe box along with other examples of animals you might find in the wild. Create a landscape with rocks, plants, grass, make a river or stream from anything that strikes your imagination, and there you go - a scene of life on our planet. Our plastic toy peregrine falcon is made of solid plastic and is quite durable. Be sure to take a look at our other falcon toys and gifts.

About Peregrine Falcons

Also known as the peregrine or duck hawk, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrines) is a widespread bird of prey, hunting and breeding in every region of the world save extreme polar regions, extremely high altitude, and deep rainforests. This makes the peregrine the Earth's most widespread raptor. The peregrine falcon is approximately the size of a crow with a height of 13 - 23 inches and a weight of 1 - 3 pounds.

In addition to being the most widespread raptor, the peregrine is well-known for its speed. Peregrine falcons have been clocked at over 200 mph in its predatory dive. The peregrine falcon feeds almost exclusively on other birds, striking its prey in flight from higher altitude.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Peacock Replica

Another beautiful replica from our friends at CollectA!

Our Plastic Peacock Replica

Our small plastic peacock toy is just the right size replica for a shoebox diorama. This little peacock model will fit in a shoe box along with examples of animals you might find on a farm, in a park, or in a botanical garden. Create a landscape with rocks, plants, grass, make a river or stream from anything that strikes your imagination, and there you go - a scene of life on our planet. Our plastic toy peacock is made of solid plastic and is quite durable. Be sure to take a look at our other peacocks.

About Peacocks

"Peacock" is the name of males of genus Pavo from the pheasant family, known collectively as "peafowl". Females are called "peahens". Peafowl consist of three distinct species: Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), green peafowl (Pavo muticus), and Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis).

In the wild, peafowl are omnivorous, feeding on all parts of plants and insects, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. Peafowl make their nests on the ground in forests. All peafowl are capable of flight and have large plumes of feathers, although the male peacocks tend to be more vibrantly colored.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Vulture Stuffed Toy Bird

More popular as a toy than in real life!!

Our Stuffed Vulture

We think this plush stuffed vulture toy is exceptional. It is so lifelike and compelling, you almost won't believe it's a stuffed toy and not the real thing. Although it is made of synthetic materials, it looks real. With its white head, neck and ruff, light colored body and yellow beak, this imposing raptor most closely resembles the Griffon vulture. This hansomely detailed vulture stands 12 1/2 inches tall to the top of the head. The designer of this unique line of stuffed animals takes pride in the European heritage of his realistic animal design. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched.

About Vultures

Vultures are scavengers and feed mostly on the carcasses of dead animals. Vultures are found on every continent except Antarctica and Oceania and are divided into Old World vultures which locate prey by sight, and New World vultures, which locate food through smell and sight. Vultures are to easy to recognize by their bald head which is devoid of feathers. Baldness helps keep the bird cool, since most live in intensely hot climates. Vultures rarely attack living animals, but feast on the dead or dying. Vultures do not bring food in their talons to their young, rather they regurgitate food from their crop. A group of vultures is occasionally called a venue, and when circling in the air, a group of vultures is called a kettle.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Bald Eagle Replica

The elephant and donkey can't hold a candle to this majestic symbol!

Our Plastic Bald Eagle

This engaging, realistic-looking bald eagle miniature is made of durable plastic with good quality. This replica is detailed down to the very last feather, and is striking the perfect pose, its wings spread as he prepares to take flight! This bald eagle replica makes for an amazing gift, the finishing touch on a diorama, or as the perfect mantelpiece companion! At 3 3/4 inches long, he's just waiting to take your breath away! Check out our other eagle toys and gifts.

About Bald Eagles

The bald eagle has been popular for centuries as a symbol of freedom and power. Bald eagles range in weight from 10 - 14 pounds and have a average lifespan of 30 years.

Bald eagles are amazing hunters, but they do not travel in packs. Instead, bald eagles choose to be monogamous, meaning that when they find that special little eagle that completes them, they remain a couple for life. The female eagle will lay on average between one and three eggs a year, but there are many years that she won't lay any eggs at all. There is a theory that questions whether this has to do with the female's subconscious; that during years in which prey is scarce or there are an abundance of eagles nearby, she won't lay eggs, but when the prey population goes up or the eagle population decreases, she will start laying again.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Red-Footed Booby

Go ahead...TRY and say his name without snickering!!!

Our Plastic Red-Footed Booby

This exotic bird is one in our series of lively and lifelike plastic animals found in the Galapagos Islands. Its realistic shape and details will be enjoyed as part of a school project, diorama plastic animal collection, as a party favor, or gift. Our plastic red-footed booby measures 2-1/2 inches from beak to tail.

About Red-Footed Boobys

The red-footed booby (Sula sula) is a long-winged seabird. Its name, booby, comes from the Spanish word bobo meaning "stupid one." This is because the red-footed booby has a clumsy gait on land and an awkward take-off and landing. The red-footed booby is the smallest booby. It is generally less than 2 feet long and has a wingspan of about 3 feet. It is an amazing diver, feeds entirely on fish and can swim a good distance underwater to spear its prey. The red-footed booby is found primarily around the Galapagos Islands and around many islands near Trinadad and Tobago in the Caribbean. It is numerous and fortunately is not endangered like many other animals in this region.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Frigatebird

Betcha not every kid on the block has one of THESE in their collection!

Our Plastic Frigatebird

This amazing bird is one in our series of lively and lifelike plastic animals found in the Galapagos Islands. Its realistic shape and details will be enjoyed as part of a school project, diorama, plastic animal collection, as a party favor, or gift. Our plastic frigatebird measures 3 7/8 inches from beak to tail.

About Frigatebirds

The magnificent frigatebird (Frigata magnificens) is a long-winged seabird common to the Galapagos Islands. Along with the great frigatebird (Frigata minor) it can be seen soaring above the land and ocean riding the wind currents, hardly ever flapping its wings. The male frigatebird is distinguished by a remarkable and dramatic red sac below its throat which expands like a balloon when attracting females. The frigates neither dives under the water nor swims. It snares food from the water's surface, preying on small fish and squid. It is also notorious for stealing food from other birds. For this it has been often called a pirate. It has a wingspan of 7 1/2 feet and has a prominent scissor-like forked tail. This makes the frigatebird especially maneuverable. The frigatebird is so much fun to see gliding peacefully in the sky. Fortunately it is numerous and not endangered like many other animals of the region.

 This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Animal Carabiner Flashlights

Clip 'em to your gear to stay safe trick-or-treating!!

Our Carabiner Animal Flashlights

Our carabiner animal flashlights are the coolest way to make sure you always have a light nearby! Look at the tail, they simply open up to snap onto a key ring, backpack, belt, book bag, or anyplace else a person can hook something. The light is surprisingly bright for such a small item! Keep one next to your bed, by the back door, inside your car or on your bike. The light is bright enough to find things in the dark - such as finding the lock on your house or car door. Helps keep both kids and adults safe when unexpected scenarios come up. Just press the button on the critter's back, and you have light! Is there a better way to find the outhouse on a camping trip than to let our flashlight animals find the trail for you? Or what about lighting your way on Halloween? Fun for birthday parties, as stocking stuffers, or Hanukkah gifts for any age. Check out our other bird toys and gifts and our multi-style animal flashlights. The animal flashlights page also shows you what the lights look like when the light is on! If you have a teeeeeny little screwdriver, you can pop in a replacement battery. However, we've noticed that the lights last for quite a long time on the original battery.

About Keel-Billed Toucans

Toucans are brightly-colored birds with distinctively-large bills, primarily located in Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and southern Florida. Toucans are omnivores, feeding primarily on fruits, eggs, insects, and small birds and reptiles. Both the male and female share responsibilities in caring for their clutch of 2-4 eggs, taking turns seated on the clutch to incubate their young. The large bill (usually 1/3 of the bird’s total length) is made of spongy, hollow bone struts covered in keratin, a hard protein that also makes up hair and nails in mammals.

Also known as the sulfur-billed and rainbow-billed toucan, the keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) is typically 12-22 inches long and weighs under a pound. Keel-billed toucans are found from southern Mexico to Venezuela and Columbia.

 This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Raven Stuffed Hand Puppet

YOU can make this raven cry "Nevermore!!!"

Our Stuffed Raven Puppet

Our captivating stuffed raven hand puppet stands 16 inches high and is very kid friendly. It's feathers are soft fake fur; the legs and beak are soft vinyl. The plastic eyes, legs, beak, wings and tail are securely fastened making this a great toy for children of all ages. The hand pocket, located under the tail, fits up to a grown-up-size hand and operates the head and beak. There are also pockets under the wings. An informational tag containing raven facts and a Native American folktale, is included. To find our other hand puppets in this line, or see our entire inventory of stuffed beanies, puppets and animals, check out our Stuffed Beanies and Plush Puppets Page and Stuffed Animals Page. Come look through our entire collection of bird toys and gifts.

About Ravens

Found all across the northern hemisphere, the common raven (Corvus Corax) averages 25 inches in length and weighs up to 2.6 pounds. Common ravens can live up to 21 years and, while they tend to flock as younger birds, eventually mate for life. Common Ravens are omnivores, feeding on carrion, insects, grains, berries, fruit, small animals, and food waste. This diet has allowed the common raven to coexist beside man for thousands of years, and is a common feature in the stories and legends of many different cultures across the globe.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

The perfect deal for a whole class of students!

FANTASTIC BARGAINS!

Periodically we get overstocks on some of our regular inventory. If any of these items fit your needs, this page has FANTASTIC BARGAINS for you! Buy any of the items on this page by the hundreds at a SUBSTANTIAL discount!

About Mallard Ducks

The Mallard, or Wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is probably the best-known and most recognizable of all ducks. The male birds have a bright green head and the female birds have a light brown head. Mallard ducks live in wetlands and eat water plants. They are gregarious, migratory birds that form large flocks.

Mallards ducks can reach 26 inches in length, have a wingspan of 39 inches, and weigh close to 3 pounds. Females can lay 8-13 eggs, which are incubated for 27-28 days before hatching. The duckling are born able to swin and feed themselves but stay near their mother for protection.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Flamingo

A remarkable miniature...useful in any wetlands diorama!

Our Flamingo Replica

Our realistic-looking plastic flamingo is a most gorgeous dark orange-pink with light pink (nearly white) plumage on the wings and a strikingly detailed face. The curved beak is typical of this bird, and the plastic base makes it stand upright very nicely on your table, shelf or classroom display. These small plastic flamingos (also spelled "flamingoes") are excellent for school projects such as dioramas, for collectors, and for gifts for your favorite flamingo collector. They would be beautiful on a wedding cake and would make fun favors at a party. Be sure to see our other flamingo toys and gifts.

About Flamingos

Although many of us associate flamingos with Florida in the US, they have an extremely wide range inhabited by a number of different species. Flamingoes can be found in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and on the Galapagos Islands (legally part of Ecuador, but located waaaaaaaaayyyyy out in the Pacific Ocean). They range from sea level to the high Andes. The informational tag that comes with this plastic pink flamingo tells us that its coloring comes from the algae and insects that are a part of its diet.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Seagull

A best-seller is back by popular demand!

Our "Flying" Seagull

This engaging, realistic-looking flying plastic seagull is soft and floppy. Its body is made of hollow plastic and is detailed with feather etchings. It is 14 inches from wingtip to wingtip and is 7 inches from beak to tailfeathers. It is painted white with gray accents, has a yellow beak, orange tongue, and yellow feet. When squeezed, our seagull also makes its familiar squeaky call. It can be suspended by its attached elastic cord. It makes for an interesting ornament, table setting, or serves well in a diorama or school project. Check out our other seagull toys and gifts.

About Seagulls

Our beautiful flying plastic seagull reminds us that the seagull is a coastal bird that rarely ventures far out into the ocean. Closely related to terns, it is a carnivorous scavenger, which picks at almost anything organic. It loves small fish and crustaceans which it snatches from the surface. It swims on the top of the water, but does not swim underwater. It is an intelligent bird with a myriad of calls and, like most birds, outstanding eyesight. The adult gull is gray and white in color, whereas younger gulls are a mottled light brown. The Pacific gull (Larus pacificus) has a continous presence here at Tapir and Friends. It wheels above us and perches on rooftops outside our windows. His calls accompany our work and our play.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Carabiner Animal Flashlights

The perfect camping accessory!

Our Carabiner Animal Flashlights

Our carabiner animal flashlights are the coolest way to make sure you always have a light nearby! Look at the tail, they simply open up to snap onto a key ring, backpack, belt, book bag, or anyplace else a person can hook something. The light is surprisingly bright for such a small item! Keep one next to your bed, by the back door, inside your car or on your bike. The light is bright enough to find things in the dark - such as finding the lock on your house or car door. Helps keep both kids and adults safe when unexpected scenarios come up. Just press the button on the critter's back, and you have light! Is there a better way to find the outhouse on a camping trip than to let our flashlight animals find the trail for you? Or what about lighting your way on Halloween? Fun for birthday parties, as stocking stuffers, or Hanukkah gifts for any age. Check out our other bird toys and gifts and our multi-style animal flashlights. The animal flashlights page also shows you what the lights look like when the light is on! If you have a teeeeeny little screwdriver, you can pop in a replacement battery. However, we've noticed that the lights last for quite a long time on the original battery.

About Keel-Billed Toucans

Toucans are brightly-colored birds with distinctively-large bills, primarily located in Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and southern Florida. Toucans are omnivores, feeding primarily on fruits, eggs, insects, and small birds and reptiles. Both the male and female share responsibilities in caring for their clutch of 2-4 eggs, taking turns seated on the clutch to incubate their young. The large bill (usually 1/3 of the bird’s total length) is made of spongy, hollow bone struts covered in keratin, a hard protein that also makes up hair and nails in mammals.

Also known as the sulfur-billed and rainbow-billed toucan, the keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) is typically 12-22 inches long and weighs under a pound. Keel-billed toucans are found from southern Mexico to Venezuela and Columbia.

 This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed California Condor

Get 'em while you can!

Our Stuffed California Condor

Our stuffed California condor has a removable "Press Here" tag so you can hear the recorded voice of a real California condor. The California condor replica was designed as part of the popular Audubon Birds Series by Wild Republic. It is 6 inches tall and a 14 1/2 inch wingspan with a soft body . As with all of Wild Republic's toys, this plush California condor meets the most stringent current standards of safety for children's toys. All parts are non-toxic and surface washable. Check out our other raptor toys and gifts.

About California Condors

The California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) belongs to the vulture family. It is only found along the coastal mountains of North America, Baja California and the Grand Canyon. The California condor is black in color with white on the underside of its wings with its skin color often a bright red. It scavenges for dead animals and therefore is susceptible to eating toxic substances. It has an amazing wingspan of up to 9 feet. It flies gracefully and up to speeds of 50 miles an hour. This condor has played an active role in Native American lore and has been reproduced frequently in Native American art. The condor almost faced extinction and through one of the most active conservation and breeding programs in America, its numbers have improved. As of 2005, there were only 273 individuals including 127 in the wild remaining. Thanks to the efforts of the Los Angeles and San Diego Zoos, this amazing bird may remain one of the most significant natural beings of our hemisphere.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

American Bald Eagle

The perfect centerpiece for any patriotic diorama!

Our Plastic American Bald Eagle

Made of solid plastic by Safari, Ltd., one of the best names in plastic toy animals, this american bald eagle measures 3 1/4 inches from beak to tail and is 2 3/8 inches tall. It stands balanced on its feet and tail. The word "EAGLE" is molded on the bottom. This sturdy, durable raptor is also excellent for school projects, novelties, party favors or even as a children's toy. You can make a wonderful birds of prey shoebox diorama using this and other plastic creatures from our gift shop. Best of all, there is no mess, no feeding, and no tank or cage cleaning :) Come look through our entire collection of eagle toys and gifts.

About American Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are large predatory sea birds who follow waterways to reach inland areas. They are found only in North America. Bald eagles can fly up to 30 mph, and can dive up to 100 mph.This explains why they are so adept at snatching fish out of the water with their feet. Mature bald eagles generally weigh between 9-12 pounds, with a wing span of about 7 feet. Bald eagles mate for life. A female usually lays 2-3 eggs a year. By three months of age, her young are able to fly, and are often on their own a month later. Bald eagles reuse their nests, adding more nesting material each time it is reused. Because of this, some nests reach as much as 10 feet across, and can weigh as much as 2000 pounds. Strict conservation efforts have enabled the bald eagle's status to be upgraded from "endangered" to "threatened" in the lower 48 states.

In May 2004, we visited the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. One of the most interesting parts of our visit was the VERY GOOD animal presentation at their outdoor stage. One of the animals they presented was a beautiful bald eagle. We learned that when the eagle was named, the word "bald" didn't mean "hairless" as it does now; it meant someone with white hair. Now the eagle's name makes more sense! Below you can see a photo of the eagle I took that day at the presentation, where we were allowed to get close to the animals at the end of the talk. By the way, if you get a chance to visit, it's a really nice zoo in a marvelous natural setting. And be sure to see the animal presentation!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.