Day 4: Birds and animals that do winter better than humans!

On day 4 of 25 days of learning, get ready to explore the world of winter birds and animals with your child. Here are a few fun facts about these exquisite creatures that evolved to live in the coldest conditions!

Winter is coming, and so are our cravings for hot chocolate with marshmallows, bowls of cheesy pasta, and our favorite place by the fireplace. 

Humans survive the cold winter by staying indoors, wearing warm clothes, and enjoying hot meals, but have you thought about how birds and animals survive in the cold winter? Or which species could only survive in cold regions? 

Here are 5 animals and birds that thrive in cold weather

Beluga whale

The word “beluga” comes from the Russian word “bielo” meaning white. Beluga whales are found in the Arctic Ocean, and are known for their iconic squeaks, whistles, and chirps, which they use to communicate with other whales.

Characteristics:

• They can stay underwater for up to 25 minutes and reach depths of 800 meters.
• Beluga whales can even swim backwards.
• They eat up to 60 pounds of food per day.
• Their forehead, called a “melon,” changes shape by blowing air.

Polar bear

Covered in beautiful white fur, polar bears are native to the Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska (USA), Russia, Norway, and Greenland.

Characteristics:

• A polar bear’s skin is black.
• Their fur is translucent, which is why they appear white.
• They use their large front paws to paddle water and swim.
• Male polar bears can weigh as much as 10 men and are twice the size of female polar bears.
• Because of their strong sense of smell, they can smell their prey from almost a mile away.

Snowy Owl

Remember Hedwig from Harry Potter? 

Snowy owls can survive the coldest climates and are one of the heaviest owl species in North America.

Characteristics:

• Snowy owls have excellent eyesight but rely on their hearing to capture prey.
• They fly low to the ground and hunt by snatching their prey mid-flight, using the sharp talons on their feet.
• Unlike most owls, snowy owls are active during the day.
• Snowy owls mate for life.
• Female snowy owls can lay up to 11 eggs at a time.
• Male snowy owls are completely white, while females have dark spots on them.

Emperor Penguin

Emperor penguins are known to live their entire life on Antarctic ice and its surrounding waters.

Characteristics:

• Emperor penguins are the biggest among the 18 penguin species alive today.
• They have two layers of feathers that protect them against the harsh southern winters.
• The adult penguin eats around 4 to 6 lbs. of food per day, but can also go without food for up to four months.
• There are approximately 595,000 adult emperor penguins in Antarctica.
• The female penguin lays one egg and passes it to the male to incubate for around 65–75 days.
• Emperor penguins can dive as deep as 1850 feet, almost twice as deep as the Eiffel Tower is tall.

Caribou

Did you know that Santa’s reindeer are actually called “Caribou?” They are found throughout North America, Northern Europe, and parts of Asia.

Characteristics:

• Caribou have scent glands at the base of their ankles. So when they sense danger, they will rear up their hind legs to release a scent that alerts the other caribou.
• Caribou are good swimmers and can swim anywhere from 4–6 miles per hour.
• Caribou migration is known as the longest land migration on the planet. They can travel more than 600 miles and up to 23 miles per day.
• Caribou are covered with two layers of fur: the top layer is longer, and the bottom layer consists of thick wool.
• Both male and female caribou have antlers and have the largest and heaviest antlers of all deer species.
• Caribou, the only deer species whose noses are covered in dense short hair. They can use their sense of smell to find food underneath layers of snow.
• Caribou can even remember directions in which the wind carried the scent of food.

These were some of the most exotic and exquisite creatures that survived and thrived during the winter.
 

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