• They are living dinosaurs: Modern scientific consensus holds that birds are the direct descendants of theropod dinosaurs, a group that includes Tyrannosaurus Rex. So when you see a hummingbird, you're looking at a distant, feathered cousin of a T-Rex!

• The fastest animal on Earth is a bird: The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on the planet. During its hunting dive (or "stoop"), it can reach speeds over 200 mph (320 km/h).

• The smallest bird weighs less than a penny: The Bee Hummingbird, found in Cuba, is the smallest bird in the world. It measures only about 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) and weighs under 2 grams, which is less than a penny!

• Some birds sleep while flying: The Alpine Swift and the Great Frigatebird are known to stay in the air for months or even years at a time. They can "fly-sleep" by gliding on air currents, resting one half of their brain at a time.

• A woodpecker's tongue protects its brain: A woodpecker's skull is specially adapted to absorb the shock of pecking. Its incredibly long tongue wraps around the back of its skull, acting like a protective cushion to prevent brain damage.

• Owls can't move their eyeballs: Because an owl's eyes are fixed in their sockets, they cannot move them like we can. To look at something, an owl must rotate its head, which it can do an impressive 270 degrees.

• Some birds get "drunk" on berries: In the late summer and fall, birds like waxwings and starlings may eat fermented berries. The natural alcohol content can sometimes make them appear disoriented or intoxicated.

• Flamingos are not born pink: Their iconic pink or reddish color comes entirely from the pigments found in the algae and crustaceans they eat. If a flamingo doesn't eat these foods, its feathers will be a dull gray or white.

• Crows hold funerals: Corvids, a group of highly intelligent birds including crows, are known to gather around a dead fellow crow. This behavior is believed to be a way for them to investigate the cause of death and assess potential threats in their environment.

• The Sword-billed Hummingbird's beak is longer than its body: This South American bird has a beak that can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm), making it one of the most unusual beaks in the bird world. It uses it to reach nectar in long, tubular flowers.

How to Attract Birds to Your Garden

• Best foods: Detail which seeds, suet, and nuts attract which species. For example, sunflower seeds are a general favorite, while nyjer seeds are specifically loved by goldfinches.

• Types of feeders: Explain the different kinds of feeders (tube, platform, suet cages) and which birds they are best for.

• Providing water: Emphasize the importance of a clean water source for both drinking and bathing, and provide tips for keeping water from freezing in the winter.

• Creating shelter: Explain how native plants, bushes, and even nesting boxes provide birds with safe places to hide from predators and the elements.