Bestiary

Herein lies my compendium of Beastes, Critters and Creatures I like.

Birds

Kiwis

Apterygiformes

A *Apteryx mantelli* photographed mid-stride among wood.

Scientifically known as Apterygiformes, kiwis are a delightfully round, flightless bird unique to Aotearoa. Their feather texture is bristly.

New World Quails (Odontophoridae)

A group of *Callipepla californica*, consisting of three males and two females, on snowy ground.

A male *Callipepla californica* sitting on the ground with a chick peeking out from underneath him.

Rotund. The single feather dangling before their head like an anglerfish's lamp is quite charming, and makes them easy to spot.

Lagopus

Lagopus are a genus of grouses. They are delightfully round in a more oval-shaped way, and have adorable fluffy feet. Rock ptarmigan feather colors vary greatly by season for camoflauge purposes, though winter coats sport a brilliant red 'eyeshadow' patch.

Sandpipers (Scolopacidae)

A *Calidris mauri* walking on driftwood.

Sandpipers are a family of birds who live near the sea. They bob and weave with the ocean waves, scavenging for food in freshly exposed sand. Their stride is whimsical.

Yellow Bitterns (Ixobrychus sinensis)

These creatures look absolutely amazing from babyhood to adulthood.

Insects

Weevils

Curculionoidea

A *Curculio occidentis* on an acorn cap.

An *Anthonomous grandis* Boheman on a plant.

Weevils are a superfamily of insects, beetles to be specific, with long snouts. They can be quite small and are sometimes considered pests.

Fish

Eels (Anguilliformes)

A slick *Anguilla japonica* on a white background.

We know shockingly little of the life cycle of eels. They also are said to be a tasty meal in Japanese cuisine. Hopefully, I will find out one day. There is an amazing man who keeps eels and other fish in an underground area, and I am immensely jealous of him.

Garden Eels (Heterocongrinae)

A mass of *Heteroconger hassi* (spotted) and *Gorgasia preclara* (striped) poking out of sand in a tank.

Garden eels are a subfamily of Conger eels known for sticking their body into the sand. This causes their bodies to act like seaweed when the current passes by, giving them their name. They are known to be quite shy. The two different patterns actually are two different species of garden eel.

Felines

Housecats (Felis catus)

Internet-famous housecat Uni.

These familiar creatures have domesticated themselves and contain a deeper well of emotion, affection and expression than is commonly appreciated. They benefit from living exclusively indoors with humans and receiving human attention and care.

Lynx

These goofy looking felines are quite ferocious carnivores.

Rodents

Fancy Rats Rattus norvegicus domestica

Fancy Rats are intelligent, sociable, curious pets. They must live in groups and the feeling of them sniffing you is how love feels.

Amphibians

Caecilians

Gymnophiona

Caecilians are limbless, blind, carnivorous amphibians who dwell underground or in the water. Their mystique is only enhanced by their wisened smile and single tentacle! One species' young eats their mother's dead skin.

Miscellaneous Mammals

Valais Blacknose Sheep

A standing *Ovis aries* of the Valais Blacknose breed.

Valais Blacknose Sheep are a Swiss breed of domestic sheep, beloved for their charming appearance. They are kept for their meat and wool.

Monotremes

Platypi

These birdlike mammals were once widespread across the globe, but now only live in east Australia and the island of Tasmania. Much like birds, they lay eggs and have a beak, but still produce milk to feed their young. Males possess a single venomous hind claw.

Echidnas

Echidnas also lay eggs and produce milk. Unlike platypi, echidnas have thin, long snouts.

Wild Boar

Sus scrofa

Baby boars are called "little cucumbers" in Japanese due to their stripes. The adults are considered pests by farmers.