Mental Floss

BIRDS









American ornithologist James Bond, circa 1974.

On January 4, 1900, a child was born in Philadelphia. His name was Bond. James Bond. He would grow up to become an ornithologist, and lived a fairly quiet, normal life—until someone borrowed his name.

Matt Soniak










MikeLane45/iStock via Getty Images

Roadrunners—the iconic birds of the American Southwest—are brave enough to feast on rattlesnakes and outsmart coyotes (really, we're not kidding).

Mark Mancini


MikeLane45/iStock via Getty Images

With its massive beak and penetrating stare, a shoebill stork is not a bird you'd want to meet in a dark alley. Read on for some little-known facts about this African icon.

Kat Long




John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove and the Montgomery County Audubon Collection, Audubon.org // Public Domain

John James Audubon didn't establish the Audubon Society, but he did create of America's most iconic works of natural history, 'The Birds of America.' He also had controversial views about vultures.

Austin Thompson
iStock/pulpitis

With their comical expressions and orange beaks full of fish, Atlantic puffins and their kin are some of the most recognizable birds on the planet. Read on for more puffin facts.

Colin Ainsworth