Pigs vary greatly across several hundred breeds, though most are short, fleshy, and sparsely covered in hair. All have hoofed paws at the end of short legs. Also known as hogs, these mammals are opportunistic omnivores, eating everything from grains to greens to table scraps. They use their snout to turn over soil in search…
Domestic chickens vary in appearance from breed to breed, though they share some common traits, including a squat stature, a rounded body, dense feathers, and wattles of flesh around the face. Adult males, called roosters, have distinct combs of red flesh on their head and striking plumage—notably, a flowing tail and shiny, pointed feathers. Wild…
Domestic cattle are large, heavy mammals that vary in size and appearance. Although there are many breeds of cattle, only Milking Shorthorn and Dutch Belted are represented at Lincoln Park Zoo. These heritage breeds are not as large as some other dairy cows. Milking Shorthorns, “established” in the 18th century in Northeastern England, are usually…
Spectacled caimans were named for the bony ridge above their eyes, which resembles a pair of glasses. Adults are dull green and can grow to more than six feet in length. They primarily eat fish, insects, frogs, birds, and even mammals. After breeding, females lay eggs in nests built with mud and leaves.
Rio Fuerte beaded lizards can reach up to 30 inches from head to tail. They have a broad, flat head and venom glands in their lower jaw. Their bodies are long and heavy and covered with bead-like scales that form yellow and black stripes. These long-clawed lizards are carnivorous, eating insects, small rodents, lizards, snakes,…
Red-footed tortoises were named for the red-and-orange markings scattered across their limbs and face. They have bumpy, concave, greenish-brown shells and display upraised points on their central plates. These tortoises can reach up to 14 inches in length. As omnivores, they feed primarily on fruit, greens, plants, vegetables, and dead animals. After breeding, females bury…
Puerto Rican parrots are medium-sized Amazon birds with mostly green plumage. Their primary feathers, mainly visible when they are resting or flying, are a vivid blue. A small red crown and white eye-rings distinguish them from the similar-looking Hispaniolan parrot and red-crowned parrot. In the wild, they feast on seeds, nuts, bark, and nectar found…
