Wild BirdsWhy are birds often so beautiful? Perhaps to attract mates or to assure membership and status in their flock. Perhaps to provide camouflage from predators and prey. Who has not admired the plumage and flying skills of wild birds? View fullsize Merganser duck, male View fullsize Great Egret View fullsize Spoonbill during mating season View fullsize Crowned Crane, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania View fullsize Lilac Breasted Roller, Tarangire, Tanzania View fullsize Superb Starlings, Tarangire, Tanzania View fullsize Great Egret displaying mating plumage View fullsize Tricolored Heron View fullsize Roseate Spoonbill View fullsize Snowy Egret in mating season View fullsize Snowy Egret pair View fullsize Roseate Spoonbill View fullsize Screech Owl View fullsize Osprey View fullsize Snowy Egret in mating season View fullsize Cardinal Pair View fullsize Carolina Bluebird View fullsize Painted Bunting View fullsize Male Cardinal and male Buntng View fullsize Black-Bellied Whistling ducks View fullsize Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female View fullsize Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female View fullsize Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male View fullsize Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male