Birds are among the most diverse and adaptable animals on the planet. They can be found in almost every habitat, from the frozen poles to the scorching deserts. They have evolved a variety of amazing features and behaviors to survive and thrive in their environments. Here are 10 facts about birds that you might not know.

• Hummingbirds can fly backwards and sideways. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can hover in the air and fly in any direction, including backwards and sideways. They can do this because they have a flexible shoulder joint that allows them to rotate their wings up to 180 degrees.
  
• Lyrebirds can imitate almost any sound. Lyrebirds are named after their elaborate tail feathers that resemble a lyre, a musical instrument. But they are also famous for their vocal abilities. They can mimic the sounds of other birds, animals, and even human-made noises, such as chainsaws, car alarms, and cameras.

• Ostriches have the largest eyes of any land animal. Ostriches are the largest and heaviest living birds, but they also have the biggest eyes of any land animal. Their eyes are about 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter, which is larger than their brains. Their large eyes help them spot predators and prey from far away.

• Penguins can drink seawater. Penguins are aquatic birds that spend most of their time in the ocean. They have a special gland in their nose that filters out the salt from the seawater they drink. The excess salt is then excreted through their nostrils or sneezed out.

• Flamingos are pink because of their diet. Flamingos are not born with pink feathers. They get their color from the carotenoids, a type of pigment, in the algae and crustaceans they eat. The more carotenoids they consume, the more pink they become. Flamingos can also change their color by adjusting their diet.

• Crows are very intelligent and can use tools. Crows are among the smartest animals in the world. They have a complex social structure, a large brain, and a good memory. They can also use tools, such as sticks, stones, and wires, to solve problems and get food. Some crows can even make their own tools from natural materials.

• Parrots can live longer than humans. Parrots are known for their colorful plumage and ability to mimic human speech. But they are also very long-lived birds. Some species of parrots can live up to 80 years or more, which is longer than the average human lifespan. The oldest recorded parrot was a cockatoo named Cookie, who lived to be 83 years old.

• Owls can rotate their heads 270 degrees. Owls have a remarkable range of motion in their necks. They can turn their heads up to 270 degrees in either direction, which means they can look behind them without moving their bodies. This helps them hunt for prey and scan their surroundings. Owls have 14 neck vertebrae, which is twice as many as humans.

• Peacocks can sing with their wings. Peacocks are famous for their dazzling tail feathers, which they use to attract mates and deter rivals. But they also have another way of communicating: their wings. Peacocks can produce loud sounds by vibrating their wing feathers at high frequencies. These sounds are called “train-rattling” and can be heard up to 100 meters (328 feet) away.

• Albatrosses can sleep while flying. Albatrosses are the masters of long-distance flight. They can travel thousands of kilometers across the oceans without landing. They can also sleep while flying, by shutting down one half of their brain at a time. This allows them to rest while still maintaining balance and direction.

These are just some of the amazing facts about birds that show how diverse and fascinating they are. Next time you see a bird, try to appreciate its unique features and behaviors. You might learn something new and surprising.