Fact Files

Named for the emerald green color that they take on at about 9-12 months of age, the emerald tree boa is a non-venomous species of boa (type of snake) that’s native to the rainforests of South America. This species, which is recognizable by the the pattern of “lightening bolts” on its back, can be found in the Amazon Basin regions of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Surinam, and the Guianas.

The bat falcon lives in wet tropical forests and on the edges of forests in open areas and towns from Mexico south to Ecuador and in northern Argentina. It is about 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) long with rusty brown leg feathers, black and white on the chest, black and white barred wings, and dark gray to black on the head, back and tail.

Breeding primarily in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, the European bee-eater is a colorful, thin bird. It has yellow and brown upper parts, with a black beak, blue or green belly and green wings. European bee-eaters commonly grow to between 10.6 and 11.4 inches (27 and 29 centimeters), although this length includes their elongated tail feathers, meaning its actual body isn’t as long.

Wallace’s flying frog