Fishy Trivia

Sailfish: iStock photo

Hi readers,

The May issue of chickaDEE is all about the ocean.

Did you know there are over 30,000 known species of fish that live in the ocean?

Read on to find out who wins for biggest, fastest and longest!

Longest fish: Oarfish. The oarfish can grow to be 17 metres (56 feet) long. That’s the length of 3 cars!

Biggest fish: Beluga Sturgeon. This fish grows for the length of its life. It can be up to 3 metres (10 feet) long and weigh over 227 kg (500 lbs). That is as long as a surfboard and as heavy as two refrigerators!

Fastest fish: Sailfish. This fish can travel up to 68 miles (110 km) an hour. That’s about as fast as a car driving on a highway!

Check out the May issue for more fun facts about all things ocean!

Until next time,

Ashley, chickadeeblog@owlkids.com

Meet the Coquerel’s Sifaka Lemur!

Hi readers!

Have you checked out the Animal of the Month in the April issue of chickaDEE yet? The coquerel’s sifaka is one funny fellow! This lemur spreads out its arms to balance itself as it hops forward along the forest floor. The motion looks like a silly dance, but it’s actually how the animal escapes becoming the dinner of predators, like snakes!

Take a look at the video below to see the coquerel’s sifaka in action!

If you want to learn more, be sure to check out AOM in the April issue of chickaDEE!

Until next time,

Melissa, chickadeeblog@owlkids.com

Animal of the Month: The Mandrill

Hey Readers!

Let me to introduce you to chickaDEE’s March Animal of the Month, the mandrill! It’s probably easy to see why we thought this creature was perfect for the All About Art issue, just look at those bright colours!

Photo: Dreamstime

Here’s more on what we love about this cool looking creature!

Its smile. This primate smiles to greet other mandrills.
The babies are adorable. Newborn mandrills hang on to their mother’s bellies to get around. What a ride!
It has brains! The mandrill likes to sleep high in the trees in its rainforest home. Why? To stay out of sight from enemies, like leopards, of course!

Now I want to know what you like about this animal! Leave a comment below.

Talk to you later, readers!

Melissa
Assistant Editor of chickaDEE

Animal of the Month: The Rock Ptarmigan

Hey Readers!

Remember to check out the rock ptarmigan in chickaDEE‘s December issue. This bird is built for winter!

Photo: Jan Frode Haugseth/Creative Commons

Here’s why we love the rock ptarmigan:

It’s feet are fantastic. The ptarmigan’s big claws help it walk on snow without sinking, just like snowshoes.

It matches the snow. During the summer months, this bird’s feathers are mostly brown. But in the winter, the ptarmigan turns bright white. You’d be lucky to even spot it in a pile of snow!

It’s smart. During freezing weather, this bird makes its own shelter. The feathered friend plunges into snowpile, then digs it out with its claws to make a cozy, safe hangout.

It has a funny nickname. Some North Americans call this bird a snow chicken!

There’s is a lot more to learn about this bird, so flip to page 14 in the December issue to get the full scoop.

Until next time,

Melissa

Assistant Editor of chickaDEE

Animal of the Month: The Indian Cobra

Hi readers!

I hope that you’re all enjoying the November issue of chickaDEE! If you haven’t yet, remember to check out this month’s Animal of the Month, the Indian cobra.

Photo: Dreamstime

Here are a few tidbits about the snake:

It’s famous. This snake is the star of many Hindu legends and myths!

It can smell with its tongue. Snakes flick their tongues in-and-out of their mouths quickly to pick up scents.

It’s dangerous. There’s a very powerful poison inside this cobra’s body. That’s why most people in India and Pakistan respect this snake by leaving it alone.

It’s fun to look at. The Indian cobra has a very cool pattern on the back of it’s body. Some think the design looks like a pair of eyes!

Pretty amazing stuff, right?

Turn to page 14 in the November issue to get to full scoop on this sss-pectacular serpent.

Until next time, keep on reading!

Melissa

Assistant Editor of chickaDEE