Facts about Japanese dwarf flying squirrels

Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel Facts

I love watching the squirrels play while sitting in my backyard! Yesterday, I learned about the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel and would like to share the facts with you. Have you ever heard about this cute little squirrel before? If not, now is your chance to learn something new today.

These cute and fluffy little creatures are native to Japan. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel lives in the forests of the Honshu and Kyushu islands. There are over 50 different species of flying squirrels in the world, and these cute, fluffy little critters are one of them.

 

Facts about Japanese dwarf flying squirrels:

1. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel can get up to almost 8 inches tall or less and weigh up to half of a pound or less. A half of a pound is 8 ounces. That is tiny!

2. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is an herbivore. Herbivores eat primarily plants and other vegetation, such as fruits, leaves, flowers, tree bark, and seeds. Occasionally, they may even eat some insects if they get hungry enough.

3. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel doesn’t actually fly. It glides. It can glide from tree to tree while hunting for food to eat. It can glide distances of up to 300 feet, sometimes more and sometimes less, depending on the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel.

4. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is nocturnal, which means it is mainly awake at night. At night, it hunts for its food. During the day, it rests in its nests or holes in the trees.

5. The scientific name for the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is Pteromys momonga.

6. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is a mammal. A female can give birth to two to five baby flying squirrels during each mating season.

 

Share a fact about Japanese dwarf flying squirrels with us?

 

Get your free printable Japanese dwarf flying squirrel’s worksheet here:

 Japanese flying squirrel coloring sheet

Visit my printables section for a wide selection of worksheets and coloring sheets!

 

 

 

Books about flying squirrels:

1. Cyril The Flying Squirrel by Melinda Kinsman

2. The Fantastic Flying Squirrel by Nic Bishop

3. Flying Squirrels by Judith Jango-Cohen

4. Nature's gliders: The flying squirrels by Ralph Buxton

(I was unable to locate any books specifically about the Japanese dwarf flying squirrels)

Parents/caretakers, be sure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

 

 

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Mimi is the author of the JOEY SAVES THE DAY! book series. 

Facts about Indiana

Learn facts about Indiana for kids.

Last week, we posted facts about Illinois. This week, we're sharing some interesting facts about Indiana. You will learn about Indiana's state flag, bird, and other facts.

Indiana became the 19th state to join the United States when it was officially admitted to the Union on December 11, 1816. This Midwestern state is situated in the northeastern part of the Midwest and shares its borders with four neighboring states: Illinois to the west, Kentucky to the south, Ohio to the east, and Michigan to the north. Additionally, Indiana has a significant geographical feature along its northwest border—Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes —which plays a crucial role in the state's economy and tourism.

Covering an area of approximately 36,420 square miles, Indiana ranks as the 38th largest state in the nation. The state's diverse landscapes include farmlands, forests, and urban centers, contributing to its rich cultural and economic tapestry. As of the latest estimates, Indiana is home to around 6,805,985 residents, making it the 17th most populous state in the U.S.

One of Indiana’s most iconic figures is the legendary pop star Michael Jackson, who was born in the city of Gary. His upbringing in Indiana has influenced his music and career, ensuring that the state remains a notable part of his legacy. Indiana's contributions to American culture extend beyond Jackson, with a history enriched by its industries, innovations, and a vibrant arts scene.

Facts about Indiana:

Facts about Shoebill Storks

Meet the Shoebill Stork: Nature’s Towering, Dinosaur-Like Marvel

If you’ve ever imagined what a bird from the age of dinosaurs might look like today, the shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) is your answer. With its towering height, piercing gaze, and massive shoe-shaped bill, this elusive bird is both majestic and slightly intimidating. Despite its name, the shoebill isn’t a true stork; it’s more closely related to pelicans and herons.

📏 Size and Strength

Shoebills are giants of the bird world. They can grow up to 5 feet tall, with a wingspan stretching over 7 feet, comparable to the height of a human and the width of a small car. Their weight ranges from 9 to 15.5 pounds, making them one of the heaviest flying birds in Africa.

🌍 Where They Live

These birds thrive in the freshwater swamps and marshes of East Africa, especially in regions rich in papyrus vegetation. You’ll find them in:

• Uganda

• South Sudan

• Tanzania

• Zambia

• Kenya

• Ethiopia

• Botswana

• Sudan

Shoebills are solitary and territorial, often avoiding even their own kind. They rely on wetland habitats for hunting and nesting, making conservation of these areas critical to their survival.

🦴 That Iconic Bill

The shoebill’s most striking feature is its enormous, shoe-shaped beak, which can grow up to 9 inches long and 4 inches wide. This powerful tool is perfectly adapted for catching slippery prey like lungfish, eels, snakes, lizards, and even baby crocodiles. With razor-sharp edges and a hooked tip, it’s a deadly weapon in murky waters.

🐣 Behavior and Lifespan

Shoebills are diurnal, meaning they’re active during the day. They’re known for their statue-like stillness while hunting, often standing motionless for hours before striking. In the wild, they can live up to 35 years, and in captivity, some have reached 50 years.

Despite their fierce appearance, shoebills are not aggressive toward humans. They’re shy and prefer solitude, which makes sightings rare and special.

🔊 Sounds Like a Machine Gun?

Yes, really. Shoebills produce a startling clattering sound, often compared to a machine gun or tribal drums, by rapidly snapping their bills together. This sound is used during nesting or territorial displays and is one of the most unique vocalizations in the bird world.

🎥 Shoebills in Pop Culture

In Jim Henson’s Animal Show, a puppet named Wingo the Shoebill introduces young viewers to this fascinating bird. It’s a fun and educational way to learn about shoebills and their swampy homes.

🦩 Shoebill Stork Discovery Activity: “Swamp Sleuths!”

Theme: Nature exploration, animal facts, emotional connection

Ages: 6–10

Format: Printable worksheet or journal page

🕵️‍♂️ Part 1: “Spot the Shoebill!”

Draw a shoebill stork in its swampy habitat. Include:

• Tall grasses or papyrus

• Murky water

• Fish or baby crocodile nearby

• Shoebill’s giant shoe-shaped bill

Prompt:

“Shoebills live in quiet swamps and stand very still while hunting. Can you draw one hiding in its favorite place?”

📏 Part 2: “Shoebill Stats Match-Up”

Match these shoebill facts to their numbers by writing the correct number next to each sentence:

• Shoebills can grow up to ___ feet tall.

• Their wingspan can reach over ___ feet wide.

• In the wild, they can live up to ___ years.

• Shoebills can weigh up to ___ pounds.

Bonus:

Circle the fact that surprised you most!

🎶 Part 3: “What’s That Sound?”

Shoebills make a clattering noise like a machine gun or tribal drums.

Prompt:

“Imagine you’re in a quiet swamp and suddenly hear a loud clack-clack-clack! What do you think the shoebill is trying to say?”

Write or draw your answer.

💖 Part 4: “Gratitude in the Swamp”

Shoebills need clean water and quiet places to live.

Reflection Prompt:

“Why do you think it’s important to protect places like swamps and marshes? Write one way you can help nature.”

Final Thought:

The shoebill stork is a living relic, a blend of prehistoric charm and modern-day mystery. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just curious about nature’s wonders, the shoebill is a creature worth celebrating and protecting.

 

Get your free Shoebill coloring sheet here:

 Shoebill coloring sheet

 

Books about Shoebills:

1. THE SHOEBILL Do Your Kids Know This? by Tanya Turner

2. Facts About The Shoebill Stork by Lisa Strattin

3. The Little Shoebill by Kabaso Kampamba

4. The Wonderful World of Shoebill Storks by Mimi Jones

Parents/caretakers, be sure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

Check out my facts about cuckoo birds.

Facts about Grackles

Grackle Facts

 

Chirp! Chirp! Have you heard about the Grackles? Grackles are shiny-looking blackbirds. 11 species of grackles live in different parts of the world. This year, we were blessed to have not one but three grackle nests in a tree in our front yard. In one of the nests, there were three baby grackles. We watched them from our kitchen window, where they were being fed by adult birds. When the baby birds were hungry, they would chirp very loudly. One day, we noticed the baby birds trying to hop out of their nest. A few days later, we spotted them perching on branches of the tree near their nest. The next day, one of the baby grackles was on the ground hopping around. Two adult grackles were close by watching. We got to experience a baby grackle learning to fly. It was amazing.

 

The baby grackle hopped over to the bushes in our front yard and got behind them. It would run back and forth behind the bushes while trying to fly. It would lift up off the ground. Then, it would drop down, run, and fly a little. It flew up on our front porch step and stood there looking around. Then it flew onto the ground and ran/hopped towards our fence. On top of the rail sat two adult grackles watching the baby grackle trying to learn to fly. One of the adult grackles flew down to the ground and tried to show the baby grackle how to get under the fence. The adult grackle walked under the wall twice, showing the baby how to do it. It took two tries for the baby grackle to get under our fence. While in the backyard, the baby grackle reminded me of a toddler running back and forth, learning to walk. The baby grackle learned to fly within three days, and so did the other two. It was amazing watching them and seeing them learn to fly. The most impressive part of this experience was how the adult grackles looked after their babies! If you ever see a fledgling on the ground learning to fly, don’t approach it. It is not in trouble. It is learning to fly. 

Baby grackle under the tree!

Baby grackle behind the bushes and flower pots.

Baby Grackle learning to fly!

 

Are there grackles in the state where you reside?

 

Facts about grackles:

1. A group of grackles is called a flock or plague. Grackles are social and prefer to live and travel in groups. Some grackles migrate during the winter months, and some do not.

2. Grackles are omnivores. Omnivores means that they eat plants and meat sources for food. Some food grackles eat are berries, seeds, fruits, insects, frogs, mice, and eggs.

3. A baby grackle is referred to as a chick, nestling, or a fledgling.

4. Some grackles have been known to live about 22 years in the wild.  

5. Grackles can weigh as much as 7 ounces, depending on the type. Some grackles can be as tall as 18 inches.

6. A female grackle can lay up to seven eggs. Could you imagine 7 little chirping grackles?

7. Here is a list of the eleven (11) types of grackles in alphabetical order:

• Carib grackle
• Boat-tailed grackle
• Colombian mountain grackle
• Common grackle
• Golden tufted grackle
• Great-tailed grackle
• Greater Antillean grackle
• Nicaraguan grackle
• Red-bellied grackle
• Slender billed grackle
• Velvet-fronted grackle

 Share a fact about grackles with us?

Baby grackle

 

Get your free printable grackle coloring/worksheet here:

Grackles alphabet worksheet 

 

Visit my printable section for a wide selection of worksheets and coloring sheets!

 

Books about grackles:

1. Gracie Grackle by Mikko Macchione

2. Boat-tailed grackle by William Post

3. FRITZ the Uncommon Grackle by Lilianne White

4. Bad Birds of North America by Jack Wilcox

Parents/caretakers, be sure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

 

Thank you for reading my post!! 

 

Check out my free printable coloring pages and worksheets! 

http://www.joeysavestheday.com/p/printables.html

Follow me on Instagram

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Like and follow my author page

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Check out my books here:

http://www.joeysavestheday.com/p/blog-page_16.html

If you are an author and would like to feature your book on my website, please check out my feature book section here:

http://www.joeysavestheday.com/p/book-of-day.html

 

Mimi is the author of the JOEY SAVES THE DAY! book series. 

Facts about Illinois

Learn facts about Illinois for kids.

Last week, we unveiled empowering facts about... Idaho. This week, we will share interesting facts about Illinois, including its flag, state bird, and other notable features.

Did you know that Illinois was the 21st state to join the United States? Officially, Illinois became a state on December 13, 1818, marking a significant milestone in its history. Situated in the Midwestern region of the country, it shares its borders with five different states: Indiana to the east, Kentucky to the southeast, Missouri to the southwest, Iowa to the west, and Wisconsin to the north. To the northeast, Illinois is also graced by the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, which plays a vital role in the state's recreation and economy.

Covering an area of approximately 57,914 square miles, Illinois ranks as the 25th largest state in the United States by land size. It is also known for its diverse geography, ranging from rolling prairies and farmland to urban centers. The state is relatively populous, boasting an estimated population of about 12,671,460 residents, making it one of the most populous states in the nation. Illinois is home to major cities like Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, which serves as a cultural, economic, and political hub. Throughout its history, Illinois has been a significant contributor to various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, thereby substantially enhancing the overall development of the American Midwest.

Interestingly, Walter Elias Disney, better known as Walt Disney, was born in Chicago, Illinois.

 

Facts about Illinois:

Facts about The Man Faced Stink bug

 

Man-faced Stink Bug Facts

Have you ever heard of a Catacanthus incarnatus, a Man-faced stink bug? This bug is really cool! It looks like it has a face on it with hair!! If you have ever seen one, you would know just how cool they are! If allowed, google the Man-faced stink bug with your parent's/caretaker’s permission. The Man-faced stink bug can be of different colors, such as orange, red, yellow, and cream. There is not much known about the rare man-faced stink bug. I can tell you this about it, though… it is one of the most excellent bugs I have ever seen!

 

Do you have stink bugs in the state you reside in?

 

Facts about the Man-faced stink bug:

1. The Man-faced stink bug, also known as Catacanthus incarnatus, is found in parts of Asia and India.

2. Who likes playing games? If you play games, this cool Man-faced bug can also be found in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

3. The Man-faced stink bug has appeared on postage stamps in Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore.

4. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, had some Man-faced stink bugs shipped to them. I’m not sure if the Man-faced stink bugs are still there. I read an article about the arrival of man-faced stink bugs, which was dated 2017. You can read the article here and watch the video on the cool Man-faced stink bugs with your parents/caretaker’s permission: 

Audubon Butterfly Garden webpage

5. You can even buy a Man-faced stink bug in a boxed picture frame. Yes, people sell them.

6. Most Man-faced stink bugs are herbivores. They eat mostly plants, fruits, and trees. They may cause a lot of damage to crops and plants.

7. Man-faced stink bugs can grow to over an inch long.

Share a fact about the Man-faced stink bugs with our viewers in the comments.

 

Get your free printable Man-faced stink bug coloring sheet here:

 Man Faced Stink bug coloring sheet

Visit my printable section for a wide selection of worksheets and coloring sheets!

 

 

Books about Stink bugs:

1. Stink Bugs, Stick Insects, and Stag Beetles by Sally Kneidel

2. Stink Bug Saves the Day! The Parable of the Good Samaritan by Bill Myers

3. WORLD OF INSECTS Stink Bugs by Colleen Sexton

4. Hey There, Stink Bug! by Leslie Bulion

Parents/caretakers, be sure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

 

 

Thank you for reading my post!! 

Follow me on Instagram

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Check out my books here:

http://www.joeysavestheday.com/p/blog-page_16.html

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Mimi is the author of the JOEY SAVES THE DAY! book series. 

Facts about Idaho

 

Learn facts about Idaho for kids.

Hey everyone! Last week, we shared some interesting facts about... Hawaii. This week, we’re excited to share some fascinating facts about Idaho. We hope you enjoy learning about the state flag, the bird that represents Idaho, and many other interesting facts. It’s always wonderful to discover more about the places we love!

Idaho, often referred to as the Gem State due to its reputation for having a significant number of gemstones and a rich variety of natural resources, was the 43rd state to join the United States. It officially attained statehood on July 3, 1890, making it one of the later additions to the Union during a period of westward expansion. 

Geographically located in the northwestern region of the U.S., Idaho shares its borders with six states: Washington to the northwest, Oregon to the west, Nevada to the south, Utah to the south, Wyoming to the east, and Montana to the northeast. This diverse landscape features mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes, which contribute to its breathtaking scenery and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. 

Spanning over 83,570 square miles, Idaho is the 14th-largest state in the United States. Its vast land area includes a range of ecological zones, from the fertile valleys of the south to the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the north. 

According to the latest estimates, approximately 1,900,920 people currently reside in Idaho. The state's population reflects a rich tapestry of cultures, with a growing number of residents attracted to its natural beauty and quality of life. Major cities, such as Boise, the state capital, and Coeur d'Alene, highlight Idaho's unique blend of urban and rural living. Whether it's the agricultural heartland or the scenic recreational areas, Idaho has much to offer to its residents and visitors alike.

 

Facts about Idaho: