[Answer] 6. Which avian animal has the gift of laughter?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "6. Which avian animal has the gift of laughter?"

...1. cassowary 2. kea 3. kookaburra 4. kakapo These terrestrial kingfishers are found in Australia and New Guinea. Sometimes known as the Laughing Jackasses of Australia, they are easily recognisable by their call which sounds like echoing human laughter. They are carnivores, eating lizards, snakes, small birds and mice. Fish does not form part of their diet despite being part of the kingfisher family.

[Answer] 2. Which of the following domestically bred birds, originally from Australia, is the most popular avian pet due to its small size, low cost, ability to mimic human speech and playful nature?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "2. Which of the following domestically bred birds, originally from Australia, is the most popular avian pet due to its small size, low cost, ability to mimic human speech and playful nature?"

...1. Quail 2. Canary 3. Budgerigar 4. Finch Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), commonly called 'budgies' in Australia, are often somewhat mistakenly called 'parakeets' in North America (a term which more accurately refers to any of a number of small parrots with long, flat tails). They are also sometimes called 'Lovebirds' due to their habit of mutual preening. Budgies were originally green and yellow in plumage but have been selectively bred to have the countless colours we know today.

[Answer] One of the avian kingdom's courtship rituals sees birds trimming their feathers with their beaks. By what name is this known?

Step 1 : Introduction to the question "One of the avian kingdom's courtship rituals sees birds trimming their feathers with their beaks. By what name is this known?"

...Preening is generally grooming, taking care and pride in your appearance. This also provides the birds with the opportunity for some self maintenance; however, as a courtship ritual it helps to diffuse boundaries and aggression between the birds. It allows the birds to get closer to each other and provide evidence that they do not intend to cause harm. In some birds, and doves are a good example, preening can be seen as the first step in the mating ritual. A dove will start preening itself near a potential partner. Once both of them start to preen the next indication that progress is being made is that they will start to preen each other. Then, if both are accepting of this move, the preening will shift from the body toward the face and neck.