Who is called the feathered cat? - briefly
The "feathered cat" is known as the Margay (Leopardus wiedii), a small wild cat native to Central and South America. This feline is renowned for its long tail, which can be longer than its body, giving it a distinctive feather-like appearance.
Who is called the feathered cat? - in detail
The "feathered cat" is a colloquial term used to describe a specific bird species, the Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis). This seabird is renowned for its unique combination of avian and feline-like characteristics, which has led to the intriguing moniker.
Northern Fulmars are medium-sized birds with a wingspan ranging from 102 to 120 centimeters. They possess a distinctively short and wide bill, often described as resembling that of a cat, which is how they earned their nickname. Their plumage is predominantly white, with grayish-black markings on the wingtips and tail. The most striking feature, however, is their tubenose, which gives them an appearance reminiscent of both birds and cats.
These seabirds are known for their remarkable agility in flight, often soaring effortlessly over the open sea. Their habitat spans across the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, where they nest on cliffs and ledges, often in large colonies. Northern Fulmars are also renowned for their strong sense of smell, which they use to locate food sources, much like cats do with scent trails.
In terms of behavior, Northern Fulmars exhibit a unique defensive strategy known as "projectile vomiting." When threatened or harassed, especially by predators or humans approaching their nests, these birds can expel a stream of regurgitated oil from their stomachs with remarkable accuracy. This oily substance not only deters predators but also makes the intruder slippery and difficult to handle, adding another layer to their feline-like reputation.
Overall, the Northern Fulmar's combination of avian features with some unusual traits reminiscent of cats has led to its endearing nickname as the "feathered cat." This moniker not only highlights the bird's unique characteristics but also underscores the fascinating ways in which nature can blur the lines between different species.