June 19, 2022 - Want to give your dad a great compliment this Father’s Day? Tell him he’s flamingo-esque. Or that a ruddy duck has nothing on him. You might have a little explaining to do, but flamingos and ruddy ducks are just a few of the great animal dads out there.
Red fox
Red fox dads bring food to the den every four to six hours for the first month after cubs are born. Dads also join in on roughhousing and playing with their pups which plays an important role in development.
Great horned owl
While his mate warms their eggs, great horned owl dads catch rodents to feed her. Once eggs hatch, he feeds the whole family. This owl was snapped at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming.
Ruddy duck
Unlike many of his duck pals, the ruddy duck dad shares responsibility for his young. This one was snapped at Morris Wetland Management District in Minnesota.
Barking tree frog
Barking tree frog dads prevent eggs from drying by dousing them with urine. Look for him at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina.
Greater flamingo
Flamingo dads help feather the nest and takes turns sitting on it. When a pair's single egg hatches, dad shares chick-rearing duties. Look for him at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida.
We’re wishing everyone a happy Father’s Day!
Source: USFWS
