what flies but is not a bird

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3. Kuhl’s parachute gecko

The common flying gecko, or Kuhls parachute gecko (Gekko kuhli), is an Asian lizard that can be found in southern Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Â.

These geckos can glide over short distances thanks to their flat tail, webbed feet, and flaps on either side of their bodies. Their side flaps also blend in with the bark of the trees, providing such effective camouflage that only their eyes are visible. Â.

It can cling to even smooth, vertical, or overhanging surfaces, just like flying frogs.

© Pavaphon Supanantananont via Shutterstock

2. Paradise tree snake

The S-shaped body of the paradise tree snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) allows it to glide by flattening and stiffening. Its body can even move to make small airborne turns, and they undulate to stay stable. It remains aerodynamic and can travel more than 20 meters by tilting their bodies 25 to 30 degrees against the airflow.

Frogs, bats, geckos, and other lizards are among the prey of paradise tree snakes. They can grow up to one mile long and are found in Southeast Asia. 5 metres. They are nocturnal and easily recognized by their vivid coloring and red scales that resemble flowers. Â.

© Valt Ahyppo via Shutterstock

7. Japanese flying squid

Native to the north Pacific Ocean, the Japanese flying squid (Todarodes pacificus), also called the Japanese common squid, is found near Korea, Japan, China, Russia, and the Bering Strait. The female can reach a length of 50 centimeters, making her larger than the male. They can alter their color to blend in with their surroundings, like many other cephalopods, which helps them avoid being seen by predators.

The Japanese flying squid moves quickly through the water thanks to jet propulsion. This is accomplished by the squid drawing water into its mantle, the muscular cavity that covers its body, and forcing it out of the siphon, a tube-like structure that expels waste, water, and ink.

The Japanese flying squid’s jet propulsion is so strong that it allows them to break free of the water and glide by spreading their fins and arms to create aerodynamic lift. They can move at up to 11 meters per second once they are in the air. They are thought to use their ability to glide to both avoid predators and to move quickly—they can move through the air five times faster than they can through the water. Japanese flying squid capture the fish and crustaceans that comprise their diet by using their swift reflexes. Â.

© Corina Sturm via Shutterstock

The ability to glide is crucial for the small draco lizard (Draco volans) to avoid predators, locate food, and even attract a mate. They primarily consume termites and ants and are found in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Â.

Its long ribs can stretch and contract as needed, and when it opens up, a fold of skin between the ribs functions as wings. Draco lizards can move up to 58 meters by using their tails as a steering aid. When in flight, they can grasp their wings by rotating their wrists 90 degrees.

Draco lizards grow to just 20 centimetres including their tails. Males have blue undersides to their wings, while females have yellow dewlaps (the skin at the base of their necks), and blue-grey underwings in males. Because they can glide so well, males will use their strong sense of territoriality to drive other lizards out of trees they claim as their own.

© Ryan M. Bolton via Shutterstock

FAQ

What can fly but is not a bird?

A bat can fly like a bird, yet it is not treated as a bird, because it: Q.

What animal can fly that is not a bird?

Mammals. Bats are the only freely flying mammals. A few other mammals can glide or parachute; the best known are flying squirrels and flying lemurs.

Which of these is not a flying bird?

Flightless birds are birds which cannot fly. They rely on their ability to run or swim, and have evolved from their flying ancestors. There are about 60 species living today, the best known being the ostrich, emu, cassowary, rhea, kiwi, and penguin.

What animal that can fly?

While birds, insects and bats are the only animals which can be said to be ‘true’ fliers, there are a number of animals that can glide or ‘appear’ to fly. Here are just a few: Devil ray – Related to the manta ray, this ray can jump several feet out of the water and has a wingspan of 17 feet!