A one week old White Egret chick already exercises its tiny, arm-like wings as it clamors over its siblings underneath.

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A tiny one week old baby White Egret exercises its tiny wings in the safety of its woven twig crib. Two siblings are also down in the nest beneath the active little fellow. Perhaps this little guy is he dominant chick as it seems to overwhelm his siblings one of which can be seen below it. The parent stands protectively near with its legs and pretty aigrettes in view. This little wing does show how a wing is a modified arm, even more clearly that the bigger wings full of feathers. You can see upper arm, forearm and the 'hand' portion quite well and the little thumb must be the alula. The young bird looks a bit prehistoric with its bare neck and face.

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Size: 3609px × 2789px
Location: Wakodahatchee Rookery, Florida, USA
Photo credit: © Judy Lovell-Janthina Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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