I wouldn't sail this ship if I were you
1. The Western Thnorbilla. A bird of highly distinctive appearance that has developed a symbiotic relationship with humans. The Western Thnorbilla is covered with stiff, spiky white feathers that resemble spines - indeed, bird experts have speculated that further evolution in that general direction would lead to a kind of bird-porcupine thing. When in camouflage mode, the Thnorbilla extends and locks together its long legs so that they resemble a handle, the whole bird thereby somewhat resembling a toilet brush. The Thnorbilla then infiltrates a human house. If it finds a toilet brush of suitable design, it drags it to a local bin and tosses it. Then it occupies the vacant brush holder, drinking from the toilet and venturing into the kitchen at night to raid the fridge. As most Thnorbilla hosts are unaware of their visitors, it is difficult to get an estimate of population. However, recent high-resolution footage of the bird’s brush-chucking antics is thought to have been obtained and is scheduled for a future BBC bird documentary with David Attenborough. Scientists thereby hope that more people may be inspired to check for Thnorbillas so a proper census of this unusual species can be obtained.
2. The Giant Splapbird. This bird, thought to be one of the largest that has ever lived, is surprisingly hard to spot. The Giant Splapbird roosts on tiled roofs, where it has evolved a sophisticated camouflage; each feather resembles a roof tile, and its large round beak can be easily mistaken for a chimney pot. Provided it chooses the right roofs, and provided people rarely look up, the Giant Splapbird can evade detection for a lifetime. We are unsure what it eats and do not wish to find out.
3. Cadden’s Warbler. Can you hear a noise, right now, that sounds a little like a dripping tap? Just on the edge of hearing? Are you sure? Listen really carefully. You think that might be it? Annoying, isn’t it. That’s the Cadden’s Warbler. You probably have two to three hundred living in the pipes and drains of your house and they will. not. shut. up. Should you be unfortunate enough to have an infestation so severe that you actually start to see them flying around, you may note that they are small grey birds about the size of bees. Due to their habitat, they are continually a bit damp and dirty and you may want to discourage them from perching on things. A really dense swarm of Cadden’s Warblers looks a bit like the sort of static that one used to see on old-timey televisions and might be a good reason to leave the country.