Wild birds are captured in amazing, award-winning photos

From an estimated 10,000 bird species, some 3,000 were captured in stunning photos that were submitted for entry into the inaugural World Bird Photo Contest by photographers from around the world. National Geographic's Daily News allowed us a sneak peek at some of the amazing photographs that ended up in winning categories. If you enjoy the following, visit National Geographic to see many more. 

Photograph by Kit Day,HBW/Rex

These seven little bee-eaters, indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa, are a tight-knit group, proving that birds of a feather stick together. 

Photograph by Dubi Shapiro, HBW/Rex

The marvellous spatuletail, an endangered hummingbird found in Peru, is unique with two outer feathers featuring spatula-looking tips that would make a short-order cook envious. 

Photograph by Philip Perry, HBW/Rex

One wonders what happened to the lappet-faced vulture after a golden jackal made its move to defend itself in Tanzania. Or, considering the bird's backup numbers, what ultimately happened to the golden jackal. 

Photograph by Antero Topp, HBW/Rex

This African elephant had the misfortune of running into a dense flock of red-billed quelea in Kenya. It is the most abundant wild-bird species in the world, and waiting for a huge flock to pass can take up to five hours.

Photograph by JaimeRojo, HBW/Rex

A pair of gentoo penguins, the fastest penguins in the water, seem right at home out of the water in the harsh climate of Antarctica. Too bad we can't hear the penguin's famous trumpeting call. 

East Valley Consulting: Gareth Roberts
East Valley Consulting: Gareth Roberts