European facts for kids

The word European can mean a few different things, usually connected to the continent of Europe. It can refer to a person who lives in Europe, or something that comes from or is typical of Europe.

Sometimes, "European" also refers to things related to the European Union, which is a group of countries in Europe that work together. So, a person could be called European if they are a citizen of one of these countries. It can also describe a European windstorm, which is a big storm that affects parts of Europe.

European Animals and Plants

Europe is home to many interesting animals and plants. Here are a few examples of species that have "European" in their name:

European Ash Tree

The European ash is a tall tree that grows all over Europe. It's a type of ash tree, and it's known as a deciduous tree, which means it loses its leaves in the autumn. These trees can grow very tall, reaching heights of 20 to 35 metres! They are an important part of many European forests.

European Birds

Europe has many beautiful birds. Here are two well-known ones:

European Magpie

The European magpie is a smart bird that belongs to the crow family. You can find it in many parts of Europe, a lot of Asia, and even Northwest Africa. Magpies are known for their striking black and white feathers and their long tails. They are very clever and can even learn to mimic sounds.

European Robin

The European robin is a small, friendly bird famous for its bright orange-red chest. It's a common sight in gardens and parks across Europe. Robins are often seen in winter and are sometimes called "Christmas birds" because they are featured on holiday cards. They are quite bold and will often come close to people.

European Mammals

One interesting mammal found in Europe is the badger.

European Badger

The European badger is a type of badger that lives in almost all of Europe. It belongs to the genus Meles. Badgers are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. They live in underground tunnels called "setts" and are known for their distinctive black and white striped faces. They eat a variety of foods, including worms, insects, and fruits.

European Insects

Bees are very important insects, and one type is especially common in Europe.

European Honey Bee

The European honey bee is a species of bee that is well-known for making honey. These bees live in large colonies and are vital for pollinating many plants, including crops that humans eat. They are found all over the world now, but they originally came from Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.

European Fish

Many kinds of fish live in the waters around Europe.

European Sprat

The European sprat is a small, silvery fish that lives in the North Atlantic Ocean, including the seas around Europe. It's a type of herring and often swims in large schools. Sprats are an important food source for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. They are also caught by humans for food.