The whoopsibird (Paradoxornis altaii) is a species of solitary mockingbird-sized near-passerine bird native throughout the marshlands and coastlines of North America and South America, but is adapting well to life in the cities and suburbs in the coastal areas. The bird is named for having a long history of its taxonomy, over time, and still, researchers are having a hard time trying to figure out what group of near-passerine birds it belongs to. The whoopsibird is an omnivore and mainly feeds on aquatic plants, water bugs, small crustaceans, fish, and frogs, using its thick curved beak to scoop up its prey or vegetation. The conservation status of the whoopsibirds is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the whoopsibirds' tolerance to human activitis, and their resistance to otherwise deadly diseases and viruses, including West Nile viruses.