"Goofy" might be a better descriptor, but these seabird statues lining an outer wall of an Ecuadorian cathedral are called "grotesques"—the architectural term for a statue ornamenting the side of a building. But hang on…don"t we call those "gargoyles"? Not exactly. Gargoyles are simply grotesques that boast a specific, practical feature: spouts that convey water from rain gutters away from the building.
A grotesque scene
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Patriot Day
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Sea Otter Awareness Week
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Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
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World Lake Day in the Faroe Islands
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Travel Sunday: Liverpool
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Belgium celebrates its independence
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Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
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An opulent backdrop for a historic event
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Golden larches and Prusik Peak, the Enchantments, Washington
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Crimson-rumped toucanet in the Refugio Paz de Las Aves, Ecuador
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Salt ponds of Maras, Peru
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Amelia Earhart
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Float on
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Who s there? The largest owl in the world
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Te Rewa Rewa Bridge near New Plymouth, New Zealand
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Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
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Marine Day, Japan
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Inside the Oculus
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Old Rock Day
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Summer huts in winter
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Celestial Spain
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Feeling lazy? Today s your day.
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Surf s up—Down Under
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Chapel on the rock
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Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
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Overlooking the Douro
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Apple trees in spring, Germany
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It s a ruff life
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2026 Winter Olympics
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St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland
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