"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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Channel Country, Australia
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World Oceans Day
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Oktoberfest
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Whanganui National Park, Retaruke, New Zealand
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‘Ocian in view! O! The joy.’
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Looking down on the Otter
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World Art Day
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Gauchos showcase Argentina’s independent spirit
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World Turtle Day
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Chicagohenge
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Great cormorants
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National Park Week begins
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Quebec City for Winter Carnival
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Hello, harbinger of spring
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Is that a buzzing sound?
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Churún Merú waterfall in Venezuela
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Art and soul
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Italy s submerged village
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A circular celebration
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Who s there? The largest owl in the world
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Atop the Needle of Chamonix
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Endangered Species Day
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Fiesta at Siesta
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Celebrating Festivus
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Flamingos of the Chilean desert
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Celebrating 30 years of eye-opening images
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Tigh Mor Trossachs on Loch Achray, Scotland
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Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China
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Gray days ahead in Monterey
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International Dark Sky Week
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

