BIRDS

CH. 34.2

I. Characteristics

A. Class Aves.9,000 speciesOnly organisms with feathers.

Endothermic [warm-blooded]

Have clawed toes with scales on the feet.

Bones are thin and hollow.

Internal fertilization with amniotic eggs.

No teeth present.

Have bills or beaks.

B. Ornithology

The study of birds.

II. Feathers

A. Are modified scales that provide:1. Insulation2. For flight

B. Preening

The process of a bird running its bill through its feathers to keep them from drying out.

C. Molting [to molt]

The shedding and replacing of old feathers.

Usually occurs in late summer.

D. Types of Feathers

1. ContourUsed in flight.Found on the body, wings, and tail.

2. DownFound under the contour.Insulate the body.

3. Parts of a Contour Feather

a. quillHollow cylinder filled with a jellylike substance.

b. shaftMiddle section.

c. barbsTiny branches off the shaft.

d. barbulesTiny branches off the barbs.Hooked to connect the barbs.

e. vaneThe flat surface of the feather.

III. Adaptations for Flight

A. modified front limbs into wings.

Variety of shapes and sizes.

B. sternum [breastbone]Where flight muscles are

attached.

C. Much energy is required for flight. Several factors create this energy:

1. 4-chambered heart2. Endothermic

*NOTE*

Feather insulation REDUCES heat loss.

Holding feathers out and “panting” INCREASE heat loss.

3. Eating large amounts of food.

D. The Digestive System

a. adapted for dealing with large amounts of food.The gizzard grinds up food

with the aid of ingested small stones or sand.

IV. Bird Adaptations

A. Four Groups of Birds:

{based on four adaptive

feet type}

1. PERCHING

--robins, sparrows,

blue jays

2. SWIMMING--ducks and geese

2. SWIMMING--ducks and geese

3. FLIGHTLESS (walking)--ostrich, penguin and emu

4. CATCHING PREY

--eagles and hawks

B. Beak Adaptations

Beaks are a reflection of how birds eat.

Examples:Pelican- pouched.Hawk- curved beaks to tear prey.

Red-headed Woodpecker

Goldfinch- short and stout to crack seeds.

Hummingbirds- long and needle-like for “dipping” into flowers.

V. Development

A. eggs are laid in a nest.B. one or both parents incubate them by covering them with a patch of featherless skin {a brood patch}.

VI. Communication

A. “calls” are used to:1. Attract a mate2. Warn others

VII. Protection

Three ways of protection:1. Flight2. Camouflage3. fighting

VIII. Miscellaneous FactsSmallest bird=hummingbird [2”]

Largest bird, fastest bird, and biggest eggs= ostrich [8’tall, 300lbs., 37 km/h]

Largest nest= bald eagle

Highest flyer= bar headed goose [25,000 ft.]

Deepest underwater diver= common loon [160 ft. deep]

Common Loon

IX. Birds as Symbols

A. Bald Eagle= USA

B. Dove= “peace”

C. Owl= “wisdom”

ENDTHE