Bird Notes

Taxonomy Kingdom – Animalia Phylum – Chordata Subphylum – Vertebrata Class – Aves Orders – 28 of them! About 9,600 species of birds! 290 species visit Cook County – you will learn about 50 of them

Major Characteristics Long necks (balance & food gathering) Paired forelimbs usually for flying (wings) Feathers (different kinds) Thin skin, scales on legs, no sweat glands Hollow bones, beak with no teeth Endothermic (warm-blooded) No urinary bladder (solid uric acid instead of urine!) Separate sexes, internal fertilization (females determine sex of offspring - ZW, males ZZ)

Bird Reproduction Amniotic Egg (hard shell) More advanced than reptiles Chalaza – suspends yolk in the egg Incubation is external Monogamous (90%) or polygamous (10%) Seasonal monogamy http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

Bird Classification VERY similar to Reptiles BUT: Only animal with feathers Only vertebrate animal that truly flies (except bats) How Classified? Very difficult… So, Scientists use: Body structure Beak differences Foot structure Behavior/Songs 28 Orders of Class Aves

6 Bird Orders You Need to Know Order Passeriformes (“sparrow form”) Largest order (~7,000 species, most diverse) Small to medium size Perching, song birds Examples: Sparrows, Cardinals, Swallows, Ravens, Crows, Jays, etc.

6 Bird Orders You Need to Know Order Podicipediformes (“rump foot form”) Grebes only Marine Bird Only 18 species

6 Bird Orders You Need to Know Order Piciformes (“woodpecker form”) Woodpecker Toucans Barbets and Jacamars 380 species

6 Bird Orders You Need to Know Order Casuariiformes (“cassowary form”) Emus, cassowaries Big, flighless firds 3 related orders (ostriches, rheas, kiwis)

6 Bird Orders You Need to Know Order Ciconiiformes (“stork form”) Tall waders (herons, storks, flamingos, ibises) Long neck, long legs 90 species

6 Bird Orders You Need to Know Order Falconiformes (“falcon form”) Diurnal (daytime) birds of prey Strong fliers, keen vision Eagles, hawks, falcons, condors 270 species