Birds

What is a bird? Birds inhabit a variety of environments around the world, including Antarctica, deserts, and tropical rain forests. Biologists sometimes refer to birds as feathered dinosaurs. Fossil evidence seems to indicate that birds have evolved from small, two-legged dinosaurs called theropods.

Like reptiles, birds have clawed toes and protein scales on their feet. Fertilization is internal and shelled amniotic eggs are produced. Some birds are flightless, all birds have feathers and wings.

Feathers A feather is a lightweight, modified protein scale that provides insulation and enables flight. Preening – running its bill through the feathers to keep them in good condition for flight. It also rubs oil from a gland near the tail into the feathers. Feathers are also good insulators because they reduce heat loss. They also help in waterproofing the bird.

Feathers continued Molting – shedding of old feathers and the growth of new feathers. Usually in late summer Don’t lose all their feathers at one time and are able to fly while molting. Wing and tail feathers are usually lost in pairs so the bird can maintain a balance.

Wings Powerful flight muscles are attached to a large breastbone called the sternum and to the to the upper bone of each wing. It supports enormous thrust and power produced by the muscles as they move to generate the lift needed for flight.

Energy Flight requires high levels of energy. A bird’s four chambered, rapidly beating heart moves oxygenated blood quickly throughout the body. This circulation supplies cells with the oxygen needed to produce energy. Respiratory system supplies oxygenated air to the lungs when it inhales as well as when it exhales.

Breathing Cycles 1. Inhalation – oxygenated air passes through the trachea and into the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Most air passes directly into the posterior air sacs but some goes directly to the lungs. 2. Exhalation – deoxygenated air is removed from the lungs, oxygenated air returns to the lungs from the posterior air sacs. 3. The next inhalation, deoxygenated air in the lungs passes into the anterior air sacs. 4. Finally, at the next exhalation, air passes from the anterior air sacs out of the trachea.

Endotherms Birds are able to maintain the high energy levels needed for flight because they are endotherms. Endotherm is an animal that maintains a nearly constant body temperature that is not dependent on the environment. Feathers help with insulation. When in high temperatures, birds flatten their feathers and hold their wings away from their body. They also pant to increase respiratory heat loss. Allows bird to live in all environments. Endotherms must eat large amounts of foodto sustain high energy levels.

Reproduction Bird have internal fertilization and lay amniotic eggs usually inside a nest. Eggs are encased in a hard shell, unlike the leathery shell of reptiles. Birds do not leave the eggs. Incubate or sit on their eggs to keep them warm. Also, turn eggs to help them develop properly. Some species the male and female sit on nest; in others only one does.

Hollow Bones Wings Beak Air Sacs Legs Digestion

Wings – Birds have a variety of wing shapes and sizes Wings – Birds have a variety of wing shapes and sizes. Some birds have longer, narrower wings adapted for soaring on updrafts, whereas others have shorter, broader wings adapted for quick, shirt flights among the forest trees. Hollow Bones – The hollow bones of birds are strengthened by bony crosspieces. The sternum is the large breastbone to which powerful flight muscles are attached. Beaks – Birds have beaks, sometimes called bills, covered by a protein called keratin, but they do NOT have teeth.

Legs – The legs of birds are made up of mostly skin, bone, and tendons Legs – The legs of birds are made up of mostly skin, bone, and tendons. The feet are adapted to swimming, perching, walking, or catching prey. Digestion – The digestive system of a bird is adapted for dealing with large quantities of food that must be eaten to maintain the level of energy necessary for flight. Because birds have no teeth, many swallow small stones that help to grind up food in the gizzard. Air Sacs –About 75% of the air inhaled by a bird passes directly into the air sacs rather than into the lungs.

Diversity of Birds Depends on the environment in which they live and the food they eat. Ptarmigans – feathered legs and feet that serve as snowshoes in the winter, making it easier for the birds to walk in the snow.

Penguins are flightless birds with wings and feet modified for swimming and a body surrounded with a think layer of insulating fat.

Large eyes, an acute sense of hearing and sharp claws make owls well-adapted, nocturnal predators able to swoop with absolute precision onto their prey.

Shape of Beaks Hummingbirds have long beaks that are used to obtain nectar from flowers. Hawks have curved beaks that are adapted for tearing apart their prey. Pelicans have huge bills with pouches that they use as nets for capturing fish. A cardinal’s stout beaks are for cracking seeds.

Cardinal Hawk Hummingbird Pelican

Origins of Birds Scientists hypothesize that today’s birds are derived from an evolutionary line of dinosaurs that did not become extinct. The earliest known bird in the fossil record is Archaeopteryx.