Introduction to Birds

1
Introduction to Birds
Bald Eagle
Acorn Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon
American White Pelican
2
General Info/Characteristics

• Class Aves 8,600 species
• Developed from a Theropod Dinosaur
• http//www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/diapsids/saurischia/t
  heropoda.html
• Endothermic maintain constant body temperature
  (homeostasis and live in different environments.)
• Clawed toes and scales on feet only.
• Hollow bones to aid in easy flight.
• How do birds fly?

3
Wings/Feathers

• Feathers are modified scales, aiding in flight
  and providing protection and insulation.
• Preening birds run bill through feathers to
  keep them in good condition.
• Molting birds shed old feathers (in pairs to
  maintain balance), replacing them with new ones.
• Wings are front limbs, attached to sternum.
• Added info flight muscles are attached to wings
  at sternum.

4
System Info

• Circulatory Four-chambered heart (efficiency
  for increasing energy use)
• Respiratory Lungs working during inhalation and
  exhalation.
• Reproduction
• Lay shelled, amniotic eggs (reptiles)
• Internal fertilization
• Incubation (warmth)
• Digestive
• Beaks to grasp/crush food
• Large quantities of food for energy (flight)

5
Diversity of Birds

• Similar appearance
• Behavior is main difference
• Penguins do not fly and have lots of fat
• Owls large eyes and are deft (skillful) flyers