Introduction to Birds
Bald Eagle
Acorn Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon
American White Pelican
General Info/Characteristics
 Class Aves: 8,600 species
 Developed from a Theropod Dinosaur
 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?
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.
System Info
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a.
b.
c.
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a.
b.
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)
Diversity of Birds
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b.
Similar appearance
Behavior is main difference
Penguins do not fly and have lots of fat
Owls large eyes and are deft (skillful)
flyers