DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Birds

Red-billed Gulls Standing in a row
Red-billed Gulls
Author: Daniel Gammert
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Aves

Back to Animals

What is it that makes an animal a bird?

The main characteristic of a bird is feathers. No other animal has feathers. Other important features for birds are wings and hollow bones. Birds also lay eggs, like reptiles, however they are warm-blooded, like mammals.

What are Feathers?

Feathers are made of keratin. This is the same stuff that fingernails are made of. At the center of the feather is a hollow shaft called the rachis. Connected to the shaft are lots of thin branches called barbs. Off of the barbs are even smaller branches called barbules. All of these branches make a light structure that can gather air to fly.

birds taking off in flight
Birds flying
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
How do birds fly?

Birds fly by flapping their wings and using air pressure to create lift under their wings. Just like airplanes do. The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest birds. It can reach speeds of well over 100 miles per hour when diving.

Feathers are important to birds because they keep them warm, help them to fly, and provide camouflage. Hollow bones also help in flying because they help make the bird light enough to fly.

Ostrich
Ostriches are birds that can't fly
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Not All Birds Fly

Although an important characteristic of most birds is flying, not all birds fly. Some birds that don't fly are penguins, kiwis, and ostriches. Penguins actually spend a good portion of time in the water where they are prolific swimmers. Ostriches on the other hand are very fast runners. An ostrich can outrun a horse!

Types of Birds

There are all sizes of birds. Hummingbirds are some of the smallest birds, while ostriches are some of the biggest. Different types of birds eat different things. Some birds feed on plants, some birds eat insects, and still others eat other animals like fish, snakes, or rodents.

Birds are also known for their massive migrating patterns. Some Birds will travel long distances each season to stay in a climate that is good for their survival. Birds are sometimes kept as pets. The most popular birds for pets are tropical birds like parrots. Birds also have a history of helping out humans in various tasks. They can carry messages (homing pigeons) and help hunt (falcons).

Two Nene birds standing in field
Pair of Nene birds
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fun Facts About Birds

For more about birds:

Blue and Yellow Macaw - Colorful and chatty bird
Bald Eagle - Symbol of the United States
Cardinals - Beautiful red birds you can find in your backyard.
Flamingo - Elegant pink bird
Mallard Ducks - Learn about this awesome Duck!
Ostriches - The biggest birds don't fly, but man are they fast.
Penguins - Birds that swim
Red-tailed Hawk - Raptor

Back to Animals




Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.