Basic concepts of Ornithology Flashcards
1
Q
What part of the wing is this?
Word Bank:
Primaries, Secondaries, Tertials, Primary Coverts, Secondary Coverts, Marginal Coverts, Alula, Scapulars
A
Primaries
2
Q
What part of the wing is this?
Word Bank:
Primaries, Secondaries, Tertials, Primary Coverts, Secondary Coverts, Marginal Coverts, Alula, Scapulars
A
Primary Coverts
3
Q
What part of the wing is this?
Word Bank:
Primaries, Secondaries, Tertials, Primary Coverts, Secondary Coverts, Marginal Coverts, Alula, Scapulars
A
Marginal Coverts
4
Q
What part of the wing is this?
Word Bank:
Primaries, Secondaries, Tertials, Primary Coverts, Secondary Coverts, Marginal Coverts, Alula, Scapulars
A
Secondary Coverts
5
Q
What part of the wing is this?
Word Bank:
Primaries, Secondaries, Tertials, Primary Coverts, Secondary Coverts, Marginal Coverts, Alula, Scapulars
A
Scapulars
6
Q
What part of the wing is this?
Word Bank:
Primaries, Secondaries, Tertials, Primary Coverts, Secondary Coverts, Marginal Coverts, Alula, Scapulars
A
Secondaries
7
Q
What part of the wing is this?
Word Bank:
Primaries, Secondaries, Tertials, Primary Coverts, Secondary Coverts, Marginal Coverts, Alula, Scapulars
A
Tertials
8
Q
What part of the wing is this?
Word Bank:
Primaries, Secondaries, Tertials, Primary Coverts, Secondary Coverts, Marginal Coverts, Alula, Scapulars
A
Alula
9
Q
4 keys to field ID
A
Shape, Color, Behavior, Habitat
10
Q
Bristles
A
Act like eyelashes, protecting, and to sense prey
11
Q
Down Feather
A
Primarily serve as insulation
12
Q
Filoplumes
A
Used for sensory, possibly in flight - wind direction, feather placement during flight
14
Q
Retrices
A
Tail feathers
15
Q
Aftershaft
A
16
Q
Rachis
A
17
Q
Vane
A
20
Q
Powder Down
A
Powder downs, which occur in a variety of birds, including some parrots, are specialized feathers, usually found in well-defined patches, that produce a powdery substance used to clean and waterproof the other feathers.
21
Q
Apteria
A
Spaces without feathers
22
Q
Pterylae
A
Linear tracts of feathers
23
Q
Brood Patch
A
Patch of featherless skin on breast during nesting, transfers heat to incubating eggs.
28
Q
Carotenoid
A
Carotenoids produce bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Many of the foods that birds eat, such as berries, seeds, and insects are loaded with carotenoids, and birds must ingest these carotenoid-rich to color their feathers.
29
Q
Melanin
A
Melanins produce mainly earth tones, such as black, brown, reddish brown, gray and olive colors. Birds can produce melanins from the basic amino acids that occur naturally in the body.
30
Q
Structural Colors
A
Produced by the interaction of light and the microscopic structure of the surface of the feather, not by pigments. The microscopic structureof the feathers absorbs longer wavelengths and reflects the shorter wavelengths. This produces bright blues and greens as well as UV coloration. White feathers are an example of structural coloration where there are no underlying pigments and all visible wavelengths are reflected back.
34
Q
Plumage
A
All of the bird’s feathers collectively
35
Molting
As feathers become damaged or warn, the old feathers are shed and replaced with brand new (often newly colored) feathers.
36
Pre-juvenal molt
Natal down is shed and replaced by the first set of adult feathers. Birds may remain in juvenal plumage fora a long while follwing nest fledging.
37
Pre-basic molt
Juvenal plumage is replaced by basic plumage. This will repeat annually and the basic plumage will be replenished with new, fresh feathers OR breeding birds in alternate plumage return to their basic plumage for the non-breeding season.
38
Pre-alternate molt
Basic plumage is replaced by alternate plumage.
39
Culmen
The upper ridge of a bird's beak
40
Knob
Modification of the keratin cover of the bill.
(geese)
41
Lamellae
Miniature ridges inside the bills of water-feeding ducks (Anatidae) and water birds (e.g. Phoenicopteridae), and serve as filters during feeding.
42
Pterygoid
Supports the maxilla, can slide forward and backward, allowing the upper jaw to extend upward.
43
Rhamphotheca
Tough jacket of keratin that forms the visible shape of the bill.
44
Digital Pads
Resist the wear and tear of walking and perching
45
Metatarsal Pads
Resist the wear and tear of walking and perching
46
Booted
In the booted foot the tarsus is covered by several long, continuous platelike scales, with no small overlapping scales. Booted feet are found in the thrushes.
47
Scutellate
In the scutellate foot, found in most birds with bare (unfeathered) legs, the tarsus and foot are covered with a tough layer of horny keratin scales called the investment. In most birds, like the Blue Jay, the scales are arranged in an overlapping (imbricated) row along the anterior edges of the tarsus and foot. Scutellate feet are common in songbirds.
48
Reticulate
In the reticulate foot, the tarsus is covred not by a row of overlapping scales but by a fine patchwork of small, irregularly shapedplates in a reticulated (netlike) patern. Reticulate feet are found in many birds, such as falcons and plovers.
49
Ansiodactyl
The ansiodactyl foot is the most common arrangement of the avian toe. Songbirds and most other perching birds have ansiodactyl feet.
50
Zygodactyl
The zygodactyl foot is the 2nd most common toe arrangement in perching birds. It is found in the Osprey, most woodpeckers, owls, cuckoos, most parrots, mousebirds, and some swifts.
51
Heterodactyl
The heterodactyl foot closely resembles the zygodactyl foot, but in the heterodactyl foot the second toe is reversed, to aid the short, weak first digit in gripping branches. Heterodactyl feet are found only in the trogons.
52
Syndactyl
In the syndactyl foot, the second and third digits are fused for much of their length. This foot pattern is common in the Order Coraciformes, kingfishers and hornbills.
53
Pamprodactyl
In the pamprodactyl foot, the first and fourth digits pivot freely forward and backward. Some swifts have pamprodactyl feet. They often rotate all four toes forward and use their tiny feet as hooks to hang while roosting on the walls of chimneys caves, or hollow trees.
54
Palmate
In the palmate foot, only the anterior digits (2,3,4) are included within the webbing. This is the most common type of webbed foot and is found in ducks, geese, swans, gulls, terns, and other aquatic birds.
55
Totipalmate
In the totipalmate foot, all four digits are included within the webbing. Totipalmate feet are found in the gannets and boobies, cormorants, and pelicans, all highly aquatic groups.
56
Semipalmate
Semipalmated means that a small web is present between the anterior digits (2,3,4). Semipalmated feet are found in some sandpipers and plovers, all grouse, and some domestic breeds of chickens.
57
Lobate
In the lobate foot the anterior digits (2,3,4) are edged with lobes of skin that expand or contract as the bird swims. Lobate feet are found in the grebes, though some palmate-footed ducks have lobes of skin on the hallux.
58
Raptorial
The raptorial foot is characterized by long, strong digits armed with heavy claws for catching, holding, and killing prey animals. Raptorial feet are found in kites, hawks, eagles, and falcons.
66
Digitigrade
Birds are digitigrade, meaning they walk on their toes
67
Why is it energetically costly for a bird to fly ?
Commit huge amounts of the body (pectoral muscle) Energetically expensive process
68
In season, what happens to a female birds one ovary ?
It will enlarge drastically. Reducing impact of weight outside breeding season.
69
The larger the keel....
The more powerful the flight
70
What is the function of the Pectoralis ?
Muscle which enables the downward stroke of the wings,
71
Which muscle is larger, Pectoralis or Supracoracoideus ?
Pectoralis muscle, can be up to 35% of body weight
72
What is the function of the Supracoracoideus ?
Returns wings to upstroke
73
How many other wing muscles do birds have and what is there function ?
48 For Adjustments, landing and take off.
74
What is the primary sense organ of birds ?
Sight
75
What structures make up the wing of a bird ?
Forelimb, bones have fused in fingers and hands to make wing. Powerful tendon Compact tiny muscles
76
Describe the air foil shape of the wing.
Leading edge is rounded Tapers to a thin point at the trailing edge.
77
The more curved the wing...
The greater flight capacity (up to a certain point) As greater differential between 2 air speeds.
78
Describe the breaking mechanism of birds in flight.,
Flare their wings, creating a larger curve in wings, altering air speed and pressure.
79
How do birds and aeroplanes vary in how they fly ?
A birds wings generates both lift and Thrust An aeroplanes wings produce lift, and its engine produces thrust.
80
How can migratory birds utilise induced drag ?
Fly in V formation, minimising energy by flying inside wing tip vortices of bird in front.
81
How is thrust generated in wings ?
By flapping wings, The down-stroke creates most of the force whilst the up-stroke acts as a recovery.
82
What is gliding ?
Utilising your own weight to overcome the air resistance of forward motion. Will gradually lose height.
83
Smaller birds usually use gliding as a flight mechanism. True or False ?
False, it is usually larger birds, More able to overcome air resistance using weight.
84
Define soaring,
When a bird maintains or increases altitude without flapping its wings.
85
What is slope soaring ?
Where wind is deflected upwards due to large objects such as cliffs. Can position themselves in these vortices.
86
What is Dynamic soaring ?
Local updrafts where the wind meets the waves,
87
Give a species which uses dynamic soaring.
Albatross, has huge narrow tapered wings to utilise these
88
What is the defining feature of the class Aves ?
Feathers
89
What protein are feathers made from ?
Keratin
90
Give the key features of feathers
Strong but lightweight Flexible Softer than scales Waterproof
91
The number of feathers is roughly consistent with the.....
Species of bird.
92
Give an example of the immense feather diversity of Aves.
Ruby throated hummingbird- 940 Whistling swan (artic bird) 25,000
93
List the 5 types of feather.
Contour Down Semiplume Bristle Filoplume
94
Where are the contour feathers found ?
On the outer surface of the bird
95
Name the contour flight feathers
Remiges
96
Name the contour tail feathers ?
Retrices
97
Which feathers give a birds characteristic smooth round shape ?
Contour feathers.
98
Which 2 ways can birds achieve visual colourings ?
Pigments or structures on the contour feathers
99
What are melanin's ?
Black, grey, tan colourations of the contour feathers Made by birds
100
What are carotenoids ?
Red, orange, yellow colourations of the contour feathers In diet of birds
101
How does reflectance create colour ?
Diff sized melanin particles reflect light in diff ways = different colours
102
Give an example of interference
Iridescence in hummingbirds.
103
How does interference create colour ?
Hollow structures In the feathers cause light bouncing in and out to interfere with itself
104
Give the 2 structural adaptions of contour feathers which create light
Interference Reflectance
105
Birds eyesight is identical to humans True or False ?
False, Birds have an extra cone in their eyes enabling them to see UV
106
How is UV reflectance important to birds ?
They are able to see in UV, therefore will have feather adaptions to reflect UV.
107
List the features of the Contour feather structure
Rachis, Barbs, Barbules and hooks
108
What is the Rachis ?
The hollow central shaft of the contour feather backbone.
109
What are the barbs ?
The extensions of the contour feather either side of the rachis. Pigments are found here.
110
What are barbules and hooks ?
Enable fastening of contour feathers to each other Providing stiffness and flexibility.
111
Where are Down Feathers found ?
Close to the skin of the bird
112
What is the function of the down feathers ?
Give insulation
113
Which feather is bigger Contour or Down feathers ?
Contour feathers
114
Down feathers have barbules and hooks True or False ?
False, they do not interlock together.
115
Describe the shape of Semiplume feathers.
Intermediate shape between contour and down feathers.
116
What is the function of the Semiplume feathers ?
Insulation Supporting feathers- keep form
117
Describe the structure of bristle feathers.
They are stiff with few barbs
118
Where are bristle feathers found ?
Around the mouth and eyes of some birds
119
What is the function of bristle feathers ?
Act as protective filters- grit, sand Funnel insectivores towards mouth.
120
Describe the structure of Filoplume feathers.
They are hair like with few barbs at the tip. No muscles at the base Many vibration and pressure receptors.
121
What is the function of the Filoplume feathers ?
To alter the shape of the contour feathers in response to receptor signals Help keep feather form
122
Where are the Filoplume feathers found ?
Usually covered by other feathers.
123
List the 4 functions of feathers.
Attraction Crypsis Insulation Flight
124
Define Crypsis
The ability of an animal to avoid observation or detection by other animals
125
What is the purpose of crypsis ?
Enable prey to escape predators OR Enable predators to consume prey
126
What is Crypsis usually coupled with ?
Behavioural traits
127
Which out of Males or females have a brighter plumage ?
Males. Required to take risk as competition for females.
128
Give the plumage conflict faced by male birds.
Sexual selection and Camouflage
129
Describe how the Mallard (male duck) balances the plumage conflict.
Moulting Will moult into Crypsis brown feathers after breeding season Minimise predation risk.
130
Why are feathers important for insulation ?
Birds are ectothermic Need to maintain a body temp of 40C.
131
Give the adaptions of birds to seasonal habitats.
Denser plumage in winter Fluff out feathers
132
What is preening ?
The cleaning of a birds feathers.
133
What is the function of preening ?
Restore feather structure (interlock contour feathers) Clean plumage Waterproofing Social benefit
134
How do birds waterproof their feathers ?
Apply oils across their feathers from the uropygial gland.
135
What is Allopreening ?
Group preening Reduced stress and creates bonds
136
Give the 4 other methods of cleaning that birds use.
Bathing Dust Bath Sunning Anting
137
What are the disadvantages of bathing ?
When feathers are waterlogged, it is harder to escape predators.
138
Why do birds sun themselves ?
Softens old oil & Stimulates ectoparasites to move Easier to remove Generate vitamin D
139
What is Anting ?
Where birds place themselves on an ant hill The ants remove ectoparasites
140
What is moulting ?
The process of feather replacement. Occurs a minimum of once a year.
141
Why does moulting not occur when birds are migrating or breeding ?
Requires large amounts of energy
142
How is the disruption of moulting minimised ?
Completed in a staggered fashion. Predictable sequence 2 minimise impact on wing & tail feathers.
143
Why is moulting important for males ?
Enables replacement of display plumage after breeding season. Decrease predation threat.
144
What is ornithology ?
The study of birds
145
How many species of birds are alive today ?
9,800 species
146
Give the smallest and largest bird species alive today.
Large diversity Ostrich- 154kg Bee hummingbird- 1.5g
147
Give an example of a bird species which exhibits Polyandry
Females more than one male Jacana
148
Give an example of a bird species which exhibits Polygynandry
2 or more males, exclusive sexual relationship with 2 or more females Dunnock
149
Give an example of a bird species which exhibits Polygyny
Males more than one female Sage Grouse
150
Give an example of a bird species which exhibits monogamy
Greater flamingo
151
Give the TAXONOMY of birds
Phylum- Chordata Subphylum- Vertebrata Class- Aves
152
Aves are Amniotes. True or False?
True, They have amniotic eggs.
153
Describe the mechanical digestion system of birds
Toothless horny beak swallows food. Gizzard in stomach acts like molars.
154
Birds have a low metabolic rate . True or False ?
False, They have a high metabolic rate Require lots of energy when resting.
155
What is thermal soaring ?
Convection currents are created by uneven heating of the ground Used by birds
156
What type of bird uses convection currents ?
Migratory birds (Turkey vulture) Generate height before flying over the ocean.
157
How do birds generate thrust ?
Flapping of wings in asymmetric motion
158
What is hovering ?
Maintaining a stationary position in air.
159
What are the 2 forms of hovering ?
True hovering Wind hovering
160
What is Wind hovering ?
The bird flies into a head wind, balancing their forward propulsion to stay stationary
161
Which species used wind hovering ?
Osprey, when hunting for fish
162
What is true hovering ?
Maintenance of stationary position using wing stroke. Wing air foil shape is maintained in upward and downward stroke.
163
What system of hovering do humming birds use ?
True hovering Wing beat- 52 beats per second.
164
How do eagles overcome high wing loading ?
Jump off cliff to generate flight
165
How do swans overcome high wing loading ?
Will run across the waters surface.
166
Describe Elliptical shaped wings
Short, rounded wings with large wing slots. Low aspect ratio
167
What are the advantages of Elliptical shaped wings ?
Good manoeuvrability Fast take off
168
Describe the type of bird which will have Elliptical shaped wings.
Forest dwellers- manoeuvrable (wood peckers) Threatened by mammalian predation- Fast take off (Pheasant, Grouse)
169
Why do Elliptical shaped wings have large wing slots ?
Wings generate induced drag Slots dissipate air as vortices are spread over a wider area.
170
Describe High lift shaped wings.
Broad wings Wing slots (reduced drag) Moderate aspect ratio Heavily cambered (curved)
171
What is the advantage of High lift shaped wings ?
Able to carry heavy load with minimal energy loss Excellent for soaring
172
Which species have high lift shaped wings ?
Terrestrial soaring species Eagles, vultures, storks
173
Describe high speed shaped wings.
Wings swept back Slender tip No wing slots High aspect ratio
174
What are the advantages for high speed shaped wings ?
Aerial feeding Long migrations
175
Why do high speed shaped wings have no slots ?
The wing shape itself reduces induced drag
176
Give some species which have high speed shaped wings.
Swallows, Swifts, Shorebirds
177
Describe the adaptions of birds who use soaring as a means of travel
Long narrow wings Now wing slots High aspect ratio Pointed wings- reduce drag when gliding
178
What type of birds use soaring as a means of travel ?
Sea birds in a windswept environment I.E. Albatross
179
Give the 3 key functions of flight
Feeding, Courtship, Migration
180
Give examples of species which are specially adapted for feeding whilst in flight
Hummingbirds- Drink nectar Swifts and swallows
181
Give 2 examples of bird groups which use flight for feeding ?
Predatory birds (track down prey) Scavengers (track carcass)
182
Why is flight important in courtship ?
Enables displays, both singular and duets. (M&F in synchronisation)
183
Give an example of a species which migrates.
Willow Warbler Alaska to Sahara. 10,000 km
184
What is are the benefits of migration ?
Can raise more offspring as there are longer daylight hours. Able to utilise resources in disparate habitats
185
Which species claps their mandibles together to produce noise ?
Frigatebirds
186
Why do woodpeckers drum on hollow branches ?
To capture invertebrates To communicate
187
Describe how the Palm Cockatoo generates noise.
Tool use Uses a stick to drum on hollow logs.
188
Which system produces vocal communication ?
The respiratory system
189
What is the role of the larynx in birds ?
Prevents food entering the respiratory tract (no sound production)
190
List the birds that do not have a Syrinx
Ratites, Storks, New world vulture
191
What noises can birds without syrinx's make ?
Only Grunts and hisses.
192
Where is the syrinx located ?
Where the trachea branches into 2 bronchi.
193
Describe the structure of the Syrinx
Clavicular air sac Than Syringeal muscles Trachea Within each is the internal tympaniform membrane opposite erectile tissue.
194
How is noise produced in a bird ?
It forces air along the bronchial tube, past the Tympanal membrane Diameter and protrusion can be adjusted. As air passes the tympanum vibrates and sound is created.
195
How can sound produced in the syrinx be modified by the bird ?
Opening & closing beak & changing its shape.
196
What is special about the syrinx ?
Very efficient organ Can use 2 bronchi separately.
197
Which species can sing with one side of the bronchus whilst breathing through the other ?
Canaries
198
Which species can double the rate at which they sing using alternation ?
Cowbirds. sing rapid notes alternating form either side of the bronchus.
199
Describe the bronchi use of thrushes.
Sing rising notes from one side of the bronchus Sing falling notes from the other.
200
Which group of birds are Songs limited to ?
Passeriformes (perching birds)
201
What are songs important for ?
Reproduction Usually complex
202
Which vocalisations are under the influence of sex hormones ?
Songs
203
Why do birds sing in a dawn chorus ?
Air is still- good sound transmission Fewer predators Insects less easy to find (no conflict between foraging & song) Lay eggs in morning- (^ paternity success for males)
204
What are calls ?
Acoustically simple Means of announcing food or predation Not sexual (not male bias)
205
Describe how offspring communicate temperature requirements to pelican parents
Air space in egg enables communication Occurs late in embryonic development Communicate whether too hot or too cold Parents can regulate incubation.
206
What are the benefits to synchronised hatching in quails ?
Group benefits- diluted predation threat Precocial, if late hatching may be isolated as parent foraging with siblings.
207
What does Precocial mean ?
Offspring are relatively mature upon hatching Able to forage for food themselves.
208
How do quails synchronise hatching ?
Call to one another from within their eggs.
209
What does Altricial mean ?
Offspring which are completely reliant on their parents for warmth and food
210
Altricial species beg for food, how does this remain honest ? (I.e. birds beg when not hungry)
Due to the cost to offspring Energetically costly Attracts predator to nest
211
Name at least four characteristics birds have in common.
feathers, beaks, four chamber heart, endothermic, wings, egg layers, breathe air
212
Do birds have a higher or lower body temperature than humans?
significantly higher, 109 - 112 degrees F
213
Birds were designed for flight. Name the specific designs birds have for flight.
hollow bones/honeycomb bones one ovary, no gall bladder, egg laying small or no teeth
214
Are living cells present in fully formed feathers?
NO
215
Feathers that chiefly cover a bird’s body and give it form are called
contour featers
216
The chief function of down feathers is to
conserve heat
217
Powder down feathers help ______________ the other feathers.
waterproof and preserve
218
The preen or __________ gland is the only prominent skin gland in birds. Its function is _______________ Some birds do not have this gland (like the _________ and ________________ birds). Instead, these birds preen with \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
uropygial to secret oil and waterproof and preserve feathers ostrich, emu, woodpecker, parrots powederdown
219
The color in feathers may be due to either ______________ or \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
pigmentation or structure
220
Since feathers wear out, they need to be replaced. This process is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. How often do birds do this?
molting adults - two times a year babies - four times a year
221
Many bird’s bones are \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
honeycomb or hollow
222
Most birds, in general, have eyes that are placed on the __________ of their head, so each eye sees a different view. Raptors, however, have _______________ vision, which means they can\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
side binocular or stereoscopic perceive depth
223
Food is stored in a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
crop
224
The part of the stomach that is muscular and acts as a filter for indigestible fragments in food is the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
gizzard
225
What is a cloaca?
common chamber for waste and reproduction expulsion
226
Name at least four types of nests:
ground, natural, burrow, rudimentary, branch
227
Do all birds lay a specific number of eggs? Explain.
yes/no determinate layers - don't lay more indeterminate layers lay more if first removed
228
Describe a brood patch.
area without feathers to keep eggs warm
229
What is the difference between precocial and altricial?
precocial - active young right away, need very little parental care altricial - lots of development to still do and extremely dependent on parents
230
Give at least three examples of beak types and how they relate to food habits.
Probing - sucking nectar deep from within a flower (hummingbird) Seining - filter small aquatic life from water (Flamingo) Hooks/Meat Eating - made to tear flesh - predatory (Raptors) Prying - strong like a chisel (Woodpecker)
231
Give at least three examples of foot shapes and how they relate to a particular bird’s environment or behavior.
Duck - webbed feet for swimming Woodpecker - climbing tow toes pointing forward and two pointing backward Ostrich - thick toes made for running
232
What are the three main ways a waterfowl feed?
grazing, dappling, diving
233
During the male’s post-nuptial molt, can he fly?
No - all feathers molt at once
234
How does raptor vision compare with ours?
8 to 10 times better stereoscopic like ours owls eyes are fixed
