Birds Flashcards

1
Q

Birds are classified by

A

All birds belong to the kingdom animalia, phylum chordata and class aves
There are 29 different orders within this class
Make up the different ‘types’ of birds with different traits
Ex. waterfowl vs parrots vs falcons
Further subdivided into different families, genus and species

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2
Q

Galliformes are and look like

A

Landfowl
Heavy bodied, ground feeding birds
Chickens, turkeys, grouse
Males are typically more colourful
Typically 4 toes- 3 large in front, 1 small in back

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3
Q

Anseriformes are and look like

A

Waterfowl
Over 170 species in 3 families
Include ducks, geese, swans, etc
Adapted for aquatic life at the water surface
Webbed feet

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4
Q

Ratites are and look like

A

A ratite is any of a diverse group (includes several different orders) of large, flightless birds, most of them now extinct
Unlike flighted birds, they have no keel on their sternum (which is flat) so they lack a strong anchor for wing muscles (some other flightless birds still have a keel, however it is underdeveloped)
Poorly developed wings, will develop legs
Have 2,3, or 4 toes all point forward
Include the ostrich, emu, kiwi, rhea, and cassowary

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5
Q

raptors are

A

s
Diurnal (active during the day) or nocturnal (active during the night)
Multiple families in 3 orders
A bird of prey or raptor is a bird that hunts for food primarily using its talons
Carnivores
They display a characteristic curved tip to their beak and have superb vision

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6
Q

What are the 3 families of raptors

A

Falconiformes
Accipitriformes
Strigiformes

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7
Q

Psittaciformes (psittacines) are and look like

A

aka parrots
Most pet birds belong to the parrot order psittaciformes (psittacines)
Almost 400 different species in over 90 different genera
Overhanging, strong, curved upper beak
Both upper and lower beaks are mobile and sensitive
Opposing toes (2 by 2)
Eyes are placed high and wide on the skull
A uniquely wide field of vision
Tropical or subtropical

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8
Q

Why are parrots prized by people

A

Prized by their
Brightly coloured plumage due to special pigments and feather arrangements
Many species can talk
Intelligence

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9
Q

Parrots: diet and nesting

A

Most parrots eat
Seeds
Nuts
Especially those with very strong beals
Fruits
Buds
Other plant material
Most nest in hollow trees are nesting boxes

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10
Q

Parrots are divided into 3 ‘Superfamilies’

A

True parrots
Cockatoos
New Zealand parrots

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11
Q

What birds are true parrots

A

Lories and lorikeets
Nectar eating, brushed tongue
Macaws, conures, eclectus parrots, amazon parrots, african gray parrots, budgerigar and many others from africa/australasia

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12
Q

How do you know if the bird is a cackatoo

A

The only crested parrots

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13
Q

Cockatoos look like

A

Crested
Mobile
Raised for display
Not as colourful as other parrots

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14
Q

Where are cockatoos from and how many species are there

A

Native to Australasia
21 different species of cockatoos (eg. umbrella, Sulfur Crested, Goffins, Cockatiels)
These are not breeds, but truly different species

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15
Q

Cockatiel is

A

The smallest and easiest to keep of the cockatoos
Live in pairs or small groups in the wild
Popular

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16
Q

Difference between male and female cockatiels

A

Adult males are more brightly coloured
Females have grey faces
Differences only visible after the first moult
Newer “fancy cockatiels” may not be able to distinguish

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17
Q

When do cockatiels crests erect

A

When standing
During mating
When aroused

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18
Q

Lories and lorikeets characteristics

A

Live in trees
Feed on nectar and soft fruits
Colourful
From Australasia
Characteristics
Small to medium sized
Brush tipped tongue

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19
Q

Problems with lories and lorikeets

A

Messy eaters
Territorial so may bite

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20
Q

African greys are

A

Large parrots: african grey parrot
Feather dander gives a fine white powder coating to beaks
Endangered

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21
Q

Difference between male and female ecletus parrots

A

Females are red
More likely to bite
Males are green

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22
Q

Characteristics of Eclectus parrots

A

Quieter and less active than other birds
Long digestive tract require fiber
Eat fruits, figs, bubs
Australasia

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23
Q

macaws look like and characteristics

A

Larger beaks and longer tails then other parrots
Very strong beaks: crack hard, large nuts
Also eat fruits, leaves, flowers and stems
Active and vocal
Require a large cage
Make a lot of feces
Found in the americas

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24
Q

Budgerigar are

A

Small
Active and social
Sex based on the colour of the Cere
Native to Australia
Can have a huge vocabulary
1 000+ words
“Puck” - world record at 1 728

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25
Lovebirds are
Small parrot Affectionate Monogamous, pairs sit together for long periods Need a buddy Eat fruit, vegetables, grasses and seeds African
26
Passeriformes (passerines) are
The largest order of birds Half of all bird species The “perching birds” Includes out nature wild songbirds as well as Canaries and Finches which are kept as pets Passer domesticus is the House Sparrow Three front toes, one hind toa Some raptors also have thai arrangement
27
Finches are
Zebra finches Very common in Australasia Colonial seed eaters Song birds
28
How often should birds spend with owner
Most species require enrichment 1-2 hours a day with owner
29
Why do birds destroy theri feathers
Many species destroy their own feathers if bored Feather picking is one of the most common reasons we see parrots in the clinic Usually behavioural (boredom, frustration, poor socialisation early in life, etc) Occasionally can see medical reasons (mites, skin disease, injury, etc) Feather picking in small birds is more likely to have a medical reason
30
What can birds do if not handled frequently
Most will bite if not handled frequently or are poorly socialized Parrots have an incredibly strong beak- can break fingers
31
Bird cages should include
At least large enough for the bird to fully stretch its wings and actively move around The bigger the better At least two perches of different thickness Avoid sandpaper Real branches are great Ladders Toys (rotate the selection) Often hav a grated floor, COVERED with beddings as part of the play/exercise area Good covering so do not damage claws (newspaper works well)
32
How should you give water to birds and why
Free choice water Water bowl Will get soiled by droppings May be used as a bath or to wet food So change it frequently May also teach bird to use a sipper bottle Should still have bathing area Or mist with spray bottle
33
How to feed a bird
Try to find ways to have birds forage for food (enrichment) Bird seeds can be a problem -Rarely a balanced diet -Too high in fat and deficient in nutrients Formulated food (pellets) appropriate to size and type of bird. For parrots -Feed about 70-80% of diet pellets -Add fresh fruit and vegetables to 20-30% of diet -Wash or peel it first
34
What to do when your bird is out of their cage
Close all doors and windows before letting a bird out of cage May fly into a window (cover with a shade) Turn off fans and stove tops Remove other pets (cats) Cover aquariums and toilets Very sensitive to gasses and scents No smoking, aerosol sprays, dust (construction) strong cleaning products,etc
35
Skin of birds
Epidermis Thin, flat epithelial cells that produce keratin Required for feathers and outer sheath of beak and claws Dermis Thicker, tough fibrous connective tissue Storage for fat Smooth muscles move feather follicles Heat regulation
36
Glands in birds
No sweat glands in birds Uropygial gland
37
Bird beaks
Derivatives of a birds skin Upper and lower mandible covered with a horny keratin layer Grows continuously Very in hardness and flexibility, depending on function
38
Bird claws
Ends of each toe possess horny sheath derived from specialized scales Grow continuously Species differ in type of claws Perching habits Methods of procuring food
39
Feathers are made up of
Outgrowths of skin, nonliving Made of protein Sensations only at the base
40
5 functions of feathers
Flight Protection Thermoregulation Camouflage Communication behaviours
41
Types of feathers
countor feathers semiplume down powder down filoplume bristles
42
Contour feathers are and used for
Most visible feathers Give shape to a bird Most compact microstructure Calamsu Rachis /shaft Vane Barbs barbules, hooklets
43
Semiplume feathers are and used for
Commonly found under contour feathers especially along sides, neck and back Provide insulation and also flexibility and buoyancy in water birds Central rachis with free bards (lack barbules and hooklets)
44
Down feathers look like and are used for
Soft and fluffy, located next to the skin also function in insulation No true rachis/shaft, simply a calamus with free barbs
45
Powder down feathers look like and used for
(specialized type of down feather) Unusual as they never stop growing, they also disintegrate at the tip creating a waxy powder Thai powder is spread throughout the plumage through preening Helps clean and waterproof other feathers Highly developed in birds that don't have a uropygial gland
46
Filoplume feathers look like and used for
Sensory or decorative function Elongated rachis want barbs at the distal portion
47
Bristle feathers look like and used for
Modified contour feathers Thought to serve as a sense of touch Location depends upon species Long tapered rachis; few (or no) barbs (may or may not have barbules)
48
Location of feathers
Feathers do not originate from the entire body Feathers overlap each other and laid down in tracts with areas of bare skin in between These bare areas are called apteria
49
Moulting is
Process of feather replacement Occurs in a species-specific pattern Allows bird to continue normal activities Usually replacement is symmetrical 1 or 2 pairs of flight feathers moulted at a time Major annual moult timed: often in the fall Waterfowl lose all their feathers at once following the breeding season
50
Feathers develop from
Develop from papillae in feather tracts of dermis
51
A growing feather is
a blood feather Newly developing feather pushes old feather out Feather emerges, covered by periderm Periderm removed by preening Blood vessel from dermis reach into new feather When feather is full grown, blood dries up, and rachis is pinched closed
52
How and why to clip feathers
Objective is to clip wing feathers so that birds cannot fly (no lift) but can still glide (to land safely from a perch) Trim 5-7 flight feathers under the coverts Leaves a smooth appearance Can trim the outermost feathers or leave 2 or more outermost primary feathers intact Never trim blood feathers, or the feather on either side
53
Feather damage can be caused by
External parasites chew and consume parts of feather vanes, creating weak points Damage also from daily wear and tear Fault bar= stress bar Weakened area on feather vane where barbs lack barbules Feather is stressed during its growth when blood flow is interrupted Most common stressor is poor diet
54
feather picking is and treatmetn
Disorders among captive psittacines (parrots, cockatiels, budgies) and sometimes imprinted raptors (hawks, falcons) Treatment: cure/rule out medical cause and enrich environment
55
Causes of feather picking
Can be caused by boredom or disease: Parasites Bacterial or fungal infection Toxins If small birds (budgies, cockatiels, etc) are feather picking, it is more likely to a medical cause If larger birds are feather picking it is ALMOST ALWAYS behavioural
56
Skeletal system of birds
Highly specialized framework to support both walking and flying Modifications allow for flight and walking Reduction in number of bones Fusion of some bones to form plates Loss of internal bone matrix Some bones hollow and filled with air spaces
57
Bird skulls
Bones thinner than in other animals Jaw extended into keratinized bill Large eye sockets bordered by sclerotic ring Small portion of skull devoted to olfactory system
58
Bird CV
Number greater than in mammals for greater neck flexibility
59
Bird TV
Rigid to provide strong support for rib cage Uncinate process overlaps adjoining rear ribs
60
Bird L and SV
Fused vertebrae from bony plate to support legs= synsacrum
61
Bird CV
First few mobile to allow movement of tail feathers Pygostyle= fused bony structure that supports tail feathers
62
Bird sternum
Large and concave Protects the chest Acts as place or origin of flight muscles= keel
63
bird shoulder joint
Shoulder joint is complex and consists of 3 bones: the coracoid, scapula and clavicle (wishbone)
64
What is a birds clavicle called
Fused clavicles are called furcula
65
Wings of a bird
Joint at elbow allows movement only parallel to wing Patagium (propatagium) = web of skin Extends from shoulder to wrist, assist in aerodynamics Alula bone (1st digit) originates from wrist Carries the alula feathers (steering feathers) Metacarpal bones (fused to form major and minor metacarpals) join with digits (2,3, and 4) Help support primary flight feathers
66
Bird pelvic girdle is
Provides a rigid framework to support the legs 3 paired bones join where leg attaches to body Ileum, ischium, pubis Distal ends not fused Provide room to facilitate egg-laying
67
Femur of a bird
Attaches to pelvis at hip joint Directed forward to knee Greater and lesser trochanters at site of muscle attachments
68
Tibiostarus and fibula of birds
Some tarsal bones fused with tibia to form the tibiotarsus
69
Tarsometatarsus of birds
Some tarsal bones fused with the metatarsals to form the tarsometatarsus Single bone of ‘hock’ spans from ankle to digits
70
Metatarsal pad of birds
Bottom of foot, surrounded by 2,3, or 4 toes Ansidocatyl- one toa faces to rear, other 3 face forward Zygodactyl- 2nd and 3rd toes face forward, 1st and 4th toe face backwards Third toe is usually the longest
71
What do captive raptors tend to get
Captive raptors and some pet birds have a tendency to develop ‘bumblefoot’, which is an infection of the feet Usually caused by staph infection Causes severe swelling, ulceration and discomfort Linked to perches that are all the same size, too rough, or not rough enough or long claws- change the perches Treat the antibiotics and Preparation H!
72
Classification of muscles of birds
Many placed ventrally, near center of gravity Skeletal muscles have white or red muscle fiber or combination of both Wing muscles Leg muscles Muscles of the head and neck
73
White muscle fibers in birds
Thick, low blood supply, little myoglobin, use stores of glycogen Found in flight muscles of short distance fliers Exhausts quickly
74
Red muscle fibers in birds
Thin, rich blood supply, fat, myoglobin, mitochondria Found in flight muscles of long distance fliers
75
Wing muscles in birds
Pairs are each responsible for a specific action Raising or depressing the leading edge of the wing Extending or flexing the wing Controlling movements of the alula bone Wing- large wing muscle is the pectoralis (located in the same position as in other domestic species) Because of its size and location it is the muscle of choice for administering IM injections
76
What muscles are in charge of raising or depressing the leading edge of the wing
Pectoralis muscle Supracoracoideus muscle The pectoralis depresses the wing and is larger. Feathers separate on the upswing so less effort is required Pulling the wing forward or backward
77
Leg muscles of birds
Majority close to center of gravity Primarily located over the femur Controlled movements of toes though long tendons Perching reflex Claws close as leg flexes Allows birds to remain perched while sleeping
78
Muscles of birds head and neck
Extend of jaw muscles vary, depending on birds diet Neck muscles allow movement to different directions Hatching muscle used to help chick break the shell open Atropine after hatching
79
Brain of birds
Large in proportion to its body size Locations for control centres similar to mammals Relatively large for vision and hearing Relatively small for taste, touch and smell
80
Vision center of bird brain
Highly developed Large part of skull devoted to housing and protecting the eyes Shape of eyes dependent on the orbits Diurnal birds have round or relatively flat eyes Nocturnal species have tubular eyes Limited movement in some species, owl turn heat not eyes
81
Anatomy of bird eye
Fibrous tunic: sclera, cornea Clerotic ring reinforces sclera Nictitating membrane is a third eyelid- may have a clear center in diving birds so that can see underwater Uveal tunic: choroid, iris, ciliary muscles Muscles in the iris are under voluntary control Pupillary light response Neural tunic: retina Vascular pecten distributes nutrition to the ye Can easily damaged with trauma resulting in hemorrhage
82
Photoreception for birds
Rods and cones similar to those of mammals Nocturnal species have more rods than cones Birds have high level of visual acuity Reduced number of blood vessel in retina Numerous photoreceptor cells in retina Each cone has single connection to a nerve fiber Some species have a second temporal fovea Increase binocular vision Oil droplet in each cone increases color reception Wide spectrum of light wavelengths are perceived
83
Ears of birds and located where and have how many chambers
Located on sides of head, behind and slightly below the eyes 3 ear chambers External ear - Separated from middle ear via tympanic membrane Middle ear - A single bone = columella Inner ear A membranous labyrinth - Cochlea
84
Hearing in owls
Highly developed hearing in nocturnal owls Operculum Asymmetrical ear opening Large eardrums, columellae, and cochlea Well developed acoustic centre in hindbrain Very large number of auditory neurons
85
How good is a birds taste
Poor sense of taste Few taste buds scattered on sides of tongue and soft palate Sensitivities and thresholds are species specific Bitter, salty, sour
86
How good is a birds sense of smell
Sense of smell highly variable among species Important for locating food in carrion eaters
87
Birds nerve endings for touch
Grandrys corpuscle Nerve endings prevalent on tongue, palates, and bills of birds Herbest corpuscle Nerve endings present in cloaca, legs, wings, uropygial gland, and feather bases
88
Digestive system of birds
Birds have a fast metabolism High demand for energy is thus assimilated form food they consume
89
Birds beaks
Vary with diet
90
Birds mouth
Hard upper palate, soft lower palate, tongue, salivary gland, taste buds Soft palate may be enlarged into pouch for temporary food storage
91
Tongue of birds
Highly muscular in some species Few muscles, and moved by muscles of jaw apparatus in other species
92
Birds esophagus
Crop = expansion over infraclavicular space A place for storage, lubrication and the passage of food Little digestion occurs Pigeons and doves: at breeding time, mucosal lining can break down to form “pigeon milk” Insect eating birds: heavy epithelium protects from insects swallowed alive
93
Birds stomach sections
Proventriculus Gizzard = ventriculus
94
Birds liver
Bilobed, right lobe larger than left
95
Birds pancreas
Relatively large, especially in fish and grain eaters Rest in loop of duodenum Endocrine portion occupies more tissue mass than in mammals
96
Duodenum of birds
Main organ for digestion and absorption of nutrients
97
Ceca of birds
Paired sacs at junction of small and large intestines in some species Role in water reabsorption and in the bacterial fermentation of cellulose Contents excreted independent of fecal material
98
LI of birds
Major role is reabsorption of water and minerals
99
Cloaca of birds and the 3 sections
The end of the digestive tract 3 sections Coprodeum Urodeum Proctodeum Vent: muscular anus expels waste products = mute
100
Waste excretion of birds
Waste excreted by the bird is called the mute Combination of feces and urine Usually appears as a dark fecal center with white urates around it Varies by diet Can also be an indication of disease, therefore bird owners should monitor it carefully I.e., green mute can indicate chlamydial infection (ZOONOSIS !!!), internal parasites or liver disease Encourage owners to become familiar with the appearance of the mute when their bird is healthy Take a photograph for reference Monitor as an indicator of disease
101
Tube feeding of birds
Direct feeding tube down the esophagus making sure to avoid the trachea; visualise the back of the throat as you feed to ensure there is no regurgitation
102
Birds heart looks like and is where in the chest cavity
4 chambered, right side smaller and less muscular Lies in cranial portion of thoracoabdominal space
103
Birds blood vessels
Specialized to meet specific demands of avian body: Large pectoral and brachial arteries Specialized to meet specific demands of avian body Renal portal system
104
Renal portal system of birds
Very important when considering giving injections in the leg May pass through the portal system first and much of the drug may be eliminated before it can affect the body This also applies to lizards There is some controversy about the impact on the efficacy of treatment with hind leg injections, but best avoid unless no other option
105
Blood flow through a birds body
High demands on circulatory system necessary to maintain relatively fast metabolism Fast HR More rapid blood flow
106
Electrocardiogram for birds
Electrodes placed on wings and legs detect changes in electrical voltage as heart chambers contract and relax Important tool to monitor patient
107
Functions of blood for birds
Carry nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to cells Carry metabolic wastes to lungs and kidneys Control and prevent disease Regulate body temp
108
Erythrocytes= RBC of birds
Oval, nucleated and larger than those of mammals Formed in bone marrow of adult birds, or in spleen and liver, depending on species Poses hemoglobin Total number of cells dependent on Age, sex, diet, and time of year
109
Heterophils of birds
Phagocytes Equivalent to mammalian neutrophil Round with rod-shaped red-orange granules Bilobed nucleus with clumped chromatin
110
Thrombocytes of birds
Nucleated cells that act as platelets Smaller than RBCs with large, round-oval nucleus Produced by bone marrow in adult birds
111
Birds resp system Must act quickly and efficiently because of
fast metabolism high energy level
112
birds oral cavity contains
Glottis Choana Larynx
113
trachea of birds
Long Provides moisture to inhaled air Aids in production of sound Coiled in some species
114
The syrinx of birds
voice box Enlargement of the trachea above the sternum Contains muscles, air sacs, vibrating membranes Vocalization complexity depends on the number of muscles present in the syrinx
115
Bronchi of birds
Trachea bifurcates into 2 bronchi Bronchi further divide Mesobronchi (in lung) Secondary bronchi = ventrobronchi Parabrochi Air capillaries Site of gas exchange with blood capillaries
116
Lungs of birds
Small, inelastic Highly vascularized Bright red Attached to thoracic vertebrae and ribs
117
Air sacs of birds are and functions
9 thin walled, highly vascularized membranes Connect ot the bronchi Some extend into bone cavities Functions Air reservoirs Provide warmth and moisture to air Thermoregulation Provide buoyancy
118
Airflow of birds
2 inspirations and 2 expirations are required to transport one pocket of air through entire resp system Birds have no diaphragm
119
Key features of avian air flow
Very efficient resp system No mixing of inspired and expired air Arrangement of air sacs and capillaries further improves efficiency Clinical applications Very rapid response and sensitivity to inhaled anesthetics Birds are very sensitive to poisonous gasses The canary in the coal mine Teflon pans
120
RR of birds
Rate varies with species, activity level, age, sex, time of day, and outdoor temp Difficult to use resp rate as diagnostic tool Smaller birds breathe faster than larger birds Birds in flight hae higher rate than non flying birds
121
How do birds loss heat
Bird has no sweat glands Most heat is eliminated through respiration Water evaporated through the resp system helps cool overheated birds Can increase the rate of cooling by panting or fluttering the upper throat patch with an open beak Other methods of decreasing body temperature include: Bathing Decreased activity Some species (vultures and storks) defecate on their own legs to increase evaporative cooling Adjust feather position
122
How do birds raise body temp
Perching on one leg to minimize skin exposure Tucking head and beak under feathers on back Shivering Seeking sheltered roosts Some species such as hummingbirds can enter a temporary night-time torpor to conserve heat Countercurrent heat exchange between arteries and veins of legs
123
Blood vessels are specialized how for thermoregulation of birds
Specialized to meet specific demands of avian body: System of heat exchange in the lower extremities through network of arteries and veins placed close together
124
Salt gland of avians is
many marine birds (and turtles) have a special salt gland Located above each eye Drain into nostrils Secrete large amounts of sodium chloride Help maintain ideal somatic conditions in the body while living and feeding in a high salt environment
125
Kidneys of birds
Kidneys are large, paired and 3 lobed Lie flush with the back bone
126
How do avian kidneys differentiate form mammal kidneys
There is no renal pelvis Contain 2 types of nephrons: looped and unlooped Looped tubules are similar to those in mammalian nephrons Unlooped tubules are similar to reptilian nephrons Renal portal system allows blood from the hind legs to be filtered through the kidneys or drain directly into vena cava – controlled by a valve Birds do not have a urinary bladder
127
Urine composition of avians
Higher concentration of uric acid (urea is predominant in mammals) Eliminated as a white paste in combination with the fecal material The fecal material is usually green or brown in color with a ring of white (uric acid)
128
Why is the composition of avian urine an advantage
This is advantages because more efficient way to get rid of nitrogenous waste Less water loss Also allows embryo to store large amounts of nitrogenous waste within the confines of a shell Wouldn't be possible if eliminating it through urea- volume too high Urea is toxic; uric acid is not
129
Reproduction system of birds
Breeding season often stimulated by increasing day length in parts of the world where seasons are pronounced Affects hypothalamus and causes increased secretion of gonadotrophic hormones Non-breeding animals have very small gonads, which increase in size as breeding season approaches Differentiation of sexes can be difficult outside of breeding season or in species that have little sexual dimorphism Can use DNA testing
130
Avian male reproductive tract
Testis are bean shaped and located internally, but sperm are stored in a pouch called the seminal vesicle Temperature here is about 4 degrees C cooler than body temp – better for sperm survival The vas deferens carries the sperm to the seminal vesicle and cloaca
131
How do male birds copulate
Behavior stimulated by androgens (from Leydig or interstitial cells in testes) Some species (Galliforms, ratites, and ducks) have a grooved penis that assists sperm transfer Others simply bring cloaca together
132
Avian female reproductive tract
Left ovary and oviduct develop, but right side is non-functional and undeveloped Basic ovarian follicle development and ovulation are similar to mammals The ova are discharged from the ovary, picked up by the infundibulum and then passed through the oviduct. As the egg passes through the oviduct and uterus it is surrounded by layers of albumin (egg white) the shell membrane, shell, and pigments. The egg is then passed through the cloaca. Oviduct: has 5 sections, each contributing to the development of an ‘egg’
133
What are the 5 sections of the birds oviduct
Infundibulum Magnum Isthmus Uterus (aka shell gland) Vagina
134
Egg binding is
Fully formed egg fails to pass from uterus to cloaca During egg laying the intestinal exit is blocked so affected birds often stop passing feces Depressed, off feed, penguin like gait Medical emergency Treated with anti-inflammatories (Preparation H, baths, calcium supplements and manipulation; sometimes may have to collapse egg)
135
Prevention of egg binding
Avoid obesity Watch out for vent pecking and separate affected birds Make sure adequate calcium in diet
136
Clutch of birds is
Clutch: the number of eggs laid and incubated Number varies by species (from 1-2 to as many as 20).
137
What affects the amount of eggs per clutch
Determinate layers: predetermined by number of follicles developing on ovary. Indeterminate layers (most birds): eggs are continuously produced until a set number is reached in the nest (if eggs are removed, they will keep laying indefinitely) In these species the signal to stop includes visual, tactile, and hormonal influences indicating a full clutch Endangered species: remove initial eggs and rear artificially.
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How often might eggs be layed
Eggs may be laid every day, every other day, or at 4-5 day intervals
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When do birds start incubating eggs
Some species begin incubating at once, resulting in chicks hatching at varying times Other species only begin incubation once all eggs are laid Results in synchronous development of chicks Hatch at the same time
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Incubation of eggs is
Eggs need to be kept warm and humid Female develops a ‘brood patch’ A featherless patch of skin on belly where skin folds, thickening, and blood circulation create a ‘heat pad’ for the eggs Time for incubation varies by species – generally longer for larger birds 18 days for Budgies
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Chick Classification
Precocial Semiprecocial Semialtricial Altricial
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How do chicks hatch form an egg
Requires a specialized egg tooth on the bill and hypertrophied neck muscles – “hatching muscle” 4 classifications of chicks, depending on feather cover, open or closed eyes, and mobility:
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How to restrain a parrot
Most important to restrain head/beak Thumb and first 1, 2 or 3 fingers around base of skull/neck; other fingers just rest – do not squeeze thorax Remember to extend neck
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How to restrain raptors
most important to restrain feet/talons In large birds, one hand on each leg; smaller birds – index finger between feet, thumb on one side and the rest of your fingers on the other; fingers/palm points down away from bird
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Where to collect blood on birds
Most common blood collection locations: Waterfowl - Medial Metatarsal Vein (c) Parrots, Songbirds - Right jugular (a) Raptors, Sometimes Parrots - Brachial Vein (b)
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What are falcons and are they nocternal
Falconiformes (diurnal)
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What are acciptriformes and when are they active
(diurnal) Eagles and hawks and some vultures
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What are strigiformes and when are they active
(nocturnal) Typical owls
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What is the uropygial gland and what does it do
preen gland On dorsal surface at upper base of tail Secretes oily fatty substance Oil waterproof feathers Varies in size with species Completely lacking in some species Some parrots, flightless birds These often prefer dust to water baths
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What does the proventricles of the avian stomach do
glandular stomach Chemical digestion begins here (pepsin and hydrochloric acid)
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What does the gizzard of the avian stomach do
ventriculus= muscular stomach Striated muscles grind food Ingested grit aids in grinding food Undigested food ground into a pellet by some species Pellet is regurgitated
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What does the coprodeum do
receives excrement from intestine
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What does the urodeum do
receives discharge from kidneys and genital ducts
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What does the proctodeum do
stores excrement and eliminates it)
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What does the vent
Vent: muscular anus expels waste products = mute
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What does the infundibulum do
: catches ovum as it is released from ovary. Fertilization occurs here
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What does the magnum do
secretes albumin
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What does the isthmus do
secretes inner and outer shell membranes
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What does the uterus do in birds
(aka shell gland): secretes watery albumin, the shell, and pigmentation (egg spends most of time here)
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What does the vagina do for birds
secretes mucus for egg laying and stores sperm for hours to days
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What is a precocial chick
i.e. ducks and geese Downy feathers, open eyes, mobile
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What is a semiprecoccial chick
i.e. gulls and terns Downy feathers, open eyes, may be mobile, but remain in nest dependant on parents
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What is a semialtricial chick
i.e. hawks and owls Downy feathers, open (hawks) or closed eyes (owls), not mobile
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What are altricial chicks
i.e. songbirds Little to no feathers, closed eyes, not mobile
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