Birds

Question 1

How many orders, families and species of birds are there?

Answer 1

~40 orders
239 families
10,500 species

Question 2

Most common birds/most likely to see

Answer 2

passerines
Psittacines
Raptors
Poultry and waterfowl
Other exotic birds

Question 3

External anatomy is important for ……..

Answer 3

Identification of species
Knowing what is underneath
Can often be an indicator of health

Question 4

Internal anatomy is important for ……….

Answer 4

Assessing wildlife and other casualties
Diagnosis and treatment of sick birds
Surgery

Question 5

The eye

Answer 5

Huge
(up to 50% cranial volume in some birds
Crammed into supporting bony sockets- sclerotic rings
Some have ability to recognise UV/polarised light (important in communication, behaviour, hunting)
Rarely blink, eyelids only closed when sleeping
Have nictitating membrane which functions like blinking
No meibomium gland (harderian and lacrimal main source of tear production)

Question 6

Anatomy of the eye

Answer 6

Sight is incredibly important
The shape of the globe and other features determined by lifestyle and need for visual clarity
Anterior and posterior chambers
Cornea thinner and lens softer than mammals
Retina thick and avascular

Question 7

Pecten

Answer 7

Outfolding of the retinal surface
Rich blood supply
Functions- may have role in retinal nourishment, may have a role in reducing light reaching the retina

Question 8

Ear

Answer 8

Outer, middle and inner parts
No external pinna, outer ear is protected by auricular feathers in most species (also act to funnel sound towards ear)
Outer ear visualised as a hole