Ch29 - Birds Flashcards
What helps birds cool themselves when they get too hot?
Panting
What is a necessary component of all bird diets?
Grit
Controlling a bird’s flight by removing the distal wing tip is called _________.
pinioning
Where is grit kept in the avian digestive tract?
Gizzard
What is a distinctive feature of the avian reproductive tract?
Only the left ovary is functional
Birds are in the taxonomic class of _______.
aves
The body temp in birds is __________ most mammals.
Higher than
What is a dangerous consequence of restricting the movement of a bird’s keel bone while restraining it?
It could suffocate
Where is the spur located on a bird?
On the lower leg of a male galliform, which points towards the tail.
Chickens, turkeys and quail (aka poultry) all belong to what scientific order?
Galliformes
Pigeons and doves belong to what scientific order?
Columbiformes
Crows, sparrows and finches belong to what scientific order?
Passeriformes (commonly “passerines”)
What is a “pecking order”?
Social hierarchy or dominance of birds
List 4 functions of feathers
- insulation from the cold
- assist in cooling when hot
- protecting from water
- help in flying
True or False: the hollow bones of birds are a part of their respiratory system
True
True or False: crop milk is only made by female birds
False (both males and females can produce it)
True or False: birds lose excess heat by sweating and panting
False (birds don’t have sweat glands, therefore they can’t sweat; but they do pant)
True or False: only the left ovary and oviduct are functional in birds
True
True or False: holding birds upside down is the preferred method of handling.
False (birds should always be held upright)
True or False: environmental enrichment is not necessary for birds
False (perches, nest boxes, or substrate for foraging are all good enrichment items for birds)
True or False: the length of exposure and type of light is important in bird reprocution
True
What is the most common method of identifying individual birds?
Leg band
What is the purpose of grit in a bird’s diet?
To break open seeds and grind feed
True or False: Species-appropriate habitat features, such as water baths, should be added to their enclosure
True
What is the average lifespan of a chicken?
5-8 years
What is NOT a usual method of euthanasia for birds and requires specific IACUC protocol?
Thoracic compression
What are 3 common methods of euthanasia in birds?
Overdosing with barbiturate (IV injection), CO2 inhalation, and overdose of inhalant anesthetic.
cervical dislocation, decapitation, maceration, or use of other gases depend on animal size and need IACUC approval
What is sexual dimorphism?
There are clear physical differences between the males and females of a species.
For birds, males and females may differ significantly in size, feather conformation, and color patter
Which agencies are involved in regulating the use of wild birds in research?
State Natural Resources department
State Fish and Game department
US Fish and Wildlife Service
True or False: Wild birds will readily accept food from a dish
False
True or False: Multiple food and water sources should be provided to prevent feed hoarding
True
True or False: Wild birds require a quiet environment
True
What are common signs of pain/distress in birds?
hunched posture, dropped head and neck, dull eyes, ruffled feathers, non-responsive attitude, isolation from other conspecifics
