Chapter 17- Birds Flashcards
vertebrates with feathers, wings, and scale-covered legs
birds
zoologists who study birds
ornithologists
birds, like mammals, are
homeothermic
warm-blooded
vertebrates
characteristics that equip birds for flying
- compact, strong, lightweight skeleton
- nearly rigid backbone that gives support for flight
- hollow spaces for air sacs
- bipedal anatomy
- prominent ridge on breastbone
- three bones in the shoulder area that support wing
- lightweight beaks and skulls
- efficient circulatory system
- powerful muscles to power wings
bird characteristics to identify birds
unmistakable tails
field markings
identifying calls
approximately 60% of birds fall into the category of
perching birds (songbirds)
have three toes forward one pointing backwards
perching birds
birds known for their fierce and precise hunting skills
birds of prey
types of perching birds
bluebirds
robins
thrushes
large carnivorous birds with weak feet that cannot carry off large prey
vultures
the largest living land bird of North AMerica is the
California candoron
one of the strongest eagles
sea eagle
the only two eagles native to N America
bald eagle
golden eagle
smaller birds of prey that are remarkable hunters
falcons
not only the fastest flying bird, but also the fastest of any living creature
peregrine falcon