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Class Aves (Birds). Class Aves (Birds). Ornithologist – Zoologists that study birds. Characteristics of Birds. Vertebrate Feathers Wings (but not all fly) Scale-covered legs Homoeothermic (Keeps their body temperature at one temperature) Endothermic (Warm blooded). Designed For Flight.
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Class Aves (Birds) • Ornithologist – Zoologists that study birds
Characteristics of Birds • Vertebrate • Feathers • Wings (but not all fly) • Scale-covered legs • Homoeothermic (Keeps their body temperature at one temperature) • Endothermic (Warm blooded)
Designed For Flight. The following characteristics equip birds for flying: • Compact, lightweight, and very strong skeleton
Designed For Flight. • Lightweight beaks and skulls.
Designed For Flight. • A nearly rigid backbone that gives a solid support for the strenuous muscle activity required for flying
Designed For Flight. • Hollow spaces in the skeleton that provide room for air sacs, which contribute to the efficiency of the respiratory system and make the bird lighter.
Designed For Flight. • Bipedal (“two-footed”) anatomy, which leaves the wings free for flying.
Designed For Flight. • A prominent ridge, or keel, on the breastbone to allow for the attachment of flight muscles by strong tendons.
Designed For Flight. • Three bones in the shoulder to support each wing.
Designed For Flight. • An efficient circulatory system, including a four-chambered heart.
Designed For Flight. • Powerful muscles to power the wings during flight.
Perching Birds – • Three toes pointing forward and one toe pointing backward. • Leg has a special design that allows the bird to stay on their perch even if they are sleeping.
Birds of Prey - • Especially acute eyesight • Sharp, Powerful talons (grasping and killing their prey) • Hooked Beak
Swimming and Wading Birds – • Many have water repellent feathers • Webbed or Lobed feet for swimming • Some Birds have very long legs designed for wading
Game Birds – • Have been hunted for food and sport • Large flight muscles (Breast meat) allow them to burst into flight
Tropical Birds – • Live in the world’s tropical forests • Brightly colored • Many have large unusual beaks