Class Aves: Birds

Characteristics

•Feathers•Wings•Beak/Bill•Oviparous •Lightweight skeleton•Molting

Penelopedis panini

Feathers

•Made of keratin• Plumage- covering of feathers on a bird

Function

•Form flight surfaces that provide lift and aid steering•Prevent excessive heat loss• Incubation•Courtship•Water proofing

Types of Feathers

•Pennaceous Feathers •Plumulaceous Feathers

Pennaceous Feathers

•Flattened, tightly closed feathers that create aerodynamics surfaces such as those of wings and tails

Plumulaceous Feathers

•Rudimentary shaft to which a wispy tuft of barbs and barbules is attached.

Skeleton

Muscle

• Strongest muscle of most birds are the flight muscles, it has a lot of mitochondria.

Flight

Digestion

Sight

Reproduction

•Monogamous•Polygamous

Nesting Activities

•Clutch-group of eggs and chicks produced by a female.•Altricial-birds that are entirely dependent on their parents upon hatching. •Precocial-alert and lively at hatching.