Page 190 - Ultimate Visual Dictionary (DK)

ANIMALS

Birds 1

BIRDS MAKE UP THE CLASS AVES. There are more than 9,000 species, almost all of which can fly
(the only flightless birds are penguins, ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, and kiwis). The ability to
fly is reflected in the typical bird features: forelimbs modified as wings; a streamlined body;
and hollow bones to reduce weight. All birds lay hard-shelled eggs, which the
parents incubate. Birds’ beaks and feet vary according to diet and way
of life. Beaks range from general-purpose types suitable for a EXTERNAL FEATURES OF A BIRD
mixed diet (those of thrushes, for example), to types
Forehead Eye
specialized for particular foods (such as the large,
Crown
curved, sieving beaks of flamingos). Feet range Nostril
from the webbed “paddles” of ducks, to the
Upper
talons of birds of prey. Plumage also varies mandible
widely, and in many species the male is Nape
Beak
brightly colored for courtship display
whereas the female is drab.
Lower
mandible
EXAMPLES OF BIRDS Chin
Throat

Minor Lesser wing coverts
coverts
Median wing coverts

MALE TUFTED DUCK
(Aythya fuligula)
Greater wing coverts
(major coverts)

Secondary flight feathers
(secondary remiges)
Breast

Primary flight feathers
(primaryremiges) Belly
Flank
WHITE STORK
(Ciconia ciconia)
Thigh

Under tail Claw
coverts

Tarsus
Toe
Tail feathers (retrices)
MALE OSTRICH
(Struthio camelus)

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