Chapter 14

Birds and Mammals

14.1 Lesson 14.1: Birds

Lesson Objectives

• List and describe general traits of birds.


• Explain how birds are adapted for flight.


• List different breeding systems in birds and describe nesting, incubation and parental
  care.


• Illustrate the diversity of birds with examples of some of the varied groups.


• Explain how birds are important, both economically and ecologically.

Check Your Understanding

• Birds and reptiles have some traits in common. For example, birds are egg-layers and
  most reptiles are also oviparous. What do the eggs of both groups have in common?


• What traits are there in birds as a result of them being warm-blooded?

Introduction

We all think we know what a bird is. It seems fairly obvious. But if you were to really
stop and think about birds, you would be amazed at the diversity of these organisms. From
hummingbirds to ostriches, and countless varieties in between, birds are amazing creatures.

It is pretty easy to be aware of birds all around us. From pet birds in our houses to those
seen flying and perching in the out-of-doors, birds constantly remind us of their diversity
in both appearance and habits. Birds have special adaptations for flight, including feathers