Introduction
Can you say if an animal is a bird or not? You can because birds are very different from other animals.
Characteristics of Bird
A bird is a warm-blooded vertebrate. Its body is covered with feathers, and a bird lays eggs. Most birds can fly. This special ability of the birds makes them different from other animals.
Besides birds, which other creature can fly?
Some birds like ostrich, emu and kiwi cannot fly.
Nocturnal birds
Some birds are nocturnal. It means they are awake at night and sleep during the day.
Different types of birds look different, but they have some common features.
Body parts of bird
A bird's body may be divided into three parts, namely
- Head
- Trunk
- Tail
They stand on a pair of legs and have wings. They have claws on their feet, for a good grip.
Their mouth is called a beak. Birds do not have teeth.
Feathers
A bird's body is covered with feathers. Wings and tails have long feathers. These feathers help the bird to fly.
Birds are generally light in weight. Their bones are hollow and light. Such bones help the bird fly easily.
Types of Feathers
A bird’s body is covered with feathers. There are three types of feathers on a bird’s body. They are
Down Feathers
- Soft and short.
- Lie next to or close to the body.
- Help the body to remain warm.
Body Feathers
- Cover the whole body.
- Give shape to the body.
Wing/Flight Feathers
- They are present on the wings or tail.
- Help the bird to fly
- Help to change the direction of flight
