THE FASCINATING WORLD OF BIRDS INTRODUCTION We are
THE FASCINATING WORLD OF BIRDS INTRODUCTION, We are attracted by birds so much because they are among the most colorful and musical creatures inhabiting the earth. Birds occur in every habitat, from polar ice to tropical deserts. Birds have adapted to live in different environment.
ORIGIN OF BIRDS Birds had their origin from reptiles. They evolved from a group of small, terrestrial, two-legged, wingless dinosaurs. Example for oldest available fossil bird is Archaeopteryx.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF BIRDS A bird’s body structure is different from that of other animals. To suit its life in air, its bones are light to facilitate flight. The fore-limbs have been modified into wings. There are feathers on its body. The shape of its body is pointed. So it can pierce through the air and fly.
FEATHERS Feathers are the structures which distinguish birds from all other vertebrates. They form a light, but efficient water-proof covering which keeps the body warm. There are four main kinds of feathers in birds: Wing feathers or Quill feathers, Contour feathers, Down feathers, Filoplumes.
TYPES OF BIRDS There about 8, 600 species of birds of which 1, 200 species are known to occur in India. The modern about birds can be conveniently divided into two categories, they are; a] FLIGHTLESS BIRDS • These are birds which cannot fly. • They have either rudimentary or vestigial wings. • The most familiar example for flightless birds are ostrich, emu, rhea, cassowary, kiwi, and penguins. b] FLYING BIRDS • These are birds which can fly. • The most familiar flying birds are sparrow, crow, pigeon, eagle.
FLYING BIRDS CAN BE GROUPED INTO SEVERAL HOMOGENEOUS GROUPS. The six types of flying birds are: • SWIMMING AND DIVING BIRDS. Example: King-fishers, Pelicans and Ducks. • SHORE AND WADING BIRDS. Example: Cranes, Herons and Flamingoes. • BIRDS OF PREY. Example: Owls, Hawks and Vultures. *ARBOREAL BIRDS. Example: Sparrows, Wood-peckers and Parrots. *AERIAL BIRDS Example: Swifts and Humming birds. * TERRESTRIAL BIRDS. Example: Hens, Turkeys and Patridges.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF BIRDS. The greatest use of birds to man is their food value. Several kinds of birds are domesticated for the purpose of obtaining their flesh and eggs. This rearing of birds yields a tremendous annual revenue. The feathers of birds have always been an object of attraction to man. These feathers are used for many decorative purposes. The down feather of water birds are used extensively for arctic clothing and for subzero sleeping bags. The cheerful sounds and the interesting activities of birds have provided a much needed natural tonic for the citizens of the world. Bird watching is becoming an interesting and popular hobby.
PROJECT DONE BY : YASHASWINI. R BANU PRIYA. S MADHU. T. R NAVYA. D. B OF 9 th ‘A’
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