Sarah Mitchell

Professional Pet Behaviorist

I'm Sarah Mitchell, your dedicated guide to understanding and improving your pet's behavior. As a Certified Pet Behavior Consultant (CPBC), I've spent years working closely...

Birds are an immensely popular group of vertebrates, broadly classified into three main classes Aves, Vespula and Charadriiformes. The wings of birds are covered with feathery plumage, which includes a variety of colors. The most common flight in birds is the soaring to and from a high building or a tree. Many species of birds are specialized for soaring short distances while others enjoy the great heights of the trees and the stars above. In addition to the feathery surface of the wing, birds have also soft-sided undersides and strong flippers to help them move quickly along the ground.

Although some birds are quite adept: at walking on the ground (such as ducks and geese), all other species of birds are distinctly dependent on flight for moving about. They have adapted their wings and legs so that they can take off without putting weight on their wings and reducing the strain on their bodies. In fact, all land animals that can walk, including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects have evolved from living on the air. However, unlike these other species, birds have evolved over time so that they can fly freely.

BIRDS have three great organs for getting around: their wings, their feet, and their tail. The great wings, or aeroflowers, can be used as fliers; they can take off quickly from short heights and stay over a range of several miles. The tail has evolved to serve as a great leaping device and is useful in climbing and moving about the water. And, of course, the great wings allow them to glide gracefully over land.

All bIRDS have certain characteristics in common: although some differ among species. For example, bIRDS generally have larger heads and eyes than other birds. Their beaks are different from other birds, with some having talons that are very strong and capable of breaking through some kinds of tree bark.

And, of course, all bIRDS have long, delicate beaks for making berries and other food items.

• The feet of a bird have evolved into a special design.
• BIRDS’ feet have evolved into opposable claws that are used for climbing and walking on the ground.
• The toes have developed into digits similar to human toes, with two toes on each foot and one toe that are used for walking.

Toes also help a bird’s balance: as well as providing protection. When an eagle attacks a bird, its beak will lock onto the prey, preventing the bird from getting away. The Lock-and-fold wings of BIRDS allow the bird to fold its wings in a way that makes it difficult for the predator to grasp and then release the bird. BIRDS also has a deep chest cavity for storing food and air when flying. These unique features make BIRDS quite unique among its closest relatives, the Egyptian Vulture.