Let us understand the flying friends that are everywhere when you find when you step out of your house.
Common name – Bird
Scientific name – Aves
Size – 5cm -2.8 m/ 9 ft.
Type – Aves
Distribution – Birds are widespread species.
These flying colours can be seen in Urban, Rural, Waterbirds, the Antarctic, mountains, Cliffs, Forests, deserts, etc.
What makes them Fly?
These are feathered beings with two legs (Bipeds). They are light in weight but they are rigid species.
These are living Dinosaurs. They are closely related to Archeopteryx- a bird-like creature in the Dinosaur age who possessed a long Tail.
They have Feathers that help them in Flight. Feather helps in insulation. Feathers are arranged backwards for good balance and for a Bird to fly against the air current.
Theypossess a spindle-shaped body. This helps them in Flight.
They have a strong bone network with muscles, nerves, feathers & blood vessels.
The beak of the Birds is of different types according to their habitat.
The beaks are specialised in shape accordingly birds can feed insects, Fish, meat, nectar, etc.
The toes differ in adaptation and position to either walk, swim or climb.
Breeding, Nesting & Courtship rituals-
Males display different types of Behaviors to attract Females, such as-
Agonistic Behavior- Fighting with other males.
Display through Dances that also show the Feather patterns.
Vocalizations- Birds produce calls and sing to attract mates.
Some also approach, Bow and provide food to females.
All types display the Body, Beauty and strength presented during courtship.
Preening, Building Nests are the signs of Breeding.
There are signs that species display which indicate their Breeding season arrival.
Spring season is the breeding season as it is the season of good food supplies, such as flower Blooms, foliage, etc.
Feathers moult and have a different attractive display in adults who are ready to mate.
Songs can indicate the running of the Breeding season.
These are oviparous. They lay and incubate the eggs. These birds defend the eggs and the newly hatched chicks.
Ecological importance –
Birds are Pollinators.
They are a major source for seed dispersal, in which the Bird consumes the hard seed of plants and gets dispersed through its droppings. And the dispersed seed is germinated again on the ground.
Sea Birds droppings are known as ‘Guano’, they are rich in nutrients for plants.
Bird watching is a great aesthetic, hobby developed through the Eco-tourism industry.
Also See ⇒ Barn Swallow Facts