Bird Vocabulary
This is what a bird does in order to replace its old, broken feathers.
Molt
These feathers are lightweight and provide warmth and insulation.
Down Feathers
Toucans and other tropical birds are equipped with these large, colorful bills.
Fruit-slicing
Flamingos and herons have these kind of feet.
Wading
This bird is the smallest of all birds.
Bee Hummingbird
This is an unusual organ that helps a bird produce sound without the help of vocal cords.
Syrinx
Hard, hollow "back-bone" of the feather.
Shaft
Birds that capture insects midflight have bills that are equipped with hinged jaws.
Gaping
Songbirds have feet that feature three forward toes and one hind toe.
Perching
Chicks that hatch featherless and helpless are known as __.
Altricial
When birds nestle into a patch of "dry" earth to "bathe" themselves; this is common among house sparrows.
Dusting
Strong feathers found on the bird's body, wings, and tail.
Contour
These long bills are great for spearing fish, frogs, and snakes.
Piercing
Hunting birds have these kind of feet; they are similar to perching feet but have sharp, curved talons.
Grasping
Another word for the route that migrating birds follow year after year.
Flyaways
Act of keeping eggs warm and safe for proper chick development.
Incubation
These flight feathers extend from the birds "hand" to the tips of its wings.
Primary
These bills are used to extract nectar from deep within a flower.
Sucking
Feet with two forward toes and two hind toes.
Climbing
A unique songbird that is known for climbing down a tree headfirst.
Nuthatch
Inner portion of the egg; also called the egg white.
Albumen
Feathers are made of this protein that also forms hair and nails.
Keratin
These bills are equipped to handle a wide variety of diets inlcuding but not limited to insects, fruits, eggs, and crustaceans.
All-Purpose
Chickens and pheasants have what kind of feet?
Scratching
This group of game birds are the only birds in the world that do not provide any care for their young after hatching.
Megapodes