Vocabulary
Scientitists who study birds.
Ornithologist
This kind of flight alternates between flapping and gliding or coasting; this is helpful in saving energy.
Intermittent Flight
Most hunting birds are equipped with ___ vision as it allows both eyes to focus on the same object.
Binocular
A retractable group of feathers found on the front of a bird's wing.
Alula
The skeleton of a bird accounts for what percent of its total body weight?
5%
To remain stationary in the air.
Hover
These wings are best for fast, agile flapping flight.
Tapered
This is considered the most strenous part of a bird's flight.
Takeoff
A bird's most important flight muscles.
Pectorals
This term means to groom.
Preen
To be born in an advanced state.
Precocial
This is the simplest form of flight and uses minimal energy.
Gliding
This is the largest living bird and is also considered the fastest running bird, sprinting at 45/mph.
Ostrich
This ridge located on a bird's sternum provides the necessary attachment point for the powerful flight muscles.
Keel
This is the world's fastest bird, flying at speeds of up to 200/mph.
Peregrine Falcon
When flocks of small birds harass larger, predatory birds that are perched in or near their territory.
Mobbing
This wing shape is best suitable for gliding flight.
Long and Narrow
There are approximately ___ living species of birds.
10,000
The yolk body of an egg is held in place by two dense, twisted cords called the ___.
Chalazae
Migrating relatively short distances; chickadees and jays are known for this behavior.
Altitudinal Migration
Storage sac found in the esophogus that helps to moisten food and release it to the rest of the digestive system.
Crop
When a bird glides within a thermal to gain altitude; eagles, hawks, and vultures are known for this type of flight.
Soaring
Scrape
The section of a bird's stomach responsible for grinding food and making it more easily absorbed.
Gizzard
Hawks, a soaring bird, are equipped with this kind of wing shape.
Large and Broad