Bird Facts
All Birds lay _________.
Eggs
Their skeleton is actually part of their _____________ system.
Respiratory
Their beak is made of bone covered with __________. It’s a special tool used for building nests, preening, defending itself and eating.
keratin
Feathers do get worn out and damaged over time, and the process of _____________ replaces them with brand new, stronger feathers.
molting
This bird is the official state bird of more states than any other bird.
The cardinal
All Birds have ________________
feathers
The structure of a birds’ bones are unique because many of their bones have hollow air filled spaces. These bones are called ______________.
pneumatic bones.
The ____________________ is a muscular pouch in their throats where the bird’s food is temporarily stored and, in some bird species, milk is produced to feed babies here.
Crop
These types of feathers cover the bird's body, giving it its streamlined shape and protection from wind, water, and the sun.
Contour feathers
This bird is the SC state bird.
The Carolina Wren
Birds Breathe ______________.
Oxygen
Many of the birds' bones are ___________ together to remain strong and rigid during flight.
Fused
the _______________ is a muscular organ that crushes a bird’s food by shifting it around. Some birds swallow small pieces of grit or stones that help with the grinding process.
gizzard
These are soft, fluffy, and small, feathers located beneath the contour feathers. They trap air close to the body, providing excellent thermal insulation to keep the bird warm.
down feathers
This is a large bird that visits SC in the winter that likes to prank other birds.
The Blue Jay
Birds are _________ blooded.
warm
____________________ is a rigid space in the chest that protects the bird’s heart and lungs;. it’s designed to resist pressure during flight.
Thoracic cavity
The bird’s __________________ is attached to the liver and stores the bile produced by the liver. This especially helps for birds with a fatty diet, like birds that eat fish, as bile helps them to be able to process the oils.
gallbladder
These small, hair-like feathers have a long central shaft with a few barbs at the tip. They are believed to have a sensory function, monitoring the position and movement of the other feathers.
Filoplume Feathers
This Winter bird looks like he's wearing a black hat.
The black capped chick a dee
In the hatchling stage, When the baby bird is fully developed and ready to hatch, they use their tiny _________________ to crack the shell and emerge.
egg tooth
Birds have a very large breastbone, called a ________________, which is a large ridge shaped bone on their chest that their flying muscles attach to.
keel
This is a single combined opening that passes waste, urine, lays eggs and is used for mating. Having one _________________ is a single opening for the digestive, urinary and reproductive systems which helps make the bird lighter for flight and this multipurpose organ helps because the bird doesn’t need a bladder, cutting down on excess weight.
Cloaca
These feathers are found on the head, mainly around the eyes and mouth, these are stiff feathers with very few or no barbs. These protect the sensitive areas of the face.
Bristle Feathers
You don't want to make an enemy of this bird. If it likes you, it will bring you gifts. If you make it mad; it will hang around your house for a very long time and try to bother you.