FeatherBody-covering structure of birdsFeather variationsFeathers are epidermal growths that form a distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on both avian (bird) and some non-avian dinosaurs and other archosaurs. They are the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates and an example of a complex evolutionary novelty. They are among the characteristics that distinguish the extant birds from other living groups.
HeartOrgan found in humans and other animalsThe heart is a muscular organ found in humans and other animals. This organ pumps blood through the blood vessels. The heart and blood vessels together make up the circulatory system. The pumped blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the tissue, while carrying metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide to the lungs.
Common ostrichThe common ostrich (Struthio camelus), or simply ostrich, is a species of flightless bird native to certain areas of Africa (and historically, Arabia) and is the largest living species of bird. The common ostrich is one of two extant species of ostriches, the only living members of the genus Struthio in the ratite group of birds.
VertebrateSubphylum of chordatesVertebrates (), also called craniates, are animals with a vertebral column and a cranium. The vertebral column surrounds and protects the spinal cord, while the cranium protects the brain. The vertebrates make up the subphylumVertebrata ( ) with some 65,000 species, by far the largest ranked grouping in the phylumChordata. The vertebrates include mammals, birds, amphibians, and various classes of fishes and reptiles.
Bee hummingbirdThe bee hummingbird, zunzuncito or Helena hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is a species of hummingbird, native to the island of Cuba in the Caribbean. It is the smallest known bird. The bee hummingbird feeds on flower nectar and insects. DescriptionThe bee hummingbird is the smallest living bird.
BeakFacial structure found in birds and various other animal cladesComparison of bird beaks, displaying different shapes adapted to different feeding methods; not to scaleThe beak or bill is an external rostrum structure found mostly in birds. A beak is used for pecking, grasping, and holding (in probing for food, eating, manipulating and carrying objects, killing prey, or fighting), preening, courtship, and feeding young.
OviparityOviparous animals are animals that reproduce by depositing unfertilized egg cells or fertilizedzygotes outside the body (i.e., by laying or spawning) in metabolically independent incubationorgans (eggs), which nurture the embryo into movingoffspring (hatchlings) with little or no embryonic development within the mother.
Warm-bloodedWarm-blooded is a term referring to animalspecies whose bodies maintain a temperature higher than that of their environment. In particular, homeothermic species (including birds and mammals) maintain a stable body temperature by regulating metabolic processes. Other species have various degrees of thermoregulation.
EggshellAn eggshell is the outer covering of a hard-shelled egg and of some forms of eggs with soft outer cots. Worm eggsNematode eggs present a two-layered structure: an external vitellin layer made of chitin that confers mechanical resistance and an internal lipid-rich layer that makes the egg chamber impermeable. Insect eggsInsects and other arthropods lay a large variety of styles and shapes of eggs. Some of them have gelatinous or skin-like coverings, others have hard eggshells.
MetabolismSet of chemical reactions in organismsSimplified view of cellular metabolismMetabolism (, from Greek μεταβολή (metabolē) 'change') refers to the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that occur within living organisms.
Bird anatomyBird anatomy, or the physiological structure of birds' bodies, shows many unique adaptations, mostly aiding flight. Birds have a light skeletal system and light but powerful musculature which, along with circulatory and respiratory systems capable of very high metabolic rates and oxygen supply, permit the bird to fly. The development of a beak has led to evolution of a specially adapted digestive system.
Class (taxonomy)In biological taxonomy, class (Latin: classis) is a taxonomic rank, as well as a taxonomic unit (i.e., a taxon) in that rank. It is a group of related taxonomic orders. Other well-known ranks in descending order of size are domain, kingdom, phylum, order, family, genus, and species, with class ranking between phylum and order.
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