Ornithology

A bird's feathers are very similar to a reptile's scales. They are both made of this substance. 

• Dentin 

• Spicules

• Keratin

• Cartilage 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What pigments are responsible for the red, orange, and yellow colors in bird feathers?

• Lipocromes

• Melanin

• Cyanosis

• Rosacea

A bird with a long, flattened beak (like a duck) is specialized for what food habits?

• Seed cracking

• Eating nectar

• Spearing fish

• Straining algae and plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A bird with a short, thick beak (like a robin) is specialized for what food habits?

• Seed cracking

• Eating nectar

• Tearing flesh

• Straining algae and plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A bird with a sharp, curved, and pointed beak (like a hawk) is specialized for what food habits?

• Seed cracking

• Eating nectar

• Tearing flesh

• Spearing fish

Why is it important for birds to digest their food quickly?

• If they absorb too much fat from their diet, they can impair their livers.

• If they take too long, they are susceptible to predators.

• They can't afford the extra weight in flight.

• They often swallow prey alive. Fast digestion ensures minimal injury to digestive system.

The genus and species of the Canada Goose is...

• Anseriformes, Anatidae

• Chen caerulescens

• Branta canadensis

• Cygnus buccinators

What is the purpose of air sacks?

• Air sacks store air, keeping a fixed volume in the lungs. There are two types of air sacks: anterior and posterior.

• Sometimes, air sacks rest inside the semi-hollow bones of birds.

• A bird's lungs take up half of the space that mammal's lungs do, yet weight does not decrease.

• All of the above.

The Wood Duck is identified as...

• Anseriformes, Anatidae

• Aix sponsa

• All of the above

• 

Which of these birds originates from the Southern part of the Americas?

• Snow Goose

• Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

• Canada Goose

• Trumpeter Swan