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The Wing A bird wing is very stream-lined, tapering from a thick, rounded leading edge to a thin point at the trailing edge. Because the wing is concavely curved, air traveling over the upper surface has to cover a greater distance and moves faster to catch up with air taking the shorter bottom route from the front to the back of the wing Birds have evolved a 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. |
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The Body Birds have a relatively large brain compared to head size. The visual and auditory senses are well developed in most species, while tactile and olfactory senses are well developed only in a few groups. Locomotion is achieved through flight and use of the legs in most species. The beak and feet are used to manipulate food and other objects. Birds can communicate using visual signals as well as through the use of calls and song. |
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The Skeleton The bird skeleton is highly adapted for flight. It is extremely lightweight but strong enough to withstand the stresses of taking off, flying, and landing. The development of a beak has led to evolution of a specially adapted digestive system. Most birds have approximately 175 different muscles, mainly controlling the wings, skin, and legs. |
