THE FASCINATING WORLD OF BIRDS

							   THE FASCINATING WORLD OF
             BIRDS

                INTRODUCTION,
We are attracted by birds so much because they are
 among the most colorful and musical creatures
inhabiting the earth. Birds occur in every habitat,
  from polar ice to tropical deserts. Birds have
    adapted to live in different environment.
       ORIGIN OF BIRDS
 Birds had their origin from reptiles.
 They evolved from a group of small,
   terrestrial, two-legged, wingless
                dinosaurs.
Example for oldest available fossil bird
           is Archaeopteryx.
   UNIQUE FEATURES OF BIRDS



A bird’s body structure is different from that of
  other animals. To suit its life in air, its bones
are light to facilitate flight. The fore-limbs have
been modified into wings. There are feathers on
its body. The shape of its body is pointed. So it
        can pierce through the air and fly.
                 FEATHERS
  Feathers are the structures which distinguish
  birds from all other vertebrates. They form a
 light, but efficient water-proof covering which
               keeps the body warm.
 There are four main kinds of feathers in birds:
Wing feathers or Quill feathers, Contour feathers,
            Down feathers, Filoplumes.
                   TYPES OF BIRDS

There are about 8,600 species of birds of which 1,200 species are known to
occur in India. The modern about birds can be conveniently divided into two
                             categories,they are;
                         a] FLIGHTLESS BIRDS
                     •These are birds which cannot fly.
              •They have either rudimentary or vestigial wings.
   •The most familiar example for flightless birds are ostrich, emu, rhea,
                      cassowary, kiwi, and penguins.
                            b] FLYING BIRDS
                      •These are birds which can fly.
      •The most familiar flying birds are sparrow, crow, pigeon, eagle.
FLYING BIRDS CAN BE GROUPED INTO SEVERAL
          HOMOGENEOUS GROUPS.
       The six types of flying birds are:
    •SWIMMING AND DIVING BIRDS.
  Example: King-fishers, Pelicans and Ducks.
      •SHORE AND WADING BIRDS.
   Example: Cranes, Herons and Flamingoes.
             •BIRDS OF PREY.
     Example: Owls, Hawks and Vultures.
            *ARBOREAL BIRDS.
 Example: Sparrows, Wood-peckers and Parrots.
              *AERIAL BIRDS
    Example: Swifts and Humming birds.
          * TERRESTRIAL BIRDS.
    Example: Hens, Turkeys and Patridges.
              ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF BIRDS.
The greatest use of birds to man is their food value. Several kinds of birds are
domesticated for the purpose of obtaining their flesh and eggs. This rearing of
                  birds yields a tremendous annual revenue.
 The feathers of birds have always been an object of attraction to man. These
 feathers are used for many decorative purposes. The down feather of water
 birds are used extensively for arctic clothing and for subzero sleeping bags.
  The cheerful sounds and the interesting activities of birds have provided a
           much needed natural tonic for the citizens of the world.
        Bird watching is becoming an interesting and popular hobby.
PROJECT DONE BY :
  YASHASWINI.R
  BANU PRIYA.S
   MADHU.T.R
   NAVYA.D.B
    OF 9th ‘A’