Feathered reptiles

Birds are believed by many scientists to be descendants of the dinosaurs that walked the earth millions of years ago. This is based on similarities in skeletal structure and the discovery of fossils of species such as Archaeopteryx which appear to link dinosaurs and modern-day birds. Unfortunately, the fossil record for more recent relatives of birds is not extensive because the light hollow bones of birds are less likely to be preserved than the heavier bones of other kinds of animals.

Feathers are the most unique aspect of birds. Feathers perform the following functions for various bird species:

Although we tend to generally think of birds as flying creatures, some bird species, for various reasons, have lost the power of flight. Some sea birds, awkward in the air, are designed for "flight" under water.

Like other animals on the planet, birds have been affected by human activities. Cities have created some opportunities for some birds species, such as the Ring-billed gull, that can capitalize on the waste that we generate. Other species, such as grassland birds, have suffered loss of habitat because their preferred nesting locations have been turned to other purposes such as agriculture. Also, the use of pesticides targeted at insects has hurt some bird populations.

Other pages related to birds here

Bird links

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