Birds When you have completed this page, go to the Birds Quiz .
Birds are a class of the chordates or vertebrate phylum.
They are similar to other chordates in that they have a backbone. They are unique in the fact that they are covered with feathers and fly. They are soft. Filoplumes - These are thin and hairlike with tufts on the end. Contour Feathers - These cover and protect the body and give the bird its color.