To introduce students to learning about birds. Concept Birds are a unique group of vertebrates, different from mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. While beaks, flight, egg-laying, nest building and migration are interesting features of many birds they are all shared with other kinds of animals. The most visible feature unique to birds is their feathers. All birds have feathers, while no other animals possess them at all.
Feathers perform a variety of functions, including aerodynamics, insulation, camouflage and display.
Materials None required. Sample feathers from game or domestic species and drawings or photographs of birds in different plumages may be used to enhance this activity. Guide their responses toward important physical features and behaviors, and list them on the board or large tablet. Additionally, animals such as flying squirrels, some spiders and microscopic organisms can glide or drift with the wind. Some birds such as penguins and ostriches cannot fly.