Birds are a diverse group of warm-blooded vertebrates known for their feathers, beaks, and the

ability to lay eggs. They belong to the class Aves and are characterized by their adaptations for flight,
although not all birds can fly.

Here are some defining features of birds:

1. **Feathers:** These unique structures are essential for flight, insulation, and often for display.
Feathers also play a role in helping birds maintain body temperature and streamline their bodies for
flight.

2. **Beaks:** Birds have beaks instead of teeth. The shapes and sizes of beaks vary widely and are
adapted to the bird's diet and lifestyle.

3. **Laying Eggs:** Birds lay eggs, which are typically hard-shelled and incubated until they hatch.
Most birds lay eggs, but there are exceptions, like the kiwi, which incubates its eggs internally.

4. **Flight Adaptations:** While not all birds can fly, their bodies are adapted for flight. They have
lightweight skeletons, strong chest muscles for flapping wings, and unique respiratory systems that
efficiently extract oxygen.

5. **Warm-Bloodedness:** Birds are endothermic, meaning they regulate their internal body
temperature, allowing them to inhabit diverse environments.

Birds come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors. They are found in almost every
habitat on Earth, from the icy poles to tropical rainforests, and they play crucial roles in ecosystems
as pollinators, seed dispersers, predators, and scavengers.

From the tiny hummingbird to the mighty eagle, the world of birds is incredibly diverse, with around
10,000 different species exhibiting a remarkable range of adaptations and behaviors.