AVES H

D
O
L
O
R
IE
L

T
U
R
IA
L
A
H
T
A
:
Y
B
WHAT IS AVES?
Aves is the latin name for the birds - feathered, winged,
bipedal, warm-blooded, egg-laying, vertebrate animals with
evolutionary origins among the reptiles. Around 10,000 living
species makes them the most Speciose class of tetrapod
vertebrates. They inhabit ecosystems across the globe, from
the Arctic to the Antarctic. Many species undertake long
distance annual migrations, and many more perform shorter
irregular movements. Many species are social and
communicate using visual signals and through calls and songs,
and participate in social behaviours, including cooperative
breeding and hunting, flocking, and mobbing of predators.
HOW DO AVES MAINTAIN THEIR NUTRIENTS?
Water and drinking
Water is needed by many birds although their mode of excretion and lack of sweat
glands reduces the physiological demand. Some desert birds can obtain their water needs
entirely from moisture in their food. They may also have other adaptations such as
allowing their body temperature to rise, saving on moisture loss from evaporative cooling
or panting. Seabirds can drink seawater and have salt glands inside the head that
eliminate excess salt out of the nostrils. Most birds scoop water in their beaks and raise
their head to let water run down the throat. Some species, especially of arid zones,
belonging to the pigeons, finch, mousebird, button-quail and bustard families are capable
of sucking up water without the need to tilt back their heads. Some desert birds depend on
water sources and sandgrouse are particularly well known for their daily congregations at
waterholes. Nesting sandgrouse and many plovers carry water to their young by wetting
their belly feathers. Some birds carry water for chicks at the nest in their crop or
regurgitate it along with food. The pigeon family, flamingos and penguins have
adaptations to produce a nutritive fluid called crop milk that they provide to their chicks.
LOCATION OF AVES
Birds live and breed in most terrestrial habitats and on all seven continents,
reaching their southern extreme in the snow petrel’s breeding colonies up to 440
kilometers (270 mi) inland in Antarctica. Many bird species have established
breeding populations in areas to which they have been introduced by humans.
Some of these introductions have been deliberate; the ring-necked pheasants for
example, has been introduced around the world as a game bird. Others have
been accidental, such as the establishment of wild monk parakeets in several
North American cities after their escape from captivity. Some species, including
cattle egret, yellow-headed caracara and galah, have spread naturally far
beyond their original ranges as agricultural practices created suitable new
habitat.
HOW DO AVES REPRODUCE?
We know that chickens lay eggs. But how do they do that?
It all starts with behavior aimed at attracting a mate. In birds, this will
involve a type of display, usually performed by the male. Some displays are
very elaborate and may include dancing, aerial flights, or wing or tail
drumming. Most male birds also sing a type of song to attract females. If they
are successful at attracting a female, it will lead to breeding.
Birds reproduce by internal fertilization, during which the egg is fertilized
inside the female. Like reptiles, birds have cloaca, or a single exit and
entrance for sperm, eggs, and waste. The male brings his sperm to the female
cloaca. The sperm fertilizes the egg. Then the hard-shelled egg develops
within the female. The hard-shelled eggs have a fluid-filled amnion, a thin
membrane forming a closed sac around the embryo. Eggs are usually laid in
a nest.
LOCOMOTION
Although most birds can fly, not all flying animals are birds. For example, many insects also
fly. Birds have a very strong heart and an efficient way of breathing – these are
necessary for birds to fly. Birds also use a lot of energy while flying and need to eat a lot
of food to power their flight. As we have learned, flying birds have strong, hollow bones
and powerful flight muscles.
Not all flying animals are birds, and not all birds can fly. The ability to fly has developed
independently many times throughout the history of the Earth. Bats (flying mammals),
pterosaurs (flying reptiles from the time of the dinosaurs that were NOT dinosaurs), and
flying insects have flight mechanisms that are quite distinct from those of birds.
Bird locomotion is quite varied; most can fly, some can run very well, some swim, and some
do combinations of these. Flying birds’ wings are shaped to provide lift, allowing them
to fly. These light-weight animals have adapted to their environment by flying, which
makes them efficient hunters, lets them escape from hungry predators (like cats), and
takes them away from harsh weather (migration).
EXAMPLES OF AVES