A detachment of birds. Birds of the order passerines. Birds of Prey: Photo

A detachment of birds is considered one of the most ancient. His appearance is attributed to the beginning of the Jurassic period. There are opinions that the ancestors of birds were mammals, the structure of which changed with the course of evolution.

Body temperature of birds

Representatives of this class have a constant and very high body temperature, it is not affected by changes in weather conditions. Animals with a similar phenomenon are called homeothermic. In mammals, it is much lower. The average temperature for various birds is 42 ° C. Representatives of the order of passerines have the highest body temperature - 45.5 ° C. Such serious indicators play an important role in the course of various processes and metabolism in the body of a bird.

One of the most important factors is the constancy of body temperature, this is of great importance for the work of the brain in the cold season. Despite the low temperature, for example, in winter, thanks to this phenomenon, all birds lead an active lifestyle.

Similarities and differences with mammals

There are several signs that make birds similar to mammals:

• Thin skin and a small number of glands in it;
• Horn formations on the body are well developed;
• There is a cloak, etc.

However, individual qualities significantly distinguish them:

• The constant temperature of 40-42 ° C does not decrease due to certain processes;
• The method of reproduction, namely the construction of the nest, the incubation of eggs and the feeding of offspring;
• The central nervous system is more developed, this explains the adaptive existence.

Characteristics of the species. Feathers

A group of birds are animal vertebrates, their bodies are usually covered with feathers, and wings are forelimbs. The legs are well developed, the body has a streamlined shape. The thin skin allows the feathers to be mobile. There are two types - down and outlined.

The contour feather has a strong trunk, from which the plates come out, they are covered, with short beards fastened together by hooks. Not all of the surface of the skin is covered with similar feathers. Where they do not exist, down and down feathers are usually observed, they have a softer structure, and they lack a trunk. Contour feathers are so named because of their location, since they are mainly found along the contour of the whole body of the bird, on the wings and on the back. They play the main role in the flight. Another important function of the pen coating is to protect the body from damage and heat loss.

A group of birds is also susceptible to molting, since feathers tend to wear out. There are species in which the entire cover varies at the same time. For this period of time they are deprived of the opportunity to fly and find themselves inaccessible to predators places. This type of molting is noted mainly in those birds that are able to provide themselves with food, without flying up into the sky. In the remaining individuals, this process proceeds gradually. Also molting can begin because of the change of seasons.

The color of the feather cover is also varied. It depends on the habitat of birds, season, sex and climatic conditions.

The process of reproduction

The order of birds refers to the dioecious animals. Usually reproduction begins after the return of birds from wintering and the onset of favorable weather conditions. Naturally, for its full flow, individuals of different sexes are needed. In many species of birds, everything begins with the male's mating dance, which he tries to attract the attention of the female. Very often it is accompanied by unusual behavior and interesting sounds. After the lady takes courtship, a couple is formed. Many birds already for the next season are looking for a new partner, but some conclude their alliance for life.

It should be noted that there are species of birds in which the couple together is engaged in building a nest and feeding chicks. And there are such males who only fertilize the female, and all the worries are gone without their participation.

After the formation of the pair, the construction of the nest begins. Next, eggs are laid, they are usually hatched by females, which are replaced for a time by a male. The upbringing and feeding of offspring is also performed jointly. This lasts until the chicks are able to independently find their own food.

Species or orders of birds

There is an opinion that the first step of the division, or an order, is the penguins and all birds known to science (newborns). The reason that penguins are attributed to a separate group is the essential differences in structure and origin from all other birds. Among the scientists there is much debate on the topic of which group or class to include some birds, or to create for them a separate family.

All detachments of birds can still be divided into domestic and wild, migratory and non-migratory, waterfowl, predatory, forest, living in open spaces and on cultural landscapes.

Detachment of chicken

The bird of the order of chickens can dwell in the forest, fields and are kept on the farmsteads. These include chickens, hazel grouses, grouse, black grouse, white and gray partridge , etc. All
The representatives of this detachment remain to spend the winter in their usual places, except for quail. In birds of this species, only the female cares for the offspring. A significant part of the kuropean is domesticated.

Detachment

The bird of the detachment of owls is predatory. Most of them are nocturnal. This species can include snuff, owl white, eagle owl, bearded owl, owl swamp , etc. Their greatest advantage is excellent hearing. It is he who helps catch animals in the dark. For reproduction, owls create a permanent pair. Eggs are hatching by the female, but the feeding of the offspring is already the concern of both parents. Among the day hunters is worth mentioning the passerine owl, white and hawk owl. Smoke owl excellently mines food both day and night.

Since owls are birds of prey, the photo of most of them, like the images of other birds of prey, causes a shiver and a kind of fear.

Order of passerines

Birds of the order of passerines are known to everyone. They live almost throughout the entire globe, with the exception of Antarctica. This is the largest detachment of birds - about 5000. These include the crochet, the sparrow, the magpie, the jackdaw, the kingpaw, the jay, the dawn, the bluegrass, the tit, etc. They feed on seeds and small insects.

The role of the order of birds

A detachment of birds is the main link in the fight against pests of different plants. They also help spread their seeds. They, in turn, feed on other animals.