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The Anatomy of Birds

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1-
wing
2-
web
3-
wattle
4-
vent
5-
talon
6-
spur
7-
wing tip
8-
ruff
9-
mandible
10-
gizzard
11-
crest
12-
comb
13-
collar
14-
cockscomb
15-
breast
16-
bill
17-
beak
18-
wishbone
19-
claw
20-
hackle
21-
crop
22-
mantle
23-
covert feather
24-
flight feather
25-
underwing
26-
lesser coverts
27-
covert
28-
tertial
29-
primary
30-
tarsus
31-
eyestripe
32-
proventriculus
Wing
/wɪng/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
w
w
i
ɪ
n
n
g
g
Spelling
Close
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noun

any of the two parts of the body of a bird, insect, etc. used for flying

example
Example
click on words
He studied the bat’s wing structure to understand its flight mechanics.

Grammatical Information:

wing
Web
/wɛb/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
w
w
e
ɛ
b
b
noun

a membrane that connects the toes of certain aquatic birds, such as ducks and coots, enabling them to swim with greater ease

What is "web"?

The web is a specialized structure found in the feet of some aquatic birds, including ducks and geese, which helps them swim and maneuver efficiently in water. It refers to the skin membrane that connects the toes of their feet, creating a flat surface that increases the area of contact with the water. The web is composed of skin and connective tissue, and it is supplied with blood vessels and nerves. The webbed feet are also equipped with rough pads on the underside, which provide traction on slippery surfaces, and they can be folded back when the birds are on land. The webbed feet of aquatic birds are a remarkable example of adaptation to the environment, allowing them to thrive in aquatic habitats.

web
Wattle
/wɑ:təl/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
w
w
a
ɑ:
tt
t
ə
l
l
e
noun

a colorful and usually red lobe that hangs from the head or neck of a bird

What is a "wattle"?

A wattle is a distinctive feature found in many birds and some animals, characterized by a fleshy, often elongated, and often brightly colored appendage or fold of skin. It typically hangs from the neck or head region and serves various purposes. In birds, wattles can play a role in communication and display, serving as visual signals during courtship or aggressive interactions. They can also have thermoregulatory functions, helping to dissipate excess heat or conserve warmth. The size, shape, and coloration of wattles can vary significantly between species, and they contribute to the overall appearance and uniqueness of the animal.

wattle
Vent
/vɛnt/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
v
v
e
ɛ
n
n
t
t
noun

the rectum or external opening in some animals, such as a fish, bird, etc., through which waste is passed

What is a "vent"?

A vent is an anatomical feature commonly found in birds, reptiles, and some mammals, serving as an external opening for the reproductive, urinary, and digestive systems. Also known as the cloaca, the vent is a multi-purpose opening located at the posterior end of the body. In birds, it is the opening through which eggs are laid, waste products are eliminated, and mating occurs. The vent plays a vital role in excretion, allowing for the elimination of urine and feces from the body. Additionally, in some reptiles and mammals, such as monotremes, the vent serves as the opening for both the reproductive and excretory systems.

Talon
/tælən/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
t
t
a
æ
l
l
o
ə
n
n
noun

a long, sharp nail on the foot of some birds, especially birds of prey

What is a "talon"?

A talon is a sharp, curved claw found on the feet of some birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, and falcons. These claws are used to catch and kill prey, and they are particularly effective for grasping and holding onto smaller animals such as rodents or fish. The talon is characterized by a sharp, pointed tip and a slightly curved shape that is ideal for piercing and tearing. The bird's toes can be flexed to extend or retract the talon, allowing for greater control over the prey. The size and shape of the talon can vary depending on the species of bird, with larger birds generally having larger and more powerful talons.

talon
Spur
/spɜr/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
s
s
p
p
u
ɜ
r
r
noun

a pointed extension of bone that grows from the leg or foot and is used for defense, mating rituals, or establishing dominance within a social group

What is a "spur"?

A spur is a bony projection found on the legs or wings of certain birds, particularly in roosters and some species of birds of prey. It is a specialized structure that serves various purposes depending on the species. In roosters, spurs are located on the lower leg and are used as a weapon during territorial disputes or when defending against predators. They can be sharp and pointed, capable of inflicting injury. In birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, spurs are typically found on the wings and are used for gripping and maneuvering during flight.

spur
Wing tip
us flag
/wˈɪŋ tˈɪp/
noun

the outermost part of a bird's wing that includes the primary feathers and contributes to the bird's flight maneuverability and stability

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
wing tip
Ruff
/rʌf/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
r
r
u
ʌ
ff
f
noun

a decorative and frilled collar-like structure made of feathers or hair that encircles the neck of a bird

Mandible
/mændəbəl/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
m
m
a
æ
n
n
d
d
i
ə
b
b
ə
l
l
e
noun

the lower or upper part of a bird's beak

Grammatical Information:

Gizzard
/gɪzərd/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
g
g
i
ɪ
zz
z
a
ə
r
r
d
d
noun

the muscular part of a bird's digestive system with thick walls that grinds the food for a better digestion

What is "gizzard"?

The gizzard is a muscular organ found in the digestive system of certain animals, particularly birds, and some reptiles. It is situated between the stomach and the small intestine and is responsible for mechanical digestion. The gizzard has a tough and thick muscular wall that allows it to grind and break down food particles. When an animal consumes food, it passes through the esophagus into the gizzard, where it is mixed with small stones or grit. The strong muscles of the gizzard contract and squeeze the food together with the stones, effectively pulverizing and grinding it into smaller pieces. This grinding action aids in the breakdown of tough materials, such as seeds, shells, and plant fibers, which are difficult to digest. The gizzard plays a crucial role in the digestion of food, helping animals extract nutrients from their diet.

Crest
/krɛst/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
c
k
r
r
e
ɛ
s
s
t
t
noun

a prominent feature exhibited by some birds on their heads, consisting of feathers, fur, or skin

What is a "crest"?

A crest is a prominent feature found on the heads of various animals, particularly birds. It refers to a tuft, plume, or collection of feathers or hair that stands upright or extends outward from the top of the head. The crest serves both functional and decorative purposes. Functionally, it can help in communication and species recognition and provide protection or insulation. In terms of aesthetics, the crest adds to the visual appeal of the animal, often enhancing its appearance and making it more distinctive. Crests can vary in shape, size, and color, depending on the species. They are commonly seen in birds such as cockatoos, peacocks, and crested pigeons, where they are often used in displays during courtship or territorial defense.

crest
Comb
/koʊm/
Difficult
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
c
k
o
m
m
b
noun

a fleshy, often brightly colored, crest located on top of the head of certain bird species

What is a "comb"?

A comb refers to a distinctive feature found on the heads of certain bird species. It is a fleshy, often brightly colored crest positioned atop the bird's head. Combs can vary in shape and size, but they are typically characterized by a row of raised elongated structures. These structures can take on various forms, such as spikes, knobs, or serrated ridges, and they are often vibrant in color, ranging from vivid reds to striking oranges or blues. The comb serves both functional and ornamental purposes. It may play a role in visual communication, species recognition, and attracting potential mates during courtship displays. Additionally, the comb may have physiological functions, such as regulating body temperature or enhancing the bird's vocalizations.

comb
Collar
/kɑ:lər/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
c
k
o
ɑ:
ll
l
a
ə
r
r
noun

a distinct ring, band, or marking around the neck or throat area of an animal

What is a "collar"?

A collar is a distinct band, ring, or marking encircling the neck or throat region. It can vary in appearance, ranging from a broad and prominent band of fur, feathers, or skin to a more subtle or fine line. The collar may have a different color, texture, or pattern compared to the rest of the body, creating a visual contrast. Some animals, such as certain bird species or mammals, possess collars that are particularly prominent, serving as an important feature for identification and distinguishing individuals. The collar can play a role in communication, display, or camouflage, depending on the species.

Cockscomb
us flag
/kˈɑːkskoʊm/
noun

a fleshy, comb-like growth on top of the head of certain domestic roosters and other bird species

cockscomb
Breast
/brɛst/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
b
b
r
r
ea
ɛ
s
s
t
t
noun

the front part of a bird's or a mammal's body

breast
Bill
/bɪl/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
b
b
i
ɪ
ll
l
noun

a hard curved jaw of a bird, especially a wide or slender one

What is a "bill"?

A bill is a prominent feature found in many bird species, serving as their primary tool for feeding and manipulation. It is a specialized structure composed of a hard, keratinous covering that forms the upper and lower parts of the beak. The bill varies in shape and size across different bird species, with adaptations that reflect their specific feeding habits. It may be slender, pointed for probing into flowers or crevices, or stout and hooked for tearing prey apart. The bill plays a crucial role in capturing, manipulating, and consuming food, as well as in other important functions such as preening feathers, building nests, and communicating through vocalizations.

bill
Beak
/bi:k/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
b
b
ea
i:
k
k
noun

the hard or pointed part of a bird's mouth

What is a "beak"?

A beak is a distinctive feature found in many bird species, serving as their primary tool for feeding, communication, and other essential tasks. It is a specialized structure composed of a hard, keratinous covering that forms the upper and lower parts of the bird's mouth. The beak comes in various shapes and sizes, reflecting the specific adaptations of different bird species to their ecological niches. It may be long and slender for probing into the ground or water to capture prey, short and stout for crushing seeds or nuts, or curved and sharp for tearing flesh. The beak plays a vital role in gathering and consuming food, building nests, defending territory, and engaging in social interactions. It is a versatile and adaptable tool that allows birds to thrive in diverse environments and fulfill their ecological roles.

beak
Wishbone
/wɪʃboʊn/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
w
w
i
ɪ
sh
ʃ
b
b
o
n
n
e
noun

a Y-shaped bone between the neck and breast of a bird

wishbone
Claw
/klɔ:/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
c
k
l
l
a
ɔ:
w
noun

a sharp and curved nail on the toe of an animal or a bird

claw
Hackle
/hækəl/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
h
h
a
æ
ck
k
ə
l
l
e
noun

the long erectile feather or hair in the neck area of some birds and mammals such as dogs

What is "hackle"?

Hackle refers to the specialized feathers found on certain birds, particularly on the neck and upper back regions. These feathers are often long, slender, and pointed, and they play important roles in the bird's appearance, behavior, and communication. Hackles can be raised or lowered by the bird to express emotions or communicate with other individuals. When raised, they can create an intimidating or defensive display, making the bird appear larger and more threatening.

hackle
Crop
/krɑ:p/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
c
k
r
r
o
ɑ:
p
p
noun

a pouch in a bird's throat that is used for storing and digesting food

What is a "crop"?

A crop is a specialized pouch-like structure in a bird's digestive system. It acts as a temporary storage chamber for food, allowing birds to consume a large amount of food quickly and process it gradually. This adaptation enables efficient feeding and digestion, particularly for birds with high energy demands or those that need to gather food in one location and consume it later. The crop plays a crucial role in optimizing a bird's foraging strategies and managing its food intake.

Mantle
/mæntəl/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
m
m
a
æ
n
n
t
t
ə
l
l
e
noun

the region of feathers covering the upper back, shoulders, and base of the wings

What is "mantle"?

Mantle refers to the area of feathers that covers the upper back, shoulders, and base of the wings. It is an important part of their plumage and provides protection and insulation. The mantle feathers are typically well-developed and contribute to the bird's overall appearance and flight capabilities. They help streamline the body during flight and aid in maintaining body temperature. The coloration and patterns of the mantle feathers can vary between species, playing a role in camouflage, courtship displays, and species recognition.

Covert feather
us flag
/koʊvˈɜːt fˈɛðɚ/
noun

a type of small, fluffy feather that covers the base of a bird's larger flight feathers, providing insulation and helping to streamline the bird's wing shape

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
Flight feather
us flag
/flˈaɪt fˈɛðɚ/
noun

any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird

Underwing
us flag
/ˌʌndˈɜːwəɪŋ/
noun

the feathers on the underside of a bird's wing, which can have distinctive patterns and colors that are often visible in flight

Lesser coverts
us flag
/lˈɛsɚ koʊvˈɜːts/
noun

the small feathers on a bird's wing that cover the larger feathers and help the bird fly better

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
Covert
/koʊvərt/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
c
k
o
v
v
e
ə
r
r
t
t
noun

a small feather that covers the base of a bigger feather on the wings or tail, helping the bird to fly better by keeping it warm and streamlined

Tertial
us flag
/tˈɜːʃəl/
noun

a feather on the wing that helps with stability and maneuverability during flight. It's located between the flight feathers and the bird's body

Primary
/praɪmɛri/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
p
p
r
r
i
m
m
a
ɛ
r
r
y
i
noun

the main and longest feathers on a bird's wing that help it fly

Tarsus
/tɑ:rsəs/
us flag
Epenthesis
Silent
t
t
a
ɑ:
r
r
s
s
u
ə
s
s
noun

the lower part of the leg, located between the shank and the foot, providing support and flexibility for perching and walking

Eyestripe
us flag
/ˈaɪstɹaɪp/
noun

a line of color that goes across or behind the eye of a bird, making the bird's eye and facial features more noticeable

What is an "eyestripe"?

An eyestripe, also known as an eye line or eye stripe, is a distinct line or stripe that extends from the eye of certain animals, such as birds or mammals. It typically runs horizontally or diagonally across the face, passing through or adjacent to the eye. The eyestripe can vary in color, width, and prominence among different species. It often serves as a visual characteristic, aiding in species identification, communication, or camouflage. The eyestripe can play a role in attracting mates, signaling aggression or dominance, or providing protection by disrupting the visibility of the eye.

Proventriculus
us flag
/pɹˌuːvəntɹˈɪkjʊləs/
noun

a glandular organ found in the digestive system of birds that functions in the initial breakdown of food before it enters the stomach

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