VIRB

What Makes a Bird a Bird?

Birds are unique. In the animal kingdom birds have two reasons for being special. First, all birds have feathers. And second, all birds live in a hurry. Everything about a bird is fast. They breathe faster than any other animal. Their heart beats faster, and their body temperature is higher. Birds have a backbone.

Birds are warm blooded. This means that their body temperature remains the same even in differing temperatures. Birds lay eggs and defend themselves with a bill or a beak. All birds have wings, but not all birds fly.

There are 8,600 species of birds in the world today. They are found everywhere. Birds play a vital role in the balance of nature. They eat insects, pests and small animals. Fruit eating birds are best for scattering seeds for these plants. Seed eating birds digest seeds and in so doing keep millions of weeds from the earth.

Birds also have other values. We eat both eggs and meat from birds. Feathers are used for pillows, quilts and clothing.

Man is in awe of the beauty of the bird. Man has written poetry, stories, and songs about birds. Birds have also become symbols for human values. Owls mean wisdom, the dove peace, and the eagle political power.