BIRDS (BIRD FEATHERS) 

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TOPIC C: WARM BLOODED VERTEBRATES

BIRDS (BIRD FEATHERS)

Types of bird feathers;

 There are basically four types namely;

  1. Quill or flight feathers
  2. Body or covert feathers
  3. Down feathers
  4. Filoplume feathers.

NOTE; Quill feathers are divided into primary and secondary feathers.

 Quill feathers have a strong central part called the shaft, the hollow portion. They are found on the tail and wings.

 Covert feathers help to cover the body of the bird

 Covert feathers are slightly smaller compared to Quill feathers.

 Filoplume feathers are the smallest and found nearest the skin of the bird.

feather

3. Below is a diagram of a bird’s feather. Use it to answer the questions that follow.

  1. Identify the type of feather shown in the diagram 
  2. Name parts marked with letters A, B, C
  3. In which way is the quill feather useful to a bird?

VERTERBRATES

BIRDS (REPRODUCTION IN BIRDS)

Reproduction in birds

 Birds reproduce by means of laying eggs.

 Their eggs are fertilized internally before they are laid out.

 A hen will sit on the eggs (incubate) until they hatch into young ones (chick

egg

Functions of each part

Egg shell: Provids the inner part of an egg.

It is psorous to allow free circulation of air.

Air space: keep and provides oxygen to the embryo.

Egg Yolk; provides carbohydrates/salts, fats to the growing embryo.

Embryo: develops into a chick under favourable conditions.

Albumen; Provides water and mineral salts to the growing embryo.

   Chalaza; holds the Yolk and embryo in one position. Learners’ activity