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Archaeopteryx was the first fossil to display both clearly traditional reptilian characteristics—teeth, clawed fingers, and a long, lizard-like tail—as well as wings with flight feathers similar to those of modern birds. It is not considered a direct ancestor of birds, though it is possibly closely related to the true ancestor.
Feathers are among the characteristics that distinguish the extant birds from other living groups. [188] Although feathers cover most parts of the body of birds, they arise only from certain well-defined tracts on the skin. They aid in flight, thermal insulation and waterproofing, with their colouration helping in communication and protection ...
1 Characteristics. 2 Taxonomy. 3 Footnotes. 4 References. 5 External links. ... are an order of birds that includes most of the diurnal birds of prey, including hawks
In birds, the last five to six caudal vertebrae are fused to form the pygostyle. [14] Some sources note that up to ten caudal vertebrae may make up this fused structure. This structure provides an attachment point for tail feathers that aid in control of flight. [7] Highlighted in red is an intact keeled sternum of a dissected pigeon.
Sometimes known as perching birds, passerines generally have an anisodactyl arrangement of their toes (three pointing forward and one back), which facilitates perching. With more than 140 families and some 6,500 identified species, [ 1 ] Passeriformes is the largest order of birds and among the most diverse clades of terrestrial vertebrates ...
Ninety-five percent of seabirds are colonial, [3] and seabird colonies are among the largest bird colonies in the world, providing one of Earth's great wildlife spectacles. Colonies of over a million birds have been recorded, both in the tropics (such as Kiritimati in the Pacific) and in the polar latitudes (as in Antarctica). Seabird colonies ...
Accipitriformes is one of three major orders of birds of prey and includes the osprey, hawks, eagles, kites, and vultures. Falcons (Falconiformes) and owls (Strigiformes) are the other two major orders and are listed in other articles.
They are among the characteristics that distinguish the extant birds from other living groups. [4] Although feathers cover most of the bird's body, they arise only from certain well-defined tracts on the skin. They aid in flight, thermal insulation, and waterproofing. In addition, coloration helps in communication and protection. [5]