In this activity we will explore some of the different features that make many of our Ohio bird species masters at what they do.  So let's put on our wing suits and fly off into the field of Ornithology!

Many birds have specialized adaptations that allow them to be successful in their environment. These adaptations or features allow them to be more efficient for feeding  on certain foods as well as  mobility or travel in there habitat. 

Now that we are becoming more familiar with birds in general, let's focus on two specific features of birds that are great indicators of their taste...feet and beaks!

Cool Content to Consider

Birds, as well as all animals, are constantly adjusting and adapting to changes in their environment. They need to do this in order to survive. We call this new adjustment an adaptation:

• Adaptation - the adjustment or changes in behavior, physiology, and structure of an organism to become more suited to an environment; the state reached by the biological population undergoing adjustments or changes. 

In our exploration today, we are looking at adaptations related to two specific physical features or birds:

Feet

• Birds' feet are covered with heavily scaled skin. This "scaly" skin is helpful because it actually strengthens the foot. Birds can't wear shoes, so they need this scaly skin to help prevent wear and tear due to walking and perching.

• Birds use their feet for many important activities, including: swimming, catching prey, walking, perching, wading, and climbing.

• Birds even use their feet to defend themselves. 

Feet Variations Include:

• Perching Foot - three toes forward one toe backward used for perching.

• Climbing Foot - one toe rotated backwards to assist in climbing trees and other surfaces.

• Griping Foot - ideal for gripping onto prey.

• Running Foot - makes it more idea for running as their mode of travel.

• Swimming Foot - webbed and great for paddling through water.

Beaks

• Beaks consist of a protein called keratin which is a layer over beak bone that gives bills their glossy appearance. 

• As the keratin wears down with use, a new layer forms, so the beak stays sharp and sleek. 

Beak Variations Include:

• Cone shaped bills - great for cracking seeds.

• Long fine bills - ideal to reach deep inside of a flower to retrieve nectar.

• Long sturdy pointed bills - perfect in catching and holding onto prey.

• Broad flat bills - used for straining the water for aquatic plants.

• Hooked and sharp beaks - excellent for tearing through meat and even crack through bone.

• Small short bills - superb in capturing insects (gleaning).

• Long thin probing bills - used to dig into mug or sand where food may be hiding.

• Short and stubby bills  with large mouths - which works like a mid- air bug net.

• Short blunt chisel like bill -ideal for digging into trees or lifting bark for insects.

Remember, there are many different variations of these features in our natural world and we are  just looking at a few. Feet and beaks are usually determined by how the birds have specialized their lifestyles according to the environment, food source, behaviors, and any other changes in their environment. 

Let's see if you can match some of the variations we listed above with the images below. 

Based on what we now know about bird feet and beaks, see if you can determine what these native Ohio birds eat.

What do you give a sick bird?

Tweetment. 

Outdoor Challenge Activity

Alright folks, let's get outside and explore! For our outdoor activity we are going to be doing a "Bird Search" (which kinda sounds like Word Search). We are going to identify and determine what types of birds we have right outside our door. Our challenge is to find the birds that inhabit the same neighborhood as we do. It might take some patience, but the birds are out there! 

We have spent a lot of time focusing on bird features, now let's see if we can find any birds outside our home. Here is your challenge:

Materials: Pencil, Bird Search worksheet(s), clipboard or something to write on.  Also if you have access to binoculars, they can be a great tool for you to use in the Bird Search.

• Print out, if possible 2-3 of the bird observation sheets. If not, click the image to get the full view and take a picture of it with your phone or iPod/iPad. If you do not have an opportunity to use those resources, grab a blank piece of paper and transfer the information onto that sheet.

• Take the worksheets or blank sheets of paper outside and see what types of birds you can find. 

• You can go outside in your back yard, hike to a local park, or walk around your neighborhood with a buddy. But make sure you go outside and find some birds!

• Optional: If the weather is not so great, try viewing the live bird cameras located below this activity.

• When you finish  take some time to reflect on your time outside. 

• With the bird species you observed, consider why they might be in your neighborhood. Was it:

  • Adaptations?

  • Habitat?

  • Food source?

• When you are done, come back so we can do the Reflection and Quick Quiz below.

• HAVE FUN!

Rainy Day Option: Live Feeder Cameras

If the weather is blah outside or you wish to take another opportunity to view more birds, below are two live feeder cameras located near Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Identification Resources

Below are the Ohio Division of Natural Resources Guidebooks of bird species right here in Ohio. These can be used as resources and tool for you in your Bird Search Challenge and Observations. They are also great to look through and see the diverse types of birds that might be right outside your door! You can scroll using the grey scroll bars on the sides or blow up the document  to view in a separate window.

Quick Quiz

You have done all the hard work! See what you remember from our exploration into the wide world of birds.

Why do ducks fly south?

Because it’s too far to walk! 

Resources and Sites

There are so many wonderful organizations, resources, and sites out there that are not listed as well and I encourage you to do some self inquiry if birds interest you!

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources - http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/ 

• The National Audubon Society - https://www.audubon.org/ 

• American Birding Association - https://www.aba.org/ 

• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology - https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/  

• American Bird Conservancy -  https://abcbirds.org/ 

• Birds & Blooms - http://www.birdsandblooms.com/ 

• Project BEAK - http://projectbeak.org/ 

About the Author

Branch*

*The Nuhop Outdoor Education Staff use "nature names" when working with students. The reason for these nature names is twofold: first it gives them a built-in conversation starter with students, and second, it provides them a level of personal privacy when working with over 4000 students in a given year.