How Do Birds Fly

1.Start a discussion with the group by asking the question, What is a bird? Try to elicit information about the basic characteristics.

Here are some points you might like to let them know if they are not offered during the course of the discussion.

A bird is a warm blooded animal which is covered with feathers, lays hard-shelled eggs, and has wings for the front limbs. It has a four-chambered heart like mammals, but unlike them, has no teeth and has a specialized flow-through respiratory system with air sacs connected to the lungs. The anatomy exhibits many adaptations for flight.

2.Next, ask how do birds fly? Use these online resources and print materials to find the answer.

Visit the Aerodynamics of Animals - Birds Page to find out. (written simply with illustrations for kids.)

If students are older or if you would like more information, visit the Flapping Wings site for more advanced information about how birds fly. You will learn how birds are able to fly and check out man-made flapping wing models.

Anatomy of a Bird includes information on types of features, adaptations of bird skeletons which help it fly, types of beaks and other information.