Billions of Birds!

Billions of birds live on our planet – in the forests, jungles, deserts, grasslands, near water and even in snowy areas. Millions of people like to watch or photograph birds simply because birds are so beautiful! It is fun to watch birds move and fly, and listen to how they communicate. Some people study birds’ habits and life cycles. You can join in the fun and watch birds in your yard or at a park near you. Think about starting a notebook in which to draw, color and write what you learn about birds as you watch them!

1. Birds are warm-blooded and have backbones. They are ________.

2. Flying birds have hollow ________ that make their bodies lighter, and powerful wings covered with feathers that help to lift them into the air. Only birds have feathers!

3. Most bird feet have four _____, three in front and one in back, to help them perch.

4. Ducks, geese and other water birds have ________ feet that help them swim.

5. Birds have ________, but no teeth. The shape of a bird’s beak is suited to its diet.

6. Birds may eat fruit, seeds, ________, fish, flower nectar and, in some cases, meat.

7. Female birds lay eggs, sometimes on the ground, but mostly in ________ they build.

8. When their ________ hatch, many mother birds will chew food, then feed it to them.

9. Birds ________ with each other using chirps and tweets. Some birds, such as parrots, can mimic human speech.

10. Birds live almost ________ : forests, deserts, jungles, grasslands and on mountains.

11. Birds may fly south before the ________ to warmer areas where it’s easier to live.

12. Some birds, like eagles, live in pairs while others, like geese, stay together in a ________.