ZOOLOGY OF CHORDATES: STUDY GUIDE - Zakharenko M.O. - 2015

CHAPTER 5. AMNIOTES

5.3. Identification of Bird Species

To correctly identify a bird, it is necessary to examine several key diagnostic features of its external appearance that are unique to the species. There may be only two or three such traits, but often a more comprehensive set is required, including subtle yet reliable diagnostic details. Even at the earliest stages of identification, one must be familiar with the Topography of the bird's body and plumage, as well as measurement techniques such as wing length, tail length, tarsus length, bill length, total length, and wingspan.

1 (2). Each of the three front toes has a separate web or broad fringe; the webbing is lobed or incised. The width of the fringe on each toe is at least 1.5 times (more frequently 2 times or greater) the width of the toe itself

2 (1). Toe Structure otherwise

3 (4). The web on each individual toe forms a continuous lobe with smooth edges. The tarsus is strongly compressed laterally, and the legs are positioned far back Grebes (Podicipediformes)

4 (3). Webbing with incisions or notches along the margin

5 (6). Bird larger than a pigeon (wing length greater than 190 mm), with a pale, bare frontal shield Rails (Ralliformes), Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)

6 (5). Bird smaller than a pigeon (wing length less than 140 mm), with a long bill Shorebirds (Charadriiformes), phalaropes (Phalaropus)

7 (8). Swimming web is continuous and connects all four toes Pelicans and allies (Pelecaniformes)

8 (7). Leg structure otherwise

9 (10). Swimming web is continuous (unincised) and connects three toes.

The tips of the toes may extend beyond the web (partial webbing), but the membrane always spans more than half the length of the inner toe

10 (9). Webbing between the three front toes is absent or poorly developed, not extending beyond the basal Phalanges of the toes

11 (12). Nostrils form one or two horn-like tubes. Maxilla hooked at the tip Tubenoses (Procellariiformes)

12 (11). Nostrils of a different structure. If they approach a tubular shape, such tubes are directed upward, are small, and the Nasal cavity slit

extends past the eye

13 (14). Margins of the upper and lower mandibles bear numerous transverse or oblique vertical lamellae or a series of distinct horny ridges

14 (13). Margins of the upper and lower mandibles lack lamellae and Teeth, though they may have subtle serrations

15 (16). Bill decurved, legs long Flamingos (Phoenicopteriformes)

16 (15). Bill of a different shape Waterfowl (Anseriformes)

17 (18). Bill slender and upturned. Legs slender and long, with a small (incomplete) web between the front toes

Shorebirds (Charadriiformes), Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

18 (17). Bill of a different structure, legs relatively shorter

19(20). Tarsus covered in front with transverse scutes. Tail longer than the tarsus Gulls and allies (Lariformes)

20(19). Tarsus reticulate in front. Tail shorter than the tarsus.

21(22). Hind toe absent Auks and allies (Alciformes)

22(21). Hind toe present. Tarsus compressed laterally Loons (Gaviiformes)

23(24). Eyes located on the front of the HEAD and directed forward. Bill short, upper Mandible hooked downward. Plumage soft and loose. 1st and 2nd primaries usually notched. In most species, the tarsus and even the toes are feathered Owls (Strigiformes)

24(23). Eyes located on the sides of the head, outer webs of primary remiges without notches

25(26). All four toes directed forward, legs short, wings long and pointed. Mouth wide, lacking long forward-directed bristles at the corners. If only three toes are directed forward, then stiff, spine-like shafts project from the webs of the rectrices Swifts and hummingbirds (Apodiformes)

26(25). Toe arrangement different or lacking stiff spine-like shafts at the tip of the tail

27(30). Two toes directed forward, and two or one backward

28(29). All claws on the toes of approximately equal size. Bill slightly curved along the upper ridge of the culmen. Tail long, rounded or graded Cuckoos (Cuculiformes)

29(28). Claws on toes of varying size. Bill straight, elongated, conical. Ridge of the upper mandible forms a pronounced angle. Rectrices usually stiff, with pointed tips

30(27). Three toes directed forward, one or none backward

31(34). Inner and middle toes fused at the base

32(33). Large variegated crest on the head. Plumage variegated, brownish-red. Hoopoes (Upupiforates)

33(32). Crest absent on the head. Plumage usually bright, multicolored. Rollers, kingfishers and allies (Coraciiformes)

34(31). All toes free, unfused at the base

35(36). Mouth very wide, gape extending past the eye. Large bristles directed forward along the culmen. Nostrils opening upward as short tubes. Plumage soft and loose, tail long Nightjars (Caprimulgiformes)

36(35). STRUCTURE OF THE Oral Cavity and nostrils different

37(38). Bill hooked, "raptorial". A smooth and hard cere, housing the nostrils, is developed at its base Hawks, eagles, and kites (Accipitriformes)

38(37). Bill of a different structure; if hooked, then lacking a cere

39(40). Lower part of the Tibia above the tarsus unfeathered; otherwise, the lores are bare and the bill is sharp and elongated

40(39). Lower part of the tibia feathered, and the lores are also feathered

41(42). Lores or the area around the eye, or both entirely bare, devoid of feathers Herons and allies (Ardeiformes)

42(41). Lores and the area around the eye feathered

43(44). True first primary small, narrow, and pointed, hidden beneath the wing coverts. The visible (normally developed) first primary is longer than or equal to the second. The only exceptions are the Northern Lapwing and sociable lapwing Plovers and allies (Charadriiformes)

44(43). True first primary remex vestigial and indistinct. Visible first primary remex (true second) shorter than the second (true third)

45(46). Hind toe absent Bustards (Otidiformes)

46(45). Hind toe present

47(48). Large long-legged birds, bill from the corner of the mouth at least 60 mm Cranes (Gruiformes)

48(47). Medium to small birds, bill from the corner of the mouth no more than 45 mm Rails (Ralliformes)

49(50). Hind toe absent or barely noticeable

50(49). Hind toe normally developed

51(52). Legs feathered to the claws, or the anterior part of the tarsometatarsus feathered Sandgrouse (Pterocletiformes)

52(51). Tarsometatarsus bare Buttonquails (Turniciformes)

53(54). Bill with a cere, like that of a domestic pigeon, basal half of the upper mandible slightly compressed Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes)

54(53). Structure of the bill otherwise

55(56). Bill strong and robust, upper mandible slightly inflated and curved downwards, overlapping the edges of the lower mandible. Nostrils partially covered by a dense, non-fleshy horny membrane. Wings short, rounded Fowl-like birds (Galliformes)

56(55). Bill and wing of different structure. Mostly small birds. The largest representatives are the raven, crow, rook Perching birds (Passeriformes)

Control Questions

1. General characteristics of birds.

2. Structure of avian Skin.

3. Avian Skeleton.

7. Digestive System of birds.

5. Respiratory system of birds.

6. Excretory system of birds.

7. Circulatory system OF birds.

8. Nervous system of birds.

9. Reproductive System of birds.

10. Reproduction and development of birds.

13. Significance of Birds in nature and human life.

14. Classification of Birds.

15. Comparative characteristics of reptiles and birds.

16. Peculiarities of bird nesting.

17. Parental care in birds.