Birds
Birds are warm-blooded, covered in
feathers and lay eggs. All birds have wings, a beak and stand on two
legs. Most birds fly, but some cannot. Some species, particularly
penguins and members of the Anatidae family, are adapted to swim. Some
birds eat only seeds and berries. Some also eat insects. Birds of prey
eat small animals. Male birds are usually more brightly colored than
females, while females have better camouflage which helps to protect
their nests.
Birds are incredibly intelligent animals. They make and use tools and culturally transmit knowledge across generations. They
are social, communicating with visual signals, calls and songs, and
participate in such social behaviors such as cooperative breeding and
hunting, flocking and mobbing of predators. The vast majority of bird
species are monogamous, for one breeding season or for years. Eggs are
usually laid in a nest and incubated by the parents. Most birds have an
extended period of parental care after hatching. In some species, both
parents care for the babies, or close relatives will help with the
raising of the young.