Get the facts about the American Goldfinch. Besides a detailed physical description of this North American seed-eating bird, is a collection of unique facts and characteristics. Also included in this Bird Fact Sheet is information on the American Goldfinch's habitat and habits, range, feeding, breeding, and conservation efforts. A list of resources completes the fact sheet.

Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe the evolutionary history of birds
Describe the derived characteristics in birds that facilitate flight

Dr. Helen James, an ornithologist at the National Museum of Natural History, explains what prehistoric evidence can tell you about bird extinctions. [29:15]

Get the facts about feeding birds. Learn about different types of bird feeders and what to put into them. Next, find out what types of birds come to feeders and some of their characteristics. Finally, familiarize yourself with some of the problems that can arise with bird feeders, as well as learn some tips to combat them. A list of resources completes the discussion.

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park provides a detailed look at birds. Content includes a focus on the Zoo's bird house exhibit, as well as bird houses, flight cages, bird facts, bird information for kids, an FAQ section, a photo gallery, and more.

Students construct bird nests and birdhouses. They research birds of their choosing and then design houses that meet the birds' specific needs. It works well to conduct this activity in conjunction with a grades 9-12 woodshop class by partnering the older students with the younger students (but it is not required to do this in order to conduct the activity).

Part of the research and collections section of the Burke Museum, this site centers on genetics and studies tissue collected from both birds and mammals used for molecular research.

A site on the disorders of the digestive system and on the similarities and differences between the digestion of birds and ruminants.

What are the state symbols of Colorado? Find them here, along with the date of their adoption, and links to pictures and more information.

This nonfiction article, written for students in grades 4-5, explores the life and seasonal migration of the sanderling bird. Modified versions are available for students in younger grades.

This site has a colorful display of information about Oregon. It contains a map, pictures, a list of state symbols, and links to related information.

Get the facts about the Evening Grosbeak. Besides finding a detailed physical description of this member of the finch family, you?ll also learn about some of this bird's unique facts and characteristics. Also included in this Bird Fact Sheet on the Evening Grosbeak is information on its habitat and habits, range, feeding, breeding, and conservation efforts. A list of resources completes the fact sheet.

In 2002, paleontologists discovered a fossil in China that seemed to provide a missing link between dinosaurs and birds, and to support the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs. The fossil came from a four-winged dinosaur they named the Microraptor. This PBS video looks at the discovery and the debates and research that followed from it.

At least fifty different types of birds in Canada nest in cavities. This being said, these birds can adapt to nesting in nest boxes, which is a good thing since many of these birds? natural nesting sites are diminishing. Learn how to make and maintain a bird nesting box. A list of resources completes the discussion.

The PBS video series "The Life of Birds" is accompanied with this site. There are articles about several aspects of birds and their behavior. This one chronicles the highest, fastest, and most extreme birds. There are lots of examples.

Online companion to the PBS program "The Life of Birds." In-depth look at certain behaviors of birds, the evolution of birds, birds as parents, and bird songs.

The diversity of bird songs is covered in this article from the companion site to PBS's "The Life of Birds." They can communicate about size, aggression, territory, mating, food, and many other things and they can produce a range of sounds that is amazing.