Ornithology

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ORDER APODIFORMES

You must know the order, family, common name, habitat, and habits and be able to identify by sight each species. There are 2 species on the list.  In addition, you will be expected to learn the vocalization for any species labeled with a  symbol. You can get extra credit for learning the vocalizations of any species labeled .

 

Birds on this list: 2
Order Apodiformes  Swifts and Hummingbirds
Characteristics of the order:
small or very small birds with extremely short legs and weak tiny feet; very accomplished fliers very small humerus; 10 long primaries, short secondaries clutch size 1 or 2
Family Apodidae   Swifts
Characteristics of the family:
Small to medium-sized aerial foragers tiny bill; gregarious; insect-feeder; sexually monomorphic Body streamlined, spend most of their time in the air nest on sides of cliffs, caves, hollow trees, chimneys worldwide
	Chimney Swift	Chaetura pelagica
Family Trochilidae   Hummingbirds
Characteristics of the family:
Smallest birds long slender bill, pointed (terete); nectar-feeders; solitary very agile fliers; sexually dimorphic Sternum and flight muscles large, wing rotates at shoulder joint Hover when foraging Males have irridescent feathers New World
	Ruby-throated Hummingbird	Archilochus colubris