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Although the term "bird of prey" could theoretically be taken to include all birds that actively hunt and eat other animals, [4] ornithologists typically use the narrower definition followed in this page, [5] excluding many piscivorous predators such as storks, cranes, herons, gulls, skuas, penguins, and kingfishers, as well as many primarily ...
Brains of an emu, a kiwi, a barn owl, and a pigeon, with visual processing areas labelled. The avian brain is the central organ of the nervous system in birds. Birds possess large, complex brains, which process, integrate, and coordinate information received from the environment and make decisions on how to respond with the rest of the body.
Many birds have been shown to be capable of using tools. The definition of a tool has been debated. One proposed definition of tool use was defined by T. B. Jones and A. C. Kamil in 1973 as . the use of physical objects other than the animal's own body or appendages as a means to extend the physical influence realized by the animal [32]
An owl's talons, like those of most birds of prey, can seem massive in comparison to the body size outside of flight. The Tasmanian masked owl has some of the proportionally longest talons of any bird of prey; they appear enormous in comparison to the body when fully extended to grasp prey. [35] An owl's claws are sharp and curved.
Comparison of bird beaks, displaying different shapes adapted to different feeding methods; not to scale. The beak, bill, or rostrum is an external anatomical structure found mostly in birds, but also in turtles, non-avian dinosaurs and a few mammals.
The eye's internal anatomy is similar to that of other vertebrates, but has a structure, the pecten oculi, unique to birds. Some bird groups have specific modifications to their visual system linked to their way of life. Birds of prey have a very high density of receptors and other adaptations that maximise visual acuity. The placement of their ...
Vocal Bird anatomy: Birds produce sounds through the air that passes through the Syrinx, which is shown close up in the bottom right. In order for birds to produce sound, they use an organ located above the lungs called the syrinx , which is composed of tracheal rings, syringeal muscles, Tympaniform membrane, and internal bony structures that ...
Birds feature in the flag designs of 17 countries and numerous subnational entities and territories. [326] Birds are used by nations to symbolise a country's identity and heritage, with 91 countries officially recognising a national bird. Birds of prey are highly represented, though some nations have chosen other species of birds with parrots ...