Animal Classification: Birds

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

• Did you say the animal in the picture was a bird?

In this lesson, learn all about birds. Birds have similar characteristics to mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish! Read on to learn all about birds.

Birds are warm-blooded like mammals. This means they can regulate their body temperatures like mammals. Their body temperature stays the same throughout their life.

• What do you notice about birds?
• Do they have scales like reptiles and fish?
• Do they have smooth skin like amphibians?
• Do they have fur like mammals?

No, they have none of these things. Take a look at the picture of the bird below.

I'm sure you've seen birds flying outside, or maybe you or someone you know has a bird for a pet.

• How would it feel to touch a bird?
• What do birds have as a covering to protect their body and help them fly?

If you said "feathers," you are correct! Birds have feathers. Their feathers help them stay warm and help them fly.

• Did you know birds have something in common with reptiles, amphibians, and fish?
• Can you guess what that is?

Use the picture below to help you.

• Did you say they lay eggs?

Great work! Birds lay eggs, too. They don't lay nearly as many eggs as reptiles, amphibians, and fish — they only lay four or five eggs at one time.

Birds are vertebrates just like mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

• What does it mean to be a vertebrate?

Nice job! Being a vertebrate means you have a backbone.

• What is another name for a backbone?

 Great! Spine is another word for backbone.

Check out the skeleton of the bird below. Point to the spine in the picture.

Birds only have two legs. They use their legs and feet to climb branches, catch prey, and build their nest.

Before moving on to the next section, Say out loud something birds have in common with mammals. Say something birds have in common with reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Then, move on to the Got It? section.