Birds are important components of forest ecosystems because they can help in seed
dispersal(=spreading across ) or reduction of rodents(e.g. mice) and insects which are forest and agricultural pests(=parasites). Birds also take care of other dead animals by eating their flesh or, as in the case of waterfowl, can regulate the amount of nutrients in water. Like all living organisms birds occupy different levels in a food chain. Some of them are herbivorous which means that they prefer plants in their diet. Among them there are also birds that eat mainly fruit or grain, e.g. sparrows. Carnivores feed on meat. Birds of prey, such as hawks or owls, are flesh-eating animals whereas scavengers(=animals that feed on dead), e.g. magpies, crows and ravens, feed on carrion. Omnivores, such as jays or mallards, are birds that are not particularly choosy and can eat anything that is edible.
The classification of birds based on their feeding habits is not very precise because most of them may turn to a different diet at times. For instance, the majority of herbivores feed their young with insects and larvae, blackbirds eat mainly earthworms but, like starlings, they are fond of strawberries and sweet cherries when they are available. Birds can also be classified according to their zeal(=great enthusiasm) for travelling. Some of them stay in the same area all year long, others do not. The former are called resident birds, e.g. woodpeckers, partridges, the latter, migrants, e.g. robins, storks.
Another criterion that can characterise birds is their breeding habits. For instance, the partridge is monogamous(=having only one mate) whereas the pheasant is polygamous(=having several mates). The cuckoo lives alone. It does not need a partner to raise its young because it is a brood parasite which means that it lays eggs in other birds’ nests. Young birds often need their parents’ attention for some time because when they hatch they are usually blind and naked. However, there are species which are hatched(=went out from an egg) with a heavy coat of down and can live an independent life fairly quickly, e.g. ducks.
Facts About Birds
• On Earth there are more house sparrows (Passer domesticus) than people.
• Thanks to down covering owl feet and feathers the bird can move noiselessly and catch its prey unawares.
• Birds used to be killed for their feathers. For example, at the end of the 19th century 200,000 great white egrets (Egretta alba) were killed every year. Their feathers were used to decorate women’s hats.
• Five days after hatching a goldeneye chick (Bucephala clangula) can live an independent life.
• Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), barn owl (Tyto alba), great white egret (Egretta alba) can be found all over the world except polar regions.
• Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) can fly 360 kph when diving after its prey
