Avian Anatomy and Physiology
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What is the purpose of the digestive system?
To keep the host nourished and healthy
How is the avian digestive system different than mammals?
It is faster and more efficient?
Why are the two reasons the avian digestive system is faster and more efficient than other vertebrates?
1.) Birds cannot afford to store heavy food materials in their bodies for long periods of time since they need to minimize weight for flight 2.) Because of flight, because they’re small (lose heat more rapidly), and because they’re warm blooded, they use a lot of energy, so digestion needs to act quickly to supply this
How long does it take a shrike to digest a mouse and a robin to digest fruit?
Shrike -> 3 hours Robin -> 30 minutes
What is the most common activity done by birds during the day?
Eating and foraging
When is most foraging done?
Mornings and evenings
What type of feeders are birds?
Opportunistic feeders
What is another name for the gastrointestinal tract?
The alimentary canal
What is the gastrointestinal tract and what does it span in birds?
The entirety through which food passes Spans beak to cloaca
What is the difference between a bill and a beak?
A beak is a curved bill
What are the main functions of the bill/beak?
Grabbing, tearing, crushing, holding, and swallowing food
How does the avian jaw differ between mammals and avians?
The avian jaw is somewhat mobile, meaning it can extend upward
What allows for the different positions and mobility of the jaw?
Lateral and longitudinal dexterity
The beak is able to do what with a big meal?
Hold or receive it
What are examples of when form and function are important?
Structure, dietary preferences, adaptation, and environment
What is the avian mouth made of?
A hard palate divided by a long narrow slit that acts as an opening to the nasal passage
What is the long narrow slit in the avian mouth called?
Choanal slit
The choanal slit, coupled with what, makes it impossible for birds to do what?
The choanal slit and the absence of a soft palate make it impossible for birds to create a vacuum to draw food or water into their mouths . They can’t use straws, so they need to draw water in by moving their head
What are characteristics of the avian tongue?
It is hard, short, narrow, and triangular
How does the number of taste buds in avians compare to mammals?
Avians have very few compared to mammals and they are situated mostly in the back of the mouth/throat for avians
What tastes can birds perceive?
Sweet, sour, and bitter
How do birds utilize flavor?
To learn which foods are more nutritious
In terms of food, what do birds prefer?
Texture over flavor
What do birds have on their tongue and palate and how do they use them?
A complex system of touch receptors that they use to make food-based decisions based on how something feels