Catalog Number:
65010
Object/Specimen Description:

Skin

Specimen Count:
1
Locality:
US Mid Atlantic (PA, NJ, MD, DE, DC, VA, WV)
Sex:
Female
Collecting Locality:
North America, United States, West Virginia, Kanawha County
Cabinet:
15
Drawer/Shelf:
02
Upper Level Taxonomy:
Animalia, Chordata, Vertebrata, Tetrapoda, Aves, Caprimulgiformes, Caprimulgidae, Chordeilinae

Most birds fly. Wing feathers are spread out to increase surface area and generate lift like airplane wings. Soft contour feathers overlap rigid flight feathers to make a streamlined but firm surface. Stiff tail feathers are used to steer and break. Unlike an airplane, a bird flaps its wings to generate thrust for forward movement. A typical bird body is adapted for flight. Hand bones are fused together to support the flight feathers. A downward extension from the breastbone provides a place to anchor large chest muscles that power the wings. Bird bodies are surprisingly light, thanks to thin-walled, hollow bones. For strength, the hollow channels are filled with bony struts like the scaffolding of a building. Many birds also spend a lot of time standing and walking. Their pelvic girdle is strong, supporting the bird's weight on just two hind limbs.