Blue jay

1. bright blue crest
2. member of the crow family
3. mimics songs of other birds loudly

Down – small, fluffy feathers

Call – a single note

Early morning – when birds are the most active

Cardinal – male has brilliant red plumage (feathers) and a red crest

Field marks – a bird’s identifying marks

Chickadee – can hang upside down on a branch

Flycatcher – catches insects in midair

Gizzard – part of the bird’s stomach that grinds food

Hummingbird – catches insects in midair and can fly backward

Migrate – move from one placeto another with the change of seasons

Mockingbird – mimics the songs of other birds

Quill – the stiff, hollow portion of a feather

Nuthatch – walks headfirst down trees

1. first sign of spring
2. lays 3 – 6 blue eggs in each clutch

Sparrow – pumps its tail up and down

when it flies

Wren – tips its tail up in the air

1. it provides trees for homes
2. it provides trees for protection
3. food is abundant in the forest

Birds need hollow bones because

1. hollow bones store extra air
2. hollow bones make the bird’s body lighter

1. a living hammer
2. sharp pointed bill to bore holes in trees
3. strong claws to hang on to the bark
4. stiff tail to prop itself up as it climbs
5. extra hard skull
6. strong neck
7. extra long tongue

Syrinx – bird’s voice box

Wood is the best material for a bird house.

1. are important for warmth
2. help the bird fly