8.07 Safari Quest Five—Birds

Birds are in the vertebrate class called Aves. Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder, but in my opinion they're the most beautiful and interesting group of vertebrates. Before you leave Isla Fernandina, make sure to see some of the lava fields on the coast and find the flightless cormorants. You may also see Galapagos hawks while you're there because they like to chow down on marine iguanas on occasion.

As you continue your quest for birds, let's look at the important characteristics of birds that enable them to fly.

• Feathers
• Hollow Bones
• Wings and Sternum
• Air Sacs and Lungs
• Four-Chambered Heart

This is a great introduction for the final leg of our Safari Quest, mammals. They also have a four-chambered heart and are endothermic like the birds. First, look at these websites with some more info about birds. They'll help you complete your Bird Field Guide.

The following are some websites to help you get started researching a bird of your choice. This is just a start. You may find other websites that will also help you fill in your field guide.

Web Resources:

Life Science Connections: Birds

Animal Diversity Web: Birds

Teaching and Learning Resources: Birds

Our chopper is at the heliport waiting to take us back to Ecuador and your final destination. I hope you've found that special bird for your Bird Field Guide!

It's been my pleasure to serve as your guide!

If you have completed your Bird Field Guide, head over to the Travel Log tab to finish up.