Fun Facts about Birds!!!

Birds have many more vertebrae in the neck than humans, ranging from about 14 or 15 and up to a maximum of 25 in the swan. The parakeet is known to have up to 11. Birds are much more mobile than mammals — most birds can turn their head 180 degrees. The neck is one of the strongest parts of its body.

Unlike the jaw found in mammals, in birds, both the upper and lower jaw are completely moveable.

Feather movement is brought about by feather muscles, which attach to the walls of the follicles. These muscles allow a bird to fluff up feathers when chilled or sick, always realigning when necessary.

There is no bird with more than 4 toes. Rheas, cassowaries and emus (large flightless birds) have 3 toes, as do woodpeckers. There is only one species, the ostrich, who has 2 toes.

Birds do not see in color. Birds can see into the near - ultraviolet wavelengths of light

Birds need to live in a warm environment without drafts. They need to be fed a high quality diet when kept in captivity. Birds require the same medical and some grooming attention alike any other household pets!