There are over 9,000 species of birds.
Some birds, such as penguins, live in the Antarctic, while many others prefer warm regions. Most birds can fly, but the ostrich is one exception to this rule. Some birds, such as ducks, can swim and dive for food. Others stay on land. Despite these differences, all birds have feathers, are warm-blooded and go through the same life cycle.
Egg/Incubation
Egg shells must be strong to protect the bird embryos.
The size and number of eggs in a clutch, or grouping of eggs, varies depending on the species of the bird. Once all of the eggs have been laid, the mother bird (and sometimes the father) will sit on the eggs to keep them warm. This is called incubation. The bird embryos are fed via food that is stored in the yolk. After approximately ten days (for most birds) the baby birds will use their "egg tooth" to break through the egg.
Nestling
The nestling stage lasts approximately two weeks.
When baby birds are born, they do not have feathers and their eyes are closed. They can hold their head up to be fed, but otherwise they remain in the same position they held while in the egg. Because they cannot feed themselves or regulate their body temperature, the parents bring them food and cover them to keep them warm (known as brooding). The babies grow feathers, are able to stand upright, and grow larger. They are unable to leave the nest.
Fledgling
The fledgling stage lasts several weeks.
The fledgling stage follows the nestling stage. The parents are still responsible for feeding the babies, but they do not have to feed them as often. The parents may wean the fledglings from this feeding dependency, or they may just stop one day. Although fledglings cannot fly, they do not live in the nest. They move around by hopping. During this stage, the parents teach the fledglings how to be independent, including how to find food and fly.
Migration
Most birds migrate twice a year.
Photoperiod refers to the amount of daylight something is exposed to. It creates hormonal changes in birds, which causes them to prepare for migration. During this time, birds moult and eat to store fat. The purposes of the fall migration is to find a warmer climate. Juveniles may join the parents for this migration, though the parents may go separate ways. They will reunite for the spring migration, which is also referred to as the breeding migration.
Courting
The male bird usually take the lead in courting.
Male birds are the first to arrive in a new location. They mark their territory and will defend it by chirping or fighting, if need be. Once the females arrive, the courting stage begins. Courting skills for birds may involve physical contact or one (or both, in some cases) bird putting on a performance for the other. A male may further prove his worth by building a sturdy nest. The birds will stay together for, at the very least, the breeding season.
Mating
Some birds mate for life.
After the birds have chosen a mate, a nest must be built. Nests should be strong, hidden from predators and designed to the female's liking. The male will build the nest under the female's supervision and make any necessary changes. The actual mating process occurs when the nest is complete. It consists of the male lowering his tail and the female lifting hers while he is on her back. The sperm is transferred via openings called cloaca. The female lays the eggs and the life cycle begins again.
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