32 THE BIRDS 



between the main tail feather and the fluff feathers. Note 

 the absence of barbs on the fluff, thus allowing the web to 

 fluff out. 



EXERCISE No. 3. Describe to the class the different 

 types of bird nests. Plan a trip through the woods where 

 the nesting habits of birds may be studied. Encourage the 

 study and protection of wild bird life. Discourage the tear- 

 ing down of birds' nests. A small prize may be offered for 

 the pupil finding and describing the greatest number of 

 nests of different birds. 



EXERCISE No. 4. Set aside a period when each member 

 of the class may construct a small and simple bird house. 

 If the school is equipped with tools for carpentry work this 

 will be an easy exercise to work out. If not, the tools will 

 have to be brought from home. A soap box or nail keg 

 can, with little effort, be reconstructed into an attractive 

 and cozy bird house. The pupils should be allowed as much 

 freedom as possible in working out the design. After the 

 houses are built, they should be taken home by the one 

 building them and placed in a tree or on a pole in the yard. 

 The birds which inhabit the house can be studied. A few 

 bird houses should be built and placed about the school 

 yard. 



THOUGHT QUESTIONS 



1. What is meant by the term "bird"? 



2. What comprises the animal kingdom? 



3. Mention some of the peculiar characteristics of the class aves 



or birds. 



4. How do birds differ from other animals? 



5. Mention different examples of the various types of birds. 



6. Describe a bird's skeleton. 



7. What are the functions of the wings and tail? 



8. How do the feet of land and water birds differ? 



9. Describe the parts of a feather and their functions. 



10. What is meant by the term "moult"? 



11. How do birds reproduce then- kind? 



12. Describe the nesting habits of birds. 



13. Into what three groups are all birds divided? 



14. Give examples of each of the above groups. 



