How to Understand 

 the Birds 



OST CHILDREN, as soon as they are old 

 enough to take an interest in their sur- 

 roundings, delight in birds. A bundle of feathers with bright 

 eyes and a perky air of self-confidence is an appealing figure 

 whether trilling on a summer day or seeking food in wintry gales. 

 As the child matures, he looks more inquiringly at the graceful 

 songster with which he has become familiar, and one day may 

 startle you with the question: 



"What makes a bird a bird?" 



Taken off guard you might answer: "A bird has feathers and 

 wings and is able to fly." 



But there you stop in confusion. Some birds, such as the ostrich 

 and penguin, do not fly! A fuller explanation will take this into 

 account. Birds are warm-blooded, feathered, egg-laying animals 

 that have backbone and wings, although the wings do not neces- 

 sarily serve as flying aids. Naturally, you will have to expand 

 this description to make it clear to a child but it will fit the tiny, 

 speedy hummingbird, the earth-bound ostrich, the majestic eagle, 

 the comical puffin. It will fit the feathered creatures of woodlands, 

 prairies, oceanic islands, high mountain slopes, lakes, deserts, 

 jungles and barnyards. It will stand up under such a challenge as 

 I had from a three-year-old: 



"But, Mommy, you called the chicken a bird. It's a chicken.'" 



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