How Birds Fly

How do birds' wings, feathers, and light bones let them fly?

An exploration of the biological adaptations that allow birds to fly, focusing on wing shape, feather structure, and bone anatomy.

Check your understanding

1. What is the special curved shape of a bird's wing called?
- A. A strut
- B. An airfoil
- C. A feather
- D. A marrow
2. What substance are bird feathers made of?
- A. Plastic
- B. Hard wood
- C. Keratin
- D. Hollow air
3. What is the forward movement created by flapping wings called?
- A. Thrust
- B. Lift
- C. Steering
- D. Weight
4. How do feathers stay connected to form a smooth surface?
- A. They use super glue
- B. They have tiny hooks like Velcro
- C. They are tied together by muscles
- D. They are stitched together naturally

1. Why are hollow bones important for a bird besides being lightweight?
- A. They help the bird float on water
- B. They allow for extra air storage for breathing
- C. They store food for the bird
- D. They are used to make blood cells only
2. How does an airfoil wing shape help a bird stay in the air?
- A. It makes the bird feel heavier
- B. It forces the bird to flap faster
- C. It makes air move faster over the top than the bottom to create lift
- D. It creates a vacuum that sucks the bird toward the ground
3. What do internal ridges inside a bird's hollow bones do?
- A. They make the bones strong and rigid for flight
- B. They make the bird fly slower
- C. They help the bird digest its food
- D. They fill the bone with extra marrow
4. What can a bird do with its feathers to help it fly?
- A. It can change their color
- B. It can shed them mid-flight to become lighter
- C. It can adjust them to steer and balance in the air
- D. It can make them grow longer during the winter

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