Economic importanceSee also:
The majority of animal protein consumed by humans comes from domesticated birds raised for meat and eggs, or poultry; 76 million tons of poultry and 61 million tons of eggs were produced globally in 2003. [285] The majority of poultry consumed by humans is chicken, while domesticated turkeys, ducks, and geese are also somewhat common. [286] Many species of birds are also hunted for meat. With the exception of incredibly undeveloped areas, bird hunting is primarily a recreational activity. Waterfowl is the most commonly hunted bird in North and South America. Pheasants, wild turkeys, quail, doves, partridge, grouse, snipe, and woodcock are also commonly hunted birds. Muttonbirding is also well-liked in Australia and New Zealand [citation needed]. [287] Hunting has resulted in the extinction or endangerment of numerous species, even though some hunting, like that of muttonbirds, may be sustainable. [288].
Feathers (particularly the down of geese and ducks), which are used as insulation in clothes and bedding, and seabird dung (guano), a valuable source of nitrogen and phosphorus, are two other commercially valuable bird products. Control over guano deposits was a factor in the Pacific War, also known as the Guano War. [289].
Humans have tamed birds for both practical and companion purposes. The practice of breeding colorful birds in captivity or keeping them as pets, like parrots and mynas, has resulted in the illegal trafficking of some endangered species. [290] For a very long time, people have utilized cormorants for fishing and falcons for hunting. As late as World War II, messenger pigeonswhich have been in use since at least 1 ADremained significant. These days, people engage in these activities more frequently as pastimes, forms of entertainment, or travel [291].
There are millions of amateur bird watchers, also known as twitchers, birdwatchers, or simply birders. [292] To draw in a variety of birds, many homeowners install bird feeders close to their houses. The bird feeding industry has grown to be worth millions of dollars; in Britain, for instance, an estimated 275 percent of households feed their birds at least once during the winter. [293].
In religion and mythology The
Since ancient times, birds have been a part of culture and art. They were first depicted in early cave paintings and carvings [308]. [309] Some birds, like the legendary Pou?kai of the M?ori people, and the mythical Roc, have been viewed as monsters that can snatch humans. [310] Later, birds were employed as symbols of authority, as seen by the magnificent Peacock Throne that belonged to the Persian and Mughal emperors. [311] As scientific curiosity in birds grew, numerous bird paintings were ordered for publications. [citation needed].
Perceptions of bird species vary across cultures. In some parts of Africa, owls are connected to death, witchcraft, and bad luck [317], but in most of Europe, they are considered wise. [318] Although hoops were revered in Ancient Egypt and viewed as symbols of virtue in Persia, they were viewed as thieves in most of Europe and as war omens in Scandinavia. [319] Birds, particularly eagles, are frequently used in coats of arms in heraldry[320] and on flags in vexillology. Seventeen countries, as well as many subnational entities and territories, have bird designs on their flags. [321] With 91 nations formally designating a national bird, birds are utilized by nations to represent their identities and cultural heritage. Predator birds are well-represented, though some countries have selected other bird species; smaller, tropical countries tend to favor parrots. [322].
Skeletal systemMain article:
The skeleton consists of very lightweight bones. They have sizable apertures filled with air, known as pneumatic cavities, that link to the respiratory system. [76] Adults have fused skull bones without cranial sutures. [77] The eyeballs are housed in large orbital cavities that are divided from one another by a bony septum. The cervical (neck) vertebrae are highly variable and particularly flexible, but movement is limited in the anterior thoracic vertebrae and absent in the later vertebrae. The spine is divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and caudal regions. The final few combine with the pelvis to form the synsacrum [78]. [77] With the exception of flightless bird orders, the sternum is keeled and the ribs are flattened to accommodate the attachment of flight muscles. The forelimbs are modified into wings. [79] The development of the wings varies among species; the moa and elephant birds are the only examples of extinct species that are known to have lost their wings. [80].
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