BKC's Miniguide to Birds

The are around 10,000 species of birds on our planet. The smallest bird is only 5 cm in size (Bee Hummingbird) and the biggest bird is 2.75 m tall (Ostrich). All birds have wings but not all of them can fly. Some can run very fast and some can swim very well. They eat nectar, seeds, fruit, plants and other birds or animals. Birds communicate using visual signals (movement, colour) and auditory signals (songs).

So that's what a bird looks like:

Domestic Birds
Family: Phasianidae Generic name: Chicken Family: Phasianidae Generic name: Turkey

cock

hen

chicks

gobbler

hen

poults

Useful words / expressions: to crow; crown; to lay eggs; chicken shed

Useful words / expressions: to gobble; snood; tail feathers

Domestic Birds
Family: Anatidae Generic name: Duck Family: Anatidae Generic name: Goose

drake

duck

ducklings

gander

goose

goslings

Useful words / expressions: to quack; to play ducks and drakes

Useful words / expressions: What's good for the goose is good for the gander!

Semi-domesticated Birds
Family: Phasianidae Generic name: Pheasant Family: Phasianidae Generic name: Peafowl

cock

hen

chicks

peacock

peahen

chicks

Useful words / expressions: to dustbathe;

Useful words / expressions: to be as proud as a peacock; train; crest

Semi-domesticated Birds
Family: Columbidae Generic name: Pigeon / Dove Family: Numididae Generic name: Guineafowl

cock

hen

chicks

cock

hen

keets

Useful words / expressions: town birds; droppings

Useful words / expressions: helmet / crest; to march in single-file lines

Water Birds
Family: Anatidae Generic name: Swan Family: Pelicanidae Generic name: Pelican

cob

pen

cygnets

Useful words / expressions: webbed feet; flock

Useful words / expressions: bill and pouch

Wading Birds
Family: Ciconiidae Generic name: Stork Family: Phoenicopteridae Generic name: Flamingo

Useful words / expressions: nest; migratory bird; mute

Useful words / expressions: colony (over 1 million birds); pink feathers

Tropical Birds
Family: Psittacoidea Generic name: Parrot Family: Bucerotidae Generic name: Hornbill

Useful words / expressions: to whistle; to mimic sounds and the human voice;

Useful words / expressions: casque; to molt

Large Birds
Family: Struthionidae Generic name: Ostrich Family: Casuariidae Generic name: Emu

Useful words / expressions: to preen; two-toe feet

Useful words / expressions: to wander

Birds of prey
Family: Accipitradae Generic name: Vulture Family: Accipitradae Generic name: Eagle

Useful words / expressions: scavenger; bald head; to glide in circles

Useful words / expressions: hooked beak; solitary bird

Birds of prey
Family: Falconidae Generic name: Falcon Family: Strigidae Generic name: Owl

The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird in the world : 320 km/h.

Useful words / expressions: (tree) hollow; forward-facing eyes