SCIENCE CONCEPT: Male and female birds often have different colored feathers. STUDENT OBJECTIVE: The students will be introduced to the concept that birds of the same type and species can have different colored feathers. OVERVIEW: Birds often have different colored feathers within the same type and species. Male and female birds often have different colored feathers. Male birds are usually more colorful since they vie for the attention of female birds. The female birds often have drab-colored feathers. This dull covering actually provides protection for the female and for her young.

PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes. LESSON TIME: 25 minutes. TEACHER PREP: Collect several pictures of male and female birds of the same species and types. WORDS TO KNOW: species male female colorful bright drab-colored dull

Finally, man's fascination with the shear beauty of the bird has long been an inspiration for him. He has written poetry, stories, songs, and myths. Birds have also become symbols for human values: the owl signifies wisdom, the dove peace, and the eagle political and military power. The bright, colorful feathers of birds have been used for centuries for ornamentation and clothing. Although man has observed birds for thousands of years, the scientific study of birds, called ornithology, did not begin until sometime in the 1700's. Using only direct observation, many physical characteristics of a bird are immediately apparent. The most noticeable feature of a bird is its feathers. Feathers are perfectly designed for their function. They are light but very strong, and they are flexible but very tough.

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