Avian Vocabulary - Veterinary Assistant Flashcards
(27 cards)
Psittacines
parrots
T or F: Psittacines do not make up the majority of avian patients
false
Why are psittacines known as hookbills?
because of their curved upper beaks
Zygodactyl
feet shaped with second and third toes pointing forwards while the first and fourth toes are facing backwards
Passerines
small birds with a pointed/slightly curved beak
Anisodactyl
feet shaped where three toes point forwards and one points backwards
T or False: Canaries and starlings are the most frequently owned passerines.
false - Canaries and finches are the most frequently owned passerines
Common psittacines seen in Avian practice
Cockatoo
Macaw
Lovebird
Canure
African Grey
Amazon
Parakeet/Budgerigar
Lori
Lorikeet
Caique
Cockatiel
Common passerines seen in Avian practice
Finches
Canaries
Cere
area around nostrils, beak and the nails which are fleshier than the rest of the body
Uropygial gland
one major skin gland - found dorsally at the base of the tail
Contour feathers
cover the body and wings - flight feathers/body feathers
Primary flight feathers
remiges - found on the outer end of the wing
Secondary flight feathers
located on the wing between body and primaries
Body feathers
coverts - provide surface coverage over rest of bird
Down feathers
insulates the bird and have a soft, fluffy appearance
Powder down
breaks down to produce a white, dusty powder - used to clean/waterproof other feathers
Molting
periodic replacement of old feathers - out with the old and in with the new!
What happens if a ‘blood feather’ breaks?
they can bleed profusely which could lead to the death of the bird
Pneumatized
bones that contain air - these bones have thin walls which makes them lighter and more fragile
Keel
large sternum that supports the pectoral muscles
T or F: The pectoral muscles are needed for flight
true
Synascrum
stabilizes back during flight
The pectorals account for approximately ___% of the birds body weight
20%
