DIVERSITY OF BIRD FAUNA

Abstract

Birds are formally classified as members of the class Aves, subphylum Vertebrata, phylum Chordata, Kingdom of Animalia. They are characterized as being generally small vertebrates with feathers, scaly legs and no teeth (except in few fossil forms). They have well developed air breathing lungs, a four chambered heart and maintain a constant body temperature of about 38⁰C - 44⁰C. Birds reproduce by laying comparatively large, hard-shelled eggs. Amongst all other factors, the bird is a very important factor, which helps in maintaining the nature’s balance. The French writer Michele said that, birds might live on this earth even if there were no men, but men couldn’t live without birds.” What he said is no more than the bare factual truth. Birds are an integral part of the whole system of life on this earth. Their importance is in no way less than of plants and animals (Reena and Abhijit, 2005).