BUILD A BIRD

Instruction Sheet

The "Build a Bird" kit will help you see that different beaks and feet allow different kinds of birds to live in different places.

Select the kind of bird you want to make from the types listed below.

Next, cut out the bird body form. Then, cut out the head, beak, feet, and tail that will correctly complete your bird. Once this is done, carefully arrange the bird parts on your sheet of construction paper and glue them in place. Use colored pencils or crayons to decorate your bird. Be sure to label your bird using one of the types named below.

 

Types:

1. Marsh or Wading Bird-This bird needs a long neck for fishing, long legs for wading, and a narrow, pointed bill for spearing its prey (fish, frogs, snakes).

2. Seed-eating Bird-This bird needs a thick, strong bill for cracking seeds, a short neck, and perching feet.

3. Predator (hunting bird)-This bird needs a curved beak for tearing meat, a short, muscular neck, and feet with talons for catching and holding prey.

4. Water or Swimming Bird-This bird squeezes water from food it catches. Its wide bill holds the food while allowing water to drain from it. It has broad, webbed feet that act like paddles and make it a good swimmer.

5. Insect-eating Bird-This kind of bird has a thin pointed bill, short neck, and broad tail. Some may have climbing feet (woodpecker), while others will have ground or runners feet (pheasant).