Characteristics of Aves

Aves Appearance

Characteristics of Class Aves are given below:
1) The members of class aves are commonly known as birds.
2) They are worm-blooded with an exoskeleton of feathers.
3) Body usually spindle shaped, with four divisions: head, neck, trunk, and tail; neck disproportionately long for balancing and food gathering.
4) Limbs paired; forelimbs usually modified for flying; posterior pair variously adapted for perching, walking, and swimming; foot with four toes.
5) Epidermal covering of feathers and leg scales.
6) Thin integument of epidermis and dermis.
7) No sweat glands.
8) Oil or preen gland at base of tail.
9) Pinna of ear rudimentary.
10) Fully ossified skeleton with air cavities.
11) Skull bones fused with one occipital condyle.
12) Each jaw covered with a keratinized sheath, forming a beak.
13) No teeth; ribs with strengthening, uncinate processes.
14) Posterior caudal vertebrae reduced and fused as the pygostyle.
15) Pelvic girdle a synsacrum.
16) Aerythrocytes sternum usually well developed with keel.
17) Single bone in middle ear.
18) Fused bones in pelvis, feet, hands, and head
19) Lightweight bones (bones that are either hollow or spongy/strutted)
20) Endothermic