Bird classification in birds is an important aspect of ornithology or avianogy. Studying the nature and behavior of different species can be a very enjoyable hobby for both students and conservation professionals. In most cases, it is up to the knowledge and appreciation of the collecting hobbyist to decide which specimens should be included in a particular classification. Many factors contribute to classifying birds properly, such as taxonomy, but there are some key characteristics that every classifier must know to effectively do his or her job.
The first step in any successful classification process is to record all of the data that is available. This means writing down the information that the specimen has been recorded with. It also means writing down a description of the bird in case it is easier to do so with drawings. All records regarding the bird’s appearance and behavior should also be written down. This not only includes pictures, but also notes about the bird’s feather shape, size and color among other characteristics. These will all play a major role in determining the bird’s classification in birds, especially when more than one specimen is needed.
Next, when the data has been accumulated, the person who is doing the classification must decide what type of classification in birds they are going to use. There are two basic types: morphological and biological. When a collection of bird specimens is being prepared for a taxonomic analysis, both will need to be differentiated properly so that the resulting bird classification is accurate.
Method used to determine morphological type
One method used to determine morphological type is to look at the head of the bird. The basis for this is the shape of the head and how the feathers are arranged on the head. A bird with a long neck will have a long face with large eyes and will generally have a broad crest above its head. A short-necked bird, on the other hand, will have a pointed crest with smaller eyes, and smaller ears. Breasted birds will usually have a straight chest with long flanks that are either rounded or deeply arched. Its beak will generally be short as well.
Morphological classification,
however, is very difficult to do for certain birds. A great example of this is how many birders classify butterflies based on the size of their wings. The problem with this method is that many different types of butterfly have very similar appearances, and it can be quite difficult to get an accurate estimate of a bird’s size just by looking at its wings. Even among birds that look similar, such as hummingbirds, there are significant differences in size and shape, as well as in color. It would take a great deal of study and expertise to come up with a reliable method for classification in birds based solely on wing size.
Another way to classification in birds is to compare it to another bird. For instance, if a human female is compared to a chicken, the resulting classification will be a “head-to-body” split. By determining that a bird’s head and neck are completely distinct from its body, you can further refine your method. You can determine that a bird’s breast is either long or short, and its beak is either flat or pointed, even though it may have a distinct tail shape.
A cladogenesis analysis involves a great deal of care when classifying birds. Since some characteristics of various species are highly visible, such as the bright red of blooded birds or the black and white color of certain eagles, cladogenesis can be a tough job. However, it does offer an excellent method for assigning characteristics to birds. A cladogenesis analysis will consist of observations of the bird’s head and neck, and of its upper and lower halves, along with its underside. You will record details about each feature separately and then combine your observations to form a clear image of the bird.
The cladogenesis analysis will not be effective for some species, such as the golden finch. This species has a very large head and thick chest. Its breast is relatively small, with little variation between males and females, and its beak is much larger than its wings. If a chest-to-beak comparison is difficult to draw, your best choice is to eliminate the bird from your list altogether.