A special study on birds is a great place to begin, and one on the Passerine Family is most enjoyable. These perching landbirds, which include includes more than half of all bird species, are the ones you will usually find flitting from one perch to another, while singing a memorable song. While they are difficult to sort by shape or color, their bills are unique. By its shape we can know the bird’s food preference, and in turn, their behavior.
| Flycatching bills: Learn about phoebes, peewees, flycatchers, kingbirds, waxwings and some other unique birds. (Video 21:19 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Spring |
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| Curved bills: Learn thrashers, wrens, and cuckoos. (Video 17:02 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Winter |
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| Straight bills-large: Learn about jays, mockingbirds, grackles, magpies, ravens and crows. (Video 12:29 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Spring |
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| Straight bills-medium: Learn about starlings, blackbirds, meadowlarks, orioles, tanagers, robins, and bluebirds. (Video 17:04 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Spring |
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| Straight bills-small: Learn about chickadees, titmice, kinglets, and warblers. (Video 13:53 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Spring |
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| Conical bills: Learn about parrots, cardinals, grosbeaks, towhees, buntings, finches, juncos, and sparrows. (Video 19:03 min.) Rotation: Form 1A Autumn |
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Each download includes a handout with a link to the video. In addition the handout includes the following sections:
- Teacher preparation
- Object lesson questions
- Nature walk goals (only on Wildflower General)
- Other activities
- Ways to record your observations
- Book suggestions
A second handout is also included, with general information about this group of birds.