Feathers: Not Just for Flying

All birds have ____________, but no other animals do.

• feathers

• scales

• fur

• shells

Feathers have so many different _________ to do.

• functions

• colors

• shapes

• sizes

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4A

CCSS.RI.4.4

According to the text, how do blue jays stay warm?

• By fluffing their feathers

• By migrating to warmer areas

• By huddling together

• By building nests with insulation

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.3

According to the text, why does a wood duck line her nest with feathers?

• To keep the eggs warm

• To make the nest more comfortable

• To protect the eggs from predators

• To mark her territory

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.3

What does the word prey mean in the sentence below? On sunny summer afternoons red-tailed hawks spend hours soaring through the sky in search of prey.

• To ask for help

• Thick feathers

• An animal to eat

• Harmful rays

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4A

CCSS.RI.4.4

What does the word brittle mean in the sentence below? Its feathers have brittle tips that crumble into a dusty powder.

• Very easily broken

• Slimy fish oil

• An American bittern

• Really strong

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4A

CCSS.RI.4.4

Why are some feathers like camouflage clothing?

• They help distract predators.

• They use colors to get attention.

• They keep birds and their eggs warm.

• They help birds blend in with the forest.

Feathers help some birds float by providing which of the following benefits?

• Insulation from cold

• Buoyancy in water

• Camouflage from predators

• Assistance in flight

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.3

What kind of feathers best help keep birds warm?

• stiff, dry bristle feathers

• soft, fluffy down feathers

• curved feathers with ridges

• long feathers with delicate ends

Which sentence best describes the main idea of the selection?

• Feathers help birds swim and walk.

• Feathers have many different jobs to do.

• Feathers come in different colors and sizes.

• Feathers help protect birds from the weather.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2