Science Sundays Week 6: Bird Bones

This Science Sunday we looked at birds, and in particular, bird bones. Many people think that birds have hollow bones because it makes them lighter and therefore better equipped to take flight, but in reality bird bones do not weigh more than their mammalian counterparts. The reason for birds having hollow bones is instead because of oxygen. Since birds fly at heights that may limit their oxygen intake, it is important to retain enough oxygen for them to stay in the skies. To help with this, the hollow bones (also called pneumatized bones) are full of space for air, as if their lungs extend into their bones! And while hollow bones sound fragile, we proved that these bones are far from frail. We made our own hollow bones out of paper tubes and then tested out their strength. Look how much stuff the hollow tubes can carry!

Here we have our hollow “bird bone” supporting rocks, crayons, tape and more!

A snapshot of scientist Tabby’s lab notebook.

A snapshot of scientist Ethan’s lab notebook.

Emma Castiblanco, 2021 Seaside Center Naturalist