Hollow Bird Bones - Adaptations for Flight

You probably know that birds have hollow bones. And if you're like me, you probably thought that was a weight-saving strategy. But it's more interesting than that. Because bird bones do NOT weigh less than comparable animals.

Their bones are denser and stronger, with a hollow core. The total weight is the same. Hollow bones are actually a bone-strengthening compromise.

Compromise is the correct term, because birds sacrifice the normal function of bone interiors, which is producing red blood cells. They have a few bones which retain this ability.

I will be making more videos that outline the compromises built into bird bodies that allow flight. There are a lot!

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Thanks for watching! You're awesome!

[maryrosekent]

Really interesting, Steve. I love that you’re taking it to a nitty-gritty level!

[djinn]

Hi! I'm the guy from the Secretary Bird render. Thank you so much for using it and crediting me properly! It means a lot. Also learned more about birds after watching it :D

[loerie]

Thank you. We are using this for homeschooling!!

[takeinspiration]

Adaptations by birds for flight
1. No urinary bladder make them light
2. Uropygial gland secretion reduce friction
3. Streamlined body
4. Single ovary
5. Hollow pneumatic bones
6. Strong wish bone and interclavicle
7. Of course .. their modified forelimbs called wings
8.. efficient respiratory system having avascular air sacs ( expiration and inspiration at same time)
9. Large amount of rbcs to produce energy
10.. many more

[JayYoung]

Would this explain dragon bones ? And why we can’t find any traces of them ?

[taunusspatz]

Really interesting video! Love how you explain the things in simple words with good animations.
Once I had the opportunity to watch frigate birds fly and was amazed about their outstanding manouvering ability. Later on I learned that they seem to have one of the lowest weight to size ration of all birds also due to their hollow bones.
About the african ostrich: when I visited an ostrich farm near Capetown I was told that the leg bones are quite heavy and not hollow. So after your video I looked for more information and found a photo of the inner bone of an ostrich leg. You are right, it is not solid but filled with a spongy mass (lots of air inside).
I like how you point out the different aspects of bone structures - excellent work!

[concretehill]

nice I watched this for school and loved good job on it!

[Ecotasia]

Excited to see you continuing series on this

[MqKosmos]

How do you store gas in a rigid space? I assume they do not compress the gas.
So how do they get the oxygen in and out? Do they just flush it once it's used up?

[pnutdraws]

love it !, would really love to see longform content about indepth bird anatomy, keep making these videos man :)

[nohateoneday]

Thank you for the excellent and clear information.

[hummingbirds]

Wow I had no idea that birds could breathe through their bones!

[KCA]

0:06 did somebody just stab you with a knife

[王梓岳-kn]

hollow bones on the wings might make the bird's wing lighter so there are less energy loss when the movement change direction, so they can save energy and increase the frequency of flapping.

[caos]

hmm So despite their bones being like this, can they still take a hit or not? I've heard not, but thinking about it, equal and opposite reaction, so when a bird slams into prey real hard and fast why doesn't the equal and opposite reaction break its own bones? Like if a human punched a wall too hard.

[principalpickle]

You need to go on some fashion show or something like that because that face is spot on! (Not an insult)

[mharouny]

Hi. 2 questions. Do modern birds have holes in their hips like non avian dinosaurs? Also, I'bnb e seen other docs like PBS eons that say hollow bones may have allowed dinosaurs to get big, so what's going on?

[hummingbirds]

Is it legal to own a Canadian goose feather? I went to a pond and I am sure it is a Canadian goose feather, not any other kind of feather from a different species of bird.

[Chloe-gueh]

I was wondering where you got this information from? I need it for university work, thanks

[viomusardathefluffysealgas]

Question: In your opinion how would you say the extinct Quetzalcoatl "dinosaur" would've been able to fly?
Thank you I really like your video and I'm a new subscriber 😊