View source for Bird

The '''birds''' are the last direct extant relative of the dinosaurs (not there were any dinosaurs in [[period]], that we can prove, anyway (certain [[stickjock]]s notwithstanding ...).

They are now quadrupeds whose forelimbs have become specialised as wings, and whose replite scales have evolved into feathers.  Most birds fly (although several species, including the ''[[ostrich]]'' which was definitely known to the [[medieval]] world, have abandoned the air for a strictly terrestrial existence).  As a class they are omnivorous: certain species eat grains or [[fruit]]; others eat [[meat]], either carrion, or, in the case of (for example) [[hawk]]s, [[owl]]s and [[eagle]]s, prey hunted down from the wing.

== The roles of birds in medieval society ==
* '''[[Hunting]]'''
** [[falconry]]: e.g [[hawk]]s, [[eagle]]s, [[falcon]]s
** prey
*** [[quail]]
* '''[[pet]]s'''
** [[peacock]] 
* '''[[food]]'''
** see hunting prey
** [[chicken]]
** [[goose]]
** [[duck]]
* '''tasks'''
** messenger: [[pigeon]]?

[[Feather]]s from birds were used for various purposes.
* [[quill]]s
* [[fletching]]
* filling [[clothing]] and [[cushion]]s
* decorating [[hat]]s etc.
[[category:animal]]
[[category:food]]