Digestive system in birds

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1. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IN BIRDS ESOPHAGUS CROP. 3. STOMACH. (proventriculus) 4. GIZZARD.(Ventriculus) 5. INTESTINE . 6. CLOACA

2. CROP IN BIRDS Crop is present in many birds. Crop is a diverticulum of the esophagus. It is a storage structure. It allows birds to quickly ingest large quantity of food. Then they move to save places and digest the food .

3. CROP OF PIGEON The crop of pigeons produces “pigeon’s milk.” Pigeon’s milk, is a cheesy secretion. It is formed by the proliferation and sloughing of the lining or the crop Young pigeons feed on pigeon’s milk till they are able to eat grain. Vultures and birds of prey also use their esophagus for storage. The insectivorous birds feed throughout the day. Therefore, crop is less developed in them.

4. STOMACH OF BIRDS The stomach of birds has two regions. These regions are proventriculus and ventriculus. (a) Proventriculus:  It secretes gastric juices. Gastric juice initiates digestion. (b) Ventriculus or (gizzard):  It has muscular walls to crush the seeds and other hard materials. Birds swallow, sand and stone in gizzard. These stones help in digestion

5. INTESTINE IN BIRDS Intestine Most of digestion and absorption occurs in the small intestine. Intestine receives secretions from the pancreas and liver. These secretions help in digestion. Paired ceca are Present at the union of the large and small intestine. Ceca are blind-ending sacs. They contain bacteria. These bacteria help in the digestion of cellulose.

6. CLOACA Cloaca It is the last part of digestive system Cloaca is common opening for urinogenital duct and anus. Both male & female have cloaca. Cloaca is an internal opening, a bird’s sex organ, testes or ovaries discharge sperm or egg. It also eliminates undigested food.