Bird anatomy Birds have a four-chambered heart, in common with mammals, and some reptiles (mainly the crocodilia). This adaptation allows for an efficient nutrient and oxygen transport throughout the body, providing birds with energy to fly and maintain high levels of activity. A ruby-throated hummingbird's heart beats up to 1200 times per minute (about 20 beats per second). Many birds possess a muscular pouch along the esophagus called a crop. The crop functions to both soften food and regulate its flow through the system by storing it temporarily. The size and shape of the crop is quite variable among the birds. Members
International Centre for Birds of Prey International Centre for Birds of Prey The International Centre for Birds of Prey, formerly the National Birds of Prey Centre, in the United Kingdom houses a large collection of birds of prey with over 60 species of owls, eagles and hawks. It works towards the conservation of birds of prey through education, captive breeding, research and rehabilitation. The centre is located at Boulsdon near Newent in Gloucestershire. The Director is Jemima (Glasier) Parry-Jones. In March 2013 a new branch was opened at Duncombe Park in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. The ICBP was originally established, as the Falconry Centre, by Phillip Glasier