The Creator made birds to be excellent flying machines. Like an airplane, birds have wings, propellers, steering apparatus and provisions for takeoff and landing. All of these actions are performed better by a bird than by any airplane.
In an earlier article we learned about the amazing design of their feathers. Their bone structure also shows the wisdom of the Creator. Everything about the strong, flexible skeleton is designed to help them fly. A bird’s reinforced tubular bones (called pneumatic bones) are hollow, yet strong. They contain a spongy network that fills with air as the bird breathes.
In fact, the whole breathing system of a bird is an important part of its ability to fly. As a baby bird grows, its lungs grow into its bones, making hollow spaces in the bones. The lungs stay connected to the bones throughout its life. As it flies, it can take in and push out air at the same time, providing a constant flow of oxygen for the hard work of flying. All this air also helps the bird maintain the proper temperature. Diving birds like loons and puffins do not have pneumatic bones.
Most of the bird’s flying power comes from the large muscles of its breast which pull the wings down, and the small muscles of its wings which pull the wings back up again. The breast muscles are connected to an unusually large breastbone. This large bone gives more room for muscles to attach to. The neck is the most flexible part of its body. It has 10 to 25 vertebrae, while our necks have only 7. This incredibly flexible neck helps give balance to the bird as it flies. It also makes it possible to see better since their eyes have very limited movement.
Almost all birds are excellent fliers, but many heavy ones have difficulty getting airborne. Some, like swans, need a runway. While running down their runway, they beat their wings furiously to lift into the air. But some ducks, like mallards, can take off straight up into the air with no need for a runway. Many birds take off into the wind, just as airplanes do.
All of this shows us the amazing wisdom of the Creator, who simply spoke and creation came into existence. One part of creation wasn’t made by speaking, however. That is humans. As our opening verse says, God cares about us much more than the birds. God made you and me in His own image, to reflect Himself. As believers, He gives us the ability to do this, in spite of sin having come into the world. It’s a good thing to think about. Our life should show some of the beauty and goodness of God to others.
Did You Know?
Some birds, like swans, need a runway to take flight.
Messages of God’s Love 4/20/2025