Question

What features of flowers facilitate pollination by birds?

Answer 1

Hint: Pollination is a process by which pollen grains are transferred from the stamen to the stigma of a flower. Many agents such as insects, birds, bats, water, and wind help in pollination. These agents are termed as pollinating agents. Many plant features help in facilitating the process of pollination.

Complete answer:
Pollination is of two types. When pollen grains are transferred from the stamen to the stigma of the same flower of the same plant, it is known as self-pollination. When pollen grains are transferred from the stamen to the stigma of a different flower of the same or different plant, it is known as cross-pollination.
Pollination facilitated by birds is known as Ornithophily or bird pollination. Ornithophilous flowers have special features that facilitate pollination by birds. Some of the distinct features presented by the ornithophilous flowers are:
1. Size of the flower: Large.
2. Flower shape: Tubular, cup or urn to ease the entry of beaks of different birds.
3. Nectar: Produce considerably a large amount of nectar.
4. Flower color: The flowers have attractive and bright colors such as yellow, red and orange. These bright colors have a larger wavelength and are visible even at a longer distance for the birds.
5. Scent: flowers are usually less or fragrant.

Note:
Some of the ornithophilous plants are: Bignonia, Bombax, Bottle Brush, Red coral tree and Silk cotton. The ornithophilous birds are small in size and have a long beak. Examples of ornithophilous birds are hummingbirds, sunbirds, South African sugar-birds, honeycreepers and honey-eaters.