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Intestine

The part of the alimentary system between the gizzard and the cloaca. It consists of a coiled tube which can be divided into two sections, namely the 'small intestine' (itself consisting of the 'duodenum' and the 'ileum') and the 'large intestine'. Digestion, absorption of water and formation of the faeces take place in the intestines. In some birds, for example the grouse (family Tetraonidae), digestion is aided by the presence of two side tubes with dead ends, called 'caeca' (singular 'caecum').

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From Peter Weaver's Birdwatcher's Dictionary
Copyright © 1981 by Peter Weaver


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