What shape is a bird egg?

Zoologists can list several egg shapes, usually 6 or 8 different shapes.

Here are 6 different bird egg shapes: (1) conical, (2) pyriform (pointy or pear-shaped), (3) longitudinal, (4) spherical (round, ball-shaped), (5) oval, and (6) elliptical.

Some zoologists add the cylindrical shape and the biconical shape.

 

Sometimes it is difficult to determine the exact shape. Zoologists measure the length, width, and circumference to determine the exact shape.

Which birds have conical eggs? The Peahen and the Plover have conical eggs.

Which birds have pyriform (pointy or pear-shaped) eggs? The Jacana, the Stilts, and the Secretary Bird have pyriform eggs.

Which birds have longitudinal eggs? The Kiwi and the Gannet have longitudinal eggs.

Which birds have spherical (round, ball-shaped) eggs? The Owl, the Kingfisher, and the Turaco have spherical eggs.

Which birds have oval eggs? The Sunbird, the Starling, and the Shrike have oval eggs.

Which birds have elliptical eggs? The Southern Cassowary and the Bird of Paradise have elliptical eggs.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM