birds have wings which are more or less developed depending on the species. the only known groups without wings are the extinct moa and elephant birds. wings, which evolved from forelimbs, gave birds the ability to fly. later, many groups evolved with reduced wings, such as ratites, penguins and many island species of birds. the digestive and respiratory systems of birds are also adapted for flight. some bird species in aquatic environments, particularly seabirds and some waterbirds, have evolved as good swimmers.