The structural organization of the middle ear in adult parakeets and neonatal chicks was examined using light and scanning microscopy. The areas of the tympanic membrane (TM) and columella footplate were ascertained, as was the columella length and angle of incidence between columella and TM. The ligaments of the TM and columella were identified, and the angular relations between the shaft of the columella, its footplate and the oval window were measured. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the layers of the TM. A capacative probe was further used to describe the response characteristics of the TM (measured at the tip of the extracolumella) when stimulated at 100 dB SPL between 0.2 and 10.0 kHz. The unique response properties of the TM are considered with regard to the structures of the middle ear. [Work supported by Heinrich‐Hertz Foundation, West Germany.