Beak Type
What does the beak look like?
Beak shape gives us clues about what a bird eats and how it feeds.
Seed Eating
Short, strong beaks are useful for cracking seeds.
A short conical shape concentrates force on one seed, like a nutcracker.
ExploreInsect Eating
Thin, pointed beaks help catch insects.
The slim sharp tip can pluck tiny insects from leaves and the air.
ExploreNectar Feeding
Long and slender or tubular beaks help reach nectar inside flowers.
A long thin tube can reach deep into tubular flowers while the bird hovers.
ExploreFishing
Long, sharp beaks help catch fish.
A straight pointed spear can strike quickly under the water's surface.
ExploreProbing
Long, curved beaks probe into soil and crevices for hidden food.
The curved shape guides the tip underground to find worms and grubs.
ExploreFruit Eating
Strong, curved beaks can help handle fruits.
A thick strong beak can bite through tough fruit skin and seeds.
ExploreTearing
Strong hooked beaks help birds tear food.
The sharp hook rips meat apart, like a built-in knife.
ExploreWhose beak is this?
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