Adaptations of Birds

Do I call it a beak or bill?Bill and beak can be used interchangeably,

although 'beak' normally refers to astouter, shorter mouthpart. Bills tend tobe longer.

bill

beak

How does the adaptation of a bird’s beak or bill help it to survive?

• Bills and beaks are adapted to a wide variety of different feeding habits.

The long sharp bill of the Great Blue Heron is perfect for swiftly grabbing fish out of clear water.

Great Blue Heron

The thin, often curved bills of many shorebirds are used for prodding in the mud and clay for clams, or turning stones over in search of little mollusks and crustaceans.

Seagull

The strong, short, and wide beak belonging to most finches is great for cracking seeds and small nuts.

American Finch

Woodpeckers' long chisel-like bills work perfectly for cavity excavation and hunts for insects hidden in bark.

Your turn! Use the pictures on the following slides to:

• Write down the name of the bird.

•Draw a picture of its beak.

•Tell how the beak’s adaptation helps the bird to survive.

Duck

Eagle

Pelican

Hummingbird

Answers• Duck : Rounded tip, flat, and long to

snap and dig around in mud, muck, and water.

• Eagle: Sharp and hook-shaped for tearing and piercing it’s prey.

• Pelican: Long and curved for scooping its prey.

• Hummingbird: Thin and long to take nectar out of narrow flowers.