Beaks Built for the Job

Beaks Built for the Job

1Have you ever looked closely at a bird's beak? Birds do not have hands or teeth, so they use their beaks to gather and eat food. Beaks come in many shapes and sizes. The shape of a bird's beak helps it eat the kind of food it needs.

2Some birds eat seeds. A cardinal has a short, thick, strong beak. It works like a nutcracker. The cardinal uses it to crack open hard seed shells and get the soft part inside.

3Other birds drink nectar, a sweet liquid inside flowers. A hummingbird has a long, thin beak. It can reach deep inside a narrow flower. Then the hummingbird uses its long tongue to lap up the nectar.

4Hawks and eagles eat meat. Their beaks are sharp and hooked at the tip. A hooked beak helps them tear food into small pieces they can swallow.

5Many ducks find their food in water. A mallard has a wide, flat beak. The duck scoops up water and mud with it. Tiny ridges along the edges of the beak work like a comb. They let the water drain out while they hold in small plants and bugs.

6A pelican has a long beak with a stretchy pouch under it. The pelican scoops up fish and water in the pouch. It lets the water drain out, and then it swallows the fish.

7Seeds, nectar, meat, plants or fish, each bird has a beak that fits its meal. The next time you see a bird, look at its beak. Can you guess what it eats?