Understand the relationship between beak types and the foods birds eat. Use available signage to find out what types of foods are eaten by birds with different beaks. When different species of birds eat the same kinds of food, they usually have similar-looking beaks. Use the web activity to get students started on distinguishing some of the different types of beaks. Female birds are able to lay eggs.
All birds also have a beak with which they handle and eat food.
But different types of birds eat different types of food, and the length, shape, and thickness of bird's beak is adapted to what it eats, and the location where it finds its food. Birds with this type of beak include many of our backyard songbirds like cardinals, sparrows, and finches. Some birds have sharp, pointed beaks that can be used like tweezers to pick insects from their hiding places in trees, logs, and on the ground. This type of beak is useful to warblers, chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. These birds have wide, gaping mouths with bristles which they use like a net to catch their flying prey.