The long curved beak of a hummingbird is suitable for drinking nectar. The beak grows constantly and must be worn down by climbing and cracking nuts. When a bird eats it uses its beak and tongue to gather food. Since a bird has no teeth, chewing time is eliminated. Since a bird does not have to chew its food they can often eat al large quantity of food at one time.
Saliva lubricates the food much like in a human so that it can pass to the esophagus.
The esophagus is a tube-like structure which passes food in waves better known as peristalsis, to an organ known as the crop. The crop separates birds from many animals because it is an organ that is exclusive to these animals. A crop s main function is to store food. It is like an extra fuel tank for the bird. The crop is located at the base of the neck and can be easily seen after a bird has just eaten.