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Bird Beaks and Feet

This document provides a table comparing different types of birds based on their beak, feet, diet, and habitat. It lists various bird species and describes their probable diet based on beak type. For example, it notes that hummingbirds have a long, thin beak that is slightly curved, adapted for eating nectar. The document then asks questions about how different bird features relate to their feeding styles and diets.

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2K views2 pages

Bird Beaks and Feet

This document provides a table comparing different types of birds based on their beak, feet, diet, and habitat. It lists various bird species and describes their probable diet based on beak type. For example, it notes that hummingbirds have a long, thin beak that is slightly curved, adapted for eating nectar. The document then asks questions about how different bird features relate to their feeding styles and diets.

Uploaded by

Hanna
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name:___________________________________________________Date:_______

What Does a Bird's Beak Tell You About Its Diet?

Bird Type of Feet Type of Beak Probable Diet Probable Habitat


Chicken
Duck
Eagle
Sparrow
Flamingo shrimp
Heron
Kingfisher
Owl
Pelican
Hummingbird
Woodpecker
Beaks Feet

Short and thick - seed cracking 3 toes in front, 1 behind - perching


Long and thin, slightly curved - eating nectar 2 toes in front, 2 behind - climbing
Strong, chisel like - drilling Powerful curved talons - grasping prey
Sharp, curved and pointed - tearing flesh Webbed - swimming
Long and flattened - straining algae and plants Long and thin - wading
Spear shaped - spearing fish Thick and stout - running

Analysis

1. What features of a hummingbird make it adapted for its style of feeding?

2. Imagine an ideal flying predator. What type of beak and feet would it have?

3. Different birds may have similar beaks and diets. Loons, herons, and kingfishers, for instance, all have long
sharp pointed beaks for spearing fish. Their feet, however, are quite different. Describe how the loon, heron,
and kingfisher differ in the method by which they hunt for fish (using their feet to help you answer.)

4. Owls have large eyes that enable it to see well at night. Both the hawk and the owl hunt similar things: small
rodents or snakes. How do the hawk and the owl avoid competing with each other?

5. In the two previous questions, you were asked to analyze how birds reduce competition with each other
when they hunt similar prey and live in similar habitats. This idea among ecologists is known as the
"Competitive Exclusion Principle" which suggests the no two species can occupy the same NICHE. Use
your book other other resources to define the word: niche and provide examples from this activity of a bird's
niche.

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