GRADE FIVE SCIENCE

Beaks The beaks of birds can be short and thick; long, thin and slightly curved; sharp, curved and pointed; spear-shaped; strong and chisellike. The beaks of birds often tell us about the type of food they eat or how they eat their food.

A bird’s beak or bill has the primary function of gathering and eating food. A bird’s beak is designed to help it eat the foods it needs including tearing, crushing, picking, probing and breaking the shells of food items. Birds also use their beaks to preen or clean and oil their feathers. Preening keeps their feathers healthy and in the right position. Birds use their beaks like humans use their hands when they are building their nests and feeding their young. By looking at a bird’s beak we get clues about the bird’s lifestyle, where it lives and what it eats. Look at the chart above to find out more about types of birds’ beaks and what they eat.

Until next week, goodbye, Boys and Girls