Birds' beaks

Learning objectives

To link the form of the beak to the dietary regime of a bird.
To identify the anatomical characteristics (beaks, feet, digits) of the great families of birds (birds of prey, waders, aquatic birds, insectivores, granivores, herbivores).
To introduce the Theory of Evolution of Species.

Birds’ beaks resemble the mouths of mammals, but they have no teeth, and are covered with horn that is constantly regrowing to counteract its wearing down. A beak serves above all as a means of catching food, but also used for defense, for attracting a partner and for cleaning and smoothing feathers.

Its form is, above all, an adaptation to the dietary regime of the bird.