Figure 14.4: The Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) adults are known to care for their young
forupto20monthsafterhatching, thelongestinabirdspecies. Here, ayoungbirdisbegging
for food. ( 12 )
as well as the foot shape. Birds can be carnivores, insectivores, orgeneralists, which feed
on a variety of foods. Some feed on nectar, such as hummingbirds. Can you think of some
examples of beak shape and size that are adapted to the type of food a bird eats?
Beaks
For example, parrots and their allies have down-curved, hooked bills, which are well-adapted
for cracking seeds and nuts, and eating the meat inside (Figure14.5). Hummingbirds, on
the other hand, have long, thin and pointed bills, which are ideal for probing tubular flowers
for nectar (Figure14.6). Can you also think of some different types of bird feet, which
might be adapted for different types of habitats?
Feet
Webbed feet used for swimming or floating, as in waterfowl or gulls and terns, may come
to mind (Figure14.7). Other birds, for example, herons, gallinules and rails have four
long spreading toes, which are ideal for walking delicately in the wetland in which they live
(Figure14.8). You can now see that you could come up with your own ideas for how a
particular bird trait is adapted to a specific habitat, food, or other specialized requirement.
That might even make going out for an outdoor hike more of an adventure!