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Bill Shapes and Diet
A
bird's bill is made of keratin, a substance something like our fingernails, and
needs to be trimmed by chewing on tough surfaces. If a beak becomes too long it
will directly affect the bird’s nutrition and a veterinarian will need to trim
it.
Bills
are also important for preening and to help maintain the feathers, keeping them
in perfect condition. During a molt, a bird uses its bill to remove the feather
casings of new feathers and to separate any new plumage.
Parrots
Parrots
have a very distinct bill structure, with the upper bill curving down over the
lower bill. This enables a bird to crack seeds and nuts. The lower bill acts as
the cutting block, allowing the pointed upper bill to slice through the casing
of the seed. The power of the beak can be quite formidable with the largest
parrot, the Hyacinth Macaw, being able to exert 300 lbs. of pressure per square
inch.
Finches and Canaries
Bills
of finches and canaries are short and pointed. They do not have to crack seeds
the way parrots do, but break down the seed casing in their gizzard.
Soft-Billed Birds
Soft
billed birds, such as Lories, do not depend on seeds as a major part of its
diet, but feed primarily on nectar and use their bills to probe flowers for
nutrients.