What is the Role of Beaks and Claws of Birds? Types, Uses

Beaks

Birds do not have teeth but they have beaks. Beaks are also known as bills. Beaks or bills of birds differ according to their food habits. Some birds eat nuts and others eat flesh.

Types of Beaks

Short and hard beaks are called cracker beaks. Hens, sparrows and doves have such beaks. Short, cone-shaped beaks help them to break seeds and nuts.

Sharp and curved beaks are called hooked beaks. Parrots, kites, owls and eagles have such beaks. They are also called shredder beaks as they help them to shred flesh and scoop fruits.

Sharp and long beaks are called chisel-shaped beaks. Woodpecker has such a beak to bore holes in trees to search insects. Its beak helps it to tap and drill the trees.

Thin and pointed beaks are called tweezers beaks. Warblers and bulbuls have such beaks. These are insect-eating birds. Their beaks help them to pick up grains and insects easily.

Flat, broad, long and thick beaks are called spoon-shaped beaks. Ducks and swans have such beaks. Such beaks look like spoons and help in searching fish in muddy waters and help them to strain the food from water.

Humming birds have long and slender, straw-shaped beaks. These beaks help them to suck nectar from flowers.

Multipurpose beaks are known as Swiss army knife beaks. Crows have such beaks which help them

Humming bird sucking nectar to eat seeds, worms and fish.

Long and sharp beaks are called spear-shaped beaks. Kingfishers, cranes and herons have this type of beak. It helps them to catch fish easily.

Uses of Beaks

Birds use their beaks for the following purposes-

• To pick up grass, leaves and twigs to build their nests.

• To bring food and feed their young ones.

• To pick grains, tear flesh, peck and fight with others.

• To clean and make their feathers smooth. This is called preening.

Claws

Claws are also called talons or toes. You might have observed hens searching food with their claws. Have you noticed eagles using their claws to tear preys? Every bird has different types of claws depending upon its food habit.

Uses of Claws

The claws are very useful to the birds. The claws on the feet of birds help them to walk, tear the prey, climb up on trees, hold on to the branches, swim, hop, grip the prey while flying and scratch on the ground.

Common Types of Feet and Talons or Claws of Birds

Perching birds like crow, sparrow and mynahs, have four talons or claws, three in front and one at the back. Their talons help them to hold the branch of a tree very firmly. This act is called perching. Owing to this, the birds can sleep on the branches of trees at night without falling down.

Climbing birds like parrots and woodpeckers have two talons pointing upwards and two talons pointing downwards. These talons help them to climb up and to cling to the bark of trees.

Preying birds like eagle, hawk, vulture and owl catch and eat small animals. These birds have very strong and sharp claws. These claws help them to catch and hold their prey firmly.