Beaks and Feet

Birds have survived and thrived in a wide range of habitats through adaptations that have evolved over millions of years. This is clearly illustrated in the amazing variety of beaks and feet found in our bird world.

What are beaks and feet for?

Birds' beaks are essential tools. They enable birds to eat. They are also important in mating rituals, nest building and feeding their chicks. Beaks are used for balance and grip, defence and aggression, feather cleaning (explored in the Feathers chapter), and even in some cases help birds keep cool. As we shall see, feet also work in many ways including walking, hopping, wading, swimming and climbing as well as supporting beaks in a variety of tasks.

Tough Keratin

Both beaks and feet are made partly of bone but feet also contain tendons which help movement and are covered with a hard scaly skin. Both beaks and the claws at the end of a bird’s toes are made of a hard substance called keratin. Animal horns, finger nails, hair and fur as well as birds’ feathers are also made of keratin.

Crowned Hornbill Incaha Island Mozambique

1. Feeding

Beaks and to some extent feet provide birds with the means to obtain their food and because birds have no teeth, beaks are the tools they use to prepare their food for swallowing and digestion. Beaks differ a lot in shape and size according the bird's diet and how it obtains food.

Kelp gull/Greater-crested tern Goukama River Estuary, Western Cape

2. Aggression and Defence

Deadly Weapons

Beaks can be a formidable weapon but like human beings the willingness to resort to violence varies from one avian species and one individual to another. Often it depends on circumstance. A bird defending its territory or chicks may attack intruders indiscriminately.

3. Nest Building

Perhaps the most impressive skill shown by many species of birds is their abillity to build complex, dry and secure structures in which to lay eggs and rear young using only their beaks - and with support from their feet.

African Jacana Msuna Island, Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

4. Feet First

Bird feet are nearly as varied as beaks and equip a bird to thrive in its chosen environment. Here are few examples that illustrate the adaptations that enable birds to inhabit watery terrain, trees and forests and sandy, sparsely vegetated landscapes.

5. Activity Centre

Know your Beaks and Feet

Here is a chance to go hands on with a range of activities that will check what you know and give you opportunities to look further into the lives of birds.