Beaks

Beaks can be found on some insects, fish, mammals and even some dinosaurs. All
birds and turtles have beaks.
 Different Beaks
Each species of bird have slightly different beaks. This is because they have
evolved over time to have a beak that suits their diet.

Bird beaks allow them to access their food.

There are birds with

Birds with short, long, thin beaks that are Other birds have
heavy beaks usually used for reaching far tough, scissor-like
eat nuts and large inside flowers to reach beaks that are used
seeds. the nectar. for eating meat.
What Does This Bird Eat?

meat nuts nectar

 What Does This Bird Eat?

Eagles use their sharp and pointy beaks to grab small animals,
such as mice.
What Does This Bird Eat?

meat nuts nectar

 What Does This Bird Eat?

Hummingbirds use their long beaks to reach deep into the flowers and then
they lick the nectar, using their long thin tongue.
What Does This Bird Eat?

meat nuts nectar

 What Does This Bird Eat?

Most parrots eat foods like nuts, flowers, fruit, seeds and small insects. Their
strong jaw means they can break open nut shells to get the seeds from inside.
What Does This Bird Eat?

meat nuts nectar

 What Does This Bird Eat?

Blue wrens eat a large variety of small insects, such as ants, weevils, flies and
larvae, as well as a small amount of seeds and flowers.
 Your Task
The factory that makes the birdseed have a tool that helps them work out if
different birds can collect the different sized seeds.

Unfortunately, their tool has gone missing so they need your help.

Using the provided materials, create 3 different sized beaks:

•one for large food;
•one for medium-sized food;
•one for small food.

You can use your fingers to close the beak but it must be able to open on its
own.

Make sure you test your beaks and make changes along the way.
 You Will Need
• Plastic spoons
• Plastic forks
• Elastic bands
• Small birdseed
• Medium birdseed
• Large birdseed
• Bowls
• Pegs
• Popsicle sticks
• String
• Plastic straws
 Reflection
What did you use to make your beaks?

How did your beaks change for each of the different foods?

How did you make your beak open on its own?