What is a Bird?

What is a Raptor?

Learn About Birds of Prey

Threats to Birds of Prey

Test Your Knowledge!

Classroom Activities

Links

Facts

Classroom Activities - Curvy Beaks

Wingbeats              Curvy Beaks          Wings: Shapes and Spans

Can You Pass the Parts?                   Sharp Feet

CURVY BEAKS

A bird does not have teeth. However, it does have a hard, pointy beak. Beaks come in all shapes and sizes. The shape of a birds beak is a clue to what it eats and how it gathers its food. Since scientists theorize that birds do not have a good sense of smell or taste, they feel that birds generally find food by its color and shape.

Subject ... Science

Materials

• Copies of Curvy Beaks
• Copies of Curvy Beaks Challenger (older students)

Objectives

Students will . .

• identify beaks belonging to birds of prey and non-birds of prey.
• determine the kinds of food a bird with a certain type of beak might eat

Procedures

1. Take the time to make sure your students understand:

• the importance of the shapes of beaks
• how beaks are used based on their shape
• the differences between beaks belonging to birds of prey and non-birds of prey

2. Allow students time to work through the Curvy Beaks activity sheet(s).
Note: the Curvy Beaks Challenger is designed for the upper grades.

3. Once students are done, discuss the activity and clarify any questions.

CURVY BEAKS CHALLENGER
Match the beaks to the kinds of food these birds eat.

Activity created by BLM Snake River Birds of Prey NCA staff, 1997. Boise, ID. On activity sheet the top illustration is © of The Science Series: Birds by J. Moore and M. Evans, 1995. Evan-Moor Corp, Cleveland, OH. The bottom illustration is © of Wise as an Owl by L. Langelier, 1992. The Peregrine Fund, Inc., Boise, ID.
Reproduced with permission from both parties.