The Australian Pelican has the largest beak. As a bird lover, when you think about the features of bird, first of all its beak come in your mind, because it plays an important role in survival, feeding, courtship rituals, growing communication etc. Among bird species, beak size varies. It has different shape and colors.
In this article, I will tell you about the largest beak of Australian Pelican. Different birds that have largest beaks, some interesting fun facts about long beak of Pelican and friendly asked questions.
Let’s start without wasting time!
The Australian Pelican
The bird that has the largest beak in length is Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus). As its name shows, it is native to Australia. It has a length of 18.7 inches or 47 cm that makes it the longest beak. Beside the long beak, it has multiple purposes beyond hunting, communication etc.
Features of the Australian Pelican’s Beak
In this section, I will tell you about some great features of Australian pelican beak by which you can understand the importance of beak features in a bird’s life.
Size
The size of the Australian pelican is the longest among all living birds. Although the Australian pelican has the largest beak, they have learnt how to use it accurately for various purposes. It is lighter in weight that helps pelicans in scooping up large amounts of water and fishes in beak in one attempt.
Pouch
The Australian pelican has an elastic pouch that starts from the lower mandible. It can store up to 3 gallons or 11 liters of water. Pouch plays a vital role in feeding as it has pelicans to catch fishes and other aquatic animals and birds.
Color
Color of the Australian pelican beak is pale pink. But it changes its color throughout the breeding season. Its beak becomes more vibrant with red, yellow and blue colors during breeding season. They change their colors to attract their mates.
How the Australian Pelican Uses Its Beak?
The large beak of Australian pelicans is not only for show but it serves many important roles that enhances their survival in the natural environment. Here I will tell you some great role of pelicans beak.
Feeding
Australian pelicans are famous for their unique feeding style of using their beaks to scoop fish, aquatic animals and water. They use their beak which acts as a fishing net to catch various aquatic animals. The birds open it and swoop down in water to catch fish with some amount of water. When they get the fish or other aquatic animal, they drain the water through its pouch and follow the prey.
Fishing in Groups
Australian pelicans are found in groups and they like to work in groups. They work together to catch fish in shallow water. A large group easily catches a large number of fishes. They have a large beak with a pouch that allows them to catch a large number of fish in a single scoop. Due to efficiency in catching the fishes, they become highly efficient hunters.
Preening and Grooming
Pelicans beak plays a vital role in cleaning their feathers, helpful in removing dirt from their body and secrete special oil that makes their body waterproof. Like many other birds, pelicans use their beak while preening. Their beak plays an important role in keeping them clean.
Communication and Display
Pelican beak is useful during the .They use their beaks in the breeding season. During the season their beaks become more vibrant and perform a lot of functions. They use it to attract their mates. They uses their beaks while establishing their territory among other fellow beings.
Other Birds with Large Beaks
As you all know, the Australian Pelican has the longest beak, but there are many other birds that have large beaks that perform various functions.
Keep Hovering!
Toco Toucan
Toco toucan is the bird that have the second largest beak as compared to the Australian Pelican. The size of its beak is 7.5 inches or 19 cm. Its beak has a size of one third of its full body. Its beak has a light weighting structure with the tiny holes. The long beak of Toco toucan aids them by reaching the fruits on long trees. It is also helpful in preventing them from hot conditions.
Sword-billed Hummingbird
The sword billed hummingbird has 3rd largest bird. It’s beak size is larger than body. Its scientific name is Ensifera ensifera. Its beaks is 4 inches long. It’s beak helps them to nectar from the flowers having a tubular shape. Sword billed hummingbird is best example of adaptation specifically to fulfill feeding requirements.
Shoebill
Shoebill is famous for its shoe shaped beak. It has a long beak; having length of 9 inches or 23 cm and 5 inches or 13 cm. The shoebill uses its beak as a tool to catch large prey that includes fish, baby crocodiles, frogs and many others. Their beak is a useful tool that allows them to survive in swampy habitat.
Black Skimmer
The structure of black skimmer beak is very unique. Their lower mandible is longer than the upper mandible. This structure helps them to skim water during flight. They use their lower mandible to fetch water and catch small aquatic creatures.
Fun Facts About Birds with Large Beaks
- Design of beak: They have very large beaks but they are lightweight. Beaks have a special structure that is made from keratin and has many tiny hollow and spongy spots that reduce the weight.
- Beak Sensitivity: The larger the beaks, the more sensitive beaks they have. Large birds that include pelicans and toucans have very sensitive beaks. This sensitivity helps them in detecting movement in icy environments and detecting ripened fruits.
Conclusion
The Australian pelican is known for holding the title of bird with the largest beak. They have very large beaks. Their large beak plays a vital role in communication, survival and feeding. Other birds that include sword billed, toco toucan and hummingbird also have large beaks that are suitable for them to fulfill their aquatic needs. Size and shape of birds become diverse across species. It shows their adaptability for the life.
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Thanks for reading!
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I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!