From Life with Dead Birds
by Kaitie Janecke Soltesz, a University of Michigan EEB undergrad alum who started this blog while working in the U-M Museum of Zoology Bird Division
Lots of birds have impressive beaks, but parrots (Order Psittaciformes) have one of my favorite beak types. These massive beaks have the best of everything. The curve at the end is useful for pulling things apart and manipulating things, and that thick bottom jaw is perfect for crunching into nuts or other treats. I also think these clunky beaks add so much to parrots’ already impressive range of expressions. A slightly open mouth or a wide open beak can give a great indicator of a parrot’s emotional state.
View photos and read more musings by Kaitie on her Life with Dead Birds blog