Bird Beak Buffet
MATERIALS
- Food Resources (candies, nuts, cereals, raisins, seeds, gummy fish)
- Beaks (utensils) clothespin, toothpick, straw, spoon, tweezers,
- Paper plate for feeding dish (1 per group)
- small cup for stomach
OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE
Bird beaks are multi-functional tools. Birds use them to weave nests, defend their territory, attack competitors, groom feathers, communicate, and most significantly, to gather or capture food. Over the years, a wide assortment of bird beaks has evolved. Though many birds have straight beaks that are adapted to general feeding, some birds' beaks are examples of unique adaptations.
In this lab you will:
- model different types of bird beaks.
- determine how each beak functions in collecting specific types of food.
PROBLEM
All animals are adapted to their environment in unique ways. A very important adaptation for food gathering in birds is the size and shape of the beak. In this activity, we will focus on different types of bird beaks and discover how each type of beak functions in collecting specific types of food. Which type of beak do you think will be successful in collecting each food type?
worms: snails: berries:
seeds: nuts: fruits:
HYPOTHESIS
If a bird's beak is large then it will eat (bigger, smaller, or the same size) foods than a smaller beaked bird.
PROCEDURE
1. Prepare a data table listing the "beaks" (utensils) across the top and the food resources along the side. Make sure you give your data table a title.
2. Hold your "beak" in one hand and place the other hand behind your back. When signaled you must compete for as much food resource as you can gather with your "beak" and place it in your "stomach". Remember your survival depends on your ability to gather food.
3. Stop! When given the signal.
4. Record the number of food pieces gathered during this feeding.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 with each type of food resource.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
How was this activity similar to the way real birds gather food and compete for their survival?
OBSERVE AND ANALYZE
Which beak gathered the most food resources? the least?
CONCLUDE
How does the size and shape of a bird’s beak affect the food it eats?
APPLY
How would an individual bird survive if its primary food source was eliminated?
How would an entire bird population survive if its primary food source was eliminated?
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