The Pied Crow is a fascinating and adaptable bird native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. With its striking black-and-white plumage and intelligent behavior, this bird is one of the most recognizable members of the crow family. Whether you're interested in corvids for their smarts or their striking appearance, the Pied Crow is sure to capture your attention.

The Pied Crow is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of about 18 to 20 inches. Its name comes from its distinctive coloration: a glossy black head, wings, and tail, contrasted with a bright white chest and belly. This stark contrast makes the Pied Crow easy to identify, even from a distance. In fact, its name "pied" refers to this black-and-white pattern, similar to the term used to describe other animals with similar markings, like the Pied Kingfisher.

These birds are highly intelligent, a trait common among members of the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, and magpies. Pied Crows are known for their problem-solving skills, use of tools, and ability to learn from observing others. In the wild, they have been observed dropping rocks onto ostrich eggs to break them. They also follow bush fires to capture insects trying to escape the flames. That's pretty smart! Their intelligence also makes them highly adaptable, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments.

Pied Crows are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat almost anything they can find. Their diet includes insects, small mammals, other birds, carrion, and fruits and seeds. In urban areas, they are often seen scavenging for scraps, around garbage dumps, and can become quite bold around humans. This adaptability in their diet contributes to their success in different habitats, from savannas and open woodlands to cities and towns.

Socially, Pied Crows are quite gregarious, often seen in pairs or small groups. They are known for their loud, cawing calls, which they use to communicate with each other. These calls can be heard throughout the day as the birds interact, defend their territory, or signal the presence of food. 

When it comes to nesting, Pied Crows are just as resourceful as they are in their feeding habits. They typically build large, sturdy nests out of sticks and other materials, placing them in trees, on power poles, or even on buildings. The female lays a clutch of three to six eggs, which both parents incubate for about three weeks. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks, which fledge about a month after hatching.

The Pied Crow is not just a common bird in its range; it also plays a significant role in the local ecosystems. By scavenging carrion, these crows help clean up the environment, and by preying on insects and small animals, they help control those populations. However, in some areas, they are considered pests, particularly when they target crops or raid other birds' nests.

The intelligence, adaptability, and striking appearance of Pied Crows make them one of the most interesting birds in Africa. Whether you're a birder, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates clever animals, the Pied Crow is a bird worth learning about.

Meet the Black-necked Stilt: Nature’s Noisy Neighbor

At Birdorable, we love capturing the unique personalities of birds in our designs, and our latest creation, added recently and being highlighted as our Avocet & Stilt Week comes to a close, is no exception! The Black-necked Stilt is a bird that makes its presence known—often before you even see it. With its striking black-and-white plumage, long pink legs, and that unmistakable yapping call, this bird is a true standout in the marshes it calls home.

JUST YAPPING AROUND: The Inspiration Behind the Design

Our new design features a cartoon Black-necked Stilt standing tall in a shallow marsh, surrounded by cattails, with its beak wide open in mid-yap. The bold text JUST YAPPING AROUND perfectly captures the essence of this vocal bird. Black-necked Stilts are known for their sharp, repetitive calls that echo across wetlands, earning them the affectionate nickname "Marsh Poodle." If you’ve ever heard these birds, you know exactly why—they sound just like a yapping little dog!

The Marsh Poodle: More Than Just a Nickname

The Black-necked Stilt’s nickname, "Marsh Poodle," isn’t just a fun moniker—it’s a reflection of this bird’s role in its ecosystem. These stilts are highly territorial and are known to use their yapping calls to defend their nesting sites from intruders, whether they’re other birds, animals, or even humans. Their persistent calls serve as a reminder that these wetlands are their domain, and they’re not shy about letting everyone know it.

Why We Love the Black-necked Stilt

There’s so much to admire about the Black-necked Stilt beyond its vocal tendencies. These birds are graceful and agile, often seen wading through shallow waters on their long, slender legs in search of food. Their striking appearance and spirited behavior make them a favorite among birdwatchers and naturalists enthusiasts alike. At Birdorable, we wanted to celebrate all these qualities with a cute cartoon design that’s as lively and fun as the bird itself.

How to Enjoy Our Black-necked Stilt Design

Our "JUST YAPPING AROUND" design is available on a variety of products, from t-shirts to tote bags, so you can take a little bit of marshland charm with you wherever you go. Whether you’re a birder who’s familiar with the Black-necked Stilt’s calls or someone who just loves a fun, quirky design, this Birdorable creation is sure to be a hit. Check out our shop to see all the ways you can enjoy this unique bird!

Join the Conversation: Have You Heard the Marsh Poodle?

We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever encountered a Black-necked Stilt in the wild? Did its yapping call leave a lasting impression? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s celebrate this remarkable bird together. And don’t forget to check out our other Birdorable designs featuring the fascinating and fun birds of the world.

Avocet & Stilt Week: That's a Wrap!

Thanks for joining us this week as we highlighted the leggy birds in the Recurvirostridae family -- the Avocets and Stilts of the world! We hope you enjoyed learning more about these snazzy waders and seeing our cute cartoon versions of them. 

There are six species of stilt in the world. Here at Birdorable, as part of Avocet & Stilt Week, we're introducing four new to our family. These will be joining the two existing Birdorable stilts -- and completing the family!

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt is one of the most widespread and easily recognized stilt species, found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. This bird is known for its striking black-and-white plumage, long pink legs, and slender black bill. Preferring shallow wetlands, such as marshes, estuaries, and salt pans, the Black-winged Stilt feeds by wading through the water and using its long bill to probe for insects, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Its long legs allow it to forage in deeper waters than many other wading birds, giving it access to a unique range of food sources. The Black-winged Stilt joined Birdorable in August 2010.

Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

The Black-necked Stilt is native to the Americas, with populations ranging from the United States to South America. This species is similar in appearance to the Black-winged Stilt but is distinguished by its entirely black neck and back, contrasting with its white underparts. Found in coastal marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes, the Black-necked Stilt feeds primarily on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. It’s particularly known for its defensive behavior during the breeding season, often engaging in aggressive displays to protect its nest from potential predators. The Black-necked Stilt joined Birdorable in June 2010.

Banded Stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus)

The Banded Stilt is a distinctive stilt species native to Australia. It is easily recognized by the bold chestnut band across its otherwise white body, which is most prominent during the breeding season. The Banded Stilt prefers ephemeral salt lakes and other shallow inland wetlands, where it feeds on brine shrimp and other small invertebrates. This species is nomadic, often moving great distances to find suitable habitats, especially after heavy rains create temporary wetlands in Australia’s arid interior. The Banded Stilt joined Birdorable earlier this Avocet & Stilt Week.

Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae)

The Black Stilt, also known as the Kakī, is one of the rarest and most endangered wading birds in the world, endemic to New Zealand. This bird is entirely black, a unique feature among stilts, making it easily distinguishable from other species. The Black Stilt inhabits braided riverbeds and shallow wetlands, where it feeds on insects, worms, and small fish. Conservation efforts are critical for this species, as habitat loss and introduced predators have severely reduced its population. The Black Stilt joined Birdorable earlier this Avocet & Stilt Week.

Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus)

The Pied Stilt, also known as the White-headed Stilt, is found in Australasia and Southeast Asia. It has a similar appearance to the Black-winged Stilt but is distinguished by its white head and black back. This species frequents a variety of wetlands, including estuaries, lagoons, and rice paddies. The Pied Stilt is highly adaptable and is often seen feeding in both freshwater and saltwater environments, using its long legs and bill to hunt for invertebrates in shallow water. The Pied Stilt joined Birdorable earlier this Avocet & Stilt Week.

White-backed Stilt (Himantopus melanurus)

The White-backed Stilt is a striking stilt species native to South America, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. It resembles the Black-necked Stilt but has a distinctive white patch on its back, giving it its name. The White-backed Stilt is commonly found in shallow wetlands, where it forages for small invertebrates, insects, and crustaceans. This bird is also known for its strong social behavior, often nesting in colonies and displaying coordinated defensive tactics against predators. The White-backed Stilt joined Birdorable earlier this Avocet & Stilt Week.

Among the ten total global species of avocets and stilts, wading birds that are members of the Recurvirostridae family, there are a lot of interesting information and fascinating facts. Following our Amazing Adaptations post, here are some more facts about these long-legged birds.

Bird Terms Related to Avocets and Stilts

• Avocets and stilts are cosmopolitan -- they can be found nearly all around the world, with the exception of Antarctica. 

• Baby stilts and avocets are precocial. They are covered with down and their eyes are open at hatching. The can walk and feed themselves just hours later.

Taxonomy Tidbits

• A Special Subspecies: The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) is an endemic, endangered subspecies of the Black-necked Stilt of the Americas. The Hawaiian Stilt is known as the aeʻo or kukuluaeʻo locally, is at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and predation by non-native species (a common problem for native Hawaiian birds).

• The Black-necked Stilt itself is considered to be a subspecies of the Black-winged Stilt by some taxonomic authorities; the AOS (American Ornithological Society) has always considered it to be its own separate species. 

• Taxonomy of the White-backed Stilt is also disputed, with some authorities considering it a subspecies of the Black-necked Stilt rather than its own separate species.

Long-legged and Long-lived!

• The longevity record for a wild American Avocet is just over 15 years for a bird banded in California. 

• The longevity record for a wild Black-necked Stilt is nearly 17 years, known from a bird first banded in 2002 and retrapped and released in 2019. 

• The longevity record for a wild Pied Avocet is nearly 28 years! This is known from bird ringing done in the Netherlands; the ring numbers were read in the field so the final disposition for this individual is unknown.

• The longevity record for a wild Black-winged Stilt is almost 19 years. This information is known from bird ringing done in Portugal and, like the Pied Avocet, was learned from reading ring numbers on a live bird. 

What's In a Name?

• The Pied Avocet is also known as the Black-capped Avocet, the Eurasian Avocet, or simply as Avocet in English-speaking regions of its range.

• The Black Stilt of New Zealand is known as kakī in Maori.

• The Pied Stilt is also commonly known as the White-headed Stilt.

• The Red-necked Avocet has several alternative common names: Australian Avocet; Cobbler's Awl; and Painted Lady. A cobbler's awl is a sharp tool, often with a curved tip, used to punch holes in materials like leather and vinyl. The shape of the cobbler's awl resembles the upcurved beak of avocets.

We’re excited to announce four new Birdorable coloring pages for Avocet & Stilt Week. This family of birds is known for their long legs, slender bills, and striking plumage, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a fan of avocets or stilts (or both!), you’ll love these new coloring pages. You can use your imagination to bring these birds to life with your favorite colors. And if you need a little inspiration, be sure to check our website to see their true colors.

Here’s what you can expect with our new coloring pages:

• Pied Avocet: This stunning bird has long, slender blue-gray legs and a distinctly upturned black bill. Its clean white plumage is accented by bold black markings on its wings, back, and crown, making it one of the most recognizable shorebirds in the world. Download the Pied Avocet coloring page here.

• Black-winged Stilt: Known for its long pink legs and straight, black bill, the Black-winged Stilt is an elegant shorebird with mostly white plumage. Its contrasting black wings and back make it truly stand out. Download the Black-winged Stilt coloring page here.

• Black-necked Stilt: With a distinctive black cap and neck, this stilt species is truly eye-catching. The Black-necked Stilt’s long pink legs and stark black-and-white plumage create a bold and beautiful combination. Download the Black-necked Stilt coloring page here.

• American Avocet: This beautiful bird is known for its long blue-gray legs and elegant upturned bill. The American Avocet’s wings are boldly patterned in black and white, and its head and neck change color during the breeding season, from a warm cinnamon to grayish-white in winter. Download the American Avocet coloring page here.

Coloring is a great way to relax and learn more about these amazing birds. Each coloring page is easy to print and perfect for bird lovers of all ages. Plus, it’s a fun way to appreciate the incredible diversity of shorebirds from around the world.

Once you’ve finished coloring, be sure to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #Birdorable. We can’t wait to see your colorful interpretations of these wonderful birds!

On this second day of Avocet & Stilt Week, we're introducing you to three new Birdorable species.

The avocets are a remarkable group of wading birds within the avocet and stilt (Recurvirostridae) family, known for their elegant appearance and unique feeding techniques. Among the four total species of avocets, the Andean Avocet, Pied Avocet, and Red-necked Avocet stand out for their distinctive traits and habitats. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating birds that are new to Birdorable.

Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina)

The Andean Avocet is a striking bird native to the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes Mountains in South America. Unlike its relatives, which are often found in lowland coastal areas, the Andean Avocet is adapted to life in a more extreme environment, living at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 4,700 meters (about 11,500 to 15,400 feet) above sea level. This avocet, like the others in the family, is easily recognized by its black and white body plumage and its long, slender, upturned bill. The bill is particularly important for its feeding strategy, allowing the Andean Avocet to sweep through the shallow waters of high-altitude lakes and salt flats in search of small aquatic invertebrates. Its long legs enable it to wade through deeper waters, accessing food that other birds cannot reach. The Andean Avocet’s choice of such harsh habitats helps it avoid competition, but it also means it must be resilient to extreme temperatures and limited food resources.

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The Pied Avocet is perhaps the most iconic of the avocet species, known for its striking black-and-white plumage. Found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Pied Avocet inhabits coastal and inland wetlands, including estuaries, mudflats, and saline lagoons. Its elegant appearance is matched by its unique feeding technique, known as "scything." The Pied Avocet swings its upturned bill from side to side in the water, catching small crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates. This feeding method is highly efficient, allowing the bird to cover large areas of shallow water quickly. The Pied Avocet is also known for its strong social behavior, often nesting in large colonies. This communal nesting strategy provides safety in numbers, as many eyes are on the lookout for predators. The Pied Avocations adaptability to various wetland environments and its striking appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers across the pond.

Red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae)

The Red-necked Avocet is a species native to Australia, where it can be found in shallow inland wetlands, including salt lakes, swamps, and coastal estuaries. This avocet is easily identified by its reddish-brown head and neck, contrasting with its white body and black wings. Like its relatives, the Red-necked Avocet uses its upturned bill to feed by scything through the water, capturing small invertebrates and other aquatic prey. The Red-necked Avocet is well-adapted to Australia’s often harsh and variable climate, capable of traveling long distances to find suitable feeding and breeding grounds. During dry periods, these birds may move to coastal areas or more permanent water bodies. Their ability to adapt to changing environments is key to their survival in a land known for its extreme weather conditions.

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)

The American Avocet is a striking wader native to North America, easily recognized by its long, upturned bill, black-and-white wings, and elegant, slender build. During the breeding season, adults have a beautiful cinnamon-colored head and neck, which turns to grayish-white in the winter. This species is commonly found in shallow wetlands, including freshwater and saline lakes, marshes, and mudflats. This graceful bird is also known for its distinctive behavior of nesting on the ground, often on small islands or in sparsely vegetated areas near water. This iconic species joined Birdorable in 2010!

Each of these avocet species—Andean, Pied, and Red-necked—has developed unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their respective habitats. From the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes to the estuaries of Europe and Asia, and the salt lakes of Australia, avocets are a testament to nature's ability to shape species to fit their environments. Their specialized feeding techniques, striking appearances, and ability to adapt to diverse habitats make avocets some of the most fascinating birds to observe in the wild.

In total there are four avocet species in the world, and with the addition of these three joining the Birdorable American Avocet, we now have all of the birds in this group here in our flock!

Stilts and Avocets are the only birds in the family Recurvirostridae. We'll be highlighting them on the Birdorable blog this week. Since Recurvirostridae Week is a mouthful, we're calling it Avocet & Stilt Week.

These fascinating wading birds are often found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow water bodies worldwide, where their specialized adaptations allow them to thrive. Let's look at some of the amazing traits that make these wading birds unique.

One of the most striking features of avocets & stilts is their long, slender legs. These birds are built for wading, and their legs are perfect for navigating shallow waters in search of food. The long legs allow them to move easily through different depths without getting their bodies wet, giving them access to a variety of feeding grounds. Whether they’re in salt marshes, mudflats, or freshwater wetlands, their legs enable them to forage efficiently and avoid potential predators by staying in deeper waters that might deter other species.

Another distinctive trait of Recurvirostridae birds is their long, thin bills, which are upturned in avocets.  This specialized bill shape is key to their unique feeding techniques. Avocets use a sweeping motion to catch small invertebrates in the water. They swing their bills from side to side while walking through shallow water, a method known as scything. This technique is highly effective in stirring up tiny creatures from the soft substrate, making them easy prey. Stilts use their straight bills to probe into the mud or sand, hunting for insects, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates.

These birds are also known for their social behavior, particularly during the breeding season. Many stilt and avocet species nest in colonies, which provides several advantages. Group nesting allows for better protection against predators, as there are more eyes to spot danger and more individuals to mob intruders. Both parents are typically involved in duties, taking turns incubating eggs and watching over the nest, ensuring that their offspring are well-protected and cared for. This cooperative breeding strategy increases the chances of survival for the chicks.

Another remarkable adaptation of these birds is their migratory behavior. Several species within the Recurvirostridae family are long-distance migrants, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. For example, some Black-winged Stilt breed in southern Europe, Asia, and Africa but may migrate to the Middle East, South Asia, or sub-Saharan Africa during the winter. This ability to travel long distances is essential for survival, allowing them to exploit seasonal food resources and avoid harsh weather conditions.

In addition to their physical adaptations, avocets and stilts have also developed a variety of vocalizations and displays to communicate with each other. These can range from alarm calls that alert the group to danger, to complex courtship displays that involve synchronized movements and calls to attract mates. Their vocal repertoire is an important aspect of their social structure, helping them maintain group cohesion and coordinate activities.

Recurvirostridae birds are a prime example of how evolution shapes species to fit their environments. Their long legs, specialized bills, keen eyesight, social behaviors, and migratory habits all contribute to their success as a family. By understanding these adaptations, we can appreciate the intricate balance of nature that allows these birds to thrive in diverse and often challenging habitats.

Join us this week as we discover more about this family of birds, and reveal a few new birds to join our Birdorable Recurvirostridae family!

The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck with a distinctive appearance that changes dramatically between seasons. During the breeding season, males sport a mostly dark plumage with a striking white face and a long, slender tail that can measure up to 10 inches, accounting for about half of the bird’s total length. The females and non-breeding males, however, have a more muted coloration, with a combination of browns and whites. The seasonal plumage change is one of the most noticeable features of this species and adds to their charm.

One of the most interesting aspects of Long-tailed Ducks is their vocalizations. These ducks are highly vocal, particularly during the winter months when they are often heard before they are seen. Their calls have a melodic, almost laughing quality, often described as "ow, ow, ow" or "ah-oh-leee." 

Long-tailed Ducks are exceptional divers, a necessary adaptation for their Arctic breeding habitat. They can dive up to 200 feet below the surface to forage for food, which is deeper than most other diving ducks. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans, which they find on the sea floor. During the summer breeding season, they may also consume insects and plant material. Their ability to dive to such depths is aided by their relatively small wings, which make them agile underwater but give them a somewhat labored flight above the surface.

These ducks breed in the tundra regions of the Arctic, where they nest on the ground near water. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 9 eggs, which she incubates for about three weeks. Only the female develops a brood patch. After hatching, the precocial ducklings are quickly led to water by the female, where they begin feeding and learning to dive. The young fledge at around 35 to 40 days old but remain with their mother for some time after.

In winter, Long-tailed Ducks migrate to coastal ocean waters, including those off the northern United States, Canada, and parts of Europe and Asia. They often gather in large flocks or mixed flocks with other waterfowl. 

While the Long-tailed Duck is not currently considered endangered, it does face challenges from habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. The melting of Arctic ice, for example, threatens their breeding grounds, and oil spills can have devastating effects on their coastal habitats. General conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of this remarkable species, including protecting their breeding and wintering habitats and monitoring population trends.

If you’re lucky enough to live near their wintering grounds, keep an eye (and an ear) out for these distinctive ducks. Their graceful appearance, impressive diving skills, and cheerful calls make them a highlight of any birdwatching excursion. And if you're new to birdwatching, the Long-tailed Duck is a fantastic species to add to your life list.

If you love birds and enjoy a good glass of wine, our fun Waxwing Wine Club design is perfect for you! Featuring our unique Birdorable style cartoon illustration of a Cedar Waxwing, this design combines the elegance of these beautiful birds with their known love of fruits, and the joy of wine appreciation.

Waxwings are Known for Getting "Drunk"

Cedar Waxwings are known for their fondness for berries, and during certain times of the year, they may consume berries that have fermented on the bush. The natural sugars in these berries can ferment into alcohol, leading to intoxication in the birds. This can result in unusual behavior such as erratic flight patterns and disorientation. This fascinating behavior highlights the unique and sometimes quirky aspects of wildlife and their interactions with the natural environment.

Our Unique Cedar Waxwing Design

At the heart of Waxwing Wine Clue is an adorable cartoon Cedar Waxwing, perched between clusters of berries. The slogan "Waxwing Wine Club Member" adds a playful touch, celebrating the connection between these elegant birds and fermented fruits. To make it even more special, the two W's in "Waxwing" are creatively cut out with the shapes of a wine bottle and a wine glass, adding a unique and artistic flair.

Perfect for Bird and Wine Lovers

Whether you're a dedicated birdwatcher, a wine enthusiast, or both, this design is a fantastic way to express your passions. A shirt is perfect for wearing to your next wine tasting event, birdwatching outing, or casual gathering with friends. And a wine glass is a perfect addition to your cupboard and a fun way to enjoy a glass of fermented grape juice or your beverage of choice after a long day!

Celebrate Your Hobbies with Style

Wearing or using our "Waxwing Wine Club Member" merchandise is a great way to share your love for birds and wine. It’s a conversation starter and a fun way to connect with others who share similar interests. Plus, it makes a fantastic gift for the bird and wine lovers in your life.

The gape of a bird's beak might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about our feathered friends, but it’s an incredibly important feature that plays a vital role in their survival. Let's delve into what the gape is, why it matters, and some fascinating examples from the bird world.

The gape is the opening of a bird’s mouth, including the width and the angle when the beak is open. It's not just about how wide a bird can open its beak, but also how it uses this ability. The gape is particularly crucial for feeding, both in terms of what a bird can eat and how it feeds its young. The size and shape of the gape can give us insights into a bird’s diet and its feeding behavior.

For many songbirds, especially those that feed their young in the nest, the gape is a bright, colorful target. Nestlings often have brightly colored gapes, which serve as a visual cue for parents to know where to place food. This ensures the food goes directly into the chick’s mouth and not somewhere else. The vibrant colors can range from yellow to red, and this is especially prominent in species where the nest is dark and hard to see.

The gape also plays a significant role in the feeding strategies of various bird species. For instance, flycatchers, with their wide gapes, are adept at catching insects on the wing. Their beaks may appear short and stubby, but when they open wide, they can catch a considerable number of flying insects. This adaptation is crucial for their survival, as their diet consists mainly of airborne insects.

Another interesting example is the Common Nighthawk, which has a very wide gape, allowing it to scoop up insects while flying with its mouth open. This behavior, known as "aerial feeding," is made possible by the bird's ability to open its beak exceptionally wide, creating a larger target area for catching prey.

Pelicans have one of the most impressive gapes in the bird world. Their beak can open wide enough to catch fish and even hold large quantities of water, which they then drain out before swallowing their catch. The gape of a pelican’s beak is not only wide but also flexible, allowing it to expand to accommodate large prey.

Gape size can also influence a bird's song. In many songbirds, the muscles controlling the gape are highly developed and allow for a wide range of vocalizations. This ability to produce varied and complex sounds is crucial for communication, especially during mating season when males are trying to attract females with their songs.

Hummingbirds, with their narrow, elongated beaks, might not seem like they have much of a gape, but they do. Their beaks can open wider than you might expect, allowing them to catch small insects, which are an important protein source in their diet. This capability shows that even birds with specialized beaks for feeding on nectar can have a significant gape when needed.

The gape of a bird’s beak is a fascinating and important aspect of avian biology. It influences feeding habits, parental care, communication, and survival strategies. Whether it’s the bright, colorful gapes of nestlings, the wide-mouthed aerial feeders, or the specialized adaptations of pelicans and hummingbirds, the gape is a key feature that helps birds thrive in their environments.