By Greg Dunne
November 4, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)-- One of a bird’s most necessary tools is their beak. A bird’s beak, or bill, is what hands are to us humans. Birds use their beaks for many different reasons. The most logical and useful need for their bill is for gathering or eating food. However, there are so many different uses between the different species of birds. Some uses we may be familiar with are nest building, feeding their young and grooming. Another use that is so important in the bird world but of which we may just take for granted is communicating. Just as we use our mouths, birds use their beaks to communicate. While some species of parrots can mimic human voices, most birds communicate using different noises and gestures such as chirping, clicking, and singing. Beaks are also used for climbing as well as being used as a weapon.
Beaks vary in size, shape and in how they are used. Some of my favorites are Heron beaks, super spear-fishing beaks; Pelican beaks, super scooper-fishing beaks; and California Thrasher with long curve beak. Out along the coast the most unusual beak in the county is on the Long-billed Curlew.
The Woodpecker’s beak is a durable tool, and just how durable? A Woodpecker can hit the bark of a tree at 13 mph. It’s a wonder the woodpecker does not endure head concussions every time it hits the tree. Their bills can hit a tree with speeds exceeding 1,000 times the force of gravity; this is about 100 times higher than the acceleration experienced by an astronaut during the launch of a spaceship. The woodpecker can take this pounding because of its large thick cranial skull, which distributes the shock evenly. Their strong, stiff neck muscles do not let the head or neck twist when pounding on the tree. The beak of a woodpecker is continuously growing as it wears down.
Now, what I believe to be the craziest beak or bill that we have in San Diego County. Even though I have seen the bill of the Curlew many times, I am always amazed at the length and curve of this shore bird’s beak that is commonly seen along our coastline and bays. The Long-billed Curlew is a master at finding sand craps, shrimp, or its favorite food deep in the sand or in tidal mudflats. North America’s largest shore bird, it is mostly a winter visitor but can be seen throughout the year. The female Long-billed Curlew's bill is longer than the male's, and is a different shape. Hers is flatter on top with a more pronounced curve at the tip. His is gently curved throughout its length. The juvenile's bill is distinctly shorter than the adults’ are during its first few months, but it may be equal to the male's length some time later in its first year.
Another shore bird, that also comes inland to our lakes in the East County, is the White Pelican. It has the largest beak in our area by a long shot. Contrary to cartoon portrayals and common misconceptions, pelicans never carry food in their bill pouches. They use them to scoop up food but swallow their catch before flying off. A Pelican’s bill can hold 3 gallons of water and after the fish have been caught, the bill is pointed downward allowing the water to drain, then the bill is raised and the bird swallows its catch. A group of Pelicans has many collective nouns, but the two that I like best are “pouch” and “scoop”. “Look there goes a scoop of Pelicans.”
Pelican 
Hummingbird
So, remember when looking at the birds in the back yard or on a nature hike, the beak of a bird is indicative of what the bird’s habits are. It is used in so many different ways on a daily basis. Birds of prey have a sharp hooked beak for tearing meat for food. A Herons long sharp beak is for spearing fish. A ducks beak is for straining vegetation. A hummingbird’s beak is to get deep inside a flower for its nectar. Moreover, the Western Scrub Jay’s beak is used for a little bit of everything – all the time. Making noise, eating a variety of things, attacking other birds and the neighbor’s cat! Letting the world know his or her presence. Enjoy nature and take notice.
