The upper bill of a whio (blue duck) has a semi-circular soft flap that helps protect the harder part of the bill from abrasion as the bird pries larvae from rocks in the river. The tiny comb-like structures (lamellae) around the edge of the beak allow the whio to strain small animals, insects and plants out of the water.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Nature's Pic Images
Reference:
28118BB00
Photograph by Rob Suisted
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Tāpiritia te tākupu hou