The tip of the bill of a wrybill turns to the right at an angle of between 15 and 22 degrees. It is the only bird in the world whose bill has a sideways curve, adapted for prising insects, larvae and spiders from under stones. As well as this, the two halves do not quite meet in the inner edge of the curve, creating an open scoop, useful for feeding in mud.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Department of Conservation
Reference:
10033407
Photograph by Dick Veitch
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