While photographing a Short-billed Dowitcher I noticed that it was able to independently move the tip of its bill, I've noticed this also on Stilt Sandpipers and I'm almost sure I saw a Northern Shoveler do it. Is this ability found only in the longer billed birds and how are they able to move the tips?
Short-billed Dowitcher showing the tip of the bill being moved.
As to how they do it I'm going to have to do some research. However, I imagine it involves some sort of tendon running the length of the bill being pulled by a muscle somewhere near the face.
I've seen it lots of times with shorebirds but never with ducks. If anyone has an image of a duck doing it I would love to see it.
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