Sipping Beaks

  Some birds have beaks shaped like straws for taking nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds, for example, have long and slender beaks that they use to reach deep into flowers and enjoy the sweet nectar inside.

  Although it may seem like a hummingbird sips nectar through its straw-shaped beak, it actually uses its tongue. These small birds have forked tongues with hair-like fibers called lamellae. When the tongue dips into the nectar, it separates. Then the forked tongue and lamellae close as the tongue pulls back, pulling nectar back into the beak with it.