Do you know which bird has the longest beak in the world? It’s the Australian pelican! These birds can have a beak that is up to 50 cm long!
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 amazing birds with long beaks. Each of these birds has a unique and interesting story to tell.
Birds with Long Beaks
A bird’s beak or bill is an important part of their anatomy. Different birds have different types of beaks which are adapted to what they eat and their lifestyle. Beaks are also used to identify different bird species.
You can tell what a bird’s behaviour is like from observing its beak. Bird beaks are toothless but very strong and they do have tongues.
Nectar eaters have long, hollow beaks with which they suck the nectar from the flowers. Other birds, such as Hawks, Eagles and Vultures (raptors) have hooked beaks with which to rip open flesh. Birds such as Spoonbills, Pelicans and Flamingos have very long bills which enable them to filter food from the water.
Australian Pelican
- Scientific name: Pelecanus conspicillatus
- Length: 60-74 inches
- Beak Length: 15-17 inches
The Australian Pelican is a large bird that can be found throughout Australia. These birds have a long beak that can reach up to 50 cm in length. The Australian Pelican is a carnivorous bird and feeds mainly on fish.
Shoebill
- Scientific name: Balaeniceps rex
- Length: 43-60 inches
- Beak Length: 7.4-9.4 inches
The Shoebill is a large bird that can be found in the swamps and marshes of Africa. These birds have a long, sharp beak that is up to 9.4 inches long. The Shoebill is a carnivorous bird.
Great Hornbill
- Scientific name: Buceros bicornis
- Length: 36-48 inches
- Beak Length: 9-10 inches
The Great Hornbill is a large bird that can be found in the forests of Southeast Asia. These birds have a long, curved beak that is up to 10 inches long. The Great Hornbill is a fruit-eating bird and feeds mainly on figs.
Keel-Billed Toucan
- Scientific name: Ramphastos sulfuratus
- Length: 19-20 inches
- Beak Length: 6-8 inches
The keel-billed toucan is another bird with an impressively long beak. This brightly colored bird is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. The keel-billed toucan’s beak can be up to 18 cm long!
African Jacana
- Scientific Name: Actophilornis africanus
- Length: 9 – 12 Inches
- Beak Length: 1.5 – 2 Inches
This bird is found in wetlands across Africa. The African Jacana has long toes that it uses to walk on floating vegetation. The African Jacana also has a long beak that it uses to probe for food in the mud.
Greater Bird of Paradise
- Scientific Name: Paradisaea apoda
- Length: 14 – 17 Inches
- Beak Length: 1–1.5 Inches
This bird is found in the forests of New Guinea. The Greater Bird of Paradise uses its long beak to attract mates. The male bird puts on an elaborate dance display, during which he raises his long beak over his head.
Sword-billed hummingbird
- Scientific Name: Ensifera ensifera
- Length: 5 – 5.5 inches
- Beak Length: 4 inches
This South American bird has a beak that is almost as long as its body! The sword-billed hummingbird uses its beak to feed on nectar from long, tubular flowers.
Goliath Heron
- Scientific name: Ardea goliath
- Length: 47-60 inches
- Beak Length: 9.4 inches
The Goliath Heron is a large bird that can be found in the wetlands of Africa. These birds have a long, sharp beak that is up to 18 cm long. The Goliath Heron is a carnivorous bird and feeds mainly on fish.
Marabou Stork
- Scientific name: Leptoptilos crumeniferus
- Length: 47-51 inches
- Beak Length: 15.75 inches
The Marabou Stork is a large bird that can be found in Africa. These birds have a long, sharp beak that is up to 16 inches long. The Marabou Stork is a scavenger bird and feeds mainly on carrion.
Far Eastern Curlew
- Scientific name: Numenius madagascariensis
- Length: 24-26 inches
- Beak Length: 6-9 inches
The Far Eastern Curlew is a large bird that can be found in the wetlands of Asia. These birds have a long, curved beak that is up to 18 cm long. The Far Eastern Curlew is a carnivorous bird and feeds mainly on invertebrates.