Wrybill
I am very interested in bird behavior, and I am especially interested in birds who have developed unique adaptations to their environment. The Wrybill is a small shorebird found only in New Zealand. It nests on braided riverbeds, which are covered with gravel and small stones. The Wrybill's back blends in with the stones. What makes the Wrybill unique is that it is the only bird in the world whose bill curves sideways. Some species have bills that curve downward, and some upward, but the Wrybill's bill curves to the right. It is an adaptation to allow them to probe under the gravel and stones in their habitat for insect larvae and other arthropods. The bird I saw was a male who had a dark line above the eyes, which the females lack. Wrybills are not skittish, and I was able to get close without him flying away.
Wrybill
I am very interested in bird behavior, and I am especially interested in birds who have developed unique adaptations to their environment. The Wrybill is a small shorebird found only in New Zealand. It nests on braided riverbeds, which are covered with gravel and small stones. The Wrybill's back blends in with the stones. What makes the Wrybill unique is that it is the only bird in the world whose bill curves sideways. Some species have bills that curve downward, and some upward, but the Wrybill's bill curves to the right. It is an adaptation to allow them to probe under the gravel and stones in their habitat for insect larvae and other arthropods. The bird I saw was a male who had a dark line above the eyes, which the females lack. Wrybills are not skittish, and I was able to get close without him flying away.