Gaping Blackbirds

Dr. Gordon Orians describes an unusual adaptation in blackbirds called “gaping”:  "…the ability to forcibly open the bill against some pressure, so that a bird can push its bill into the base of a grass clump, and forcibly open it, which reveals the insects that may be down hidden in the base. … Most birds use their most powerful muscles to close the bill, because they grab or crush seeds. The blackbirds (like this Boat-tailed Grackle) have stronger muscles for opening the bill, so they can generate pressure..." to get at their prey. Here's a closer look.

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