Different birds have different shapes, sizes and colours of beaks and feet

When we investigate different sizes, shapes or colours in structures such as birds’ beaks, feathers, wings or feet, we are studying physical adaptations.

These adaptations take many centuries to develop, so the kiwi couldn’t suddenly grow wings and relearn how to fly.

Related articles

• How birds fly

• Native bird adaptations

Related images

• Native birds as pollinators – beak

• Takahē beak – beak

• Kākā feeding on sap – beak

• North Island brown kiwi – beak

• Penguins – feathers

• Whio feathers – feathers

Related activities

• Classifying bird adaptations

• New Zealand Garden Bird Survey – citizen science project