Page 80 - It Can't Be True! Animals! - Unbelievable Facts About Amazing Animals (DK)

80

What bird has the

biggest bill?

The Australian pelican has a

record-breaking bill, measuring

up to 50 cm (20 in) long. It

uses the bill like a giant fishing A hook at the
end of the upper
net to scoop up water and prey. bill and the bill’s
jagged edge help
the bird to grip
slippery fish.

This Australian water bird uses its The throat pouch
sensitive bill to detect crustaceans, fish, is attached to the lower
and even turtles to eat. Pelicans catch this bill. It scoops up water
prey with water in an expandable throat to catch prey. When
pouch, then drain the water out and jerk the pelican swallows, it
their head back to swallow the meal whole. uses its tongue muscles
to expel the water.

A pelican’s
bill can hold
13 litres
1 litre (3 gallons)
1 litre 1 litre 1 litre of water.

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