Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

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

Eight duck species found in New Zealand.

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

Glossary

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Published: 25 June 2021Size: 771.47 KB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources
Interactive image map exploring Birds: Structure, function and adaptation.

Interactive

Birds: Structure, function and adaptation

This interactive explores the sequential and interlinking science concepts that underpin knowledge and understanding about birds’ physical features, their functions ...

Read more
Conserving native birds – introduction

Article

Conserving native birds – introduction

New Zealand is world famous for its unique birdlife. In our resources on conserving our native birds, we look at ...

Read more
Native bird adaptations

Article

Native bird adaptations

New Zealand separated from Gondwana around 65 million years ago. Due to the geographical isolation and a lack of ground-dwelling ...

Read more
Bird adaptations and identification

Article

Bird adaptations and identification

It is estimated there are currently 209 breeding bird species in Aotearoa New Zealand. How can we tell what bird ...

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato