Using Whiskers to Locate Nectar: The Adaptive Foraging of Acro Hummingbirds
Are you a fan of hummingbirds? Have you ever wondered how these small birds manage to feast on nectar from flowers? Recent research conducted by a team of scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, has revealed that Acro hummingbirds use their whiskers to help them feed on nectar.
The research team observed Acro hummingbirds in their natural habitat and discovered that the birds were using their whiskers to detect the nectar and then dip their bills into the right spot. The team found that the birds were able to use their whiskers to help guide their bills into the nectar-filled floral tubes, allowing them to feed with greater accuracy and efficiency. This finding demonstrates the incredible adaptability of these tiny birds, and shows the importance of whiskers in helping the birds to find their food.
source: Phys.org