What is a hookbill?

   A hookbill (parrot) is the only bird in the world that can use its foot to bring food up to its mouth.
   The relative term hookbill is often used in reference to the larger parrots having a curved, hook shaped bill. A hookbill is one of nature's best designs: simple and efficient. The shape of a bird's bill and its dietary requirements are often directly related.
   Birds of prey like eagles, owls and other species also possess a hook shaped bill but are commonly referred to as raptors. A hookbill and raptors dietary requirements are very different.
   Besides hookbills, there are also broadbills, hornbills, sharpbills, sheathbills, shoebills, shortbills, softbills, spoonbills, thornbills and waxbills.

(Definition courtesy of Bill Johnson, hookbill.com)

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