What are bird beaks made of?

The beak, bill, or rostrum is an external anatomical structure of birds that is used for eating and for preening, manipulating objects, killing prey, fighting, probing for food, courtship and feeding young. ... Although beaks vary significantly in size, shape, color and texture, they share a similar underlying structure. read more

Although beaks vary significantly in size and shape from species to species, their underlying structures have a similar pattern. All beaks are composed of two jaws, generally known as the upper mandible (or maxilla) and lower mandible (or mandible). read more

There are two main types of keratin proteins. The e α-keratins are the main structural components of hair, nails, horns and claws of mammals. The harder β-keratins are found the scales and claws of reptiles, tortoise shells, and in the feathers, beaks, claws of birds. read more

Welcome to r/ornithology, a subreddit dedicated the scientific study of birds. This is a place to discuss birds in a scientific context — their biology, ecology, evolution, behavior, and more. Please note what this subreddit is NOT about: NOT about birding or bird ID. * For general birding, go to r/birding. * For bird ID, go to to r/whatsthisbird. read more