Which statement accurately describes how certain birds drink water?

Which statement accurately describes how certain birds drink water?

• A. Blue Jays scoop water into their mouths with their tongue and beak
• B. Pigeons and mourning doves always drink by forming suction
• C. All birds drink by drinking through their nostrils
• D. Water is not necessary for most birds

Answer: (A)

Birds drink by dipping or scooping water with the beak and then using the tongue to move the water to the throat for swallowing. They typically swallow rather than rely on suction to pull water in. That’s why the statement about Blue Jays scooping water into their mouths with their tongue and beak fits best: it describes the common tongued, beak-based method birds use to take in water and guide it toward the throat. The idea that pigeons and mourning doves always drink by forming suction isn’t accurate for all species, and not all birds rely on suction to drink. Also, birds do not drink by pulling water through their nostrils, and water is necessary for nearly all birds to stay hydrated and metabolically active.

Birds drink by dipping or scooping water with the beak and then using the tongue to move the water to the throat for swallowing. They typically swallow rather than rely on suction to pull water in. That’s why the statement about Blue Jays scooping water into their mouths with their tongue and beak fits best: it describes the common tongued, beak-based method birds use to take in water and guide it toward the throat.

The idea that pigeons and mourning doves always drink by forming suction isn’t accurate for all species, and not all birds rely on suction to drink. Also, birds do not drink by pulling water through their nostrils, and water is necessary for nearly all birds to stay hydrated and metabolically active.