Beak cuts up food: trogons

1 of 2 Trogon showing serrated beak / David Cook W.. / License

The beak of trogon birds is used in part for securing food and cutting it up thanks to serrated cutting edges.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Robust cutting devices for organic materials

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Trogon is Greek for 'to gnaw or eat' and refers to the structure and function of the beak. The cutting edges of the maxilla and/or mandible are variably serrated among most New World species and probably aid in securing live prey or large fruit. These serrations, along with the decurved tip of the bill (present in all species), are also useful in cutting food items into smaller pieces." (Fowler 2003:246)

About the inspiring organism

Trogonidae
Trogonidae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Robust cutting devices for organic materials.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing, agriculture, food science

References

Fowler, ME; Miller, RE. 2003. Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co.

Beak cuts up food: trogons

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