Bird Term: Exploring the Crop – How Birds Store and Process Food

Birdorable Cedar Waxwing with crop

The crop is a fascinating aspect of avian anatomy, serving as a crucial part of the digestive system in many bird species. This expandable pouch, typically found at the throat, acts as a storage space for food prior to digestion. While most commonly associated with birds, the crop is also present in certain species of snails and earthworms and was a feature in some dinosaurs species.

In the avian world, the crop's visibility can often be noted externally, particularly when it is filled with food. However, it's important to note that not all bird species possess a crop. For example, pigeons and doves not only use their crop to store food but also to produce a nutritious substance called crop milk, which is essential for feeding their young.

Photo of Cedar Waxwing with bulging crop

Cedar Waxwing with bulging crop by USFWS Mountain-Prairie (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

Scavenging birds such as vultures and condors often gorge themselves when food is available, filling their crop to its maximum capacity. This allows them to store excess food for later digestion, a vital adaptation in environments where food availability is unpredictable. The crop enables these birds to feed efficiently and sustain themselves over longer periods.

Photo of Golden Eagle with full crop

Golden Eagle with full crop by USFWS Mountain-Prairie (CC BY 2.0 DEED)

Interestingly, while many raptor species like hawks, eagles, and ospreys have a crop, owls are an exception in this regard. Another notable use of the crop is in birds that regurgitate food for their young. In these species, the crop plays a role in softening the food before it is fed to the chicks, ensuring that the young birds receive nourishment that is both digestible and nutritious.

The crop's function in avian digestion and parental care highlights the intricate adaptations birds have evolved to thrive in various environments and life stages.

Baby Red-shouldered Hawk with full crop

Baby Red-shouldered Hawk with full crop by Amy Evenstad

Related Bird Gifts

Comments

Be the first to comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Meet the Birdorable King Eider: The Majestic Sea Duck of the North

Today the second of our three “kings” joins Birdorable in the lead-up to Christmas. The King Eider is a large species of sea duck found in both the Old and New World. King Eiders are hardy ducks, spending almost all of their time...

T-Shirt Tuesday: I Dig Burrowing Owls

This funny t-shirt with one of our favorite owls features a cute Birdorable Burrowing Owl with his head half sticking out of the ground and the text: I Dig Burrowing Owls. These small owls can be found in parts of the Americas and they love...

Busting a Bird Myth: Storks Deliver Babies

The myth that storks deliver babies is a charming, old tale rooted in folklore, but it has no basis in reality. Storks don’t actually deliver babies, of course! This idea likely arose from a combination of the bird’s natural behavior and ancient symbolism. The popularity of the myth originates...

Busting a Bird Myth: Can Hummingbirds Fly Backwards?

Hummingbirds are known for their extraordinary flight capabilities, including their unique ability to fly backwards. Unlike many bird-related myths, this particular belief is entirely true. Hummingbirds are indeed capable of backward flight, a remarkable skill that sets them apart from almost all other bird species. To better understand,...