Parrots Use 'Beakiation' to Traverse Small Perches, Study Finds

Rosy-faced lovebirds demonstrate novel use of beak to navigate challenging terrain, highlighting the versatility of this appendage.

Researchers at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine have discovered that rosy-faced lovebirds, a type of parrot, use a novel method of locomotion to traverse small perches, which they have named 'beakiation'.
Beakiation involves the bird using its beak to grasp a support, releasing its hindlimbs to swing its body forward, re-engaging its hindlimbs at a further point along the perch, and then moving its beak to a new grasping position.
The study found that the birds used this method of movement when the size of a perch was reduced to a point where it was difficult for the bird to hold on and move along it using only its feet.
The researchers observed that during beakiation, the birds were able to support their entire body weight with their beak, demonstrating the strength and versatility of this appendage.
While the energy efficiency of beakiation was found to be lower than that of brachiation, the arm-swinging movement used by primates, the researchers believe that the birds may use this method of locomotion when they need stability, such as when traversing dense foliage or thin branches and vines.