File:How to eat snails -- Limpkin style.webm

English: The Limpkin is a wetlands specialty of Florida, where the birds can be seen opening snails and clams. How do they accomplish this amazing feat with such a long slender beak? The answer is shown in the video. However, you may have to watch the clip several times to discern a subtle, yet, important feature of the bill. Also, you may want to stop reading and first watch the video before I divulge the answer.

Look closely and you will notice that when the bill is closed there is a gap mid-way up the beak, between the top and bottom mandibles. (Note: When closed, the mandibles form a sharp point that is good for spearing prey, and touch at the tip of the bill.)

This arrangement allows a limpkin to apply considerable force at the tip of its bill (not unlike using a pair of tweezers to remove a splinter) to hold a slippery shell, as the bird rotates the shell to cut through muscle, etc.