Birds with long beaks have evolved remarkable shapes and sizes to thrive in varied environments. From probing deep flowers and mudflats to catching fish and snails, their elongated bills serve specialized feeding roles. This diversity in beak form helps them access unique food sources unavailable to others. In this list, you’ll discover 20 fascinating birds whose long beaks are key to their survival, found in habitats ranging from tropical forests to coastal wetlands across the globe.
1. Sword-billed Hummingbird
The Sword-billed Hummingbird is renowned for its astonishingly long beak—longer than its body—which allows it to feed on flowers inaccessible to other birds. Native to the Andes, it’s one of nature’s most specialized nectar feeders.
Identification
- Exceptionally long, straight bill (can be over 10 cm)
- Body length (excluding bill): around 14 cm (5.5 inches)
- Wingspan: approximately 8–9 cm (3–3.5 inches)
- Metallic green plumage with a bronzy sheen
- White patch behind the eye
- Slender body with long, dark tail feathers tipped in white
- Narrow, curved wings designed for hovering flight
Habitat
This species lives in the cloud forests and high-altitude slopes of the Andes Mountains across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, usually at elevations between 2,500 to 4,000 meters.
Appearance
It has a sleek, iridescent green body with a bronzy glow. The tail is moderately long with a slightly forked shape, and the bird holds its beak level or slightly upturned while perched.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from deep tubular flowers such as passionflowers and angel’s trumpets. Also consumes small insects for added nutrition.
2. American White Ibis
The American White Ibis is a wading bird recognized by its brilliant white plumage and long, curved red bill. Common in wetlands and coastal areas of the southeastern United States, it forages in shallow water for aquatic prey.
Identification
- Body length: 58–66 cm (23–26 inches)
- Wingspan: about 90–105 cm (35–41 inches)
- Long, downward-curved reddish-orange bill
- Bright white body with black wingtips (visible in flight)
- Pinkish-red legs and face skin
- Juveniles are brown with white bellies and duller bills
- Slender build with long neck and rounded wings
Habitat
Inhabits marshes, swamps, mangroves, ponds, and coastal estuaries, particularly in Florida, the Gulf Coast, and parts of Central and South America.
Appearance
Adults are striking white birds with black wing tips and red facial skin. Juveniles are mottled brown and white. In flight, their outstretched neck and trailing legs are easily seen.
Diet
Feeds by probing the mud or shallow water with its long bill. Diet includes insects, small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates.
3. Black Skimmer
The Black Skimmer is a unique coastal bird known for its unusual beak—its lower mandible is longer than the upper, allowing it to skim the water’s surface to catch fish while in flight. It’s a graceful and specialized hunter of shallow waters.
Identification
- Body length: 40–50 cm (16–20 inches)
- Wingspan: 110–130 cm (43–51 inches)
- Long, laterally compressed red-and-black bill (lower mandible longer)
- Black upperparts and white underparts
- Short legs with bright red-orange color
- Long, pointed wings and deeply forked tail
- Distinctive flight style with low, gliding movement over water
Habitat
Primarily found along Atlantic and Gulf coasts, estuaries, and sandy beaches. Breeds on coastal islands and nests in colonies on open sand or shell flats.
Appearance
Adults are black above and white below with bright red legs and a striking two-toned bill. Their sleek build and dramatic wing shape make them easy to identify in flight.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on small fish. Hunts by flying just above the water’s surface, skimming with its lower mandible submerged to snap up prey on contact.
4. Shoebill Stork
The Shoebill Stork is a massive and prehistoric-looking bird, best known for its large, shoe-shaped bill. Native to central tropical Africa, it is a solitary, slow-moving hunter of wetlands and swamps.
Identification
- Body length: 110–140 cm (43–55 inches)
- Wingspan: 230–260 cm (7.5–8.5 feet)
- Huge, shoe-shaped grayish bill with sharp edges
- Slate-gray plumage with broad wings and strong legs
- Yellowish eyes and a prominent feathered crest
- Long neck held stiff and upright when standing
- Slow, statuesque posture with sudden lunging strikes at prey
Habitat
Inhabits papyrus swamps, freshwater marshes, and floodplains in countries like South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Appearance
An imposing bird with gray-blue feathers and a massive beak shaped like a Dutch clog. Often seen motionless in wetlands, blending in with vegetation.
Diet
Feeds on lungfish, tilapia, frogs, water snakes, and even young crocodiles. Uses a powerful beak to strike with force and precision.
5. Marabou Stork
The Marabou Stork is one of the largest flying birds and is instantly recognizable due to its long legs, bald head, and huge dagger-like bill. Often found around carrion, it plays a key role as nature’s cleaner in African ecosystems.
Identification
- Body length: 120–150 cm (47–59 inches)
- Wingspan: up to 320 cm (10.5 feet)
- Long, thick, straight grayish bill
- Bald pink head and neck with sparse hair
- Large, dark gray body with white underparts
- Long legs and prominent throat sac (used in displays)
- Heavy, hunched posture with drooping wings when perched
Habitat
Found in open savannas, grasslands, wetlands, garbage dumps, and near human settlements across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Appearance
Marabou Storks have a scruffy, vulture-like appearance with a pink, bald head and a prominent inflatable neck pouch. Their massive bill and hunched silhouette make them unmistakable.
Diet
Feeds on carrion, garbage, small animals, fish, insects, and even other birds. It often scavenges alongside vultures and other opportunistic feeders.
6. Long-billed Curlew
The Long-billed Curlew is the largest shorebird in North America, known for its remarkably long, curved bill used to probe mudflats and marshes for invertebrates.
Identification
- Body length: 50–65 cm (20–26 inches)
- Wingspan: 80–100 cm (31–39 inches)
- Long, downward-curved bill, often up to 12 cm (5 inches)
- Mottled brown and buff plumage for camouflage
- Long neck and legs suited for wading
- Rounded wings with a distinct flight silhouette
- Loud, melodic call often heard during flight
Habitat
Prefers coastal mudflats, estuaries, grasslands, and wetlands mainly in western and central North America.
Appearance
Displays cryptic, sandy-brown coloring that blends well with its environment. The long bill curves distinctly downward, aiding in deep probing for food.
Diet
Primarily feeds on crabs, insects, marine worms, and other invertebrates found in mud and shallow water.
7. Black-winged Stilt
The Black-winged Stilt is a tall, slender wading bird famous for its extremely long pink legs and long, thin straight bill, perfect for foraging in shallow waters.
Identification
- Body length: 33–36 cm (13–14 inches)
- Wingspan: 60–75 cm (24–30 inches)
- Long, thin, straight black bill
- White head, neck, and underparts
- Black wings and back
- Very long pink legs
- Slender neck and streamlined body
Habitat
Commonly found in freshwater wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Appearance
Distinctive black-and-white plumage with long legs that make it stand out in wetland habitats. Its long bill is ideal for picking small aquatic prey.
Diet
Feeds on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, picked from the water’s surface or mud.
8. Glossy Ibis
The Glossy Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird famous for its iridescent, glossy plumage and long, curved bill. It’s widely distributed and commonly found in wetlands and marshes.
Identification
- Body length: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches)
- Wingspan: 80–95 cm (31–37 inches)
- Long, slender, downward-curved bill
- Dark, glossy plumage with green, purple, and bronze iridescence
- Long legs, usually dark gray or black
- Slender neck and rounded wings
- Red eyes and legs during breeding season
Habitat
Inhabits freshwater and brackish wetlands, marshes, flooded fields, and estuaries across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Appearance
The glossy feathers shimmer with vibrant colors in sunlight. The bird’s slender shape and long bill make it distinctive among waders.
Diet
Feeds primarily on aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans, and amphibians, foraging in shallow waters.
9. Eurasian Curlew
The Eurasian Curlew is a large wader recognized for its long, down-curved bill and mottled brown plumage. It is one of the most widespread curlew species, often found in wetlands and coastal areas.
Identification
- Body length: 50–60 cm (20–24 inches)
- Wingspan: 89–106 cm (35–42 inches)
- Very long, slender, downward-curved bill
- Mottled brown and buff plumage
- Long legs for wading
- Rounded wings with pale underwing
- Distinctive bubbling call
Habitat
Found in marshes, mudflats, estuaries, and wet grasslands throughout Europe and parts of Asia.
Appearance
Camouflaged mottled brown body with long, curved bill. The long legs and rounded wings aid in its characteristic wading and flight style.
Diet
Feeds mainly on invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans, and mollusks, which it probes for in soft mud.
10. Great Egret
The Great Egret is a large, elegant wading bird known for its all-white plumage and long, sharp yellow bill. It is widespread across wetlands worldwide.
Identification
- Body length: 80–100 cm (31–39 inches)
- Wingspan: 130–170 cm (51–67 inches)
- Long, straight, sharp yellow bill
- Pure white plumage
- Long black legs and feet
- Slender neck, often curved in an S-shape
- During breeding, displays long ornamental plumes on back
Habitat
Found in freshwater and saltwater wetlands, marshes, ponds, and estuaries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Appearance
Large, white bird with a graceful silhouette. The yellow bill contrasts sharply with black legs, making it easy to identify.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fish, amphibians, and small aquatic animals, hunting by stalking slowly in shallow water.
11. Roseate Spoonbill
The Roseate Spoonbill is a striking wading bird known for its bright pink plumage and distinctive spoon-shaped bill. It inhabits coastal marshes and mangroves primarily in the Americas.
Identification
- Body length: 71–86 cm (28–34 inches)
- Wingspan: 120–135 cm (47–53 inches)
- Long, flat, spoon-shaped bill
- Vibrant pink feathers, especially on wings and tail
- White neck and upper back with pink highlights
- Bare greenish face patch around the eyes
- Long legs and neck suited for wading
Habitat
Found in shallow coastal wetlands, mangroves, and estuaries across the Gulf Coast of the USA, Central, and South America.
Appearance
Notable for its brilliant pink coloration and unique bill shape. Often seen sweeping its bill side to side in shallow water.
Diet
Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, using its bill to sift through mud and water.
12. White Stork
The White Stork is a large migratory bird known for its striking white plumage with black wing feathers and a long, pointed red bill. It is a cultural symbol in many parts of Europe.
Identification
- Body length: 100–115 cm (39–45 inches)
- Wingspan: 155–215 cm (61–85 inches)
- Long, straight red bill
- White body with black flight feathers on wings
- Long red legs
- Large, slender build with long neck
- In flight, wings show contrasting black and white pattern
Habitat
Prefers open farmlands, wetlands, meadows, and urban areas across Europe, Asia, and Africa during migration.
Appearance
Mostly white with contrasting black wing feathers. Often seen nesting on rooftops, chimneys, and tall trees.
Diet
Omnivorous diet including insects, amphibians, small mammals, and reptiles. Feeds by walking slowly through fields and wetlands.
13. Black-tailed Godwit
The Black-tailed Godwit is a tall, slender wading bird recognized by its long, straight bill and striking black-and-white tail pattern. It frequents wetlands and grasslands mainly in Europe and Asia.
Identification
- Body length: 40–45 cm (16–18 inches)
- Wingspan: 70–80 cm (28–31 inches)
- Long, straight, slightly upward-curved bill with an orange base
- Greyish-brown body with mottled patterns
- Black-and-white barred tail feathers
- Long orange legs
- Elegant slender neck and rounded wings
Habitat
Inhabits freshwater marshes, wet meadows, flooded fields, and estuaries primarily across Europe and Asia.
Appearance
The bird’s subtle coloring and striking tail pattern help identify it, especially in flight. It shows an upright posture and long legs for wading.
Diet
Feeds on insects, worms, mollusks, and small crustaceans, which it probes for in mud and shallow water.
14. Scarlet Ibis
The Scarlet Ibis is a vibrant bird known for its brilliant red-orange plumage and long, curved bill. It’s native to South America and the Caribbean, often found in coastal mangroves and wetlands.
Identification
- Body length: 55–63 cm (22–25 inches)
- Wingspan: 90–105 cm (35–41 inches)
- Long, downward-curved reddish-orange bill
- Bright scarlet red plumage covering most of the body
- Black-tipped wings visible in flight
- Long legs and neck
- Bare reddish facial skin around the eyes
Habitat
Prefers coastal lagoons, mangroves, mudflats, and estuaries in northern South America and the Caribbean islands.
Appearance
Known for its stunning red color, the Scarlet Ibis stands out vividly against green wetland backgrounds. Its bill is slender and curved for probing.
Diet
Feeds on crustaceans, insects, small fish, and other aquatic animals, often gleaned from shallow water or mud.
15. African Openbill
The African Openbill is a large wading bird recognized by its unique bill, which has a gap between the upper and lower mandibles, ideal for catching aquatic snails and mollusks.
Identification
- Body length: 80–94 cm (31–37 inches)
- Wingspan: 140–150 cm (55–59 inches)
- Large, curved bill with a noticeable gap between mandibles
- Mostly dark gray to black plumage with a glossy sheen
- Long legs and neck adapted for wading
- Bare skin patch around eyes
- Broad wings with rounded tips
Habitat
Found in wetlands, marshes, rivers, and lakes across sub-Saharan Africa.
Appearance
Dark plumage with a distinctive open bill shape. Often seen standing motionless in shallow water or flying with slow wingbeats.
Diet
Specializes in feeding on freshwater snails and mollusks, using its bill to extract them from shells.
16. Australian Pelican
The Australian Pelican is known for its enormous bill, one of the longest among birds, which it uses to scoop up fish from the water. It’s a widespread waterbird in Australia and surrounding regions.
Identification
- Body length: 140–190 cm (55–75 inches)
- Wingspan: 230–270 cm (7.5–8.9 feet)
- Very large pale pink bill with an extensible throat pouch
- Mstly white plumage with black on wings and tail
- Long neck and legs
- Pinkish legs and feet
- Large, heavy-bodied with broad wings
Habitat
Inhabits lakes, rivers, coastal lagoons, and estuaries throughout Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
Appearance
Striking contrast of white body and black wings. The enormous bill is pale pink with a hooked tip and a large pouch for catching fish.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fish but also takes crustaceans, amphibians, and occasionally small birds.
17. Yellow-billed Stork
The Yellow-billed Stork is a large wading bird famous for its bright yellow bill and striking white and pink plumage. It is commonly found in wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa.
Identification
- Body length: 90–100 cm (35–39 inches)
- Wingspan: 140–150 cm (55–59 inches)
- Long, slightly curved bright yellow bill
- White body with pinkish wings and tail
- Bare red skin on face and throat
- Long pink legs
- Slender neck and large wings
Habitat
Inhabits freshwater marshes, lakes, rivers, and floodplains across sub-Saharan Africa.
Appearance
Notable for its vibrant yellow bill and striking coloration. The bare red facial skin contrasts with its white and pink feathers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fish, frogs, insects, and small aquatic animals, typically foraging in shallow water.
18. Rhinoceros Hornbill
The Rhinoceros Hornbill is a large tropical bird known for its massive bill topped with a distinctive casque resembling a horn. It is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
Identification
- Body length: 95–120 cm (37–47 inches)
- Wingspan: 152–178 cm (60–70 inches)
- Large, curved orange-yellow bill with a prominent casque
- Black body with white tail feathers tipped in black
- Red and white eyes with black facial skin
- Strong, thick neck and robust build
- Loud, booming calls typical of hornbills
Habitat
Lives in dense lowland and hill rainforests of Malaysia, Thailand, Sumatra, and Borneo.
Appearance
Striking black and white plumage with a massive orange-yellow bill and casque. The casque is hollow and used for vocal resonance.
Diet
Omnivorous diet including fruits, insects, small reptiles, and birds.
19. Red Crossbill
The Red Crossbill is a finch known for its uniquely crossed bill tips, perfectly adapted to extracting seeds from conifer cones. It is found mainly in coniferous forests across the Northern Hemisphere.
Identification
- Body length: 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1 inches)
- Wingspan: 27–30 cm (11–12 inches)
- Thick, crossed bill tips angled sideways
- Plumage varies: males are reddish-orange, females are greenish or yellowish
- Short tail and strong wings
- Robust body adapted for conifer feeding
- Distinctive flight call
Habitat
Lives in conifer forests across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Appearance
Stocky finch with a thick crossed bill. Males are bright red or orange, females are more muted in color.
Diet
Specialized in feeding on conifer seeds, using its bill to pry open cones.
20. Kingfisher
The Kingfisher is a brightly colored bird known for its long, sharp bill used to catch fish. It is found near rivers, lakes, and coasts worldwide.
Identification
- Body length: 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 inches)
- Wingspan: 25–30 cm (9.8–12 inches)
- Long, straight, pointed bill
- Vibrant plumage with blues, greens, and oranges depending on species
- Compact body with short tail
- Strong feet and legs for perching
- Large head relative to body size
Habitat
Inhabits freshwater and coastal areas, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and mangroves globally.
Appearance
Often dazzling with bright blue and orange feathers. The bill is strong and sharp, ideal for diving to catch fish.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fish and aquatic insects, diving from perches into the water.
Summary
These 20 birds with long beaks showcase remarkable adaptations for feeding in diverse habitats—from hummingbirds with bills longer than their bodies to shorebirds probing mudflats and storks with massive, powerful bills. Their beak shapes vary widely, including straight, curved, and uniquely specialized forms like the skimmer’s lower mandible or the openbill’s gap. Found worldwide in wetlands, forests, and coasta