Baltimore Oriole - Hyoid Apparatus? (1 Viewer)

[lhaney]

Hello,

This is my first post on birdforum and I am curious about Baltimore Orioles as they are typically around my area. I was wondering if they have a hyoid apparatus, like the hummingbird, who uses the extension of the tongue to lap nectar. I was wondering how Baltimore Orioles, and perhaps Orioles in general get into nectar-based feeders that also prevent bees from entering.

I suppose my question is more of a scientific question relating to average beak size for the species.. if anyone has any links on their beak size or general length that would be awesome!

Luke:t:

 

[nartreb]

Not an ID question - maybe Birds & Birding forum?

Anyway, all birds (and, I presume, all vertebrates) have "a" hyoid apparatus, which refers to the whole complex of bones, muscles, and cartilage that supports the larynx and the tongue. I think you're asking whether orioles have extremely long branchial bones (a.k.a. hyoid horns), like woodpeckers and hummingbirds.

While not nearly as extreme as in woodpeckers, quite a few birds that you wouldn't think of as long-tongued have surprisingly long hyoid horns. See illustrations for peewee and chicken here:
http://goldengateaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/Avian-Tongues_Johnston.pdf

 

[lhaney]

Yes I wasn't sure if it was an ID post per se, because I was trying to identify what species, particularly Baltimore Orioles, possess the hyoid apparatus.

What I am really looking for is the general length of the Baltimore Oriole's beak, and the distance it is able to extend its tongue. I was able to gather alot of information on the hummingbird, but not nearly the amount I was hoping for for the Orioles.

I am going to finish reading the remainder of the article you posted now and see if anything helps me in there.

Thanks!