The following beak pictures are not mine. I took them from the web. I did this because it occurred to me that the nestlings have very different beaks both in colour and shape than their parents and I decided to look into this when I had time. I should be weeding the corn but here I am.
It seems that beaks do vary in colour despite the description quoted above.
This one clearly matches the description
This one seems to have a mostly grey upper mandible with gray on the lower mandible unlike the first
Here we can see quite a prominent hook on the upper mandible with black tipped lower
I have looked to see if the colouration difference is due to regional variation or gender but can find no reference to either.
Now it is the nestlings turn: July 11— I suspect the shorter broader beaks make it easier for them to receive food and for their parents to position food in their throats. Two have their eyes open. I expect the third to have open eyes tomorrow.
