Snow Goose teeth

[Len Medlock]

So I went back to look at the goose photos and at 50% zoom, you can see the bill has teeth (called lamellae--I learn something new almost every day!) around the outside edges. These "teeth" are used as a cutting tool. Canada Geese have them, too, but I suppose that all-black bill makes it difficult to see sometimes. Thankfully, the Snow Goose struck a great profile to show us his:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lmedlock/6723478547/sizes/l/

Anyway, thought it was cool enough to share. BTW: my teeth are very good at biting into donuts and peanut butter cookies but would probably fail the goose test at course grass.

Good birding,
Len Medlock
Exeter, NH