What is the suspected mechanical function of ingesting grit for the Yellowthroat?
Answer
To grind up food in the gizzard
Grit, consisting of small sand or pebbles, plays a mechanical role in the digestive process of the Common Yellowthroat. Since small birds lack teeth, they rely on the gizzard, a muscular part of the stomach, to process tough food items like exoskeletons. The ingested grit acts as a natural grinding tool within this structure, helping to mill and crush the food particles, which greatly enhances the bird's ability to extract nutrients from its insect-heavy diet. This process is essential for breaking down the tough chitinous coverings.
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