# CAREER: Hummingbird bill performance while feeding on and fighting for flowers

> **NSF 01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Washington (WA) · $1,200,000

## Abstract

To survive, animals must access food efficiently and, in some cases, they must fight for it.  Adaptations that enhance food consumption or allow species to specialize on different resources—and therefore coexist—have been well-studied, improving our understanding of evolutionary and diversification processes. In comparison, there has been much less research regarding adaptations to defend food, especially in feeding structures. For instance, beak shape in birds has been linked to the demands of exploiting resources; hummingbirds, with their long, thin beaks suited for unique flowers, are a textbook example. Both across species, and even when comparing male to female beaks, the consensus is that the different beak shapes have evolved to better match the shapes of the flowers that the birds visit. Yet hummingbirds also fight over these resources, utilizing their beaks to stab or pluck feathers from opponents. This study investigates aggressive interactions (a previously underexplored evolutionary force shaping hummingbird beaks) and biomechanical performance in puncture, gripping, and fluid transfer, testing the hypothesis that beak shape is not only linked to matching flowers, but also determined by the use of beaks as weapons. In tandem, this project will foster new tools for public engagement and literacy in evolutionary topics of adaptive tradeoffs (e.g., a beak better fit for fighting might be worse at feeding), through a museum exhibit and development of curriculum for mi

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2440668
- **Awardee organization:** University of Washington (WA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HD1WMN6945W6
- **PI:** Alejandro Rico-Guevara
- **Primary program:** 01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $1,200,000
- **Funds obligated:** $950,000
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/15/2025 → 08/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2440668

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2440668, CAREER: Hummingbird bill performance while feeding on and fighting for flowers. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2440668. Licensed CC0.

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