Biomimicry -- it’s a field of science that takes cues from nature, and seeks solutions to our human problems by creating devices that copy some of nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. Now add black skimmer birds to the list. It’s the bird’s beak that sets it apart from all other American birds. The bird drags its lower bill through the water to catch its prey of small fish. The bird's beak is it's secret to catching prey --- tiny groovelike structures that go in the direction that fluids flow, allowing water to move efficiently over the beak. The grooves help reduce drag up to ten percent compared to a smooth, flat surface.

Originally released by Inside Science, 2017. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on July 25, 2017.

Grooves On A Bird's Beak Help It Fly Faster (3:32); .