In biology, a cere is a fleshy, soft, and often brightly colored swelling at the base of the upper beak in some birds, especially birds of prey and parrots, where the nostrils are located.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
Location: The cere is situated at the base of the upper mandible (beak) where it meets the face.
-
Structure: It is typically a soft, featherless, and often brightly colored area.
-
Function:
- Nostril Housing: The most prominent function is to house the bird's nostrils.
- Sensory Function (Possible): While not definitively proven, the cere may play a role in sensory perception, potentially related to airflow or pressure.
- Sexual Signaling: In some species, the color and size of the cere can be an indicator of sexual maturity or health, playing a role in mate selection.
- Protection: The cere may offer some protection to the delicate nasal passages.
-
Appearance: Cere appearance can vary greatly between species. It can be:
- Colored: Common colors include yellow, orange, blue, green, and gray.
- Smooth or textured: The surface may be smooth or covered with small bumps or wrinkles.
- Swollen: Some species have a more prominent, swollen cere.
-
Examples of birds with prominent ceres:
- Parrots: In many parrot species, the cere is noticeable and can be brightly colored. The color can sometimes indicate the bird's sex or maturity.
- Birds of Prey (Raptors): Hawks, eagles, and falcons also possess a cere.
- Pigeons
-
Table summarizing the key features of the cere:
Feature Description Location Base of the upper beak Texture Fleshy, soft Presence of Feathers Usually featherless Function Houses nostrils, possible sensory role, sexual signalling, protection Prominent in Parrots, birds of prey, pigeons
In summary, the cere is a distinctive feature in some bird species that serves important functions related to breathing, sensory input, and possibly even social signaling.
