What is the function of the crop in birds?

The crop in birds serves primarily as a storage organ for food. It is located at the base of the esophagus and allows birds to ingest food quickly, which is particularly advantageous for flight. After consumption, food can be temporarily stored in the crop before being passed down to the stomach for further digestion.

This adaptation is important because it enables birds to collect food in large amounts when it is available and then digest it over time. The storage function of the crop is especially critical for birds that may face food scarcity or need to consume large meals to sustain energy during flight. While some birds might use their crop to soften food slightly with the addition of moisture, its primary role remains to store food until it can be digested properly in the gizzard and stomach.