The upper jaws of parrots are hook-shaped while their mandibles curve upwards. This is very useful for getting certain grains out of their shells. When a parrot’s upper and lower jaws meet, they create a strong pincer movement that is reinforced by highly developed muscles attached to their skulls. Their tongues, which are thick and rough, are used to keep hold of food, just like paws.
 
Parrots are fruit-eaters but also consume earth: it includes kaolin, a mineral salt that allows them to digest certain tropical forest fruits containing toxic substances.