How does a parakeet separate the meat of the seeds from the shell and manage to not swallow the shells.?

Question

How does a parakeet separate the meat of the seeds from the shell and manage to not swallow the shells.?

Answer 1

It is fascinating!  They use their tongues to find the seed and their beaks to crack the shell.  It's as if their tongues are little feely fingers.  They even separate and then spit the husks or paper of the seed.

Answer 2

Watch him closely when he eats. They use their tongue to separate them and have great precision with their beaks to be able to hold the shell. Pretty amazing, huh? :)