Regurgitation facts for kids

Regurgitation is when a human or animal brings up food that they have already swallowed. This food usually comes from the esophagus or stomach before it has been fully digested.

Why Animals Regurgitate

Regurgitation is a very important process for many animals. It helps them survive and care for their young.

Feeding Young

Many birds and other species use regurgitation to feed their babies. Imagine a parent bird flying far away to find food. It swallows the food to carry it back to the nest. Once at the nest, the parent brings the food back up. This way, the young birds can eat the food that is already partly softened. This helps the babies grow strong and healthy.

Getting Rid of Undigested Parts

Some animals, like Owls, regurgitate things they cannot digest. When an owl eats a mouse, it swallows the whole thing. The owl's stomach digests the soft parts, like meat. But it cannot digest hard parts, such as bones, fur, or feathers. So, the owl forms these undigested parts into a small, compact ball called a pellet. The owl then brings up this pellet. This helps keep their digestive system clean and healthy.