Rictal bristles project from the beak of many insect-eating birds, including flycatchers, nightjars and even the American Robin. They are believed to provide protection for the bird's eyes as it consumes its wriggly prey. The bristles may also provide tactile feedback, like the whiskers on a dog or cat. from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/studying/feathers/feathers/document_view [ ]