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In-Depth Information
FIG 4.38
Bird feet have evolved to meet a wide range of conditions and behavior. a: Talons for hunting and
killing prey. b: Powerful feet for running at speed. c: Gripping claws for perching on branches. d: Webbed feet for
swimming. e: Feet with wide fleshy extensions to support the bird on soft wet ground.
perching. These are usually small, with four flexible toes and long sharp claws
capable of gaining a grip on a range of surfaces.
Birds with splayed toes capable of supporting them on soft surfaces are
generally water birds that inhabit the marginal area between land and water.
Water birds that have taken to the water more fully have webbed feet that
provide the necessary tool to propel them either on the water's surface
with a paddling action or underneath the water with more high-powered
swimming action. Birds such as divers have their webbed feet located much
further toward their back end than others, making for increased speed
and maneuverability, though this skill comes at a cost: On land such a
configuration makes walking very difficult.
Birds of prey have highly developed feet and very long and strong toes with
sharp, curved talons. They are so long and strong that they can dispatch prey
