examples of feet![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The feet of birds are adapted to their lifestyle. They usually have four toes: one posterior (the hind toe) and three anterior.
aquatic bird ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Bird with lobed toes for ease of swimming.
lobate toe ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Each of the flat toes surrounding the lobes; they provide propulsion in the water and prevent slipping out of the water.
lobe ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Each of the round cutaneous divisions encircling the toes that allow the bird to swim.
bird of prey ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Poorly adapted to locomotion, these sturdy powerful legs have talons to grip prey, immobilizing and killing it.
talon ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Very curved and pointy corneous structure allowing the bird to seize its prey.
scale ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Each of the small hard thin scales covering the toes in layers.
perching bird ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The four toes end in a nail, which wraps around a support when the bird is resting; the hind toe provides equilibrium.
hind toe ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
First toe of the foot, facing backward and providing equilibrium.
toe ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The terminal end of the legs formed of articulated bones allowing the bird to perch or walk.
aquatic bird ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The large flat bill, with corneous lateral plates, filters water and mud to extract food.
web ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Fine membrane of skin connecting the digits of the foot; it stretches when the bird swims.
webbed toe ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Each of the digits of the foot, connected by membranes; when spread, they make swimming easier.