Legs & Feet
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Perching birds have three forward toes and one pointing backward for grasping. |
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Ground feeders like sparrows and juncos scratch the ground for food. They also have three forward toes and one hind toe. |
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Birds of prey like eagles, hawks and owls have strong legs and feet with sharp, hooked claws to grasp and carry prey. |
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Woodpeckers have two toes forward and two toes backward with sharp, down-curved claws. |
Factoid: Putting pressure on the inside of the foot causes the toes to lock around a perch. This is how birds can sleep without falling off branches.