types of feet in birds
But we can find several very different shapes, such as webbed feet in aquatic birds (Anseriformes, Laridae and numerous shorebirds), lobed feet in coots or grebes, very long thin toes in jacanas, and semi-palmated feet in several shorebirdsâ species.
On zygodactyl feet, digits 1 and 4 face backwards while digits 2 and 3 face forward. This kind of foot in common in woodpeckers, most parrots, owls, and some other species. The shape of these feet help a bird climb up, down, and along the trunk of a tree. Parrots use their feet to hold food and bring it to their bill, in the same way that we use our hands to eat. Owls have zygodactyl feet to help them hold their prey and perch.