Birds

Different species have different types of feet, wings and beaks due to their environment and lifestyles.

Feet: 

• Are adapted for the environment the bird lives in
• Are dependent on the substrate a bird spends the majority of its time on

Toe orientations

•  Anisodactyl - First digit faces backwards, other three face forwards
  • Most common arrangement in birds 
  • Robins, Jays, Chickadees 
• Zygodactyl - First and fourth digits faces backwards, second and third digits faces forwards
  • Birds of Prey, Woodpeckers, Parrots
• Heterodactyl - First and second digits faces backwards, third and fourth digits faces forwards
  • Only found in Trogons (a Costa Rican bird)
• Syndactyl - Third and fourth digits are fused together for most of the length and have a broad sole, first digit faces backwards, and fourth digit faces forward
  • Kingfishers and Hornbills
• Pamprodactyl- All four digits face forwards, first and fourth digits may rotate backwards
  • Swifts 
• Didactyl -this type means “Two-toed," shape is similar to a horse’s hoof            
  • Ostrich 
• Tridactyl -this type means “Three-toed” 
  • Emus, Bustards, Quails, Northern Three-toed Woodpecker

Eagles and other birds of prey can move one of their toes to change their orientation from Zygodactyl to Anisodactyl.

Webbing

• Palmate - Toes are completely webbed this allows for greater propulsion in the water. Only the front three toes are connected, the fourth back toe is not
  • Ducks, Geese, Swans, Gulls, Terns and other aquatic birds 
• Totipalmate - All our toes are connected by webbing
  • Pelicans, Cormorants, Boobies, Frigate Birds, Gannets 
• Semipalmate - Similar webbing as palmate but there is less webbing in between toes
  • Sandpipers, Plovers, Herons, Grouse 
• Lobate - Each toe has a “lobe” of webbing around it instead of connecting it to other toes
  • Coots, Grebes, Phalaropes

Wings

• Long Wings that End in a Point- They help with hovering, turning, and diving into water to catch food
  • Gulls and other sea-dwelling birds 
• Finger-like Feathers at End of Wings- This allows the birds to soar with little to no flapping, saving energy. The shape helps with small changes during gliding, allows birds to stay at high altitudes for long periods of time. While in the air the birds are able to look for food and not have to use a lot of energy to do it. 
  • Vultures and Osprey
• Pointed Wings that Appear to Bend Backwards- These wings make it hard for birds to take off from the ground and many require a running start. Once in the air the birds have to continue to flap their wings to stay in the air. They do allow the birds to fly long distances
  • Ducks, Herons, and other migratory birds
• Short and Wide Wings- This type allows birds to take off from the ground quickly but they do not allow birds to fly for long distances. Birds with this style of wings tend to spend the majority of their time on the ground
  • Pheasants, Turkey, and Peacock
• 

Feathers

• Feathers cover wings and assist in flying. 
• Feathers are maintained by birds themselves, many birds take baths to stay cool but also to help with feather maintenance

Types of feathers

• Contour - Contour feathers are long and found on wings and tails. They also assist in balance and steering. 
• Down - Help insulate birds and protect the skin from the sun. 
• Primary Feathers - Are located on the outer half of wings. 
• Secondary Feathers - Are located on the inner half of wings. 

Beaks

• Are specialized for the type of food they may eat. 
• Allows for an easier time finding food and less competition from other species.