Download - Bird feet (Teach)
![Page 1: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
People’s feet are a little bit different—some are longer, some are wider. But most of all they all look pretty much the same.
Bird Feet
By Moira Whitehouse PhD
![Page 2: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
But not Bird FeetThey come in many different shapes and sizes
![Page 3: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Perching birds have four bendable toes three pointing forwards and one backwards. Why would perching birds need these kinds of feet?
![Page 4: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Yes, these feet would be perfect for these birds who need to grasp and hold on to branches.
![Page 5: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Woodpeckers have two toes pointing frontwards and two pointing backwards with sharp claws. Why would woodpeckers needs these kind of feet?
![Page 6: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Yes, these feet would be perfect for a bird that climb up or hang upside down on trees trucks.
![Page 7: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Water birds like ducks have webbing (skin) between their toes.Why would birds who live in water need these kind of feet?
![Page 8: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Yes, webbed feet, almost like flippers, are perfect for those birds that swim in water.
![Page 9: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Wading birds like herons have long toes which spread their weight over a large area. Why would wading birds need these kind of feet?
![Page 10: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
In soft sticky mud, things sink down and get stuck. These feet are perfect for birds who live near water helping them walk on top of the mud without getting stuck.
![Page 11: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Raptors such as hawks, eagles and owls use their long claws (talons). Why would those birds need these kind of feet?
![Page 12: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
These birds eat animals such as mice, squirrels, and fish. Talons like these are perfect to capture, kill and carry prey.
![Page 13: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Flightless fast running birds such as emus has strong feet with a flat base and three toes. Why would birds like this need these kind of feet?
![Page 14: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Since these birds do not fly, they need to be able to run. With these feet they can run really fast to catch food and escape enemies.
![Page 15: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
So why do you think that birds have all these different kinds of feet?
![Page 16: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Teacher: The following page may be printed for a student exercise.
Students should draw a line connecting each of the feet in the center column with the kind of bird in the outside columns that has that type of foot. Like this:
xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx
![Page 17: Bird feet (Teach)](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061219/54b9e64f4a7959d3088b476f/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)