Compare feet that keep a bird on top of mud with feet that dig into the ground.
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Crane and jacana have long legs and wide toes that stop them sinking
Crane and jacana are fascinating wading birds with special physical adaptations for their watery environment. They have uniquely long legs and wide spreading toes.
These specific features help them to walk comfortably in shallow water or mud without getting stuck.
The chapter's photographs of a crane wading and its foot close up
The long legs and spread out toes help keep the bird above the mud without sinking.
Two items on wading birds and why they do not sink
and jacana are wading birds. The widely spread out prevent their body from sinking in water.
The hen scratches the ground with a sharp claw on every toe
Some birds, like the hen, are known as scratching birds. They have strong feet with three toes in front and one at the back.
The chapter's photographs of a hen and its foot close up
Strong feet and sharp claws allow scratching birds to dig into the tough soil.
Two questions on the hen's feet and what it looks for
A hen scratches the ground in search of: