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Adaptations of Birds
How are the feet of different birds adapted to different environments?

Background
Suppose you were able to travel as part of an expedition to study birds in a remote sanctuary.
You would observe different body structures that enable each type of bird to survive and grow in
its environment. In this activity, you will investigate the relationship between birds' feet and how
each type of bird survives in its environment.

Materials
• Illustrations of birds, provided by your teacher

Procedure
 Examine the feet of the birds in the illustrations. Use the following list to determine the
number and position (front or back of the foot) of the toes and to infer the function of the
feet for each bird. Record this information in the data table below.
• Climbing foot: four toes—two toes in front and two toes in back for support when
climbing upward to prevent falling backward
• Grasping foot: four toes—two in front and two in back; large, sharp, curved claws
• Perching foot: four toe—three front toes and one back toe that can hold on tightly to a
perch
• Running foot: two to three toes rather than four
• Swimming foot: four toes—three in front and one in back; webbed foot that acts as a
paddle

Bird Number of Toe Positions Function

Toes/Webbed?
1. House finch 4 no 3 in front 1 in back/side hold tight to perch
2. Hummingbird 4 no 3 in front 1 in back hold tight to perch
3. Mallard duck 4 yes 3 in front 1 in back help swimming
4. Osprey 4 no 3 front 1 back tight to perch
5. Rhea 3 all in front Running
6. Woodpecker 4 2 in front 2 in back grasping foot

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Analyze and Interpret Data

1 Use Patterns A certain bird lives in a South American tropical forest. The bird makes
. nests in holes in trees and has been seen gathering in flocks on a cliff of salty clay to lick
minerals. Draw or describe the feet of this bird. Explain your description.
two in frint two in back and they and curved

2 Structure and Function A certain bird has been seen sitting in the trees of India and
. Malaysia. Sometimes this bird hovers in front of tube-shaped flowers and reaches into
them with its long tongue. Draw or describe the feet of this bird. Explain your description.

3 Apply Scientific Reasoning Are the feet of a woodpecker adapted for capturing prey?
. Explain your answer.

No they are used to attach to trees or logs.

4 Construct an Explanation Select two birds that you investigated in this activity. Explain
. how the birds’ feet are similar and different and how the feet of each bird are adapted for
survival in its environment.

The Osprey and the hummingbird are similar by them both having 3 toes in the front and
1 in the back. They are different by them using them for diffrent reasons like the
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Hummingbird usees there to a perch but the Osprey uses there to catch pray. They both
adapted to nature by them being able to use there claws for many reasons just to find
food.

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