This pic really highlights the zygodactyl feet. Most birds have 3 front toes and 1 rear. That’s called anisodactyl arrangement, but owls can move that outer front toe to the front or back, much like our thumb can really move around. That gives them a 2+2 arrangement for snatching up prey and getting a strong, even grip, and 3+1 for perching like other birds.
A new thing i read today was the zygodactyl foot is an example of convergent evolution and is currently though to have evolved on 9 occasions.
I love those little legs! I’m glad there are good photographers out there so we can see all these awesome photos.
This pic really highlights the zygodactyl feet. Most birds have 3 front toes and 1 rear. That’s called anisodactyl arrangement, but owls can move that outer front toe to the front or back, much like our thumb can really move around. That gives them a 2+2 arrangement for snatching up prey and getting a strong, even grip, and 3+1 for perching like other birds.
A new thing i read today was the zygodactyl foot is an example of convergent evolution and is currently though to have evolved on 9 occasions.
That’s cool. You can really see it with Righty’s left foot.