March 1, 2025

A Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescensa) showing its zygodactyl toe arrangement.

Woodpeckers, Owls, and Parrots all share the same sort of foot structure. They have zygodactyl feet. Two toes facing forward, two toes facing back. This allows these birds to more easily climb, grasp, and manipulate.

More common in the bird world are anisodactyl feet. These are feet with three toes facing forward and the fourth toe facing back. Many birds that have anisodactyl feet, such as Robins, Blue Jays, Hawks, and Chickadees. Perching birds.

And by the way, happy first day of meteorological spring!

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