How Many Toes Do Birds Have?

Most birds have four toes on each foot with a claw at the end of each toe. It is generally the claw which is used, more than the toe. Different species of birds have different arrangements of toes which have evolved to suit their way of life.
Perching birds, such as robins have three toes pointing forward and one pointing backward on each foot. This enables ease of grip when they are perching on a branch.
Climbing birds such as parrots have two toes which point forward and two pointing backwards. The back toe helps the bird retain its balance as it climbs.
Birds which do not fly, but run have only three toes on each foot, all of which point forward. However, the ostrich proves the exception to this rule, although a running bird it has only two toes on each foot, which again point forward, although it does not need any assistance with balance whilst climbing or perching.

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