BIOL4404
Ornithology

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Characters of the Bill | Characters of the Feet | Characters of the Feet - Toes | Characters of the Feet - Nails | Glossary of terms
Characters of the Tail | Feathers - Shape & Structure | Nostrils | Modified feathers



Toes


In all birds, the front toes are inserted on the metatarsus at the same level, but the position of the hind toe (hallux) varies.
 
 

Incumbent: the hallux is inserted on the metatarsus at the level of the other toes.
Elevated: the hallux is higher on the metatarsus so that its tip does not reach the ground, as in a rail.