
Not all bird feet are alike, even toe shape and placement can vary. One example of different toe alignment seen in birds is being zygodactyl, where two toes face forward and the other two face backwards. This can be seen in species such as woodpeckers, parrots and owls.
This arrangement of toes is perfect for different reasons depending on the species. For woodpeckers, it is for climbing and allows them to have extra support when clinging to tree trunks. For parrots, it allows them to hold their food as they eat, whether it be seeds or fruit. Owls are able to have their fourth toe face either forward or backward, allowing them to get the most out of either toe placement, either to aid with perching or holding onto its prey to eat.