OT: ? for Bird Folks

Hi Guys, I was sitting on the front porch having my b'fast yogurt and watching all the birds flit about looking for their b'fast when a bird question came to mind. Ages ago, I noticed that, when moving along on terra firma, some birds walk and others hop. I have absolutely NO idea why this is and it has always puzzled Moi. Does anyone here know why some birds evolved with walking legs and others with hopping legs? I mean, it's obvious that they must have different skeletal & muscular systems but I'm curious as to *why* they are different. What's the evolutionary or survival purpose for the difference? It's not a size thing because I have seen small and large birds that walk while other small & large birds hop. I thought about Googling but have absolutely no idea what to put into the search word box -- LOL! I'm pretty sure all fowl are walkers -- chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasant, grouse, etc. are all walkers and I don't recall ever seeing any of them hop. Vultures are *huge* birds and they hop but cardinals are smallish birds and they walk. I don't recall ever seeing any really small birds -- cactus wrens, and those ubiquitous little brown birds (some brand of sparrow, I suppose), parakeets, chickadees, etc. -- that walk. So -- any solid info or even SWAGs from anyone?? CiaoMeow >^;;^<

Well, whoda thunk it. Glad Tia Mary asked the question!

By the way . . . I have a new pic of our glorious angel but we are moving our server this week end, so it won't be up for a few days. I'll let everyone know when it's ready. Dianne

Well, there was some new info in this article -- many birds can do both -- hop & stride. The only info that might be pertinent to the evolution of why there is a difference is that smaller birds (most hoppers -- not all -- are smaller birds) with shorter legs can cover more ground if they hop -- a good thing when you are being chased by a predator :-). One wonders *why* I think up these questions -- LOL! CiaoMeow >^;;^<

Wild birds which live up in the trees and forage up there for insects are generally hoppers. Birds who eat at the ground can walk. Most parrots walk, they have two fingers in front, two in back. Wild birds usually have one in front and three or two in back.

Hummingbirds can't stand on the ground at all. Their feet are only designed for flying, and perching.

You're not the only one. The one I've always wondered is how do robins find the worms? Do they have sensors in their feet and can feel them? Do they smell them? Or are the worms close to the top of the soil and they see them? I've noticed they oftentimes tilt their head a bit before snagging one, which makes me wonder if they hear them....

Okay, oh powerful rctn knowledge-wizards, I'm waiting for my answer! :)

Joan

OOOOO -- how DO you find this stuff? I *hate* trying to find this type of info because all I know how to use is Google. I haven't a clue what words to use in the search box that will result in info that is actually related to what I want to know -- LOLOL! So robins use their tiny little ears to hear the worms and hopping birds have "grasping" feet (toes forward & backward for tree branches) and walking birds have toes forward :-)! Now, THAT makes sense to MOI. Not being a bird person -- meaning I LIKE birdies but don't know much about them -- I'm a bit short on intimate knowledge of their tosies :-). Thanks bunches for the info. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

And why oh why do pheasants choose to walk across a road rather than fly over it? I've had to slam on my brakes numerous times this year.

Sharon (N.B.)

They aren't necessarily eating worms all the time. Many times it's caterpillars or moths or small insects which stay close to the turf. The worms they eat are ones they see, thus after a rain the worms are close up.

Where did you think the phrase "bird brain" came from!

Now, if there was a way to ensure you just clipped one, pheasant is mighty fine eating.

Cheryl

And if you're a redneck you would just toss it on the radiator and keep driving and it would be ready to serve when you got home. {G&D&R}

True, a true redneck would have everything needed in his/her truck!

Cheryl

You're awful Cheryl!!! :-)) My cat was chasing a big male pheasant thru the yard the other day - cat was about this || close to the stupid thing before it took flight. Wish I'd had a camera.

Sharon (N.B.)

Happy to be of service. ;)

I've watched the "rent a dog" ( we dog sit) chase woodchucks. The young ones just run in circles like there is no possibility of diving down the hole 10 yards away.

A combination of feeling the minute vibration and hearing any movement.

Pat P

Ah - but in the UK you are not permitted to take and eat a pheasant you`ve killed on the road - but it`s perfectly legal for the next person along to take it!!!

I LOVE Peasants and phartridges.

Pat P

A simple google or robin catch worm and there it was.

George

BTW, any news on your brother?

Joan