Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Zygodactylism

Picoides pubescensThat tap-tap-tapping coming from the Phragmites is usually a Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens). Note those long toenail claws. Woodpeckers have zygodactyl toes, two pointing forward, two back. Most birds, the Passerines, or song birds, have three forward, one back. Picoides pubescens

mthew

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2 responses to “Zygodactylism”

  1. crystalhrogers

    interesting fact! I never knew. I enjoy your blog a lot.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Thank you!

      Reply

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