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Feet for Perching

A Visual Guide to Hummingbirds

By , About.com Guide

Photo © Geoffrey Kuchera / Shutterstock.

Tiny Feet

Although hummingbirds belong to the order Apodiformes, a name which means "unfooted birds", the do indeed have feet. Their feet are small and not at all powerful like the talons of an eagle, but they do enable them to perch and groom themselves. When flying, humminbirds tuck their feet snugly against their body for better aerodynamics.

Sources

For a list of sources used in the creation of this visual guide, please see the Recommended Reading page.

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