Bird Species Has Unique Feet Which Look Like Feathers

May 31, 2020 by apost team

There are many species of bird that roam our planet. Most of us will know the birds most common to our immediate environments and won't be phased by seeing them out and about. However, when we see a bird that is unusual to us, it really grabs our attention. One such bird is the Coot. It may seem like an ordinary bird at first, but if you look closer you'll see it has unique feet that look like feathers.

The Coot is a medium-sized waterbird that is often found in ponds, marshes, and reservoirs. They are sometimes referred to as a cross between a chicken and a duck, as on land they waddle in a similar manner to a chicken, and on water they swim and feed like a duck, reports All About Birds. Although it enjoys being on land occasionally, it spends the majority of its time in the water.

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There are many different types of Coot: Eurasian, American, Andean and even Hawaiian Coots. The differences between them are very small, but the main thing they have in common is their feet. They have long grey-green toes that look very similar to feathers due to their intrictate line patterns. 

These birds don't just have beautiful feet for aesthetic reasons though. As with all wonderful things in nature, their feet serve a purpose. According to All About Birds, their long lobed toes help to propel them in the water.

What do you think about this waterbird's feet? Do they look like feathers to you? Let us know in the comments and be sure to share this with any bird followers you know.