Kicking Feet

  Some birds have special feet that can kick. This allows birds that cannot fly or rarely fly a way to protect themselves.

  The cassowary has been called the world’s most deadly bird. Although it is generally shy, this six-foot tall bird has been known to lash out with its powerful legs and sharp claws.

  Ostriches and emus are also large, flightless birds that use their feet to kick. The ostrich’s strong one-legged kick has even been known to kill a lion. Although the emu is smaller, it is more aggressive and can deliver a nasty two-legged kick.

  While most birds can fly to avoid predators, flightless birds use their feet to protect themselves.