Scratching Feet

  A few species of birds have special feet that can scratch and dig. Birds like chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and peacocks have three toes facing forward with a shorter toe in the back. This helps these land birds walk and scratch for food.

  Because they eat a wide range of seeds, leaves, insects, worms and other plants and animals found on the ground, these birds are called foragers. They use their feet to scratch the earth and uncover a variety of small things to eat.

  Some birds with scratching feet live on farms. To feet them, farmers may scatter grains on the ground.

  In addition to their short back toe, scratching birds may also have spurs higher on their legs. These horn-like growths may be used to protect themselves.