Great White Egret (Japan) Are these legs normal? (1 Viewer)

M

MacNara

Well-known member

• Jul 25, 2017

• #1

I don't think I've ever seen an egret with its toes / claws like this. Is this normal? It wasn't just a second or two, they were held in this position.

 

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Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jul 25, 2017

• #2

The hind toes which are sticking up (I think), would usually be held closed with the others but the legs seem fine to me.


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M

MacNara

Well-known member

• Jul 25, 2017

• #3

Hi Andy,

That's what I meant. I've taken photos of hundreds of these birds, but I don't think I've ever seen one of the toes sticking up like this. So, I wondered if it was normal or diseased or broken (but it would be weird if both feet had the same break.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Jul 25, 2017

• #4

The way the toes are held used to be claimed as a specific difference between Grey and Purple Herons, until someone pointed out it didn't work as it depended on the mood of the individual bird and varied a lot more than had been thought before. Likely this variability applies to Great Egrets too. Perhaps sticking the hind toe up could help in thermoregulation.