Kingfisher's Foot


The syndactyl feet of the Belted Kingfisher are key in creating the nest cavity in the top of a 
cut-away bank.  The second and third digits are fused for a portion of their length.  The 
syndactyl foot structure serves as a trowel for scraping and kicking back the earth.  The nest 
cavity is excavated with their bill and feet.  I've seen kingfishers with worn bills...