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We humans have a trait called handedness in which we show a preference for using one hand over the other. The vast majority of us are right-handed.
Do birds have handedness, too?
Indeed, they do. Birds show it by the foot they use, the eye they look out of, and the crossing of their bills.
Feet? Eyes? Crossed Bills? Read how birds express handedness in this vintage article Anatomy: Right Handed?
So what do you think? Is this Eurasian kestrel right-handed?
(photo from Wikimedia Commons; click on the image to see the original)
I have a photo of a White-winged Crossbill at Allegheny Cemetery in 2009 with a left-handed bill – the top hook crosses the lower mandible to the left.
Wow!
Being a “lefty”, now you have me going out there and watching to see what “hand” they are using!! As I have said many times before, Kate……I learn something every time I read your blog!
I’m noticing red tailed hawks grabbing small prey with right talons in my neighborhood. Fun to watch the sky acrobatics