If being able to fly isn’t enough, many birds are also pretty incredible when it comes to balancing in precarious spots. This female Carib Grackle was hanging out on the bare branches of a tree near the cemetery pond in Grand Case. Like about half of bird species, the grackle is a passerine, a group which includes most of the perching birds. Passerines have three toes facing forward and one toe facing back, an adaptation that helps them cling to vertical surfaces. They also have a tendon in their legs that tightens when the leg is bent and curls the toes, helping them have a strong grip around a branch. They also use their tail to help them balance. Impressive, and pretty necessary on a windy day.
