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    Heliornithidae – Finfoots

    The bright-colored toes acting as strong paddlers are a common feature in all three species

    Social gatherings are observed in these birds with territorial behavior. They usually hang out near the borders of thickly vegetated swamps, rivers, and lakes. Standard morphological features include small heads, long and tapered bills, broad tails, and long necks. They have well-adapted, brightly colored lobed toes that help them swim gracefully and run on the ground.

    They’re not the biggest human fan and try to avoid all sorts of interactions. In the case of a coincidental encounter, finfoots hurriedly hide in the bushes. It is hard to study these quiet birds, rarely heard or seen. Pack a good amount of snacks if you go birdwatching these birds.