The Climbing Foot of the Parrot

The parrots constitute a distinct and very clearly defined race. Their most distinguishing characteristic is the structure of their beak which can never be mistaken for that of any other bird. The legs are thick, strong and fleshy but never long; the tarsis much shorter than the middle toe and always covered with small, scaly plates. toes are moderately long and have a thick soul, but this exists only on certain peculiar ball-like elevations. Upon their upper surface the feet are covered with minute scales, resembling those of the tarsi.