Birds have only four toes and sometimes three, while the Ostrich has uniquely only two. Their arrangement depends upon function, with the majority having three forward toes and one, the first toe or hallux, behind. Other types are: a) 2 toes in front and 2 behind permanently, the zygodactyl or 'yoke-toed' foot; b) the outer forward toe (4th) is capable of turning backwards, as in most owls; c) the first toe can be turned forward; d) all 4 toes permanently point forward (pamprodactyl); e) the 3rd and 4th toe may be partly united, with a single broad sole. Most aquatic birds have webbed toes, so that they become connected and function as a paddle. See also 'foot'.

Alternative forms for toe : pamprodactyl, toes, zygodactyl.