The backward pointing toe of the bald eagle is the hallux. The hallux works in a fashion similar to the thumbs in humans and it allows the eagle to grab and carry its prey with its feet. In the female bald eagle the hallux can be as long as 2 inches while in the male it’s only 1.25 inches. You can certainly see the size of the hallux on this female!
doc ellen's journey 
What a good thing to know about ! Really interesting to know how the eagle carries those heavy loads….the photo is very helpful… Thank you, Ellen, Helen
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