Birds’ fancy footwork may be explained by move into trees, say scientists

Male palm cockatoos use their feet to drum sticks against tree hollows in an effort to attract females. Photograph: Christina Zdenek/PA

Whether it’s drumming a steady beat against a tree to attract a mate, weaving an intricate nest or just lifting food to their beaks, some birds engage in some truly fancy footwork.

Now researchers say the evolution of such dexterity may have been driven by the creatures taking up residence in trees.