Feet move efficiently through water: grebes

1 of 1 Great crested grebe running for take-off / Julian Robin.. / License

Feet of rails and grebes move efficiently through water thanks to toes with lobes that fold back on the forward stroke.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Move >
	In/on liquids

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Oars and paddles for boats.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"American coots and other rails, and species of grebes are able to swim without webbed feet because their toes have lobes that open on the down stroke but fold flat on the recovery stroke. These lobes also help the birds walk on wetland vegetation and mud." (van der Valk 2006:73-74)

About the inspiring organism

Podicipedidae
Podicipedidae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Oars and paddles for boats.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing

References

van der Valk, A. 2006. The Biology of Freshwater Wetlands. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 173 p.

Feet move efficiently through water: grebes

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