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Spur (zoology) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Spur-Winged-Plover444
Wing spurs on a Masked lapwing in flight

A spur is a bone covered in horn that grows out of an animal's body. While claws or nails grow from the toes, spurs grow on other parts of the foot. These parts are usually connected with joints. Spurs are mostly found on the hindfeet, but some birds have spurs at the edge of their wings.

In mammals

Platypus spur
The calcaneus spur on the male platypus' hind limb is venomous.

Not many mammals have spurs. The male platypus has spurs on the heels of its hind feet. The spurs are hollow and connected to a venom gland. This helps the platypus kick painfully. Echidnas have spurs as well, but they are not venomous. Fossils of some early mammals are found to have spurs also.

Images for kids

  • Spur-winged Goose RWD4

    The spur-winged goose with visible carpal spurs.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Espolón (zoología) para niños

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