Why do pigeons walk while sparrows hop? 0 161

The methods of movement on the ground largely depend on the size of the bird: larger individuals generally do not hop, as hopping puts a greater strain on the joints and ligaments.

However, this rule is not always applicable. The wagtail, which is smaller than a sparrow, moves on the ground — more precisely, it runs. At the same time, the magpie, comparable in size to a pigeon, hops.

The essence is as follows. Birds whose lives are associated with moving through the canopies of trees and shrubs (even occasionally, as with sparrows) prefer to hop, as this method is suitable for both flat surfaces and branches. Meanwhile, those who use branches solely as resting places (like pigeons) choose to walk or run.