the legs of the chimney swift, like those of all swifts, are very short. its feet are small but strong, with very short toes that are tipped with sharp, curved claws. the toes are anisodactyl—three forward, one back—like those of most birds, but the chimney swift can swivel its back toe (its hallux) forward to help it get a better grip. unlike the legs and feet of most birds, those of the chimney swift have no scales; instead, they are covered with smooth skin.