What's the difference between claws and talons?

A talon is a sharp claw of an animal, especially a bird of prey, such as the eagle, hawk, falcon, owl, or buzzard.

A claw is a curved, pointed appendage, found at the end of a toe or finger in most mammals, birds, and some reptiles. However, the word "claw" is also often used in reference to an invertebrate. Somewhat similar fine hooked structures are found in arthropods such as beetles and spiders, at the end of the leg or tarsus for gripping a surface as the creature walks. Crabs' and lobsters' pincers, or more formally, their "chelae", are sometimes called claws.

A claw is made of hard protein called keratin. Claws are used to catch and hold prey in carnivorous mammals such as cats and dogs, but may also be used for such purposes as digging, climbing trees, etc., in those and other species.

Similar appendages which are flat and do not come to a sharp point are called nails instead.

Claws of animals like tigers, lions, and bears were used in making items such as ornaments, pendants, and brooches. Tigers' and lions' claws are expensive because it is illegal to trade the parts of such protected animals.

The correct term for an arthropod's "claw" is a chela (plural chelae). Legs bearing a chela are called chelipeds. Chelae are also called pincers.

Coming to ur reptile case...Most reptiles have toes ending in stout claws. The claws form from the last scale on the toe. Most reptiles have well-developed claws. In snakes, feet and claws are absent.Reptilian claws are used as aids in climbing, and in holding down prey in carnivorous species

more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claw#Birds

RE:

What's the difference between claws and talons?

I've always seen the term claws used with reference to mammals and marsupials while talons is used with reference to birds. Is this the only distinction or are there other differences between claws and talons? Also, which term refers to reptiles?

A TALON is the claw on birds of prey, which without them they can not grasp, catch their prey or hunt successfully.

Mammals have CLAWS.

Hence, TALONS are on raptors (birds of prey) and CLAWS are on land animals and some cold blooded animals such as your reptiles.

Bottom line:

TALONS= Two legged

CLAWS= Four legged

~Pat in El Cajon, CA.

Claws are a general term that refers to the "nails" of an animal. Talons refer more to the very sharp claws belonging to birds of prey mostly.

I have no idea. I don't see the difference. But I have a question for you- do chickens have large talons?

The chickens don't have large claws.

talons are usually on birds and claws are on beasts on four legs

I am guessing here

((Dan))

Bird Talons

Birds have talons. Mammal, reptile, etc have claws.

talons are on a bird, claws are on anything else.